In keeping with its promotion of sound ecology, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center celebrates Earth Week featuring boat rides, seminars and a visit from wildlife expert and television personality Jack Hanna.
All of the April 22 to 27 events require RSVP by April 22. To RSVP, call Shangri La at (409) 670-9113.
In addition to the rides, Dawn Stout with the Imaginuity group says the week will include nature walks, story readings for children and daily lessons on topics such as photographing birds, butterfly gardening and epiphytes. Hanna's presentation will be April 27. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Daily schedule
7:15 to 9 a.m., boat trip through Shangri La, limited to 50 people and children 4 and older. To get to Shangri La, take a shuttle from the Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.
9 to 11 a.m., "Photographs of Birds." Work with a professional photographer to learn how to capture photos of wildlife; limited to 15 people 12 and older. To take part, go to the Shangri La admissions window. Participants must provide their own cameras.
Maximum of 15 people.
7:15-9 a.m., nature walk: a two-mile walk begins at the Shangri La admissions area and proceeds to Beaver Pond outpost to view birds. Maximum of 20 people.
10 to 10:30, story time: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle will be read to highlight nature and how we live in our environment. Participants should meet under the oak tree near the Water Demonstration Garden.
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., "Cooking from the Garden." Learn recipes (such as homemade pizza) with fresh ingredients that can be grown in a garden. Maximum of 25 people.
3:30 p.m., butterfly release. Some 350 native butterflies will be released into Shangri La. Guests may also view butterfly chrysalis hatching throughout the week in the NDC screen in the pavilion.
6 to 7:30 p.m., boat trips, maximum of 25 limited to children 4 and older.
6:30 to 8 p.m., bird blind walk. Observe birds as they return from feeding to nest for the evening. Maximum of 20 people.
7:30 to 8:30, "Butterfly Gardening" with Chris Jones. Learn how to attract butterflies to the garden by adding new plants. Shangri La Discovery Theater, maximum of 20 people.
