Pond Creatures at the Houston Arboretum

April 30, 2023

Whereas in Houston just a few weeks in the past, with just a few hours to kill, I answered the decision of nature. I imply, I visited Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, an oasis for wildlife, native crops and individuals who take pleasure in nature walks and hen watching. This 155-acre getaway with 5 miles of trails is free (with paid parking) and positioned in Memorial Park simply west of downtown within the nation’s fourth-largest metropolis.

Positioned on the Gulf Coast, Houston is way wetter than Austin, with 50 inches of annual precipitation falling repeatedly, in comparison with Austin’s dry-dry-dry-dry.flood 36 inches. It is usually susceptible to hurricanes and storms. Defending and restoring coastal wetlands and grasslands reduces the danger of flooding in city areas and is vital to Houston’s future. within the arboretum you can explore the wetlands and coastal prairies ecosystems, together with wooded areas that gave the Arboretum its identify.

On the entrance to the character centre, a swamp alongside the trail shimmers with foliage lit up behind damp crops like iris. Practical steel planks creatively show donor names.

Close by, an unlimited crepe myrtle spreads a silver haze of roots throughout the bottom.

With little time, I randomly selected the Wild Flowers Path, which quickly took me to a winding boardwalk crossing South Woodway Pond.

Right here I stood, watching the native residents – frogs, water snakes, turtles, dragonflies, birds and extra – as they croaked, swam, feasted and fluttered across the pond.

The deep vocalizations and moans of bullfrogs give the impression of a a lot bigger animal – though bullfrogs they’re massive by frog requirements.

I noticed 4 snakes in about half-hour roaming the ponds. For many who are afraid of snakes, know that you’re on a boardwalk and it’s fascinating to look at these innocent creatures of their habitat.

pond plant flowering

An anole lacking a part of its tail – proof of an escape from a predator? – was hanging from a wood pole.

I like these daring lime inexperienced lizards. They don’t seem to be notably skittish and infrequently seem curious, permitting for nearer pictures.

A second lake, North Woodway Pond, provides extra wildlife viewing alternatives.

Like this neat row of turtles basking on a log.

Whereas having fun with the lagoons, I heard different guests speaking in regards to the Kinder Land Bridge, which I had seen by automotive. I hadn’t realized it was shut by however googled it and noticed I may stroll there. I left the Arboretum via the Woodway Drive gate and walked alongside a path there, about half a mile away. I’ll share this in my subsequent put up.

The Houston Arboretum is positioned at memorial park, with entrances at 4501 Woodway Drive and 120 West Loop North Freeway. Open each day from 7 am to nightfall. The character middle, with exhibitions of native crops and animals and a bookstore, is open each day from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free however parking is $5.50 per car except you’re a member after which it is free. Parking is free for everybody on Thursdays, however remember that areas are restricted.

In case you’re visiting with children in tow, do not miss the enjoyable playground close to the character centre.

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