JESSE JONES PARK VOLUNTEERS APRIL MEETING
Date: Mon, Apr 30
Time: 7 pm
Location: 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: None
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
The Jesse Jones Park Volunteers invite everyone to their monthly program and meeting. Call the park for more information about volunteer opportunities. For ages 16+.

ARTIST BOAT – DRUM BAY ECO-ART AND BIRDING CANOE TOUR
Date: Sun, Apr 29
Time: 3 – 6 pm
Location: Drum Bay; West Galveston; Please call for details
Fee: $25 per person; equipment is available to rent for an additional $25; Pre-register please
Contact: To register, call (409) 770-0722; information at www.artistboat.org

Complete Description:
Paddle around Drum Bay’s beautiful island waterbird colonies. View baby herons on their nests. Discover the wild side of West Bay and Follett’s Island and watch the sunset over a bird rookery.

HOUSTON RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP – INVESTING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Date: Sun, Apr 29
Time: 2 – 4 pm
Location: Houston Public Library – Park Place Regional Branch, 8145 Park Place Blvd
Fee: none
Contact: www.txses.org/hreg

Complete Description:
Alan “Petrodamus” Lammey, our speaker, is known in the Houston area as the Texas Energy Analyst and has the show “Energy Week” each Saturday on 97.5 FM at noon.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – ANIMAL TRACKS AND SIGNS
Date: Sun, Apr 29
Time: 1 pm
Location: 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: None; but Reservations required
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
For ages 7 and up. A broken twig. A tuft of fur. A pair of muddied footprints. Sometimes experiencing wildlife is more than laying eyes on an actual animal. Although an abundance of wildlife lives in the forest, only a handful of animals may reveal themselves during a nature walk. But learning the signs animals leave behind can give a glimpse into what they eat, where they travel, and how they spend their days.

LAKE CONROE BIRDING PONTOON BOAT CRUISE
Date: Sun, Apr 29
Time: 8 am – 1 pm; cruise starts 8 am
Location: meeting place in Willis area off I-45; please call for details
Fee: $45 per person; pre-registration and pre-payment required; call for details
Contact: RSVP and payment to Jerry Walls, (936) 851-0114

Complete Description:
Target birds will include wood ducks, ospreys, bald eagles, tree swallows, white pelicans, belted kingfishers, and several others. Weather permitting, we should observe about 45 to 50 species of birds on this trip. Bring binoculars, camera, field guides, snacks, beverages, and dress for the weather.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS: HOUSTON – SPRING 2007 GALA HONORING LYLE LOVETT
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 7 pm – 12 midnight
Location: Memorial-Hermann Medical Plaza – 27th floor
Fee: Yes; please call or check website to purchase tickets
Contact: (713) 520-0155 or www.aiahouston.org

Complete Description:
The annual AIA Houston Gala will again benefit the Houston Architecture Foundation, a non-profit educational and charitable foundation chartered in 1986 to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the ways in which architecture and urban design influence and enhance the quality of life in our community. Grants are awarded twice a year for community assistance, publications, broadcasts, educational projects, exhibitions, scholarships, research, and public service. Attire: Texas Tux. Evening is scheduled to include: Valet Parking, Silent Auction (7-10 pm), Dinner by City Kitchen (8 pm), Presentation of the Thomas Jefferson Award to Lyle Lovett (8:30 pm), and Dancing by Asleep at the Wheel (9 pm).

MERCER ARBORETUM – THE MERCER SOCIETY AUCTION
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 3 – 7 pm
Location: Please call for location
Fee: Yes; Please call for ticket fees; Reservations required
Contact: (281) 443-8731

Complete Description:
Enjoy a fun afternoon at The Mercer Society Auction that features a live auction, silent auction, and door prize drawings. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets will be on sale at March Mart, and The Mercer Society members will be admitted for free. Call for more information, or to purchase tickets.

MERCER ARBORETUM – AHIAHI LUAU AUCTION OF PLANTS AND OTHER GARDEN TREASURES
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 3 – 7 pm
Location: Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble
Fee: Entrance fee: $5 by Sat, Mar 24, $8 after; The Mercer Society members admitted free; bring money to buy plants
Contact: (281) 443-8731

Complete Description:
Participate in silent and live auctions of unique plants and garden treasures. Raffle tickets for a handmade quilt are available for $1 each. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM – WEEKEND TOURS
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 2 pm or 3 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

HOUSTON ARBORETUM CLASS – FUN FROGS AND TOADS (AGE 5 WITH AN ADULT)
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 2 – 3:15 pm
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $10 for member, $18 for non-member; Register by Apr 23
Contact: (713) 681-8433 or www.houstonarboretum.org

Complete Description:
Do frogs have teeth? Can they hear? From tadpoles to frogs, we will explore the differences between frogs and toads and study their amazing life cycles. Each class includes stories, games, crafts, and hands-on investigations including a guided nature walk.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM – ANIMAL FEEDING
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

WATERBORNE EDUCATION CENTER – PUBLIC WETLANDS EDUCATION PROJECT FIELD LAB
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm (boat leaves promptly at 9:30 am)
Location: Anahuac Harbor
Fee: None; but Reservations required (donations will be accepted)
Contact: RSVP to Jo Ann Baird at (409) 267-3547; information at www.txwaterborne.org

Complete Description:
Participants will experience a full field lab, complete with a stop at the Wallisville Locks for a demonstration of the saltwater barrier. They will also have the opportunity to offload in the Trinity River Delta to explore the wetlands. An onboard facilitator will present interesting facts about the natural environment, conduct science tests and field questions from participants.
You will have the opportunity to get off the boat in the marsh to seine, dip and net aquatic specimen, examine terrestrial flora and fauna and to immerse your senses in a dynamic natural environment. The WEC will provide water, hip waders, binoculars, and other educational equipment. Please bring a sack lunch, hat, and sunglasses. Also, wear closed toe shoes and weather appropriate apparel that you do not mind ruining.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER FISHING DERBY (AGES 5 – 15)
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Location: 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: None
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
Ages 5 to 15. Kids, bring a fishing pole, tackle box, bait, and a grown up to take part in the Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby which includes fun contests and prize drawings.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP – JAPHET CREEK RESTORATION DAY
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: Japhet Creek, meet at the empty lot on the corner of 4601 Clinton Drive and Emile
Fee: none
Contact: Brian Herod at (713) 480-6303 or bjherod@gmail.com

Complete Description:
During these days, crews of volunteers will help pick up small trash, plant native trees, broadcast seeds, and other efforts to help restore the creek to its original beauty. Cotton gloves, trashbags, and water will be provided as will supervision from the restoration team. Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves, shoes they don’t mind getting dirty, and any sunscreen or insect repellent they would need. At the end of the day, volunteers will be treated to hot dogs and sodas.

THE PARK PEOPLE – YOUNG SAPLINGS BARK IN THE PARK
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Danny Jackson Dog Park
Fee: none
Contact: (713) 942-7275 or www.parkpeople.org

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – GUIDED CANOE TRIP
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 8 – 11 am
Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd; meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: $20 for members, $25 for non-members; Pre-registration required
Contact: (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 10 to adult. An adult must accompany children under age 18. Come along on a morning of education and adventure paddling canoes on a guided tour down the backwaters of Armand Bayou. Meet at Bay Area Park for a leisurely morning of wildlife watching, wetland education, relaxation, and fun. Observe numerous birds, reptiles, deer, and other residents who are starting their day at the water’s edge. Travel approximately 2 – 3 miles roundtrip. Beginning and experienced canoeists are welcome. Our knowledgeable guides will give a brief orientation. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Reservations required.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – BREAKFAST ON THE BAYOU PONTOON BOAT ECO TOUR
Date: Sat, Apr 28
Time: 8 – 9:30 am
Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd; meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: $20 for members, $25 for non-members; Pre-registration required
Contact: (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
For ages 5 to adult. An adult must accompany children under 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. The “Bayou Ranger” will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch.