GALVESTON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Date: Tue, Dec 19
Time: 6 am; please call to confirm time
Location: Galveston; please call for meeting location TBA
Fee: usually $5 participation fee
Contact: TBA; see www.houstonaudubon.org, click on “Christmas Bird Counts”, then look for “Galveston” for details

JESSE H. JONES PARK VOLUNTEERS – DECEMBER MONTHLY MEETING
Date: Mon, Dec 18
Time: 7 pm
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
The Jesse Jones Park Volunteers invite everyone to their monthly program and meeting. For ages 16+. This month’s meeting includes a Christmas Party as well.

HOUSTON ZOO WINTER CAMP – RADICAL REPTILES (AGES 6-7)
Date: Mon, Dec 18 – Fri, Dec 22
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Houston Zoo
Fee: $200 for Zoo member, $215 for non-member; Pre-registration required
Contact: www.houstonzoo.org

Complete Description:
If you think dinosaurs are the only exciting reptiles, you should know the Zoo is home to a snake with horns and a white alligator. You will meet these and other scaly friends in your exploration of all things reptilian. Registration begins October 16. Before Camp and After Camp is available for an additional fee. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ZOO WINTER CAMP – ZOO FUN 301 (AGES 10-12)
Date: Mon, Dec 18 – Fri, Dec 22
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Houston Zoo
Fee: $300 for Zoo member, $315 for non-member; Pre-registration required
Contact: www.houstonzoo.org

Complete Description:
Did you ever wonder why there are no giant pandas or polar bears at the Houston Zoo? If so, you will have the opportunity to learn all about what it takes to keep animals healthy and happy in a captive environment as you spend the week meeting with keepers and other staff members while working on a specific project. The week will culminate with an overnight here at the Zoo on Thursday, and a presentation of your project on Friday. Registration begins October 16. Before Camp and After Camp is available for an additional fee. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ZOO WINTER CAMP – ADVENTURES IN THE RAINFOREST (AGES 4-5)
Date: Mon, Dec 18 – Fri, Dec 22
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Houston Zoo
Fee: $200 for Zoo member, $215 for non-member; Pre-registration required
Contact: www.houstonzoo.org

Complete Description:
Enter the depths of the rainforest and discover some of the world’s most intriguing creatures. Learn about the many jewels of the rainforest ecosystem, from poison dart frogs to Asian elephants. Registration begins October 16. Before Camp and After Camp is available for an additional fee. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ZOO WINTER CAMP – WILD CATS (AGES 8-9)
Date: Mon, Dec 18 – Fri, Dec 22
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Houston Zoo
Fee: $200 for Zoo member, $215 for non-member; Pre-registration required
Contact: www.houstonzoo.org

Complete Description:
You will have a roaring good time as you fill up on feline facts this week. Discover the similarities and differences between our big cats and your clever kitty at home when you meet the fantastic felines at the Houston Zoo. Registration begins October 16. Before Camp and After Camp is available for an additional fee. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

PORT ARANSAS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Date: Mon, Dec 18
Time: 6 am; please call to confirm time
Location: Port Aransas; please call for meeting location
Fee: usually $5 participation fee
Contact: Scott and Jean Holt at (361) 749-6716

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – CANOE SPRING CREEK
Date: Sun, Dec 17
Time: 2 pm
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center; call for specific meeting location
Fee: Free; but Reservations required
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
This leisurely two-hour tour down Spring Creek from Jones Park to the San Jacinto River is perfect for beginners. Ages 16+. Reservations required beginning Thursday, December 7.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP AND BUFFALO BAYOU ARTPARK – RECEPTION FOR BUFFALO BAYOU ARTPARK CHRISTMAS TREE SHOW
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 6 – 8 pm Reception
Location: Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Avenue
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 502-9454

Complete Description:
Join the Buffalo Bayou ArtPark for a reception including music, entertainment, and hot chocolate. Buffalo Bayou ArtPark is pleased to announce the 2006 Buffalo Bayou ArtPark Christmas Tree Show. For the sixth year in a row, artists will be presenting their interpretations on the theme of the Christmas tree. The tree projects will be installed in and around Fish Plaza at the Wortham Theater Center. This year, the show consists of eight artists and one artist collective producing individual tree projects, which range from a 20 foot tall bamboo tree to a super sized cross stitch tree installed in the grass, to a Christmas tree cutout purging gifts. Buffalo Bayou Partnership will have its own tree displayed during this show – we will have a tree made out of pine cones decorated by the CASE students who participated in the Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou. Stop by to see the creativity of these 3rd-6th grade students.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – SUNSET PONTOON BOAT CRUISE
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 4 – 5:30 pm
Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $5 discount for children & seniors
Contact: RSVP to (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 5-adult. Join Armand Bayou Nature Center for a relaxing and educational trip on the bayou in the cool of the evening. Sunset on the water is a peaceful experience as you observe the wildlife of Armand Bayou. Depart from Bay Area Park aboard the “Bayou Ranger”, a 28 foot pontoon boat. Maximum: 12 people. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – PONTOON BOAT TOURS
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: Please call for times; tours throughout the day
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: Free; but Reservations required
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
Tours throughout the day. Take a leisurely tour along Spring Creek and learn about the area’s natural history and wildlife.Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, December 6.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER ECO TRACKERS CLASS – ROADKILL 101 (AGES 9-12)
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $10 for member, $20 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
For ages 9 -12 years. Most of us have seen the unfortunate remains of an armadillo, an opossum, or a squirrel on the side of the road. It’s a tough life out there in the city; how do the populations of these animals continue to thrive? They can survive because their species are hardy generalists, meaning they can find their basic needs in many ways. Come and find out more about how they survive in our neighborhoods.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER NATURALIST EXPLORERS CLASS – ROADKILL 101 (AGES 5 –
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $10 for member, $20 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
For ages 5 – 8 years. Most of us have seen the unfortunate remains of an armadillo, an opposum, or a squirrel on the side of the road. It’s a tough life out there in the city; how do the populations of these animals continue to thrive? They can survive because their species are hardy generalists, meaning they can find their basic needs in many ways. Come and find out more about how they survive in our neighborhoods.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM TADPOLE TROOPERS – COYOTES (AGES 3-4 + A PARENT)
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 9:00 – 10:15 am
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $8 for member, $15 for non-member
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
Is the coyote really a fierce predator or merely a wily survivor? Find out how coyotes have adapted to living in our urban areas.
Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ZOO – BREAKFAST WITH SANTA EVENT
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 8 am or 10:30 am
Location: Houston Zoo; please check website for specific meeting location
Fee: Adults: $17 Member, $21 Non-member; Children: $12.50 Member, $16.50 Non-member; Pre-registration required
Contact: register at www.houstonzoo.org

Complete Description:
The holidays have officially arrived. Please help us celebrate by making plans to attend the Houston Zoo’s second annual holiday tradition: Breakfast with Santa. Families can start their Zoo adventure early with a scrumptious, hot breakfast. Keepers will be on hand with some special furry guests for everyone to meet. Children will also be able to get up close and personal with one of the rarest specimen of all…Santa Claus. Each child will leave with a full belly and a bag filled with goodies.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – BREAKFAST ON THE BAYOU PONTOON BOAT TOUR
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 8 – 9:30 am
Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: $20 for members, $25 for non-members, $5 discount for children & seniors
Contact: RSVP to (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 5- adult. Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our “Bayou Ranger” pontoon boat. Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the nature center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy pastries, juice and coffee while underway. The “Bayou Ranger” will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch.
Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY – TREE PLANTING
Date: Sat, Dec 16
Time: 8 am – 12 pm
Location: baseball fields 2 and 3 in Memorial Park
Fee: Free
Contact: RSVP to Deb Taylor at deb@memorialparkconservancy.org or (713) 863-8403

Complete Description:
Memorial Park Conservancy’s final tree planting event of 2006! We need volunteers to help us plant trees at baseball fields 2 and 3. Please come at 8 am wearing work clothes and a hat along with work gloves and a bottle of water.