Its not always easy to take time out of a busy schedule for some passive recreation. But better opportunities to see the natural world are not more likely than during Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Centers Earth Day Celebrations Saturday, April 20.
The day begins with a series of Jones Parks leisurely pontoon trips, well known for providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Participants can choose from a Birders Tour at 8 a.m. or Natural History Tours at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Previous participants have seen such rarities as the American Alligator, Roseate Spoonbill and the elusive Osprey. Participants ages eight and older are eligible for this tour.
Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, April 10. Please call the park at 281-446-8588 to register.
The formal Earth Day festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a fantastic variety of booths, crafts and guest speakers available to answer questions and provide you with loads of earth-friendly information. Representatives are on hand from many Harris County departments, including Recycling, the Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Storm Water Quality Section. Visitors can learn more about how they can help make our planet a better place from such organizations as Earth Share of Texas, the Gulf Coast chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, TNRCC, the Houston/Galveston Area Council and the East Texas Herpetological Society, as well as many other non-profit organizations. Formal programs are held throughout the day inside the nature center. And Jones Parks outdoor stage features Mary Ann Pendinos fun-filled interactive workshop entitled Enact a Habitat at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Concessions including hot dogs, chips and drinks are available throughout the day.
What better way to round out the Earth Day weekend than a program to learn more about Wildlife Babies Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.? These loveable little creatures often tempt people into thinking they would be better off in someones home than out in the wild. This, however, is nowhere near the case. Join licensed wildlife rehabilitators and learn about these cuddly critters and why it is better to leave them be.
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, sex, religion, national origin or disability.
For more information on the park, or any of its programs, call 281-446-8588.
