October 2009
Calendar of Events
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Winter Camp Registration opens for Arboretum members - see dates here.
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Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 |
5:45- 6:45 p.m.
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Yoga on the way Home
Why fight the traffic? Slow down and relax in the peaceful beauty of the Arboretum during a one-hour yoga session in the Arboretum's classroom overlooking the forest.
Cost is $10 per session when registering for a month or $15 per session.
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Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27
Saturdays, October 10, 17 & 31 |
Tuesdays: 5:45- 6:45 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00- 11:00 a.m.
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Continuing Tai Chi
For students wishing to further develop Tai Chi skills and knowledge. Prior enrollment in Introductory Tai Chi required. Class is held inside an Arboretum classroom overlooking the forest. Cost is $15 per session; or $45 per month for one weekly session (either Tuesday or Saturday), or $70 per month for all sessions (on Tuesdays and Saturdays).
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Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21 & 28 |
| 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. |
Introductory Tai Chi
The Arboretum provides a serene, natural backdrop for this graceful and meditative form of exercise. Class will be held outside except when weather conditions are prohibitive. Cost is $15 per session; or $45 per month. |
Saturday, October 10 |
9 – 10:15 a.m.,
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.,
OR 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Ages 3 to 5 with an adult
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Tadpole Troopers: Stellaluna
Children will read “Stellaluna,” the story of a baby bat whose life takes an unexpected turn. Then, through hands-on activities and a guided nature walk, they will learn why bats are so important in nature. Cost is $13 for members; $26 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
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| Saturday,October 10 |
| 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Nature 101: Mammals
Learn about the unique characteristics of mammals and find out about the species that live in the Houston area.
Nature 101 classes are introductory, hands-on natural history courses designed to introduce participants to the animals and plants found in our area. Teachers can earn two hours of SBEC credit and Texas Master Naturalists can earn advanced training. Cost is $25. Pre-registration is required. |
| 1 -3 p.m. |
Nature 101: Wetland Ecology
Discover the important role that wetlands play and learn about some of the plants and animals that are found in this habitat. Nature 101 classes are introductory, hands-on natural history courses designed to introduce participants to the animals and plants found in our area. Teachers can earn two hours of SBEC credit and Texas Master Naturalists can earn advanced training. Cost is $25. Pre-registration is required. |
| Tuesday, October 13 |
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Grades 1-5
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Art After School - Below the Surface: Drawing & Texture rubbings
In partnership with City ArtWorks, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will present a 6-week
"Art After School" program for children in grades 1-5.. All art projects will be inspired by nature as students experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques. Sign up your child to explore the creative world of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and more. Cost is $10 per child. |
| Thursday, October 15 |
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Sharing Nature with Children – One Day Workshop
Based on the philosophy and activities from Joseph Cornell’s popular and highly-acclaimed “Sharing Nature” book series, this workshop will include nature activities that focus on attention and observation, demonstrate ecological concepts, teach animal characteristics and habits and explain the science of trees through experiential games. Workshop will be taught by Greg Traymar of the Sharing Nature Foundation. Registration limited. Cost is $25 per person (includes lunch).
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| 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. |
Quilting for the Holidays
Give a homemade gift of love this holiday season. Even a "designed"quilt requires only a small amount of cotton fabric. In this series of four 2-hour classes (other sessions are Oct. 22, 29 & Nov. 5), Jackie Rutan will demonstrate all necessary techniques to make a beautiful quilt in holiday colors, using the machine-piecing patchwork style. Students will be encouraged to work on their own quilts between classes utilizing the techniques demonstrated.
Instructor: Jackie Rutan has a B.S. in Fashion Design from Michigan State University. She was the Director of Sewing at Sakowitz, Inc. in Houston for 11 years, and is the author of The Perfect Fit. Cost is $110 for members; $135 for non-members |
Friday, October 16 |
10:45- 11:30 a.m.
Ages 3 to 5 with an adult |
Tadpole Troopers: Stellaluna
Children will read “Stellaluna,” the story of a baby bat whose life takes an unexpected turn. Then, through hands-on activities and a guided nature walk, they will learn why bats are so important in nature. Cost is $13 for members; $26 for non-members. Pre-registration required. |
1:30- 3:00 p.m.
Ages 5 to 12
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Home School Class: Mighty Migrators
Some species of birds travel thousands of miles, crossing oceans and in some
cases, continents during their annual migratory journeys. Discover how these
little birds accomplish such an extraordinary trip.
Cost is $15 for members; $25 for non-members. $10/person per class for parents and siblings 4 yrs.and under that attend class.
Pre-registration is required by the Wednesday prior to class.
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Saturday, October 17 |
9 – 10:15 a.m.,
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.,
OR 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Ages 3 to 5 with an adult
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Tadpole Troopers: Stellaluna
Children will read “Stellaluna,” the story of a baby bat whose life takes an unexpected turn. Then, through hands-on activities and a guided nature walk, they will learn why bats are so important in nature. Cost is $13 for members; $26 for non-members. Pre-registration required.
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9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
OR 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ages 5 to 8 |
Naturalist Explorers: Hanging with Bats
This fall, Naturalist Explorer classes will study mammals found in Houston. In October, kids will learn fun facts about bats and why bats are important to the environment.
Cost: $15 for members; $30 for non-members. Pre-registration required by noon on Friday prior to class.
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9:00- 11:00 a.m.
Ages 9 to 12 |
EcoTrackers: That's Batty!
EcoTracker classes inspire young naturalists with hands-on, engaging activities about a nature topic each month. October’s class will explore the world of bats, the only flying mammal and why bats are important to the environment.
Cost: $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration required by noon on Friday prior to class. |
| Sunday, October 18 |
1 - 5 p.m.
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Backyard Habitat Builder Series: Providing Temporary Water Sources for Wildlife
Backyard Habitat Builder Series includes three monthly half-day classes taught by Arboretum Conservation Director Joe Blanton, where participants will learn about and create habitat components for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The majority of each class will be spent outside as students gain practical experience through a hands-on project completed on the Arboretum grounds. Most classes include take-home items assembled in class. In October’s class, “Providing Temporary Water Sources for Wildlife,” students will learn to create birdbath stumps and pothole puddles. Other classes in November and December. Cost for each class is $60 for members or $80 for non-members. Arboretum members can sign up for the series of three classes at a discounted rate of $150.
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| Tuesday, October 20 |
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Grades 1-5 |
Art After School - The Edge of Night: Scratch Drawings
In partnership with City ArtWorks, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will present a 6-week
"Art After School" program for children in grades 1-5. All art projects will be inspired by nature as students experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques. Sign up your child to explore the creative world of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and more. Cost is $10 per child. |
| Wednesday, October 21 |
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Ages 5 to 12; under age 5 if accompanied by a parent |
Family Creative Yoga and Movement
This fun and upbeat class allows kids to explore their creative abilities through dance, yoga, improvisation, rhythm instruments and much more.
Class will be each Wednesday through Dec. 16 and is open to ages 5 to 12. If a parent wishes to attend, they are welcome. Children younger than 5 yrs. may participate with a parent. Cost is $10 per student per class.
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| 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. |
Raw Foods
Come join healthy-foods advocate Nancy Sorenson for an evening workshop and celebration of organic live foods cuisine. Learn the benefits of eating live foods and shortcuts to preparing raw recipes, including: a sweet dessert with raw chocolate, savory vegetable wrap and dipping sauce, sprouts with dressing, and an easy soup in the blender.
Cost is $30 for members; $45 for non-members.
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| Saturday, October 24 |
Member's Only Admission:
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
General Admission:
12 - 4 p.m.
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ArBOOretum
Enjoy an educational and fun fall festival for the family. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes for a different kind of trick-or-treating—in the forest. Learn about animals that migrate, such as monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and bats by visiting educational trick-or-treat stations along a forest trail. Take a hayride through the forest, decorate a pumpkin, get your face painted and try your luck at the cake walk. Carnival activities will include pony rides and a petting zoo. Tickets are $15 per person ages 3 and up and include free entrance to all ArBOOretum activities. Arboretum members receive free admission. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Arboretum’s education and conservation programs. |
| Tuesday, October 27 |
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Grades 1-5 |
Art After School - Wonder at the Wind: Impasto painting
In partnership with City ArtWorks, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will present a 6-week "Art After School" program for children in grades 1-5. All art projects will be inspired by nature as students experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques. Sign up your child to explore the creative world of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and more. Cost is $10 per child. |
| Wednesday, October 28 |
5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
Ages 5 to 12; under age 5 if accompanied by a parent |
Family Creative Yoga and Movement
This fun and upbeat class allows kids to explore their creative abilities through dance, yoga, improvisation, rhythm instruments and much more. Class will be each Wednesday through Dec. 16 and is open to ages 5 to 12. If a parent wishes to attend, they are welcome. Children younger than 5 yrs. may participate with a parent. Cost is $10 per student per class. |
| Friday, October 30 |
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Ages 21 and up only
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Halloween Wine & Cheese Night Hike
Spend the evening before Halloween in the woods of the Arboretum and enjoy a selection of wines and cheeses, as well as readings from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Naturalists will lead a walk on the trails to look for owls, flying squirrels, and other night forest creatures. Dress up if you like, but remember to wear comfortable walking shoes. Cost is $22 for members; $32 for non-members
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| Friday, October 30, Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1 |
Friday, Oct. 30:
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31:
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1:
12 – 5 p.m.
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Bird Illustration with John P. O’Neill
World-renowned bird artist Dr. John P. O’Neill will teach an in-depth bird illustration three-day workshop at the Arboretum. O’Neill’s paintings have been published in “Science,” “Auk,” “Audubon,” and “National Geographic” magazines. Books have included the “ National Geographic Society's Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” “ Great Texas Birds,” Richard French's “ Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago,” Helmut Sick's “ Birds in Brazil” and “Reader's Digest's” “ Book of North American Birds” and most recently “ Birds of Peru.” O’Neill has studied Peruvian birds extensively and has been in Peru almost every year since 1961, often to lead major expeditions into undiscovered territory. He has described 13 new species of birds, more than any other living ornithologist. Class size is limited. Cost is $175 for members; $225 for non-members
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| Saturday, October 31 |
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
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Book Signing with John P. O'Neill
Dr O'Neill will be signing copies of his book Great Texas Birds, which will be available for sale in the Arboretum's gift shop. |
