As soon as temperatures dip, Houston-area gardening events pack the calendar. Here are some upcoming activities you won’t 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 evidence of animals, and solve nature-themed riddles. Multiple times starting at 2 p.m. Oct 23. $10 members/ $20 non-members (per family, up to 4 people). Register at houstonarboretum.org.
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: Nature Discovery Center presents Curious Kids: Nocturnal Animals. Explore, ask, discover, experiment in their pre-K science program. For ages 3-5 years, accompanied by an adult caregiver. 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 Big Tree is proof
BIRD SURVEY: Take a 1.7 mile stroll in Mercer Botanic Gardens gardens and winding riparian forest trails along the Cypress Creek flyway to birdwatch with long time birder, Paul Gregg. Wear comfortable, 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 Chats through Nov 4. Bat Chat members will be on hand to answer questions about the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Waugh bridge. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to hear a batty presentation. Nov 28. The bridge is located on Waugh Drive between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway. Parking is available nearby along Allen Parkway or at Lost Lake Visitor Center, 3422 Allen Parkway. No reservation needed.
MORE FROM BRANDI KELLER: 3 fall season annuals to plant now in your Houston garden
FALL FESTIVAL: Urban Harvest presents the Farmers Market Fall Festival by KelseySeybold. The market will include family activities, face painting, a fall photo backdrop, crafts, a chef demo, tarot reader, 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 includes a wicked plant to take home. 10 a.m. Oct 29. $10 members/$20 non-members per person. Register at hbg.org
TREE GIVEAWAY: Pick up a free tree to beautify your home, street, or neighborhood. Species available in 3-gallon containers: bald cypress, river birch, sweetgum, swamp chestnut oak, and Virginia willow. Limited number of trees available. First come, first serve. 9 a.m. Oct 29. Free. 5609 Uvalde Road. For more information: treesforhouston.org.
CANNING WORKSHOP: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Harris County presents Preserving the Harvest Canning Workshop. Learn hot water bath canning, pressure canning, and pickling foods. Take home what you make. Limited seating. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov 4. $40 per person admission charge covers lunch, supplies and resources. 8440 Greenhouse, Cypress. Register by Oct 31 at PreserveTheHarvest2022.eventbrite.com.