Water Quality Monitoring

Reservation inquiries for the 2022-23 school year are now closed. Inquiries for the 2023-24 school year will open in August.

The content of the field experience is excellent and will help the students on the STAAR test. Very hands-on; keeps all students actively engaged”
– Teacher comments

Class size: Minimum 10 students/Maximum 40 students
Description: Middle or High School students participate in a survey of natural aquatic habitats. Students perform basic water testing procedures and aquatic animal and plant surveys. Participants learn the importance of wetlands and identify their local watershed.
Tour Times: 9:30 – 11:30 am, Tuesday – Friday
Fee: $12 per student; $7 per additional chaperone

Concepts:

  • Water sheds

  • Wetlands and their uses

  • Chemical, biological, and physical measurements

  • Bio-indicators

  • Threats to wetlands

  • pH testing and dissolved oxygen testing

FAQ:

      • SCHEDULING FOR A PROGRAM

        Please ensure that your Field Trip request has been pre-approved by your educational institution before scheduling.

      • STUDENT COUNT

        An accurate count of attending students is required before submitting a scheduling request.

      • CHAPERONES

        One adult for every 10 students is required to ensure safety and to help supervise your students. Additional chaperones over the requirement are charged $7 per person.

        The program is designed for your students; please ask parents to leave younger siblings at home.

      • DRESS

        Please advise students and parents to dress appropriately for a nature hike and the weather. Students and adults should wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Sandals or high heels are strongly discouraged.

      • LUNCH

        There are no picnic facilities at the Arboretum, however, we provide a lunch area for a full day program. Half day programs may use our building apron if available. Picnic areas can be found within Memorial Park’s picnic loop.

      • BUS PARKING

        Bus parking is available only from our 610 entrance. Please look for bus parking signs. Staff will be present to assist drivers. Address: 120 West Loop North Fwy, Houston, TX  77024

      • INCLEMENT WEATHER

        Programs are conducted rain or shine. Ponchos are provided for light rain. In case of severe weather, we will offer an equivalent indoor program. If cancellation is necessary due to extreme weather conditions, rescheduling may not be possible due to our tight calendar.

      • RESCHEDULING

        Rescheduling requests are addressed at the Houston Arboretum’s availability and discretion. Rescheduling a confirmed program 0-30 days prior to your scheduled date will result in a rescheduling fee of $50.00.

      • CANCELLATIONS

        Program fees are non-refundable.

      • PAYMENT

        Payment is required in advance and in full. Accepted forms of payment are organizational check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. All checks must be made payable to: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Questions about policies? Please click – School Program Payment Policy (pdf).

      • PROGRAM QUESTIONS?

        Email schoolprograms@houstonarboretum.org