Adult Programs

The Houston Arboretum is excited to announce a series of new natural history programs and classes for adults and families. Recently hired Program Development Director Bill Eley states that “We want to offer programs that will enhance our urban nature experience by exploring in depth the natural world here at the Arboretum. Our classes will be wide-ranging, from the natural history of Buffalo Bayou, to nature photography, as well as bird painting, field trips, and any other topic that might be of interest. We encourage our members to let us know what types of classes they would like to see us offer.”

To kick off the new year, we will offer the first in a series of Buffalo Bayou canoe trips with bayou expert Don Greene. Unlike a simple recreational float, our first trip will emphasize ecological and conservation issues on the Bayou. Subsequent trips will study the flora, fauna, and history of this precious Houston resource.

Next will be a one-day field trip to the Katy Prairie west of Houston. Prairie expert Bob Honig of the Katy Prairie Conservancy will present information on the natural history of the Texas coastal prairie and the Conservancy’s efforts in preserving this disappearing natural wonder. We will also lead an afternoon birding trip on the prairie to see the thousands of wintering ducks and geese, as well as hawks and other fascinating birds.

Also in January, well-known Houston nature photographer Greg Lavaty will teach the tricky details of photographing birds, dragonflies, and other animals. Greg’s stunning photographs will be on display in the Arboretum foyer through February. See details about this class on January 22 and 23.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that Dr. John P. O’Neill, world-famous bird illustrator and ornithologist, will teach a bird painting class right here at the Arboretum in late spring or early summer. John’s illustrations appear in many articles and books, including the “National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America”, and the just-released “Birds of Peru”. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be open to members of the Arboretum before being offered to the public. We expect the 10-12 available spots to fill up immediately. Details will be announced in January.

Of course, we will continue to offer our popular beginning and intermediate birding classes, as well as new offerings such as Dragonflies of Texas, Bats of the upper Texas coast, Butterfly life history and identification, and various classes on plants and organic gardening. Don’t forget - The fees we charge for these classes defer the costs of attracting world-class instructors, and enable us to continue to maintain the Arboretum and conserve this remnant of urban Houston forest.

What types of programs would you like to see at the Arboretum? Email Program Development Director Bill Eley with your suggestions.