Start the new year with one of the popular programs at Jesse Jones Park. From nature to fitness, both young and old will find something to suit.
Winter Bird Count
Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7:45 a.m.
Visitors 12 and older are welcome to join a staff naturalist and fellow birding enthusiasts for an informal count of wintering and resident birds at Jones Park.
T’ai Chi
Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 8:30 a.m.
Join Doug Ebling, 3rd degree T’ai Chi Black Belt, in the green space next to the Nature Center (weather permitting) for an hour of low-impact stretching, breathing and range of motion exercises based on the 24-step Yang form of T’ai Chi.
Tadpoles Club
Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.
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. Adults must attend with participants and no older or younger siblings are allowed. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Webelos Naturalist
Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon
Webelos Scouts can learn about birds, snakes and trees while earning their Naturalist Activity Pin during a fun morning of nature-based activities. Reservations are required and available beginning Friday, Jan. 2.
Second Saturday Settlers: Lye Soap Making
Saturday, Jan. 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Jones Park staff and volunteers in the Redbud Hill Homestead to learn how early Texas settlers made old-fashioned, all-purpose cleaner out of ash derived from tallow and wood. Watch as authentically clad re-enactors bring the homestead to life!
Pioneer Campfire
Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Sing along with Jawad performing “Jojo Git Your Banjo” and spend an evening around a warm campfire while listening to storytelling. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Second Sunday Pickers
Sunday, Jan. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more than 25 years, the Second Sunday Pickers have filled the Nature Center with acoustic music including country-and-western, bluegrass, rock and roll, folk and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along or bring an instrument to join in the fun.
Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trees are essential to a healthy ecosystem! Celebrate Texas Arbor day by taking home a free sapling along with tree planting and care information. Exhibits and activities will highlight local forest plants. All ages are welcome. Webelos Scouts can fulfill all requirements for the forester badge by completing a self-guided activity. Select a tree and make a difference!
Papercrafting: Old Idea/New Methods
Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.
Join paper enthusiast Ginger Winningkoff to learn the history of papermaking, and then create a take-home project using natural materials. This program is appropriate for visitors ages 10 and older. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Invasives Beware
Sunday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. 11 a.m.
Join the JJP Eradicators in recording the locations of invasive plant and animal species and removing those that threaten native varieties at Jones Park. Participants ages 16 and older, or those accompanied by an adult, are welcome to attend.
White Bass Fishing
Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to noon
Bring out the family for a morning of fishing in Spring Creek, and perhaps take advantage of the seasonal white bass spawning run. Participants should bring their own fishing tackle and bait. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14.
4th Saturday Settlers Volunteer Training
Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Blacksmith training is available for Jones Park Redbud Hill Homestead volunteers or applicants 16 years and older who are interested in volunteering at park festivals and programs.
Winter Tree ID Walk
Saturday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Nature lovers of all ages are invited to join a staff naturalist for a walk in the park. Learn how to identify dormant trees by examining their bark, twigs and other characteristics.
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/jones.
