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Groups of seniors are invited on field trips to the Nature Discovery Center to observe local wildlife during different seasons. We explore the 4 habitat zones of Russ Pitman Park, Woodland, Prairie, Prairie Wetland, and Cypress Pond, on a guided stroll down porous pave, decomposed granite, and dirt trails.

Note: The terrain in the park is fairly level, but not all of the trails in the park are ADA compliant. There are benches located throughout the park if any participants need to sit and rest along the way.

Seasonal Strolls

Fall – We’ll look for fall migrants (birds, butterflies, dragonflies), identify fall wildflowers, observe trees in their seasonal transition and see the beginnings of fall color, and watch out for scurrying lizards and squirrels

Winter – We’ll seek out overwintering birds, observe trees, and search for winter berries, an important food source for winter wildlife in Houston.

Spring – We’ll catch glimpses of Spring migrants (birds, butterflies, dragonflies), identify our beautiful native wildflowers, smell fragrant trees in bloom, and keep an eye out for turtles coming out of hibernation, and toads and tadpoles in the ponds.

Optional Animal Encounter Add-On

If your group has an additional 20 minutes to spend with us, you can book an animal encounter experience as an add-on to your field trip. You’ll meet 2 different animal ambassadors (typically a mammal and a reptile) up close with a naturalist providing information about their biology and behavior. Animal encounters take place either inside the Center in our classroom or reception room (which are both ramp accessible), or outside in our Dean Neubek Critter Classroom.

Program Details

Where: Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401

When: Strolls are offered Monday – Friday between 10am – 3pm, subject to staff availability.

Duration: Strolls last about 45 minutes. Add-on Animal Ecnounters increase total field trip length to 1 hour 10 minutes.

Note: Payment must be received BEFORE the date of your scheduled field trip unless other arrangements have been agreed upon with our Executive Director.

Size: Maximum 30 total participants in 2 groups of 15.

Note: If you have a larger group that you would like to bring, please call Meredith Wheeler, our NDC Executive Director, to see how we can best accommodate your group.

Stroll Cost: $10/person
Stroll with Animal Encounter Add-on Cost: $15/person

Ready to Book? Please fill out a Senior Stroll Inquiry Form so that we may schedule your trip.