Your guide to going ‘green’ in Bellaire and West U Focusing on the environment isn’t hard to do in Bellaire and West University this time of year. The temperatures are mild, trees are budding, azaleas and wildflowers are blooming (OK, yes — and the pollen is wafting). Earth Day on April 22 and the weeks leading up to it are full of outdoor events and special programs … [Read more...] about Where being ‘down to earth’ is a matter of civic pride
Nature Discovery Center
Brrrrrrr: How local critters endure colder weather
By Eric Duran When winter weather started, the natural coping mechanisms of the animals in our midst kicked into gear. There are three most common strategies that wild animals can use to get through the winter. Some animals leave for the winter, migrating south. Some animals just go to sleep all winter — they hibernate. Some animals just try to fatten up and hoard resources, … [Read more...] about Brrrrrrr: How local critters endure colder weather
Falling for autumn butterflies
By Eric Duran Last month we took a look at the Monarch butterflies, their biology and the problems they face. But Monarchs aren’t the only butterflies that visit our yards in West University and Bellaire. This month, we’re going to take a look at some common fall butterflies found in area gardens. And for those of you who would like more of these colorful visitors, we’ll also … [Read more...] about Falling for autumn butterflies
Nature Center to host fall festival weekend of pumpkin plucking, outdoor fun
Bellaire’s Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle Dr., will host its annual Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15-16. The grounds of Russ Pitman Park will be filled with a photo opp-friendly selection of pumpkins along with educational festival fun, including carnival games and inflatables, nature activities, animal encounters, and vendors offering … [Read more...] about Nature Center to host fall festival weekend of pumpkin plucking, outdoor fun
Eric’s extras: The best native garden plants for Monarch butterflies in West U, Bellaire gardens
Caterpillar Host Plants Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) Nectar Plants for Adult Butterflies Texas Lantana (Lanatana urticoides x horrida) Blue Sage (Salvia azurea) Prairie Verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Painted Coreopsis (Coreopsis … [Read more...] about Eric’s extras: The best native garden plants for Monarch butterflies in West U, Bellaire gardens