The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department has a packed schedule this fall with something for everyone. Always wanted to grow your own vegetables or interested in what it takes to compost in your own backyard? Curious about the fascinating world of bugs, bats and birds? If you have been looking to learn more about reducing your water usage, adding native plants to your yard, or you’re ready to recycle the odds and ends around the house, then read on.

Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Learn how non-native plants are impacting our local ecosystem and what actions you can take to keep them at bay. Dr. Hans Landel from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will provide training on the identification and removal of invasive plants and the critical functions of native vegetation. Trained volunteers will be able to join the ongoing effort to tackle invasives in our area.
Free workshop. Registration required. Register here.

Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon
The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Beginning and veteran gardeners alike will gain valuable information at this free, three-hour seminar. Learn about the latest gardening trends, soil preparation, planting techniques and the best plant varieties for the area. Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents Emeritus (retired) Tom LeRoy and Bill Adams as they share their many years of vegetable gardening experience and expertise. Books authored by both Tom and Bill will be available. Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Free class. Registration required. Register here.

Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lecture series, led by Diana Foss from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Diana will discuss habitats, behaviors and threats to bats living in urban areas. Come learn the benefits bats provide to The Woodlands and where you can observe bats year-round in the Houston area.
Free lecture. Registration required. Register here.

Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon
The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park
This event is FREE!
Don’t miss this year’s event at its new location—the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. Learn from area gardening and landscaping experts at over 30 booths. Shop the marketplace. Pick up FREE plants at the Montgomery County Master Gardener’s pass-along plant booth. Take a composting class. Guest speaker Lauren Simpson will present, “Gardening for Pollinators” and Tom LeRoy will present on “Lawn Care”. Enjoy live music by Andy McCarthy, kids’ activities and food vendors. See you there!
Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment for more information.

Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Learn how simple steps can result in greener lawns and healthier waterways. Practical methods for maintaining your lawn and landscape, as well as alternatives to chemical use will be offered.
Free workshop. Registration required. Register here.

Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lecture series led by Megan McNairn from The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. Megan will dive into the creepy crawly world of bugs where monsters come to life and ghoulish creatures go bump in the night.
Free lecture. Registration required. Register here.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon
The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Lauren Simpson, area pollinator gardening expert, will share her experience of creating her own suburban pollinator garden. Lauren will offer practical gardening tips, pollinator information and simple home garden design strategies. Pollinator gardening resources and research-based gardening information will be available. Montgomery County Master Gardeners will answer your gardening questions.
Class is free. Registration required. To register, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment

Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m.
8203 Millennium Forest Drive
Learn
how simple and easy it is to turn kitchen waste, yard trimmings and leaves into
rich, handmade compost. Try out the variety of composting tools and equipment.
Find out how compost benefits plants, gardens and lawns.
Our outdoor composting class is taught by
certified, experienced Montgomery County Master Gardeners. Composting
resources, problem-solving, trouble-shooting and tips are provided at each
class. High-quality collapsible compost bins are available for purchase at a
reduced price.
Free class. No registration required.

Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Save water, time and money. Hands-on training teaches you everything you need to know to set up a rainwater harvesting barrel in your yard and to convert automated sprinkler systems to water-efficient drip systems. Additional rainwater harvesting options, such as rain gardens, will be discussed. Sign up for this water-saving workshop today!
Free workshop. Registration required. Register here.

Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 8 a.m. to noon
The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill (7 Switchbud Place)
Celebrate America Recycles Day and explore the 3R Bazaar at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Explore the 3R Bazaar and discover opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle. Shop from local artists featuring repurposed materials or create your own upcycled masterpiece. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities and bring the following items to be recycled:
- Batteries: Alkaline, AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V
- Textiles: Overly worn clothing, shoes, linens and other unusable textiles
- Oral care products: Toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers
- Eyeglasses: Plastic and metal frames and cases
- Document Shredding: $5 or 5 canned food donations to benefit Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Pantry
Free event. No registration required.

Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lectures series led by Alisa Kline from Buffalo Bayou Park. Explore the vital role that birds play in our community’s ecosystem. Alisa offers tools and techniques for observing birds and behaviors and the benefits of documenting observations through iNaturalist.
Free lecture. Registration required. Register here.

Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m.
8203 Millennium Forest Drive
Learn
how simple and easy it is to turn kitchen waste, yard trimmings and leaves into
rich, handmade compost. Try out the variety of composting tools and equipment.
Find out how compost benefits plants, gardens and lawns.
Our outdoor composting class is taught by
certified, experienced Montgomery County Master Gardeners. Composting
resources, problem-solving, trouble-shooting and tips are provided at each
class. High-quality collapsible compost bins are available for purchase at a
reduced price.
Free class. No registration required.
For more information on these events, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment or call 281-210-3800.