About
What Is It?
A 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary that provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.
Help Needed:
Help with conservation and maintenance of the trails and grounds, summer and school break camps for children, holiday parties and other special events, and/or administrative tasks.
Details
Minimum Age to Volunteer
15
Time Commitment
Varies
Suitable for Groups of Volunteers?
Yes. Groups work on conservation projects to enhance trails and grounds. More information is here.
Training Needed
The Arboretum will provide any training needed. All individual volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Application Form, Background Release forms, and a Parent/Guardian Consent form if under 18. Volunteers are required to participate in an interview and to attend orientation.
Help Needed
NATURE DISCOVERY CAMP ASSISTANT
Help introduce children to environmental and natural history topics in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. Week long classes (full or half-day) explore a natural history topic using hands-on, engaging activities in the classroom and outside on our grounds.
Volunteers must be at least 16, have a strong interest in working with younger children, and be responsible and self-directed. Volunteers must commit to at least one week, with shifts on Monday-Friday from 8:30 – 3:30.
GROUP PROJECTS
Each year many volunteer groups of all types and sizes work to enhance the nature sanctuary trails and grounds. Conservation projects can include planting, clearing invasive plants, mulching, clearing trails, and similar tasks.
All youth group volunteers must be at least 16 years old and limited to a group size of 15 youth with 2 adult chaperones for every 10 volunteers. All groups must schedule in advance.
Location
HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER
Houston, Texas 77024
Location Details
Houston, Texas 77024
Additional Information
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Video (4 minutes)
Examples of past Scout projects
Eagle: Antonio S. (Troop 354) supported the Gulf Coastal Plain biome by clearing land and removing invasive species of trees and plants. (2018)
Eagle: Frank S. (Troop 56) worked with more than 30 volunteers to clear 1/2 acre of land. (2017)
Eagle: IV H. (Troop 55) cleared out invasive species and underbrush to help the native species flourish. (2017)
Eagle: Lars K. (Troop 641) cleared invasive plant species and installed erosion control measures, with 28 volunteers. (2015)
Eagle: Michael P. (Troop 641) led a team of 26 volunteers in clearing 30,000 square feet of brush and invasive species, and raised more than $ 1500 in donations. (2015)
Eagle: Hayden G. resurfaced a 220-foot portion of the deteriorated emergency loop (road) with crushed granite. (2014)
Eagle: Robert L. (Troop 55) raised funds and cleared dead branches and debris from nature trails after the drought. (2013)
Eagle: Hunter H. (Troop 55) cleared dead trees and limbs. (2013)
Eagle: Constructed a 30′ rope bridge in the playground
Eagle: Carter J. (Troop 266) collected brush over a portion of the arboretum’s forest after the drought of 2011, mulched the brush, and then returned the mulch back to the forest floor.
Eagle: Improved the trail system.
Eagle: John P. built an 100′ boardwalk. (2006)
Gallery
I volunteered at the Arboretum for six years. I really enjoyed it, and during that time I saw lots of teenagers volunteering in many different capacities. Not sure about the requirements for kids, but I had to pass a background check to volunteer there.