Join us for BBQ, Telescopes, and a Night in the Woods on the Trails of the Houston Arboretum!

HOUSTON, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Join us for a star filled night with BBQ, wine and more while enjoying the fresh outdoor air surrounded by the Houston Arboretum's 155 acres of nature. It is sure to be a memorable night viewed through telescopes observing constellations, stars and the night sky of early June.

During this adventure, you will have the opportunity to learn from Members of the Houston Astronomical Society that will be on-site to show us the half-moon, nearby planets and other celestial objects. "Experiencing the Houston Arboretum at night is a truly amazing experience, as our gates close before dark during normal business hours," said Debbie Markey, Director of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Adding, "Even more exciting, it isn't every day you can observe the skies with staff from the Houston Astronomical Society."

This event will take place on Saturday, June 1, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Arrive between 7 and 8:30 p.m. to enjoy a picnic barbeque dinner. Afterward, stroll through the forest to the Arboretum's Meadow Deck for plenty of star viewing. We encourage participants to wear comfortable shoes and to be prepared to stroll approximately a quarter mile from the building to the meadow where the telescopes will be set up.

Sign up soon, as we expect this event to sell out! The cost is $35 for individuals and $70 for families. The cost includes dinner, beverages, a night hike, and telescope observation.  Registration details for our BBQ, Telescopes & a Night in the Woods can be found on our website at: http://www.houstonarboretum.org/event/bbq-telescopes-night-in-woods

About The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center:

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, a lush 155-acre nature preserve, is one of the city's greatest natural treasures.  Located in Memorial Park, at 4501 Woodway Drive, the Arboretum is home to more than 75 varieties of native trees, 160 species of birds, 16 species of turtles, 10 species of frogs and 33 kinds of butterflies.  Visitors can explore and enjoy five miles of walking trails to experience nature at its most dramatic and in exquisite detail. The Arboretum grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.

The Nature Center building is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Discovery Room is open every day except Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides fun, hands-on activities and exhibits to explore nature up close.  Admission is free, but donations to support this nonprofit organization are appreciated.

Press Contacts:
Julie Shuford, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
[email protected] 713-366-0426

Public Contact: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
www.HoustonArboretum.org 713-681-8433

SOURCE The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center