Houston Arboretum Programs

Big Bend Trip Report

2009-08-19T14:23:00.002-05:00

We now have pictures and updates on our website of the Arboretum Big Bend trip last week. The trip was great, the weather was pleasant, the crowds weren't there and there were a lot of plants in bloom, like this Texas sage. We're going to do it again next year, so stay tuned!

Upcoming late August & September Programs

2009-08-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

We have a full slate of interesting things planned for the next two months, starting with an introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies on Aug. 18,23. Keeping with the winged insect theme, Nancy Greig from the Cockrell Butterfly Center will teach us Butterflies of the Upper Texas Coast on Sept. 9,12. Aspects of bees and beekeeping will be taught by Donald Burger on Sept. 22. If you'd like to photograph butterflies, don't miss Kathy Adams Clark's class on that subject on Sept. 26. Attracting butterflies to your yard is a good first step - Glenn Olsen will teach Gardening for Butterflies on Sept. 1,2. And don't forget the popular Edible Plants class on Aug.23. I'll try to post the Oct. events in the next entry this afternoon before we leave for Big Bend on Monday.

Bill

New Fall Programs

2009-07-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

The flyer for the new fall programs is out and available here at the Arboretum. Or email me at beley AT houstonarboretum.org and I'd be happy to send you one. We have 3 on the waiting list for the Big Bend trip - we'll decide soon if those folks can come along. Thanks to everyone for participating in the Arboretum classes! We have a really interesting lineup in the fall, and I look forward to seeing everyone here.

Bill

2009-05-29T11:13:00.000-05:00

Drawing Nature

Many of us began as artists early in life when we were bored with what our teachers were saying and began to let our minds wonder to scribbled expressions of the world outside the window. Drawing was second nature to many of us then, before our minds became crowded with the expectations of others, and the illusion that innumerable lists of responsibilities would somehow make us mature.

Over time many of us forgot we ever drew to begin with, and only now, much later in life, are beginning to realize we have skills and abilities that have lain dormant within us like a long winter that are now emerging and demanding our attention and priority.

For those of us who have this newly awakened interest in artistic expression, and for those who have already begun consciously working on their artistic talent, the Houston Arboretum has scheduled a Drawing Nature class for June 13, 2009. This class will be taught by Jason Kishell, who received his BFA from the Heron School of Art in Indianapolis and his MFA from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

We encourage all local artists and would-be artists to attend this class. Drawing the many different types of objects we find in Nature is both a way of improving your talent and a means to a greater connection to the organic world that surrounds us.

The Drawing Nature class will consist of three phases. The first phase takes place in the Arboretum forest. Participants will be led on a guided tour through the Arboretum to collect items from the forest floor. Such things as leaves, flowers, sticks, rocks, and roots will serve as later models for black-and-white Nature illustrations. Jason will then go over basic drawing techniques. His main emphasis will focus on the rendering of textures and shadows with graphite.

In order for participants to get as many questions answered as possible, Jason will open the class to discussion at this time. His intention is to increase participant awareness of the elements of art itself and the principles of design. He believes a foundational understanding of the forms of art will help participants to better understand the forms of Nature.

Jason is currently the Education and Artist-in-Residence Coordinator at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. He has exhibited his drawings and sculptures throughout the U.S. and works with a range of media including clay, wood, graphite, and color pencil. His creative work is inspired by Nature, its forms, and its textures.

Fall Butterfly Programs

2009-03-19T14:52:00.006-05:00

The following classes on butterflies have been finalized:

Butterflies of Houston and the Upper Texas Coast

Dates: September 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Field trip Saturday, September 12 at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Dr. Nancy Greig
Cost: $40 for members, $55 for non-members

Gardening for Texas Butterflies

Dates: September 1 & 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Glenn Olsen
Cost: $35 for members, $50 for non-members

Photographing Butterflies

Date: September 26, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Kathy Adams Clark
Cost: $50 for members, $75 for non-members

Chinese Brush Painting - Butterflies

Dates: September 14 & 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Instructor: Peihong Dong
Cost: $65 for members, $85 for non-members

September is for Butterflies

2009-03-17T17:38:00.002-05:00

As part of a larger conservation and awareness project, the Arboretum will have several interesting classes on butterflies, including Gardening for Butterflies, Butterfly Ecology, Illustrating Butterflies using Chinese Brush Painting, and Photographing Butterflies. I'll post details later this week. We also should have our Big Bend Field Trip finalized this week - it'll be Aug. 11-15, and I promise the trip of a lifetime!

Working on...

2009-03-03T16:00:00.002-06:00

Adult art workshops on June 13, 20, and 27. More details to follow.

I should have details of the August Big Bend trip available by the end of this week.

Night hikes for frogs and insect sounds in May, and a trip to Waugh St. to view the departure of bats on a TBD evening in June.

As always, stay tuned for details!

Just Finalized!

2009-02-10T16:06:00.004-06:00

Our Valentine's Wine & Cheese Night Hike sold out quickly. Whole Foods has just agreed to host another wine & cheese night hike on April 23. This one will sell out quickly as well. Call Carol (713.366.0421) asap to reserve a spot!

New Programs

2009-01-22T13:58:00.004-06:00

We have just finalized several new programs for the spring. The Eco-friendly Wines class, which was postponed due to Ike, will be held on Feb. 26. This class, co-sponsored by Whole Foods, will fill fast, so get your reservations in now. And don't forget the Valentine's Wine and Cheese night hike on Feb. 13.

Merriwether the Adventurer will repeat his popular Edible Plants class on April 4. Different season, different plants to sample.

We're also repeating our popular Student Nature Photography Contest starting in March. This year we will have a special catagory for members (adult or student). Last year's winning photo by Michael Chmura is shown above.

Other exciting classes are in the works - more details to follow.

The Arboretum is going to Big Bend NP

2009-01-12T15:23:00.003-06:00

I just returned from a scouting trip to Big Bend National Park. We are planning an Arboretum field trip to Big Bend in August (The official announcement will be made soon). Most folks think August is too hot, but most also forget that a portion of Big Bend is at elevation, and August is the beginning of the rainy season. Dramatic evening thunderstorms over the desert often bring an awakening of life from the desert floor. Also, 11 species of hummingbirds can be found here in August, including the Lucifer Hummingbird - incredibly rare in the U.S. The trip will encompass most natural history topics, including birds, plants, geology, and human history of the area. Exact details will be forthcoming soon!

Eco-Friendly Wines!

2008-12-30T11:04:00.002-06:00

On February 29, come participate in a fun and informative guided tasting of some delicious eco-friendly wines. This class will be led by the talented staff at Whole Foods Market, the nation’s first Certified Organic grocer and Wine Enthusiast’s 2007 Wine Retailer of the Year. Topics covered will include the basics of wine making, organic wine production as well as a brief introduction to sustainable and biodynamic wines. A variety of red and white wines will be tasted to supplement the class. Space is limited so sign up now.

Dan Forbes graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in December of 2005. During his time at the CIA, Dan tutored for an intensive class in world-wide wine production and also earned a certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Dan has been working in the wine industry since his graduation and has traveled throughout the USA and abroad to visit some of the world’s greatest wine destinations. Since June of 2008, Dan has been a Wine Specialist at Whole Foods Market in Houston.

Nature Journaling Class

2008-12-15T17:03:00.002-06:00

Just finalized: Introduction to Nature Journaling.

Learn a variety of mixed-media techniques including photo transfers, silk screen, block printing and collage to create a one of a kind garden journal. The journal could highlight your vegetable or flower garden, gardens that you have visited, the Houston Arboretum, bird watching or any natural area. We will use a short walk at the Arboretum as well as the library to inspire our creations.

April 25, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Holiday Cooking

2008-12-12T14:27:00.001-06:00

Still seven spaces left for Dec. 18 Monica Pope holiday cooking class. These classes always fill quickly. Save your spot now...

More Interesting New Programs

2008-12-01T14:30:00.003-06:00

Monica Pope has generously agreed to do a holiday cooking class at the Arboretum on December 18. Her classes are extremely popular - sign up soon to secure a place.

Our wine and cheese hike will probably be on Friday, Feb. 13, a perfect prelude to Valentine's Day. Final details will be announced soon.

Glenn Olsen will teach Landscaping for Birds and Butterflies on March 4,5 and 7 (field trip). This will be a daytime class and will be indispensible for any gardener who wants to attract wildlife to his or her yard.

Joe Blanton, the Arboretum's Conservation Director, will again teach his Rain Gardens and Nature Ponds class in March (dates TBA). This class will include the actual construction of a rain garden at the Arboretum!

Professional nature photographer Kathy Adams Clark will share her expertise in a class on Critiquing Nature Photographs on March 13. This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best.

Finally, we are pleased to partner with Baylor College of Medicine, and physicians Jane Corboy and John Rogers, to offer a certification workshop in Wilderness Life Support. Successful completion of this hands-on workshop will earn the participant certification in Basic Wilderness Life Support.

Again, things change here daily. Please check back - I hope to have news about our new cellphone audio tour coming soon.

Bill

1st Quarter 2009

2008-11-13T10:44:00.006-06:00

Black-throated Blue Warbler painting by John O'Neill

Now that we're back on track after the craziness of the fall, I can give you a preview of some of the upcoming classes for early 2009. Most of these have not been finalized, but see if something strikes your fancy:

Nature Photography Field Trip - Most of our class participants enjoy the field trip portions of their classes the most. For our photography classes, why not do a class completely in the field?

Student Photography Contest - Our first contest last winter was a big hit - over 80 students submitted photographs. This year, we'll concentrate on spring at the Arboretum.

Arborist MC Swearengine is presenting a class on tree pruning January 13. Don't let the next hurricane cause unwanted damage to your trees.

I will be teaching two bird classes - An intro to common bird identification, and an advanced birding class with emphasis on shorebirds.

We're also planning a wine and cheese night hike around valentine's day. Looking for something different to surprise your partner?

This is just a sampling of some of the goings-on here. Please stay tuned for a big announcement about a once-in-a-lifetime bird painting class with Dr. John P. O'Neill in late spring. As always, contact me at 713.366.0379 with any questions.

Bill

Chinese Brush Painting

2008-10-28T12:48:00.010-05:00

Date: November 12,13. 7:00-9:00pm

Chinese brush painting is one of the world's oldest continuous art forms. This tradition begain several thousand years ago in China, and continues today. This technique differs from traditional western art in that the painter must conceive and mentally design a draft of his or her work before actually putting brush to paper. Using imagination and experience, the painter expresses his vision without correcting the painting. Below is an interesting example of how a bee might be illustrated:

We are fortunate to have Peihong Dong as the instructor for our class. Her work has been displayed all over the world, and has been featured in several prestigious publications. My favorite painting of hers is entitled "Full Moon":

Peihong's first class with us sold out quickly last summer. Get registered early for this rare opportunity to learn from a master.

Bill

Edible Plants - The Real Organic Food

2008-10-15T14:48:00.003-05:00

Not from the grocery store. Edible wild plants are everywhere, but identifying them is another matter. Elderberries, Yaupon tea, wild grapes, and wood sorrel are but a few of the treats that grow at the Arboretum. Join us and learn how to find, indentify, and prepare wild foods. Our instructor, Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen, is a research chemist, and also one of the Houston area’s most intrepid explorers. Mark spends every free moment on adventures, including canoeing, hiking, exploring, camping, eating wild things, and sleeping under the stars. His popular blog is Merriwether the Adventurer.

Fall Programs, Redux

2008-10-01T13:24:00.013-05:00

Hopefully we're all recovering from the storm that I will not name. Fortunately, the Arboretum did not suffer any damage to the building (even with glass ceilings!). The grounds and trails were not so fortunate. It was hard to actually find the trails - almost all were covered with downed trees and brush. After two and a half weeks on chain saw and brush removal crews, I can promise that the staff is ready for normal operations to resume. And our faithful volunteers have once again stepped up and helped where we needed it most. And, oh yea, the power finally came on today...

Since this blog is primarily about our adult programs, I would like to share some ideas on how we plan to restart our fall program offerings. The storm and its physical and psychological effects, combined with this country's current economic crisis has certainly focused the attention of Houstonians on home and personal matters, and away from extracurricular activities. Our goal is to offer some interesting and affordable classes to help our friends refocus on the beauty of nature, and find constructive distractions from our everyday problems.

We've had to cancel six classes (with others delayed) as a result of the "adventure". Hopefully we can reschedule some of those, instructor schedules permitting. Our first class after we resume normal hours will be the popular Leaf Art class with Owen Mortensen. Owen is a favorite exhibitor at the Bayou City Art Fest, and we're pleased to have him back on October 16 to illustrate how he does his unique artwork. November is full of interesting and affordable classes - please check the website for details. And look for another post soon on these offerings. And look for additional details on discounts and incentives. As always, check our website.

Bill

Smith Point Hawkwatch - October 4

2008-09-08T15:09:00.002-05:00

Our first field trip will be one you'll never forget. The upper Texas coast is a waypoint for hawks, eagles, and falcons from all over North America that migrate to the tropics to spend the winter. Since hawks do not migrate over large bodies of water, they are funneled through this area before heading south around the Gulf. Each fall Hawkwatch International and the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory conduct a 3-month daily count of raptors passing over Smith Point, a peninsula that extends into Galveston Bay. A large hawkwatch tower has been built there to observe the birds that congregate overhead. It can be a sight to behold on a given fall day. Join us - you won't regret it.

Welcome!

2008-09-08T14:38:00.002-05:00

Thanks for visiting our new program and class information blog. We hope this blog will help you keep track of our program offerings, and also give you some insight into how and why we offer certain programs. Background information on given programs will also hopefully be of interest. Our plan is to update this blog at least weekly - please check back and find the program that interests you most.

We are offering five catagories of programs: exploring our natural world, gardening, natural crafts and food, health+wellness, and nature photography. All our programs will touch on some aspect of the appreciation of our natural world. Providing a quality nature experience for adults as well as children is a large part of our mission. We will publish a new catalog each quarter . Our class offerings will vary - some new and some repeats, according to demand. Fall classes begin in October.

All photos in this blog are by Greg Lavaty, who teaches various nature photography classes here. More details about Greg's work to come.

Houston Arboretum Programs

Big Bend Trip Report

Upcoming late August & September Programs

New Fall Programs

Fall Butterfly Programs

September is for Butterflies

Working on...

Just Finalized!

New Programs

The Arboretum is going to Big Bend NP

Eco-Friendly Wines!

Nature Journaling Class

Holiday Cooking

More Interesting New Programs

1st Quarter 2009

Chinese Brush Painting

Edible Plants - The Real Organic Food

More Postponements

Fall Programs, Redux

Smith Point Hawkwatch - October 4

Welcome!