eight Houston fall occasions so as to add to your gardening calendar, together with a farmer’s market, bat chat and scavenger hunt

As temperatures drop, gardening events around Houston fill the calendar. Here are some upcoming activities not to be missed:

PAPER HUNT IN AUTUMN: Put your observational skills to the test with the Houston Arboretum Fall Scavenger Hunt. Families will work together as a team to find clues, search for clues about animals, and solve nature-themed puzzles. Multiple times starting at 2pm on Oct. 23. $10 members/ $20 non-members (per family, up to four people). Register at houstonarboretum.org.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS: Nature Discovery Center Presents Curious Kids: Nocturnal Animals. Explore, ask, discover, experiment in their Pre-K science program. For children aged 3-5 accompanied by an accompanying adult. 10am and 4pm Oct. 25 $15 members/ $20 non-members. 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire. Register at naturediscoverycenter.org.

TEXAS LIFE: Live Oaks are a piece of Texas history. A visit to Rockport’s Big Tree is proof

BIRD MEASUREMENT: Take a 1.7-mile (2.7 km) stroll through the gardens of Mercer Botanic Gardens and meander along the winding riparian forest trails along the Cypress Creek Flyway for birding with longtime birder Paul Gregg. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. October 27, 8 a.m. For free. 22306 Aldine Westfield, Humble. Register at pct3.com/MBG.

Bat Chat: The Houston Bat Team presents Friday Night Bat Chats through November 4th. Bat Chat members will be on hand to answer questions about the colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Waugh Bridge. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to hear a crazy presentation. 28 Nov The bridge is on Waugh Drive between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway. Parking is available nearby at Allen Parkway and at the Lost Lake Visitor Center, 3422 Allen Parkway. No reservation required.

MORE FROM BRANDI KELLER: 3 year old fall season annuals to plant in your Houston backyard right now

AUTUMN FESTIVAL: Urban Harvest presents KelseySeybold’s Farmers Market Fall Festival. The market includes family activities, face painting, a fall photo backdrop, crafts, a cooking demo, tarot readers, live music and more. 8am-12pm, Oct 29 Free, 2752 Buffalo Speedway.

EVIL PLANTS: Jeff Cummins, greenhouse biologist at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, will reveal the history, biology and care of carnivorous plants. Presented by the Houston Botanic Garden. The event includes a great plant to take home. October 29, 10 a.m. $10 for members/$20 for non-members per person. Register at hbg.org

TREE COMPETITION: Get a free tree to brighten up your home, street or neighborhood. Species available in 3 gallon containers: Bald Cypress, River Birch, Sweet Gum, Swamp Chestnut Oak and Virginia Willow. Limited number of trees available. First come first serve. 9 am Oct 29 Free. 5609 Uvalde. For more information, visit treesforhouston.org.

CANNING WORKSHOP: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Harris County Presents Preserving the Harvest Canning Workshop. Learn hot water bath canning, pressure canning, and pickling food. Take home what you make. Limited Seating. 9.30am-2.30pm, 4 November. $40 per person admission fee includes lunch, supplies, and resources. 8440 Greenhouse, Cypress. Sign up at keeptheharvest2022.eventbrite.com by October 31st.

Brandi Keller is a Harris County Horticultural Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.