As quickly as temperatures dip, Houston-area gardening events load the calendar. Here are some approaching activities you will not want to miss:
FALL SCAVENGER HUNT: Put your observation skills to the test at Houston Arboretum’s Fall Scavenger Hunt. Families will work as a team to find clues, search for proof of animals, and resolve nature-themed riddles. Numerous times starting at 2 p.m. Oct 23. $10 members/ $20 non-members (per household, up to 4 people). Register at houstonarboretum.org.
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: Nature Discovery Center provides Curious Kids: Nocturnal Animals. Explore, ask, discover, experiment in their pre-K science program. For ages 3-5 years, accompanied by an adult caretaker. 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Oct 25. $15 members/ $20 non-members. 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire. Register at naturediscoverycenter.org.
TEXAS LIFE: Live oak trees are a piece of Texas history. A visit to Rockport’s Huge Tree is evidence
BIRD STUDY: Take a 1.7 mile stroll in Mercer Botanic Gardens gardens and winding riparian forest routes along the Cypress Creek flyway to birdwatch with long time birder, Paul Gregg. Use comfy, closed-toe shoes. 8 a.m. Oct 27. Free. 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. Register at pct3.com/ MBG.
BAT CHAT: Houston Bat Team presents Friday Night Bat Talks through Nov 4. Bat Chat members will be on hand to respond to questions about the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Waugh bridge. Show up 30 minutes prior to sunset to hear a batty presentation. Nov 28. The bridge is located on Waugh Drive in between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway. Parking is readily available close by along Allen Parkway or at Lost Lake Visitor Center, 3422 Allen Parkway. No appointment required.
MORE FROM BRANDI KELLER: 3 fall season annuals to plant now in your Houston garden
FALL CELEBRATION: Urban Harvest presents the Farmers Market Fall Festival by KelseySeybold. The marketplace will consist of family activities, deal with painting, a fall photo backdrop, crafts, a chef demonstration, fortune-teller, live music and more. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct 29. Free, 2752 Buffalo Speedway.
WICKED PLANTS: Jeff Cummins, greenhouse biologist for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, will reveal history, biology and care of carnivorous plants. Presented by Houston Botanic Garden. Event consists of a wicked plant to take home. 10 a.m. Oct 29. $10 members/$20 non-members per person. Register at hbg.org
TREE FREE GIFT: Get a totally free tree to enhance your home, street, or area. Types offered in 3-gallon containers: bald cypress, river birch, sweetgum, overload chestnut oak, and Virginia willow. Limited variety of trees readily available. Very first come, initially serve. 9 a.m. Oct 29. Free. 5609 Uvalde Roadway. For more information: treesforhouston.org.
CANNING WORKSHOP: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension– Harris County provides Maintaining the Harvest Canning Workshop. Discover warm water bath canning, pressure canning, and marinading foods. Take home what you make. Restricted seating. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov 4. $40 per individual admission charge covers lunch, materials and resources. 8440 Greenhouse, Cypress. Register by Oct 31 at PreserveTheHarvest2022.eventbrite.com.