However, Earth Day also made me think about Armand Bayou Nature Center, right down the road. Just because I'm lazy doesn't mean I don't like nature. I like nature, especially when it's convenient.
Armand Bayou is a nice little nature center that encompasses several different types of terrain. There's a prairie, a wetlands, a bayou, and a forest, all within the course of a very short hike.
Additionally, they have a relocation/reproduction of a turn of the century (uh, that would be last century) Texas homestead, with demonstrations of life during the rockin' 1900's. There are even a couple of (probably very lonely) bison.
Even though Armand Bayou is located on the edge of Houston, it's possible to lose yourself there. You can see a variety of wildlife from birds, turtles, snakes, lonely bison, and other small animals up to large alligators. (Some jackasses shot a 13 foot alligator there a few years back. Luckily they were caught and punished.) There's a learning center where they often have nature displays There's a bird blind if you want to see the variety of birds that pass through there. Unfortunately, the center can get pretty popular, so that makes it hard to sneak up on any of the birds. If you're serious about seeing the wildlife, there are bayou rides in the early morning and early evening. They cost extra, but seem like the way to go if you want an undisturbed view of the bayou.
Things I saw....
I've been several times and have wandered all around the center. Occasionally there are special events or demonstrations at the homestead. I've seen some interesting displays there, and they always make good subjects for photography if you're tired of photographing nature. On holidays (like Earth Day), there are usually special events planned. Halloween is fun, with creepy critters. During Christmas, the homestead is decorated and there are historical displays.
Things I missed....
Well, I've never been during Earth Day, even though I know they have lots of environmentally themed events. I've also never taken the pontoon rides on the bayou. And one event I've missed is the Bayou Boil, the fundraiser and crawfish boil. However, you don't have to miss it as it's coming up May 14. Get a ticket, eat some crawfish, have fun, and boost your environmentalist cred.
For more info...
The Armand Bayou Nature Center
