WHAT: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will hold a Dedication and Unveiling Ceremony to celebrate the new Texas Historical Commission Marker from the State of Texas, which recognizes the Arboretum’s historical importance in as an environmental landmark benefiting the citizens of Houston through its conservation and education efforts.
The marker, to be installed at the Nature Center, notes that efforts spanned the 1920s – 1950s to set aside an Arboretum outside of Memorial Park. Science educator Robert Vines and philanthropist Susan Clay McAshan worked together “to secure permanency during the environmental awakening of the 1960s.” Vines and McAshan saw an arboretum as a unique opportunity to teach conservation to children, encouraging them to safeguard the future of the planet by starting in their own backyards.
The then-Houston Botanical Society operated the 155-acre sanctuary and changed course from plans for manicured grounds to conservation of a natural ecosystem, which is what the Arboretum is today. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Arboretum took place on February 17, 1967 and was attended by Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall. Today the Arboretum is a public/private partnership with the City of Houston.
WHO: Attendees at the event include:
- Debbie Markey, Executive Director, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Christine Mansfield, Senior Manager Marketing & Development, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Patti Bonnin, Senior Naturalist, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Members of the Harris County Historical Commission
WHEN: Saturday, February 24th at 1 pm
WHERE: Houston Arboretum
Nature Center Building Entrance
120 West Loop North (Interstate 610) between Post Oak Boulevard and Woodway Drive
Parking is available near the building.
Link to map here with Nature Center location included
Note: GPS might take you to 4501 Woodway Dr.; however, the Loop 610 entrance is closer to the building.
VISUALS: Unveiling of the Marker
VIPs in attendance
Shots of natural environment within Houston Arboretum
INTERVIEWS: Debbie Markey, Executive Director, Christine Mansfield, Senior Manager of Marketing
MORE: You can contact Carol Brejot at 713-503-3885 or Christine Mansfield, 713-253-4354, to set up a time to shoot photos/video, conduct interviews, etc. Or feel free to visit the Arboretum during open hours to take video/photos.
