JESSE JONES PARK VOLUNTEERS JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING
Date: Mon, Jan 29
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 invites everyone to their monthly program and meeting. For ages 16+.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – CANOE SPRING CREEK
Date: Sun, Jan 28
Time: 2 pm
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
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, January 18.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER URBAN NATURE SERIES – BILL ELEY LOVES BIRDS
Date: Sun, Jan 28
Time: 2 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
Bill Eley of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will share how the Observatory is involved in bird conservation, research, and habitat preservation. His talk will cover the studies of bird migration, preservation of migrant stopover habitat, related conservation issues, and the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s federally-funded search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in East Texas. Migrate over to the Houston Arboretum for this fascinating talk.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – STARGAZING
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 7 pm
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: Free; but Reservations required
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
Join members of the North Houston Astronomy Club for an evening of viewing the planets and stars by telescope. For all ages. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, January 17.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – SUNSET CRUISE PONTOON BOAT ECO TOUR
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 4:30 – 6 pm
Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd; meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: Members: $15 adults, $10 children and seniors; Non-members: $20 adults, $15 children and seniors; pre-registration required
Contact: RSVP to (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 5 – adult. An adult must accompany children under 18. Join us 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. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER – WEEKEND TOURS
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 2 pm or 3 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER – ANIMAL FEEDING
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – WINTER WOODS ORIENTEERING
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 10 am
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: Free; but Reservations required
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
Take advantage of the lack of fire ants, mosquitoes, and snakes in the winter forest and experience orienteering by exploring off the trail with a compass. Scout groups are welcome. Participants should bring a compass. For ages 10+. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, January 17.

MERCER ARBORETUM – JANUARY BAMBOO MEETING
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road
Fee: Free
Contact: (281) 443-8731

Complete Description:
Monthly meetings feature hands-on training in Mercer’s own bamboo garden. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy. Call to confirm meeting times for the month.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER NATURALIST EXPLORERS CLASS – INCREDIBLE INVERTEBRATES (AGES 6 –
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $12 for member, $24 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
In this class, learn how animals can survive without backbones and be introduced to some of the invertebrates that live at the Houston Arboretum. Naturalist Explorers classes introduce children ages 5 – 8 to environmental and natural history topics in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. All classes include a short introduction inside followed by hands-on, engaging activities outside. Parents are welcome to participate with their children or to drop them off.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER TADPOLE TROOPERS CLASS – SLITHERY SNAKES (AGES 3 – 5 + A PARENT)
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 9 – 10:15 am or 10:30 – 11:45 am (5 yr olds only) or 2 – 3:15 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $10 for member, $18 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
Why do snakes have forked tongues that flicker? These scaly, slithery creatures don’t have hair, and they come in a wide variety of colors. Come learn to love these friends that move without feet.

THE PARK PEOPLE – ARBOR DAY EVENT
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: morning; please call for details
Location: Will Clayton Parkway; please call for details
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 942-7275

HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER ECO TRACKERS CLASS – NO BONES, NO FEET (AGES 9 – 12)
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $12 for member, $24 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
In this class, learn what snails, worms, and clams have in common: they have no bones and no feet. This program will be an introduction to invertebrates in our environment. Find out how these organisms move without feet. Eco Trackers classes inspire young naturalists ages 9 – 12 to explore their surroundings and deepen their knowledge of the environment. All classes include a short introduction inside followed by hands-on, engaging activities outside. Parents are welcome to participate with their children or drop them off. Bring a friend to EcoTrackers. Register your child for an EcoTrackers class (ages 9 – 12 only) and they can bring a friend for free. This opportunity is valid from January to March – mention that you saw the offer in our newsletter. Both children need to be registered for the class in order for us to prepare materials.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – BREAKFAST ON THE BAYOU PONTOON BOAT ECO TOUR
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: 8 – 9:30 am
Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd; meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: Members: $20 adults, $15 children and seniors; Non-members: $25 adults, $20 children and seniors; pre-registration required
Contact: RSVP to (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 5-adult. An adult must accompany children under age 18. Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely morning breakfast while 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. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

GALVESTON COUNTY GROUP OF HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY – JANUARY FIELD TRIP
Date: Sat, Jan 27
Time: Morning; please call for time
Location: please call for meeting location
Fee: Free
Contact: Alice Anne O’Donell at (409) 737-5680

By Ella Tyler

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will hold hearings on its proposed clean air plan on Monday, Jan 29. Two sessions are scheduled, one beginning at 2 pm and the second beginning at 6 pm. (more…)

By Ella Tyler

Environmental activists from across the state will be meeting in Austin on February 11 and 12 to rally and lobby against issuing permits for proposed new coal-fired power plants under a fast-track procedure authorized by Texas governor Rick Perry in October 2005. (more…)