Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

No matter the season, we're an Arboretum for all.

Last month, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s 2026 Alfresco Gala: An Evening Under the Oaks, honoring Main Street Capital, raised $500,000 to support environmental education, conservation, and the Arboretum’s continued growth as a place of connection and discovery for more than 600,000 visitors each year.

We are especially grateful to our event co-chairs, Katherine and John Plumb and Katy and Sandy Shurin, for their leadership, enthusiasm, and advocacy, and to Main Street Capital, recipient of this year’s Greenleaf Award, for their support of the Arboretum and our community. Main Street Capital has been a long-time, valued partner of the Houston Arboretum, supporting efforts to connect Houstonians of all ages to the natural world.

Read more about the evening at https://houstonarboretum.org/2026-alfresco-gala/

📸 Anthony Rathbun Photography

Red-headed Woodpeckers are one of our latest spring migrants at the Arboretum, arriving just before the start of summer. These woodpeckers are more nomadic than migratory, searching wide areas for stands of recently burned woodland or wind-felled clearings where they can find food and nest sites. We're hoping that our recent prescribed burn has created ideal habitat for Red-headed Woodpeckers. We have been hearing their hoarse calls in the savanna and along the Muscadine Trail, so we're hopeful that we'll see nesting activity soon!

📸 Cameron Kirkpatrick

Even with all of the rain in the forecast, we hope you still find some time to get outdoors this holiday weekend! If you're planning a trip to the Arboretum over the next few days, please be aware of the following closures:

🌱 Saturday, May 23 from 10 am - 12 pm - Nature Playscape Closed
🌱 Monday, May 25 - Nature Center Building Closed

Looking for a fun way to celebrate the summer solstice? Join us the day before on Saturday, June 20 for our Solstice Sip & Craft! Enjoy an adult beverage while you make crafts and décor like seasonal wreaths, ornaments, and beeswax candles using natural materials.

Learn more and register at https://houstonarboretum.org/event/solstice-sip-craft/

Whee-EEP! This week we're hearing the cheerful whistles of Great Crested Flycatchers all over the Arboretum, especially near the Nature Playscape and Nature Center building. These large flycatchers migrate through in spring and fall, but some stick around to nest in hollow trees during the summer. Great Crested Flycatchers are striking birds with their lemon yellow belly, perky crest, and upright posture. They seem to stand to attention as they scan for flying insects, then leap out and sn**ch them from the sky before returning to their original perch. Flycatchers are also very feisty and vocal, so you're likely to hear their whistled songs and purring calls as they bicker with one another among the trees.

📸 Wildreturn

It’s always thrilling to spot a bird of prey like our resident Red-tailed Hawk! These majestic birds captivate us with their powerful flight, piercing eyes, and fierce talons. If you’d like to get up close and personal with raptors at the Arboretum, join us this Saturday, May 16 for the Hawk Walk. You’ll experience amazing encounters with hawks, owls, and more from Wildlife Revealed and learn all about what makes birds of prey so fascinating. Bring your camera and your sense of wonder!

Learn more at https://houstonarboretum.org/series/hawk-walk/

📸 Christine Mansfield

Grab a friend and raise a glass in the great outdoors at the Houston Arboretum's upcoming Sip & St(roll) on Friday, May 15! We welcome guests of all mobility levels to this fun, 21+ event that follows a fully ADA accessible route through the Arboretum trails. Beverages and bites will be provided, and there will be multiple mobility devices available for check out.

Learn more at https://houstonarboretum.org/event/accessible-sip-and-stroll/

📸 Anthony Rathbun Photography

Wishing a very happy Mother's Day to moms of all species!

When was the last time you got to meet a bird of prey? Enter the fascinating world of raptors at our upcoming Hawk Walk on Saturday, May 16 where you'll meet hawks, owls, and more! This very special event is open to both adults and children, ages 5 and up. Cameras encouraged - this is the perfect opportunity to practice your bird photography!

Learn more and register at https://houstonarboretum.org/event/hawk-walk/2026-05-16/1/