Spring Fever Starts This Weekend With Nature-Themed Events

SPRING, TX — Spring fever is in the air, and there's plenty of events happening in the month of March that will get you outdoors and in the mood.

Here are a few events that begin this weekend and carry on through the end of the month.

NatureFest: Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.|Join volunteer bird guides Al Barr for a special Saturday morning bird walk to kick off NatureFest 2018. This guided walk provides visitors with a firsthand look at some of the overwintering and resident birds in the park as well as opportunities to see a few early migratory species. Ages 10 and up. Join Jones Park for a day dedicated to nature. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet exhibitors, participate in a variety of hikes and tours, watch interactive demonstrations, and even try fishing in our catch and release fish tank. This free family event is a great opportunity to learn more about the natural environment around Houston as well as outdoor recreational opportunities.

Invasives Beware: Sunday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.| Join Jones Park staff and the Jesse Jones Park (JJP) Eradicator’s to assist in finding, documenting, and removing invasive plant and animal species as well as conducting other habitat management tasks in Jones Park. Closed-toe shoes required, gloves and long pants are recommended. Ages 16 and up or accompanied by adult.

Gardening Daze: Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 8:30 a.m.| Join Horticultural Coordinator Matt Abernathy Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. for native plant landscaping and habitat restoration in the park. Volunteers assist with gardening outside the Nature Center, caring for plants in the greenhouse, removing invasive species, habitat restoration, and other horticultural projects. Park staff and volunteers also work in the heritage garden at the pioneer homestead after 10 a.m. Closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Tai Chi:Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 9 a.m.| Interested in trying a new healthy outdoor activity? Doug Ebeling, volunteer Tai Chi instructor, leads this class based on the 24-step Yang form of T’ai Chi. The one-hour class includes low-impact stretching, breathing, and range of motion exercises held in the outdoor classroom near the Nature Center.

Sewing Historical Costumes: Saturday, March 10 at 10 a.m.| During this interactive program, visitors will discover how to accurately interpret clothing from several decades of the 1800s. This program will also provide instruction on how to sew your own costume and make an 1830s bonnet. Bring your own sewing kit. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, Feb. 28. Ages 8 and up.

Second Saturday Settler: Spinning and Weaving: Saturday, March 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.| This interactive program led by Jones Park volunteers and staff will show how early settlers spun plant and animal fibers into thread and woven fabrics. Additional demonstrations will help to bring the Redbud Hill Homestead to life.

Second Sunday Pickers: Sunday, Feb. 11 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, gospel, Cajun, and blues. Visitors of all ages are welcome to listen, sing along, or bring an instrument to join in the fun.

Stargazing: Saturday, March 10 at 7 p.m.| Enjoy an evening learning about the moon, planets, and stars from members of the North Houston Astronomy Club. Telescopes or binoculars encouraged.Reservations required beginning Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Spring Breakout: Monday, March 12 to Friday, March 16| Spring Break is a great time to get out and enjoy the park with a variety of programs throughout the week. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, Feb. 28.

· Jr. Master Gardener. Monday at 10 a.m. Ages 7 to 12

· Jr. Angler. Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 8 and up.

· Texas Bound. Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 7 to 12.

· Jr. Canoe Training. Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 10 to 15.

· Geocaching. Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 7 and up.

Adopt-A-Trail: Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to noon| Adopt-a-trail sponsors and interested visitors can join staff and volunteers in marking and removing invasive plants and other habitat management project throughout the park. For more information on this program, please call the park office and for more information on Texas invasive plants, visit www.texasinvasives.org. Ages 10 and up. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, March 7.

Pontoon Boat Tours: Saturday, March 24. Tours throughout the day| This program provides a leisurely guided tour along Spring Creek, providing visitors with scenic views and a background on the area’s natural history and wildlife.Ages 8 and up. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, March 14.

Jesse Jones Park Volunteer Meeting: Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m.| Join Jones Park staff and volunteers for their monthly volunteer meeting to learn more about what’s new at Jones Park, upcoming events and programs, and volunteer opportunities. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. with a guest presentation.

Easter Games: Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to noon| Enjoy egg rolls, bunny races, spoon races, and other traditional Easter games at Redbud Hill Homestead. Bring a picnic lunch. Ages 12 or under. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, March 21.

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