NATURE DISCOVERY CENTER

Arts Entertainment and Leisure > Entertainers or Entertainment Agencies

The Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center owes its existence to a remarkable grass-roots effort, as outlined in the timeline below.
1979

Formation of the Friends of Bellaire Parks, Inc., now Nature Discovery Center, Inc.
1980-1985

The organization raised funds for the acquisition of a million dollar 3.75-acre Henshaw estate, now Russ Pitman Park. Volunteer labor and over 400 in-kind donations made development of the park and renovation of the historic house possible.
April 1981

Evergreen Park was completed.
February 20, 1984

Fundraising was complete and Russ Pitman Park was named.
March 31, 1985

The Dedication Ceremony for Russ Pitman Park was held and outdoor nature programs in the park began. The Nature Discovery Center evolved from nature walks and classes taught by volunteers in the park, even before the house renovation was complete.
April 1986

Renovations to the Henshaw House began.
Spring 1988

“Sneak Previews” of the Nature Discovery Center began with weekend programming. The Center was not yet open daily because fire code restrictions necessitated installation of a fire escape on the Henshaw House first.
Spring 1989

The Center opened to the public 6 days a week! Once the fire escape was installed they had the green light to open the Center daily. The first full-time staff member was employed.
1999

The Nature Discovery Center received the first ever Flight STAR (Securing Tomorrow’s Avian Resources) certificate of recognition from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for its efforts to educate the public about birds, and Russ Pitman Park was designated as a site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

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