UPDATE: Registration has opened for the auction, and raffle tickets have gone on sale for the Clicks, Corks & Contributions fundraiser. Click here. Patrons for Bellaire Parks’ annual Wine & Tapas gala is arguably the city’s most anticipated social event each year, so when the al fresco food/wine/dancing/auction evening was postponed in March due to COVID-19 concerns, … [Read more...] about Clicks & Corks: Bellaire parks Patrons launch virtual fundraising gala
Nature Discovery Center
Aliens in your yard
By Eric Duran Many common backyard animals found in your garden are actually from another continent. You may have grown up with them as part of your outdoor landscape, but they didn't originate here in North America. Some creatures have been introduced accidentally in the soil of potted plants, others were introduced purposefully to help with agricultural problems, and some … [Read more...] about Aliens in your yard
Bellaire’s Nature Discovery Center closes ‘until further notice’ for public safety reasons
“To help prevent the spread of COVID-19” Bellaire’s Nature Discovery Center announced its closing Tuesday (March 17) “until further notice” and the cancellation, suspension or postponement of its programs and events for youngsters, adults and families through March 31. The adjacent four-acre Russ Pitman Park remains open. “Please stay healthy, spend some quality time in … [Read more...] about Bellaire’s Nature Discovery Center closes ‘until further notice’ for public safety reasons
Lizards and salamanders: A who’s who
By Eric Duran As a naturalist, I get questions about a lot of different animals. People are often curious about the small creatures they see crawling around their yards, but they don't always know how to describe or label them. One of the misnomers I hear repeatedly is the use of the word "salamander" to describe many small lizards. There is a lot of difference between … [Read more...] about Lizards and salamanders: A who’s who
For outside-the-norm winter birding, do go near the water
By Eric Duran One of my favorite winter wildlife occurrences along the Gulf Coast of Texas is the appearance of winter waterbirds. The lakes and other bodies of water in our area receive millions of ducks, but we also get a variety of other non-duck water birds, like grebes, loons, coots and cormorants. To view some of these birds, you need to head down to the coast or out … [Read more...] about For outside-the-norm winter birding, do go near the water