Guns flare, stars shine at Jones Park

For those tasteful individuals with an interest in the natural world around them, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center offers a trio of programs you can enjoy this weekend. The weekend kicks off with a Girl Scout Wildlife Badge Workshop Saturday, November 17 at 9 am., followed by a Black Powder Demonstration at 1 p.m. And those wanting to learn more about the nighttime sky can enjoy a Stargazing program Saturday, evening at 7 p.m.

The requirements for Junior Girl Scout badges can often be a difficult task to complete in a short time period, since there are varying objectives that require differing locations, skills or supplies. Jones Park staff and volunteers bring all the items needed for the Wildlife Badge together Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during a Girl Scout Wildlife Badge Workshop. Junior Girl Scouts arc welcome to join us for a nature packed day learning about the importance of the wildlife all around us. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, November 7.

Anyone with an interest in early American weaponry’ can learn more about them Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. as Jones Park’s Redbud Hill Homestead comes alive with the resounding booms of black powder weapons during Fire In the Hole! Volunteers are on hand to demonstrate and answer questions about early Texas black powder weapons, or “smokepoles.”

That evening at 7 p.m., join Jesse Jones Park volunteer Ron Carman for a telescopic tour of the sky during an evening of Stargazing. This program will give participants of all ages an opportunity to see a variety of stars, planets and other astral features. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescope or binoculars, but it is not required. Reservations are required.

With the Houston area weather often remaining rather warm into the winter months, it is sometimes difficult to get into the spirit of the Christmas holiday season. What better way to kick things off than an Old-fashioned Christmas celebration at Jones Park? This family-oriented event affords participants the opportunity to experience the Christmas traditions of earlier times, as well as our international heritage.

Traditional foods, music and customs are all featured during this festive holiday event. Each family brings an old-fashioned dish to add to the feast. Reservations are required.

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility, is located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, national origin or disability. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call 281-446-8588.