Celebration: Earth
Safeguarding Our Planet: Houston Museum of Natural Science Celebrates Earth Day
Earth’s Splendor Unveiled
Embark on a journey of discovery with Flight School at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where expert butterfly flight attendants guide you through the skies to become a butterfly pilot, culminating in the magical release of your very own butterfly into the lush rainforest exhibit. Your participation not only enriches your experience but also supports essential conservation efforts for butterflies and the rainforest. Dive deeper into nature’s embrace with the City Nature Challenge, a delightful opportunity to observe and document the wild species that call Houston home. Through the iNaturalist app, you can join a community of nature enthusiasts in exploring the rich biodiversity of the metropolitan area, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world around you.
Featured Attractions
GAIA by Luke Jerram
On display from April 12 – April 28.
City Nature Challenge
From April 26 – April 29, 2024, participate by making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, you just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the community will help identify which species it is. Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of Houston will count during the four-day challenge. You can participate by exploring the life in your backyard (and use the hashtag #backyardchallenge on social media), in your neighborhood park, or from an apartment balcony or courtyard. You can also help with IDs for other people’s observations to increase our species count. Click here for more info!
Need a place to get started? Visit the Community Science Garden at HMNS!
This garden can be found next to the Cockrell Butterfly Center on the museum grounds alongside the Hermann Park Dr. entrance to the museum. This garden demonstrates an example of a pollinator and wildlife friendly outdoor space. Nectar plants provide food for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinating animals. Host plants attract species-specific butterflies to lay their eggs and then provide food for the newly hatched caterpillars. Shelter and water sources are also key components for successful pollinator gardens.
The City Nature Challenge is organized by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences.
Distinguished Lecture- The Energy/Climate Conundrum
Members | Free
Adult | $12
In the real world, we make trade-offs between climate security, energy poverty, and energy security. Energy is necessary for maintaining healthy economies and lifting much of the world out of poverty, however, climate concerns also present real considerations. We need a constructive and honest conversation about these trade-offs.
Dr. Scott Tinker is the director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, the State Geologist of Texas, professor at The University of Texas at Austin, Chairman of the Switch Energy Alliance, and CEO of Tinker Energy Associates.
Eligible for CPE credit.
Virtual ticket sales close April 16 at 4:00 p.m. central. You will receive the Zoom link at 5:00 p.m. central to the email used during registration.
Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation.
Other Adult Education Programming
Hands-On Classes:
Organically Delicious: Regenerative Gardening
Member Adult | $30
Public Adult | $40
Discover the evolution of organics with Regenerative Gardening, a holistic approach that views the garden as a complete ecosystem, mirroring nature’s methods for soil enrichment and pest/disease control. Uncover the secrets of building a resilient garden that can withstand the challenges of summer heat and drought with minimal losses, and experience fewer pest and disease challenges while delivering increased productivity with less effort over time. Learn how to implement regenerative farming techniques in an urban setting on a practical scale.
Cosponsored by Urban Harvest. Eligible for CPE credit.
Eco-Alchemy: Transforming Trash
Member Adult | $60
Public Adult | $80
Explore the remarkable world of insects and their role in decomposition. Discover how these unsung heroes transform organic waste into ecological treasures, enriching the soil and supporting entire ecosystems. In this engaging learning experience, you’ll even have the opportunity to create your own beetle model, gaining a hands-on understanding of nature’s recycling champions. Explore the essential connection between insects and ecological abundance as we delve into the world of decomposition.
All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit.
Behind the Scenes Tours:
Cockrell Butterfly Center
Member Adult | $25
Public Adult | $35
On this exclusive tour led by Butterfly Center staff, you will visit the containment room and rooftop greenhouses–areas not open to the public–where staff cares for the Museum’s caterpillars, butterflies, other insects, and grow plants for the butterflies. You will also tour the Cockrell Butterfly Center rainforest and Brown Hall of Entomology.
Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & the Myths
Member Adult | $30
Public Adult | $45
Dive in with master docents for an after-hours tour of Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths.
Discover the intricacies of the shark world, as you observe these remarkable and tenacious creatures, which play a vital role in our ecosystem. Gain a deeper understanding of their significance, while marveling at the power and grace of these majestic predators. Additionally, witness the presence of smaller sharks and rays in the primary tank, and invertebrates in the tide pool tank.
Eligible for CPE credit.
Trips & Excursions:
From Mammoths to Modern Preservation
Member Adult | $40
Public Adult | $60
Explore the Indiangrass Preserve and delve into the rich history of its early inhabitants, pivotal in sculpting our vast grasslands, from mammoths to ancient civilizations. Afterwards, craft a prairie seed ball to cultivate your very own pocket prairie at home.
Eligible for CPE credit.
Re:3D Plastic Waste Printing
Member Adult | $40 Public Adult | $60
Member Child | $40 Public Child | $60
Discover the synergy of innovation and sustainability at Re:3D.
With a focus on affordability and large-scale printing, Re:3D tackles 3D printing barriers by using reclaimed plastic waste, confronting cost and scale challenges head-on.
Join us for a tour of the facility and witness the transformative potential of 3D printing from waste, and see how today’s technology is shaping tomorrow’s manufacturing landscape.
Participants must be at least 8 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed guardian. Ticket sales close May 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. central. You will receive directions and additional information to the email used during registration.
Following the tour, you’ll have the chance to acquire a Re:3D printed rocket. This option costs an extra $40 per rocket, covering shipping to addresses in the Houston area, payable directly to Re:3D. Rockets will be dispatched approximately three weeks post-tour.
Member Events
Second Saturday: Reading time with the Author of the book “A Shell is Cozy”
This event is free for members!
Embark on a journey of awe and discovery as we celebrate our beloved home, Earth! Join us in marveling at the wonders of Gaia while our knowledgeable docents share fascinating facts about this magnificent globe.
Don’t rush away too soon—linger a while and immerse yourself in creativity at the craft station in the Glassell Hall, where you can craft your unique version of our precious planet. Come, explore, and let the spirit of Earth captivate your senses!
As an extra treat, don’t miss out on our special reading time at 9:30 a.m. in Hamill Hall, located right across from the Matter & Motion Hall. Join us for a delightful session with Dianna Hutts Aston, the author of the book “A Shell Is Cozy.” You can even grab a copy of her book at our Museum Store with your exclusive member discount! It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a captivating story in a cozy setting. See you there!
*Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances
Member Event: Cockrell Butterfly Center
Engage all your senses at this Member Night! Immerse yourself in the fragrant blooms that flourish inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center, capture moments with our fascinating animals in a photo op and dare to experience an insect petting zoo. Challenge your taste buds with a miracle berry taste test and get hands-on as you craft an air plant hanger and preserve a butterfly keepsake to take home. Join us as we celebrate the reopening of our Cockrell Butterfly Center – an evening designed to make your heart flutter with unforgettable memories!
(Please log in to your account to view this event)
Member Month-Long Discounts
During Celebration Earth Month, save 30% off on any Saturday Stargazing event by using discount code GeorgeMembers at check out (tickets must be reserved prior to the day of the event).
*Visit Brazos Bend State Park’s website to purchase separate park entrance reservation.
Other Museum Attractions
Cockrell Butterfly Center
9 Natives Showcase Garden
This garden can be found on the museum grounds behind the Cockrell Butterfly Center along San Jacinto St. Sponsored by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, the 9 Natives program helps to promote the value of native plants to pollinators, and how these native plants are part of the important prairie landscape. There are so many great reasons to incorporate native plants into your yard or garden. They are hardy and can survive local extremes of heat or cold, drought, and wind. Once established, native plants usually require little or no irrigation or fertilization. They are resistant to many pests and diseases so you will not need pesticides or herbicides. Native plants when mixed together can provide year-round color and beauty, and provide food and homes for the birds, bees, and butterflies.
April 8 – Join us as HMNS hosts the Coastal Prairie Conservancy Volunteer Days in the 9-Natives Garden on April 8th. Following volunteer dates will be held on the 2nd Monday of each month.
Flight School
Soar into first class with the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s Flight School! Led by a team of expert butterfly flight attendants, you’ll learn what it takes to become an ace butterfly pilot, and release a butterfly of your very own into the Center’s rainforest. Releases are first come, first served and may be purchased inside the rainforest exhibit.
All Flight School funds support our farmers’ butterfly and rainforest conservation efforts.
Summer Camps
Ecology Engineers (Ages 10-12)
- Explore the amazing creatures and biomes of our planet. Create snacks and homes for local wildlife, experiment with green energy by building an electric generator, and more.
Shark Camp (Ages 6-7 & 8-9)
- Make a splash this summer with the world’s fiercest marine predator: Sharks! Explore the science, history, and mystery of sharks and get a chance to touch some live sharks too!
Survivor (Ages 8-9)
- Distill drinking water, discover how to navigate by the stars, build your own compass and more. Participate in a survivor competition on Friday. Camp includes optional bug tasting activity.
Amazing Animals (Ages 8-9)
- From meat-eating predators to the tiniest amoebas, your world is full of interesting creatures! Explore our live animal collection, exhibits and venues as we “hunt” for amazing animals.
Waterworks (Ages 6-7)
- Engage in water-based activities, including creating bubble buildings and bubble art, creating a mysterious diver that sinks and rises, and building a cargo boat that can carry the largest load.
Sugar Land Attractions
In Our Nature
April 6: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
April 13: Texas Master Naturalists: What’s the Buzzzz about Native Bees? 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
April 27: Texas Master Naturalists: What’s the Buzzzz about Native Bees? 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Earth Day Festival
Join us for an inspiring Earth Day event in the pollinator garden at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Explore eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices, while discovering the importance of biodiversity. It’s a day of interactive education and hands-on fun!
Water’s Extreme Journey
Water’s Extreme Journey transforms the visitor into a drop of water entering a watershed, an area of land where water drains and collects into a shared reservoir. Visitors voyage through a maze by making choices, navigating rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even their homes, eventually reaching the healthy ocean. Solve puzzles, ride the zip slide, dodge pollution & get filtered – learn how daily decisions can improve the watershed in your own backyard!