Spotted at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Buzz photographer Dylan Aguilar teamed up with summer interns Sophia Wayne and Trevor Schneider to chat with Buzz residents and take these photos.

Valerie Sheppard with her grandsons Jacob Funk-Sheppard and Tobey Funk-Sheppard under the shade at the Houston Arboretum. (Photo: Sophia Wayne) 

Every day, people flock from around the Houston area to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. They check out the wildlife, walk their pets and take in a slice of nature. In addition to offering a number of summer opportunities for young campers and their parents alike, the Arboretum provides a relaxing, scenic locale for a brief natural getaway.

Valerie Sheppard chose to spend the morning in the park with her two grandchildren, Jacob and Tobey Funk-Sheppard. Though she noted the day’s rather warm forecast, Ms. Sheppard found some relief in the area’s lush tree covering. Many visitors found this natural greenery serene and relaxing; Sara Lopes chose the Arboretum as the spot for her morning meditation, while Carlos Perez and Carmen Lopez enjoyed resting by the pond and watching turtles swim by.

Heather and Josh Schumaker with their daughter Deziray and son Mateo. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

This summer, the Arboretum is home to tons of events and summertime classes, including this week’s “Fun in the Sun” camp and last week’s educational forestry classes known as Forest Rangers. According to naturalist Justin Clay, the park, which he says is “meant for nature” and exists as one of the city’s few “sanctuaries” and “natural spaces,” is currently undergoing some post-Hurricane Ike renovation and beautification.

Kathy Griffith and her son Sawyer, an excited attendant of the aforementioned “Fun in the Sun” camp, were eager to check out a new playground. Sawyer recounted his action-packed day at camp, showing off a homemade sun-detecting bracelet and expressing his enthusiasm for “scooping up tadpoles in the pond” and watching squirrels play in the trees.

Carlos Perez watches the turtles swim under the water lilies at the Meadow Pond. (Photo: Sophia Wayne) 

Not everyone spending their morning at the Arboretum was a longtime Houstonian. Seattle natives Ben and Michelle Adler were enjoying a stroll through the park during their first week as Houstonians while Josh, Heather, Mateo and Deziray Schumaker took in the greenery while on vacation from Arizona.

Arboretum visitors are from all around the city - and beyond - but each comes to the area with a common goal: to take in nature. We live in a wonderful city of innovation and business, but it’s healthy and enjoyable to sometimes take a quick break from the hustle and bustle of Houston.