The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is offering admission-free nights select Thursday evenings this summer as part of its annual Nature Nights program. The family fun events will include interactive activities, scavenger hunts, nature hikes, and demonstrations by experts, as well as the Girl Scouts and other organizations.
Nature Nights will run Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through July 23, with the exception of the July Fourth week. An HEB sponsorship keeps the actual events free. Children 12 and under also will receive a free gift at the Wildflower Center Store. The café will be open until 8 p.m. for purchases.
Remaining Summer 2015 Nature Nights
Pollinators – Thursday, June 18
Bat Conservation International will discuss butterflies, bees, bats, moths, and other pollinators. Travis Audubon will offer information about hummingbird pollination and also will have a show-and-tell with a bee hive and a bee keeper’s clothing. Try a fun pollination activity involving Cheetos!
Snakes – Thursday, June 25
Hear a University of Texas herpetologist talk about snakes, as well as host a live snake demonstration. How do snakes differ from us in how they smell and hear? How can we tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes? A popular Nature Night, this event also will include a horned toad craft and a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department ranger handling a boa constrictor.
Springs, Streams and Pond Ecology – Thursday, July 9
What’s the difference between springs, streams, and ponds? Do any local water features reach the Gulf of Mexico? And, why do natural water supplies matter? At 7 p.m., kids can watch the puppet show, “Tortuga del Mar,” provided by the Austin Public Library. Check out the water features at the Wildflower Center while going on a scavenger hunt, and even learn about dragonflies and the endangered Houston toad.
Harnessing Fire – Thursday, July 16
The Austin Fire Department joins Nature Nights with several types of fire trucks and to teach about fires and fire equipment. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to talk on firefighter radios, and why fires can be beneficial. Attendees are encouraged to wear their fire apparel.
Birds of Prey – Thursday, July 23
Watch representatives from the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center give a live bird presentation and also see a Eurasion eagle-owl. Take apart an owl pellet to see what owls eat!
