Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a botanical garden spanning 155 acres of forested areas, wetlands, and grasslands with 5 miles of trails through different Texas ecosystems. The pathways guide visitors through varied habitats where they can observe native plants and wildlife in their natural settings.

Founded in 1967, the center emerged from a municipal effort to preserve native plants and wildlife as Houston expanded. This initiative created a protected space where the region's natural heritage could be maintained and studied.

The center offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs that help visitors connect with native plants and local conservation efforts. These activities encourage people to understand and appreciate the natural world around them.

The grounds are free to visit daily from sunrise until dusk, and the Nature Center is open during standard morning and afternoon hours. Parking is available on-site, making it easy to access all areas of the property.

Staff and volunteers conduct ongoing research about local plants and wildlife that contributes to regional biodiversity studies and environmental monitoring. This scientific work often happens behind the scenes but shapes how the region's natural areas are protected.