The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center was established to educate people of all ages about nature and serve as a community sanctuary for native plants and animals. The facility was constructed in 1967 and has been used to introduce children to the outdoors ever since. The facility has been noted as one of the first nature centers for children in the state of Texas. Each year, almost 200,000 people visit the museum and ten thousand children are educated annually. The center is over 155 acres and provides an urban haven to all types of plants and insects.
Various programs are available through the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Children and Adult programs, winter and summer camps, teacher workshops, scouting, and school programs such as guided field experiences cater to a range of needs. A pre-school program for ages 3-5 called the Tadpole Troopers is offered four times monthly during the school year. Children visit for an hour and half to hear stories, play games, construct crafts, and go on a walking tour. Other classes for ages 5-12 are also available. Other educational resources offered by the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center includes a library that has over 3,000 volumes. Many of the volumes are on nature education and natural history. All volumes are available for use on site.
The most fascinating exhibit at the nature center is the Discovery Room. The Discovery Room is an interactive environment where children and adults can learn about water organisms and trees. The exhibit is full of activities like puzzles, microscope learning, field guides, games, and Discovery Boxes. There are three special gardens located at the center. The Wildlife Garden is full of a coyotes, squirrels, woodpeckers, foxes, amphibians, reptiles, and migratory birds. Some of the most interesting animals in the Wildlife Garden include a nine-banded Armadillo, Swamp Rabbit, Five-lines Skink, Green Anole, and Northern Mockingbird. The second garden is called the Hummingbird and Butterfly Island. Many of the plants on the Hummingbird and Butterfly Island are nectar plants that can provide a feast. Other plants like Pipevines, Milkweed, and grasses give nourishment to some of the butterflies in the garden. Visitors who want to catch a glimpse of the Skipper, Monarch, or Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies will find the island amusing. The final garden at the center is the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden. The sensory garden portion of the center is meant to stir three senses - smell, sight, and sound. Highly fragrant flowers, buzzing from feeding bees, and Tropical Sage plants encourage visitors to take the time to touch, smell, and listen to the garden.
There is no admission fee to enter the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. It is one of the only educational facilities in Houston that doesn't charge any admission fee. The museum relies on donations from corporations, foundations, members, and individual contributors to fund the various programs that it offers. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is always seeking new members, contributions, and volunteers who desire to sustain the programs held at the museum.
