Tag: PASADENA TEXAS PARKS AND RECREATION

Armand Bayou has some pontoon cruises, guided kayak and bayou safari tours ready for you.

If you’re looking for a new adventure this weekend we have a few spots available on our Pontoon Cruises, Guided Kayak Tour, and our popular new Bayou Safari Tour. Relax, renew and reconnect with nature at ABNC!

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Texas Aquatic Science Certified field site offers TEKS-Based environmental education through interactive field trips.

Seen seining on the bayou! As a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site, our EcoEducation team provides high caliber environmental education. Our popular Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) based interactive field trips are designed by certified teachers and biologists. You can even see our Director of Education, Heather Millar here knee deep in the bayou leading this field trip.

Photos courtesy of Gary Seloff

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou’s EcoTots is now doing classes on Wednesdays and Fridays for Spring fun.

Starting this week EcoTots will now have classes on both Wednesdays and Fridays, giving you and your toddler even more opportunities to enjoy Spring together. Check out our fun EcoTots and other EcoProgram topics for this Spring at https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center
stemforkids,homeschooling,homeschoolers

Parks and Recreation has position openings.

‼SUMMER JOB ARE POSTED➡️https://pasadenatx.applicantpro.com/jobs/ 

☘️PT Pooled Adaptive Recreation – Camp Counselor
☘️PT Pooled Recreation Centers – Summer Day Camp Counselor
🍀PT Pooled Recreation Centers – Summer Recreation Attendant
☘️PT Pooled Aquatics (various positions)

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Armand Bayou’s Paint by Nature is Sunday March 19th 12:30-3:30pm

Looking for a fun and creative way to reconnect with nature? At ABNC’s Paint by Nature on March 19th, our skilled instructor Jesska Lamb will guide you step by step to paint a frog. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own painting to take home! Registration required https://www.abnc.org/paint-by-nature

Paint by Nature- Frogs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a mini forest for Parks and Recreation.

🌳 “A little baby forest in the blink of an eye” ~Dee from Landscaping😆 Thanks to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pasadena for bringing some kids out to help on their Spring Break! We planted 160+ trees in just 2 short hours! Shout out to our Landscaping Crews for all the help and preparations for this project!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Verne Cox Multipurpose Recreation Center got some goodies from Barcoda.

Check out these upgrades with our Adaptive Recreation Division at the Verne Cox Multipurpose Recreation Center! Thanks to Pasadena Community Coalition- bacoda for the new lounge area and bottle filling station!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Beautiful weather is the best weather at Armand Bayou.

There’s still time to reconnect with nature this spring break! ABNC has openings for mini pontoon cruises, paint by nature, bayou safari tours, family dipnetting, and more!

Plan your spring break adventure at https://www.abnc.org/reconnect-with-nature

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Video: ABNC said it better but, In the middle of chemical production Armand Bayou remains fresh.

From fields of waving prairie grasses to forested wetlands to unspoiled bayou systems, at the crossroads of three vulnerable gulf coast ecosystems, ABNC is a place like no other.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Recreation’s 4 youth recreation centers are open 1-7pm for spring break programs.

‼️😎FREE Spring Break Programs! Check out a Recreation Center near you! All 4️⃣ of our youth Recreation Centers will be open from 1-7pm, Monday – Friday! https://www.pasadenatx.gov/574/Recreation-Centers (see locations below)

Peter C. Fogo
914 Hart Street, Pasadena 77506
713-589-1897

Rusk
708 Witter, Pasadena 77506
713-473-4257

Odell Harrison
415 Delta, Pasadena 77506
713-477-6491

Golden Acres
5001 Oak Avenue, Pasadena 77503
281-998-0284

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation thinks there are more eggs from Eggsploring for free Easter Baskets.

🐰Happy EGGSploring of the remaining parks for this week⭐️‼️We think there are more eggs to be found because not all slips have been turned in for the FREE EASTER BASKETS‼️ For more park details, visit: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/743/Parks-Trails Another group of parks will be posted on Monday, for next week’s hunt!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

De-computerize the kids this spring break every day at Armand Bayou Nature Center.

We will be open everyday during spring break. Relax, renew, and reconnect with nature this spring break at ABNC. Choose a Bayou Safari tours, Mini Pontoon Cruises, Kayak Tour, Family Dipnetting, or Paint by Nature! And our Saturday Night Hike can be quite illuminating with the firefly season upon us! ABNC has something for everyone. Learn more and register at https://www.abnc.org/

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Volunteers with Celanese pimping Armand Bayou for Spring.

Volunteers from our dedicated sponsor, Celanese Corporation, are back again this spring, helping us to improve and maintain our buildings and garden beds. With their help, we are closer to completing our annual #springcleaning. Celanese comes out year after year, donating precious time and funds to help us with one of our biggest areas of need – facilities and grounds care. Thank you Celanese for your generous support.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Recreation had tons to do for the kids during Spring Break.

FREE Spring Break Programs! Check out a Recreation Center near you! https://www.pasadenatx.gov/574/Recreation-Centers

Peter C. Fogo
914 Hart Street, Pasadena 77506
713-589-1897

Rusk
708 Witter, Pasadena 77506
713-473-4257

Odell Harrison
415 Delta, Pasadena 77506
713-477-6491

Golden Acres
5001 Oak Avenue, Pasadena 77503
281-998-0284

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation has Summer jobs opening and an online application submitter.

JOBS. YOU. APPLY. https://pasadenatx.applicantpro.com/jobs/
☘️PT Pooled Recreation Centers – Summer Day Camp Counselor
🍀PT Pooled Recreation Centers – Summer Recreation Attendant
☘️PT Pooled Aquatics (various positions)

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

It’s time for the Egret’s annual reenactment of the movie The Birds performance at Armand Bayou.

Every Spring, an abundance of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Tri-Colored Herons, Little Blue Herons, Yellow Crowned Night Herons, Black Crowned Night Herons, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and Least Bitterns gather to raise the next generation. This assortment of different bird species which congregate and nest as a group on ABNC’s Rookery Island are referred to as colonial nesting waterbirds. In 2008, a Rookery of colonial nesting waterbirds formed at the nature center. ABNC Staff and Volunteers have further enhanced nesting opportunities by building an innovative artificial nesting structure at the Rookery. In addition to tree nests, there are now over 150 nest boxes available to be occupied, with over 300 birds making their home in the Rookery. It’s truly a sight to behold, check out our Rookery Tours to see this unique and stunning sight.
Photo courtesy of Colin O’Neal
#wildlifeWednesday #birdwatching #shorebirds

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Winning: Foremark Performance Chemicals replaced the attic floors in Armand Bayou’s native plant greenhouse.

We are floored by the excellent #volunteers from Foremark Performance Chemicals who replaced the attic floors in ABNC’s #nativeplant greenhouse and sponsored the purchase of materials to boot! Special shout-outs to Erik for scheduling the team, Monica for sharing these pictures, and Lei, Che, Michael, Brian, and Colter for the excellent handy skills! #thankyou

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou has got it going on outside in nature for you and the crew this Spring Break.

Check out all the fun adventures we have planned this Spring Break for you and your family to enjoy! Mini Pontoon Cruises, Bayou Safari Tours, Paint by Nature, Kayak Tour, Family Dipnetting, and try one of our Saturday Night Hikes which can be quite illuminating with the firefly season upon us! We’re even open every day during spring break, offering you even more opportunities to reconnect with nature. https://www.abnc.org/reconnect-with-nature

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou has started up Summer EcoCamp registrations for Jun-Aug.

Summer EcoCamp registration is now open! Weekly day camps packed with outdoor fun, exploration, and education. Half day and full day camps available. Learn more at https://www.abnc.org/ecocamps

Armand Bayou Nature Center
summercamp,STEMforkids,STEM,summer2023

Put your fishing pants on because four hundred rainbow trout were released Friday at Burke Crenshaw Park.

🐟The stocking process is fun to watch! 400 Rainbow Trout were released today at Burke Crenshaw Park! 🎣 It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze and a fun crowd watching the release!🐠 Head on out and catch your 5 trout daily bag limit and have a good trout dinner! Remember, you need a fishing license if you’re over the age of 16! Need more info? Check out our website: www.pasadenatx.gov/fishstockings

Thank you to Inland Fisheries College Station-Houston District-Texas Parks and Wildlife for the bi-weekly stockings👏👏

#letsgofishing #burkecrenshawpark #pasadenaparksandrec #pasadenatx

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

It’s Firefly Friday and guess who has a hike for that.

It’s time for nature’s stunning light show! We’re seeing fireflies, which means it’s time for the return of ABNC’s popular Firefly Friday Hikes. Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, the sight of them at night is always sure to amaze those who see it. These popular hikes book up quickly, reserve your spot today. https://www.abnc.org/firefly-hikes

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Recreation’s Eggsplore starts Monday Mar 6th and lasts all this month.

🐰🥕The hunt begins March 6! We hope your family can get out and EGGSplore our parks together during the entire month! 📲Stay tuned to our social media posts on Mondays for clues on what parks have hidden eggs that week!

In March, there will be weekly “carrot hunts*’ available in our parks! The bunnies will be hiding 100 carrot shaped eggs throughout the month hoping that your family can get out to our 40+ Pasadena Parks on your hunt! Make sure to check us out on FB and IG each week, for clues on where you can EGGSplore!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

The Port Houston Community Relations team took an Armand Bayou pontoon cruise yesterday morning.

Great way to start the work day! Thank you to the Port Houston Community Relations team Lorraine, Vanessa, Garret and Maritime Education Outreach manager Jacquie, for joining us yesterday morning on a pontoon cruise and tour to see first hand the impact Port Houston’s partnership, and generous support has made to ABNC’s crucial preservation and education work over the years.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Check out what’s been growing in Vince Bayou Community Garden’s dirt.

🥕🥕🥕🥕Check out this batch of carrots that was harvested yesterday! 😎If you want to be cool like this and grow your own vegetables, come join our Vince Bayou Community Garden Crew! 📲Sign-up at: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/755/Vince-Bayou-Community-Garden

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Armand Bayou is relaunching programs started by Chief Naturalist and Conservation Director, the late Mark Kramer.

We are excited to re-launch a series of programs first begun by our beloved Chief Naturalist and Conservation Director, the late Mark Kramer. Mark designed these programs to give guests a unique insight into animals and ecosystems that coexist around us. These programs were so special to Mark, and we feel it is important to keep them going.

We are kicking off Preserve Watch 2023 with a Gator Basking Days Tour on Saturday, March 4th then a Rookery Tour on Saturday, March 11th. Registration Required https://www.abnc.org/preserve-watch

Photos courtesy of Gary Seloff

Armand Bayou Nature Center

EcoTots learned about bobcats last week and starting March EcoTots will be on Wednesday and Fridays.

Our EcoTots had fun learning about bobcats last week! Each week at EcoTots, toddlers will learn about an exciting new topic and enjoy fun, hands-on activities. Starting in mid March, EcoTots will be available on both Wednesdays and Fridays, giving you and your toddler more opportunities to learn and explore nature together. Registration required https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

The Stewardship Saturday crew worked hard pulling invasive plants out of Armand Bayou’s floor.

Our Stewardship Saturday crew had a blast pulling invasive plants from ABNC’s forest last weekend! Thanks to these amazing new volunteers we have given our native trees a helping hand; by removing invasive tallow saplings, we have reduced the competition for light, water, and nutrients. Thank you Matt, Lynn, Nick, Schyler and Catherine for helping to keep ABNC wild!

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Celebrate your kid’s birthday at one of Armand Bayou’s hands on nature birthday party options.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate your kid’s birthday? ABNC has what you’re looking for! Choose one of our many hands-on nature birthday party options and give your child a fun party to remember. Our Artistic Adventure painting parties are good for kids and kids at heart. abnc.org/birthday-parties-in-nature

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Eggsplore Pasadena Parks engaging in the Citywide Carrot Hunt starting Monday Mar 6th 9am

🐰Are you ready to take on the City-Wide Carrot Hunt with us again this year!?! Make sure you are a part of the event to stay up to date with all of the clues! Be ready to post your finds on Facebook, using #EggsplorePasadenaParks ✅

In March, There will be weekly “carrot hunts” available in our parks! The bunnies will be hiding 100 carrot shaped eggs throughout the month hoping that your family can get out to the 40+ Pasadena Parks on your hunt! Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram, each week, for clues on where you can EGGSplore!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Burke Crenshaw Park is freshly stocked with trout this morning.

🐟🐟🐟307 trout were stocked this morning at Burke Crenshaw Park! Thanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife for the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program! Check out our website for more information: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/766/Fish-Stockings ~~~ Happy Fishing!🐟

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Meet Armand Bayou’s Les, he’s a volunteer blacksmith working the past few weeks helping to build homes for incoming animal ambassadors.

Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a Bird! No! It’s a Plane! NO! It’s LES COOK! Les is a #volunteer superhero and blacksmith extraordinaire who has been hard at work over these past few weeks helping to build new homes for our incoming animal ambassadors. When he is not welding for our Facilities team, you’ll see Les every 2nd Saturday forging with the Houston Area Blacksmithing Association by our hay barn and sharing his love of our center with our guests.
#thankfulthursday #grateful

Armand Bayou Nature Center

See local wildlife, relax, and have fun on the re-opened Armand Bayou kayak tours.

They’re back! Spend your weekend exploring and reconnecting with nature on a guided ABNC Kayak Tour. See local wildlife, relax, and have fun! Registration required https://www.abnc.org/kayak-tours

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Seems like the Armand Bayou Bald eagles got “ride or die” down right.

Happy Valentine’s Day, love is in the air today. Bald eagles mate for life, often not choosing another after one passes on. This couple returns to Armand Bayou every year to nest and raise their young. 

Photo courtesy of Gary Seloff

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou’s EcoPrograms are a great way to teach the kids life in the raw.

ABNC’s EcoPrograms are a great way for your kids to learn about nature through fun, hands-on activities. This week, they can learn about pelicans, recycling, lichen, or the 5 kingdoms. Each week is a new topic, book one week or many. Registration is required. https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Good news, Co-Ed Youth Soccer registration has been extended until March 4

‼️‼️DEADLINE EXTENSION‼️‼️ Youth Soccer registration has been extended until March 4. If you prefer to register in person, please visit PAL Gym during their business hours or on Saturday, March 4, from 9a-4p. Online Registration: https://pasadena.recdesk.com/Community/Home

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation is offering a free Karate class or sign up for the youth or abult classes.

‼️There is still time to come out and try a class for free! 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 & 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀. Register in-person at the class, or online at: https://pasadena.recdesk.com/Community/Home Questions? Contact PAL Gym at 713-475-1229 or [email protected]

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Armand Bayou’s volunteers built a new garden shed for the vegies.

This #thankfulthursday we want to thank ABNC’s amazing volunteer facilities crew who works behind the scenes to help keep this place running and keep the nature center in good repair. We are truly grateful to them for all that they do, most recently building this much needed new garden shed for our organic vegetable garden beside our farmhouse. The shed helps our dedicated garden volunteers to maintain the organic vegetable garden, where visitors learn about organic gardening and farming. Special thank you to PSC Group for funding the purchase of tools and materials needed to build the shed.
#thankyou #organicgarden

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou has more EcoPrograms than you can shake a stick at.

There’s so much to learn about and experience in ABNC’s EcoPrograms. This month’s topics include the Sun, Moon, and Earth, rocks, birds, energy, and our ambassador animals, like our little tree frogs here. Registration is required https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Check out the Roseate Spoonbill fishing on Armand Bayou’s Horsepen Bayou.

These young Roseate Spoonbill siblings join each other to fish on ABNC’s Horsepen Bayou. They eat mainly small fish and crustaceans, getting their stunning color from the pigments in some of their foods.

Photos courtesy of Gary Seloff

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center has several volunteering opportunities available

ABNC’s unique nature preserve could not exist without the support of our many volunteers. We have several volunteering opportunities available. If you’d like to be part of our amazing volunteer team, please register online to join our February 18th orientation https://www.abnc.org/volunteer

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Get your child in on some soccer game at Parks and Recreation’s Youth Soccer. Register now – Feb 24th

⚽️Youth Soccer Registration: Now – Feb 24. Register online at: https://pasadena.recdesk.com/Community/Home. Residents: $45
Non-Residents: $50 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆:
Games: March 25 – April 22
Championships: April 29 & May 6

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Jump in on new programs for this month at several Parks and Recreation centers.

💥New Month = New Programs📲 Visit: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/220/Recreation to view the program calendars! 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡:
Golden Acres Recreation Center
Odell Harrison Recreation Center
Peter C. Fogo Recreation Center 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞:
Verne Cox Multipurpose Recreation Center 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬:
Madison Jobe Senior Center Pasadena TX 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬:
PAL Gym
Tennis

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Pasadena Recreation Centers and Main Office are closed Thursday Jan 26th

⚠️‼{𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝟭/𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟯, 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬𝗣𝗠}: Our Recreation Centers, and Main Office, will be closed on Thursday, January 26th. Stay tuned to our social media and website for updates! www.pasadenatx.gov/parksandrec

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Experience Armand Bayou Nature Center in a new way on their new Bayou Safari guided tours.

Experience Armand Bayou Nature Center in a new way on our all new Bayou Safari guided tours. Leisurely discover the nature center on our electric vehicle with stops at the bison, farm area, prairie, animal exhibits and the bayou. Finish the tour observing wildlife from the elevated boardwalk. February 4th and 18th, from 1-3pm for $15 a person ($13 for members). Registration is required https://www.abnc.org/bayou-safari

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Video: Ready, Set, Serve at Pasadena Parks and Recreation New and Improved Tennis Courts

Tennis 🎾 is calling your name! For court fees and available times, visit: www.pasadenatx.gov/tennis

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Make a Difference This Summer and Join the Armand Bayou EcoCamp Counselor Squad

We’re hiring Summer Day EcoCamp Counselors / Outdoor Educators for our Summer EcoCamps. If you have experience working with youth of various ages, and are interested in an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling summer camp job this summer, love children and the outdoors, learn more about this exciting opportunity at https://www.abnc.org/jobs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Make a Difference for Wildlife and Join the Volunteer Team at Armand Bayou Nature Center

ABNC’s unique wildlife refuge and vast wilderness preserve could not exist without the support of our many volunteers. We have several volunteer opportunities available. If you’d like to be part of our volunteer team please register online to be included in our February 18th orientation. https://www.abnc.org/volunteer-application

Armand Bayou Nature Center

The ABNC’s unique wildlife refuge and vast wilderness preserve could not exist without the support of their many volunteers. Volunteers are a vital part of the ABNC’s mission to protect and conserve the natural environment and its inhabitants.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the preservation of wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve. They help to maintain the pristine nature of the habitats and ensure that the wildlife is safe and secure. Volunteers also help to educate the public about the importance of conservation and the need to protect our natural resources.

Volunteers are a critical part of the ABNC’s success and are always looking for dedicated and passionate individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the natural environment. If you’d like to be part of our volunteer team, please register online to be included in the February 18th orientation.

ABNC is committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations.  With your help, you can make a difference in the lives of the animals, plants, and people in our community.

Video: Armand Bayou’s turtle tips to help them cross the road safely.

It’s Turtle Time. Here are some tips to help turtles cross the road safely. We love our turtles at ABNC, and we’ve seen several trying to cross roads and trails recently! Please drive carefully and always be watchful of wildlife when driving at the center.

Original video courtesy of Stacy Holcomb

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Let’s Play Pasadena shindig has been canceled due to Saturday’s rainy forecast.

‼️{EVENT CANCELLATION UPDATE: 1/19/23, 3:30PM} Due to Saturday’s rainy forecast, this event has been canceled. We will post updates when they become available.‼️☔️⛈

CANCELLED: Let’s Play Pasadena

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Arkema service group used their MLK day planting threatened upland tidal marsh at Armand Bayou.

This #ThankfulThursday we want to thank the Arkema service group who came out on their day off, MLK day, to help us continue building our living shoreline by planting threatened upland tidal marsh in our protected habitat zone. You did an amazing job and we are truly grateful for your work on such an important project!
#thankyou #grateful #makeadifference #keepABNCwild




Armand Bayou Nature Center

I used to be in a band called Flock of Spoonbills. Check out Gary Seloff’s beautiful shots of baby Roseate Spoonbills at Armand Bayou.

This flock of mostly juvenile roseate spoonbills were seen feeding on ABNC’s Horsepen Bayou.
Photos courtesy of Gary Seloff




wildlifewednesday,birds,shorebirds,birdwatching,wildlifephotography

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Homeschoolers learning the sounds of the wild in EcoAdventurers at Armand Bayou.

What’s that sound? EcoAdventurers will learn what it is during our EcoProgram animal vocalizations class this week. Learn about this and other fascinating EcoProgram topics.  https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Join junior tennis pros and serve up a storm at Harry Taylor’s Saturday morning UTR Showdown.

ATTENTION JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS! The Harry Taylor Tennis Center has now started a Saturday morning UNIVERSAL TENNIS RATING (UTR) singles match play for junior players! Match play starts at 11:00am and players get two matches for only $5.00. If you are interested in signing up, visit: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/245/Tennis or contact Coach John Thomas! (210-535-5683 or [email protected]) We also have UTR doubles and Adult match play coming soon!

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

“It’s Time Texas Community Challenge” is next Saturday and now is the time to register.

*ONE WEEK AWAY – Let’s Play
CROQUET. SPIKEBALL OH MY!

Join us in promoting a healthier lifestyle for the citizens of Pasadena by learning
unfamiliar sports in a familiar location. Enter to win sports equipment and learn
more about the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.
Healthy Snacks & Drinks • Giveaways • Spikeball
Ultimate Frisbee • Croquet • Pickleball • Volleyball

Mark your calendars to join us at this JANUARY event to earn points for Pasadena in the It’s Time Texas
Community Challenge! • Are you signed up with It’s Time Texas? If not, register for free here:
https://reqister.ittcommunitychallenqe.com/

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Special hours at Armand Bayou this weekend for natural history and Houston Area Blacksmith Association demos.

ABNC has special hours this weekend! On Saturday, we’ll have natural history demos, as well as demos from HABA (Houston Area Blacksmith Association). On Monday, we will be open for even more time for you to reconnect with nature.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center throwback image of it being planned.

#Throwbackthursday Back when ABNC was just an idea! This photo from our archives is of a late night planning session on Hana Ginzbarg’s living room floor as she led the campaign to raise funds and public support for the purchase of land that would eventually become Armand Bayou Nature Center.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Recreation adult volleyball league registration is open at $200/team.

🏐Volleyball League registration is OPEN! $200/team. Ages: 18+ Tuesdays and Thursdays. https://pasadena.recdesk.com/Community/Home

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Armand Bayou video of box a turtle’s life.

Box turtles get their name from the ability to withdraw completely into their shell, closing up like a box. Sadly, habitat decline and poaching has hurt the turtle population. ABNC’s conservation efforts include caring for box turtles and releasing them when they have a good chance of survival.
Video courtesy of Susan Millsap

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Rec’s looking to fill lifeguard summer jobs, pronto.

💦Summer job anyone?? We are #hiring and we need YOU! Call or text (832-271-9408) to sign up for the #free #lifeguard certification class on January 13-15. If you are already lifeguard certified, apply for one of our positions at: www.pasadenatx.gov/jobs 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋:
*PT Aquatics – Assistant Concession Manager
*PT Aquatics – Lifeguard Instructor
*PT Aquatics – Concession Cashier
*PT Aquatics – Food Preparer
*PT Aquatics – Lifeguard
*PT Aquatics – Pool Manager

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

The weather’s hard to beat and a great time to join Armand Bayou’s EcoPrograms in January.

Sign up for ABNC’s EcoPrograms this January and give your kids a fun hands-on way to learn about animals, like raccoons, possums, otters; animal facts, like hibernation and food webs; and scientific elements like acids and bases and energy. EcoPrograms group kids with their peers with new topics taught weekly. Book one week or many, registration is required. https://www.abnc.org/eco-programs

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Video: Design Day, help design Pasadena’s future playspace at  Highlands Park Thursday Jan 19th.

!! Help Design The Playground !! Pasadena Highlands Park is getting a new playground and we need your creativity to help provide the vision for the design!! You have 2 options: #1 – Join us in-person on January 19 for design day at the Peter C. Fogo Recreation Center. #2 – Complete the KABOOM! design survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/l RkARJrXPB
Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Get to play unusual sports by joining in “It’s Time Texas Community Challenge” Jan 21st 10-2pm.

*2️⃣ WEEKS AWAY*
**FREE EVENT**

Croquet. Spikeball. Oh my!

Mark your calendars to join us at this JANUARY event to earn points for Pasadena in the It’s Time Texas

Community Challenge! Are you signed up with It’s Time Texas? If not, register for free here:

https://register.ittcommunitychallenge.com/

Join us in promoting a healthier lifestyle for the citizens of Pasadena by learning unfamiliar sports in a familiar location. Enter to win sports equipment and learn more about the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge.

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Harry Taylor Tennis Center has new fences. Beautiful day to go out and get ya some.

Can I get an upgrade? Wow, these fences at the Harry Taylor Tennis Center look great! If you haven’t been, you need to! Cost per person to play = $2 or $3. Check out our website for more details: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/245/Tennis

Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Embrace your inner artist this year by joining 2023’s first Paint by Nature on Sunday Jan 22nd.

Skilled instructor Jesska Lamb will guide you step by step to paint an armadillo. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own painting to take home! Registration is required. https://www.abnc.org/paint-by-nature



Armand Bayou Nature Center

New York Times 1972 newspaper article about Armand Bayou’s mission to buy the 3000 acres.

In 1972, this New York Times newspaper clipping shows that money was being raised to even purchase the land that would become Armand Bayou Nature Center. It took 2 years to complete fundraising and ABNC was established in 1974. Now, nearly 50 years later we are working on the Renewal 2024 Plan. In 2022, with the help of corporate sponsors and public support, we’re nearing completion of phase 1 (the renovation of our Environmental Learning Center). In 2023, we will start phase 2 with hopes of completion next year in time for ABNC’s 50th anniversary in 2024. #throwbackthursday #TBT #conservation #preservation

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Parks and Recreation is in motion now ahead of summer rush providing you a lifeguard job and certification January 13th-15th.

💦Summer job anyone?? We are #hiring and we need YOU! Call or text (832-271-9408) to sign up for the #free lifeguard certification class on January 13-15. If you are already lifeguard certified, apply for one of our positions at:  https://pasadenatx.applicantpro.com/jobs/

hiring,free,lifeguard
Pasadena Parks and Recreation

Video: An osprey catching a striped mullet for lunch on Armand Bayou.

Action shots of an osprey catching a striped mullet on Armand Bayou.
Photos courtesy of Gary Seloff

The osprey, also known as the fish hawk, is a large bird of prey that is found on every continent except Antarctica. With its distinctive appearance and habit of eating almost exclusively fish, the osprey is a popular and well-known species.

One of the most distinctive features of the osprey is its wingspan, which can reach up to six feet. The wings are long and narrow, with a distinctive bend at the wrist, and are well-suited for soaring and gliding over water. The osprey has a sharp, hooked beak and talons that are perfect for grasping and holding onto slippery fish. Its feathers are dark brown on top and white underneath, with a distinctive white head and neck that make it easy to spot in the sky.

The osprey is a migratory species, and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. It is most commonly found near bodies of water, as it relies on fish as its primary source of food. The osprey is an adept hunter, and will often hover over the water before diving down to snatch a fish in its talons. It will then fly back to its nest, which is usually built on a platform or in a tree near the water, to eat its catch.

Despite its popularity and widespread distribution, the osprey has faced several challenges in recent years. Habitat loss and degradation, as well as pollution and the overuse of pesticides, have all contributed to declines in osprey populations in some areas. Climate change is also a threat, as rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns can affect the availability of fish and the habitats in which the osprey lives.

Conservation efforts, such as the creation of protected areas and the enforcement of laws regulating the use of pesticides, are important for the protection of the osprey. In addition, the use of artificial nesting platforms and the restoration of natural habitats can also help to support osprey populations.

Overall, the osprey is a fascinating and important species that plays a vital role in the ecosystems in which it lives. It is a symbol of the health of our oceans and rivers, and its well-being is important for the health of the planet as a whole.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou’s first and only Night Hike is Saturday Jan 7th.

Our First Night Hike of 2023 is happening January 7th, this will be the only Night Hike for January. Experience the sights and sounds of the prairie, forest, and bayou by full moonlight on a guided hike. Registration is required, space is limited book your spot at https://www.abnc.org/night-hikes
Photo courtesy of Gary Seloff

Armand Bayou Nature Center