easy
90 minutes
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly flat terrain with gentle inclines
Discover Houston’s Buffalo Bayou on a 90-minute guided walking tour with naturalist Nancy Greig. Uncover native plants, pollinators, and local wildlife on this accessible urban nature walk.
$5 | All Ages | 90 Minutes
Join a captivating 90-minute exploration of Houston's historic Buffalo Bayou ecosystem with Nancy Greig, a retired expert from the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Discover native plants and their pollinators while enjoying insights into local wildlife. This unique tour promises an engaging experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
90 minutes
Meet at The Water Works (105 Sabine St.)
9 - 10:30am
Learn about native plants and the insects that pollinate them along Buffalo Bayou. Follow along this discovery tour of Houston’s historic waterway ecosystem with Nancy Greig, founding director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center (now retired). An avid natural historian “jack of all trades”, she has particular interest in plants and insects, but birds, mammals, herpetofauna, and fish are all on her radar. At home she keeps busy with a butterfly garden, honey bee hives, and purple martin houses.
The trail follows unpaved paths along the bayou and can be uneven in spots—sturdy shoes help maintain footing.
Houston’s heat and sun exposure can be intense, so carry water and wear sunscreen and a hat.
Binoculars help spot birds and other animals in the wooded canopy along the trail.
Tours have limited availability and fill up fast, so plan to arrive early or book in advance.
Buffalo Bayou served as a key water source for early Houston settlers and shaped the city’s development since the 1800s.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership actively restores riparian habitats and educates the public to protect this urban ecosystem against pollution and invasive species.
Protects feet on uneven, sometimes muddy natural trails along the bayou.
Keeps you hydrated during Houston’s warm and humid conditions.
summer specific
Offers sun protection during open sections of the walk.
spring|summer|fall specific
Enhances sightings of birds and small wildlife in the canopy.