Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary located just miles from Downtown Houston with a mission to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and as a sanctuary for native plants and animals. Established in 1967, the Arboretum was one of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, and it continues to provide nature education for more than 10,000 children annually and reach over 600,000 visitors each year. The Arboretum beautifully showcases the native landscapes of the three Texas ecoregions found around Houston - the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Pineywoods, and Post Oak Savanna - preserving a living snapshot of the region as it appeared when the first settlers arrived.

Visitors can explore an impressive collection of native trees along five miles of winding nature trails, meandering through prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland, and riparian habitats. These natural landscapes serve not only as a serene retreat but also as a dynamic outdoor classroom that hosts year-round educational programs, while a Nature Center and six field stations provide in-depth information on local plants and wildlife found throughout the site. A dedicated Naturalist staff offers educational programming for all ages, while the Conservation staff manages and enhances the diverse ecosystems, collecting ecological data and plant material to safeguard its rich natural heritage.