Jesse Jones parks has day programs schedule throughout the summer.
Texas Bound One-Day Camp
Wednesday, July 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Redbud Hill Homestead comes to life during this fun-filled, one-day camp for kids ages seven to 12. Using props, games, and hands-on activities, day campers join together in “families” for a journey to Texas. Kids experience some of the hardships of settler life, barter for goods and services, and quickly discover what they must do to make a successful new homestead and earn a settler’s land grant. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, June 24.
Gardening Daze
Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
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.
T’ai Chi
Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 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.
Junior Canoe Training
Thursday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Budding canoeists ages 10 to 15 can gain experience and learn all of the basic skills needed during the Junior Canoe Training session. The training will allow junior canoeists to accompany an adult on park-sponsored canoe trips. Reservations are required for this event and may be made beginning Wednesday, June 24.
Dragonfly Workshop
Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to noon
Become a Citizen Scientist at the park by learning the characteristics of and helping to monitor three types of beautiful beautiful migratory dragonflies that move through this region. A guided walk to the park’s waterways to practice photographing and identifying them will be offered.
Second Saturday Settlers: Primitive Weapons and Hawk Throw
Saturday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
All ages are welcome to watch as volunteers and staff demonstrate how to use black powder weaponry and tomahawks as well as try out primitive archery in the Redbud Hill Homestead on the east side of the park. Take in some of the other daily activities of 19th century settlers also being performed!
Second Sunday Pickers
Sunday, July 12 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 and roll, and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along, or bring an instrument to join in the fun.
Owls
Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
Those ages eight and older can join a park naturalist for a hands-on lesson on what owls like to eat by examining owl pellets. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, July 8.
Invasives Beware
Sunday, July 19 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.
Animal Tracks & Signs
Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m.
Accompany a park naturalist to look for animal tracks, signs of wildlife, and other critter identifiers in the park habitat.
4th Saturday Settlers Volunteer Training: Basket Weaving
Saturday, July 25 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 in the homestead. Participants will visit the homestead to learn the current offering of basket-making.
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.
