East Texas Arboretum

06/03/2026

🐝 They’re here! 🐝

Our brand-new hive of honey bees has officially moved into the apiary at the East Texas Arboretum!

A big thank-you again to Eagle Scout Jay Travis, who rebuilt the apiary last year. Thanks to his hard work (and a little help from our local beekeeping friends), we now have a fresh, healthy hive ready for visitors to enjoy.

Our demonstration observation hive lets everyone safely watch the bees at work — from spotting the queen to seeing the busy little team inside. It’s one of the coolest (and gentlest) ways to learn about these important pollinators.

Bees play such a special role here at the Arboretum, helping the beautiful native plants and wildflowers along our trails thrive. We’re so happy to have them back and buzzing!

Come on out and say hello to our newest residents. They’re already hard at work making the Arboretum a little sweeter. 🌸

Who’s excited to meet them? Drop a 🐝 below!
Have you ever watched bees through an observation hive before?

1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX
Tues - Sat 7AM - 4PM, Sunday Noon - 4PM, Closed Monday

06/02/2026

🌿 Did You Know?
Those crusty, leafy, or fuzzy patches you see growing on tree bark and rocks along the trails aren’t actually plants — they’re lichen!

Lichen is a partnership between a fungus and an alga working together. It’s not a parasite and doesn’t harm trees — it just uses the bark as a place to grow. In fact, seeing lots of lichen is usually a good sign that the air is relatively clean.

What’s really amazing is that lichen is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. Lichens have existed for hundreds of millions of years — long before dinosaurs or flowering plants — and some individual lichens alive today are thousands of years old.

They’re tough little survivors that can grow where most plants can’t, and they even help turn rock into soil over time.

Next time you’re on the trail, take a closer look. You might be surprised how much lichen you notice once you start looking!

Have you spotted any on your walks? What do you think of these ancient organisms? 👇

1601 Patterson Rd, Athens TX M-Sat 7 - 4, Sun Noon to 4, Closed Monday

06/01/2026

Hey families! Ready to turn your kids into real Garden Scientists?
During Week 2 of Summer Camp at the East Texas Arboretum, kids ages 5–12 will dig deep into the world of plants, flowers, and gardens! They’ll explore our beautiful gardens and greenhouse, learn how plants grow, discover native flowers, get their hands in the soil, and have a blast becoming little plant experts.
It’s hands-on, messy, and magical — the perfect week for curious kids who love nature!

Week Two is calling you,
There’s so much to learn and do…

Come join the Garden Scientists crew
At the East Texas Arboretum too!

$85 for members - $110 for non-members

By East Texas Arboretum and Botanical

06/01/2026

🌅 Beat the heat and start your day with nature!

Starting tomorrow, the East Texas Arboretum is switching to our summer hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Come early and enjoy the trails while it’s still cool and peaceful. Whether you want a quiet morning walk before work, a refreshing start to your day, or just a beautiful place to breathe before the Texas heat kicks in — we’ve got you covered.

The birds are singing, the wildflowers are blooming, and the trails are waiting. Bring your coffee, your walking shoes, and someone you love.

We can’t wait to see you bright and early! 💚
New Summer Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Noon - 4:00PM
(Closed Monday)

Tag a friend who needs a peaceful morning escape!

05/30/2026

🌿 Taking a break from First Monday?

If you’re in Canton this weekend for Trade Days, swing by the East Texas Arboretum for a peaceful change of pace!

Just about 20 minutes away, you’ll find shady walking trails, beautiful gardens, and a quiet place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. The Hickory Loop is especially nice right now — a gentle 1-mile trail through the woods with interesting trees, mossy spots, and wildlife.

It’s the perfect spot to relax after a busy morning of shopping, or to bring the family for a slower afternoon outdoors.

We’re open Tuesday–Saturday 9–5 and Sunday 12–5 (closed Mondays).
Come enjoy a little nature while you’re in the area! 🌳

05/29/2026

Hey Parents - Week 1 of Summer Camp Starts Monday June 8. Secure your spot now! Week one is loaded with fun - Campers will become nature detectives and learn outdoor safety on the trails and around outdoor critters including snakes, bugs and birds.

$85 for members - $110 for non-members

Click here to download the app.https://www.easttexasarboretum.org/uploads/1/4/9/7/149752068/youth_registration_form_2026-04-03_11.30.23_am.pdf

05/29/2026

Integration Pilates in the Park today! 9:30 - Don't forget your mat!

05/29/2026

🍒 Holly Highlight from the Hickory Loop!

Keep an eye out for three lovely native hollies along the trail:

American Holly – with its classic spiny, evergreen leaves
Yaupon – a favorite of birds and deer
Possumhaw – a deciduous holly that puts on a big show of red berries in winter

These native hollies add year-round greenery and provide important food and shelter for wildlife, especially when other food sources are scarce.

Are you using any of these native hollies in your own landscape? Tell us in the comments👇

See you on the trail! 1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX