Learn about the reptiles to be found in the Harris county forests and streams as well as more activites at Jesse Jones park in August
Snakes of Harris County
Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.
Learn about snakes and their important role in the environment, and the proper techniques to identify various species, including the three venomous varieties found in this area.
Reptile Open House
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 & 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
View a variety of reptiles and amphibians from the largest pythons to the smallest frogs while learning about the fascinating natural history of these creatures. Visitors will enjoy live animal displays, including an appearance from 10-foot long Burmese python Lucky, who is helping bring attention to responsible pet ownership.
Tadpoles Club Registration
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5
This popular program introduces preschool-aged children, ages 3 and 4 only, to nature using plant and animal specimens, puppets, short walks, crafts, songs, stories and finger plays. The interactive Wednesday programs will be held on September 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Adults must attend with participants and no older or younger siblings are allowed. Class size is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 281-446-8588.
T’ai Chi
Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Meet in the Outdoor Classroom next to the Nature Center for an hour of low-impact stretching, breathing and range of motion exercises based on the 24-step Yang form of T’ai Chi.
Gardening Daze
Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 26 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Join horticultural coordinator Teri MacArthur at 8:30 a.m. for plant identification and weeding in the native flower beds surrounding the Nature Center, or help tend vegetables in the heritage garden at the pioneer homestead beginning at 9:30 a.m. with volunteer Doug Ebeling. Closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
Second Saturday Settlers: Homestead Fun
Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Fun was important in alleviating the hardships of early Texas settler life! Relive the good times with watermelon, homemade ice cream and old-fashioned games in the Redbud Hill Homestead, and witness other aspects of daily life demonstrated by authentically clad volunteers and staff.
Second Sunday Pickers
Sunday, Aug. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sing or strum along with the Second Sunday Pickers as they bring the Nature Center to life with acoustic music, including country-and-western, bluegrass, folk, rock-n-roll and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along or bring an instrument to join in the fun.
Junior Canoe Training
Friday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Budding canoeists ages 10 to 15 can gain experience and learn basic skills during this Junior Canoe Training. Once certified, junior canoeists may accompany an adult on park-sponsored canoe trips. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Project Wild Educator Workshop
Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Educators will receive a TEKS-aligned curriculum and activity guide to teach young people of all ages about ecology and wildlife using an entertaining, proactive approach. Participants should bring a lunch, and wear comfortable clothing with closed-toed shoes. This TEEAC and SBEC accredited course is open to professional and non-formal educators. A $25 fee to cover materials is required, and a $5 donation is suggested for workshop refreshments. Registration is required by visiting tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/project-wild-16.
Invasives Beware
Sunday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Record the locations of invasive plant and animal species and remove the ones that threaten native varieties with the JJP Eradicators at Jones Park. Participants ages 16 and older, or those accompanied by an adult, are welcome to attend.
Hummingbirds
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.
Appreciate local “hummers” through the eyes of Mark Klym, Texas Parks & Wildlife information specialist and author. Find out how to get involved in tracking the numbers of migrating hummingbirds that travel thousands of miles.
4th Saturday Settlers Volunteer Training: Spoon Making
Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Volunteers 16 years and older, or those interested in volunteering, are invited to learn how to expand their pioneer crafts and skills at this outdoor workshop. Participants will visit the homestead to learn the current offering of spoon carving.
Hunter Education Certification
Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Anyone ages nine and older interested in hunting can receive certification during this one-day course, which meets the mandated Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education requirements. A $15 materials fee applies. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday,
Aug. 19.
With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a Harris County Precinct 4 facility 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 physical ability. Jesse Jones Park Volunteers (JJPV) welcomes applications from interested participants.For more information about the park or any of the activities and programs offered, please call 281-446-8588 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/jones.
