Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) aka Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens

A cool interaction between yellowjackets and butterflies today. In case you're wondering what the result was, they ended...
08/13/2026

A cool interaction between yellowjackets and butterflies today. In case you're wondering what the result was, they ended up flying away. Photo by Faith Hille.

Cool temps and overcast skies make for the perfect day to be outside. These photos are from the Curiosity Trail at the P...
07/13/2026

Cool temps and overcast skies make for the perfect day to be outside.

These photos are from the Curiosity Trail at the Pollinator Garden.

The wolf spider in the greenhouse had babies! Photo by Faith Hille.
07/07/2026

The wolf spider in the greenhouse had babies! Photo by Faith Hille.

This is what the morning looks like in the garden -- pretty!Photos by Faith Hille.
06/25/2026

This is what the morning looks like in the garden -- pretty!
Photos by Faith Hille.

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! On a day where we celebrate freedom, CDRI is offering free admission all day long. Come on d...
06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! On a day where we celebrate freedom, CDRI is offering free admission all day long. Come on down!
Photo by Faith Hille.

Inside the cactus house: The Ferocactus hamatacanthus are blooming! Photo by Faith Hille.
06/16/2026

Inside the cactus house: The Ferocactus hamatacanthus are blooming!
Photo by Faith Hille.

Morning in the garden with a jackrabbit. Photo by Faith Hille.
06/08/2026

Morning in the garden with a jackrabbit. Photo by Faith Hille.

Benches are best when they are shared with your best friend. We have several benches in the botanical garden. Come try o...
06/06/2026

Benches are best when they are shared with your best friend. We have several benches in the botanical garden. Come try one out!

A Falcon Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, commonly referred to as a hornworm, has a voracious appetite, making it an unwelcome v...
05/30/2026

A Falcon Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, commonly referred to as a hornworm, has a voracious appetite, making it an unwelcome visitor in some gardens. Its back end has a defensive adaptation that mimics the appearance of having two enormous eyes.
Photo by Mark Youmans.

Welcome, little Red Velvet Mite! We've been expecting you!These cute, fuzzy little arachnids come out each year after a ...
05/27/2026

Welcome, little Red Velvet Mite! We've been expecting you!
These cute, fuzzy little arachnids come out each year after a heavy spring rain (like the one we had yesterday). Unlike other mites, these little guys are harmless to humans and pets, and are beneficial in the garden.

Their "true" common name is Giant Red Velvet Mite, which causes us to stop and giggle about the oxymoron. It's kind of like saying "jumbo shrimp."

Address

43869 TX-118, Ft. Davis, TX. We Are Located 4 Miles SE Of Fort Davis Off Of Highway 118
Fort Davis, TX
79734

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14323642499

Website

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