East Texas Arboretum

09/05/2026

🎉 Big news, East Texas! We are ECSTATIC to announce that we’ve been named The East Texas Weekend BEST Park for 2026! 🌳✨
Come see why for yourself and celebrate with us all weekend long—including Labor Day!

Labor Day Weekend Hours:
* Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
* Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
* Labor Day (Monday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Gather the family, hit the trails, and come enjoy nature at its finest!

📍 Find us at: 1601 Patterson Rd., Athens, TX 75751
🕘Regular Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM | Sundays 12 PM – 5 PM

🏆 ATHENS IS SURROUNDED BY WEEKEND WONDERS!

When you visit Athens, you don’t have to go far to experience some of the best things East Texas has to offer.

The 2026 Weekend Wonders recognition from The East Texas Weekend is a great reminder of just how much there is to explore in and around Athens!

🌳 East Texas Arboretum — Favorite Park
🍺 Athens Brewing Company — Favorite Brewery
🎭 Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts — Favorite Theater

And just a short drive from Athens, you can add even more adventure to your trip!

New York, Texas Ziplines — soar from treetop to treetop with incredible East Texas views, just 15–20 minutes east of Athens.

That’s one of the things we love about Athens. You can stay here and experience so much of the region. From nature and outdoor adventure to great food, local entertainment, arts and unique attractions, your East Texas getaway can start right here.

📍 Stay in Athens. Experience East Texas.

Congratulations to all of the Weekend Wonders winners and to everyone who makes our area such a great place to visit!

09/03/2026

🌧️Rain is always welcome here! The gardens get a drink, the trails come alive, and the Arboretum takes on a whole new kind of beauty. So don't run from the rain... come dance in it with us! 🌿💃 Take a stroll, splash through a puddle, and enjoy nature at its freshest.

09/01/2026

🥫 HELP US FIGHT HUNGER IN HENDERSON COUNTY!

The East Texas Arboretum has partnered with Express Employment Professionals Athens, TX through the Expressing Hope Initiative to help stock the shelves of the Henderson County Food Pantry.

Donate nonperishable pantry items now through September 21 and help support local families facing food insecurity. Every donation makes a difference. ❤️

📍 Drop-off Location:
East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
1601 Patterson Rd.
Athens, TX 75751

🕘 Donation and Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Thank you for helping us care for our community!

08/30/2026

Even local wildlife knows the best spot to cool off on a warm day. 🌿✨

​This vibrant Northern Cardinal decided to take a quick dip in our rocky stream bed today! The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is full of quiet moments like this—whether you are looking to spot local birds, stroll through our shaded trails, or just unwind by the water.

​🌳We are open today until 5:00 PM! Come take a peaceful afternoon walk and see what nature you can spot along the way.

​📍 1601 Patterson Road, Athens, TX 75751
📷 Bring your walking shoes (and your camera)!

​

08/28/2026

Have you reserved your seat yet? 🎟️ Seats are filling fast for Preparing Your ETX Fall/Winter Garden & Spring Flowers on Labor Day! 🌾🌺

​Learn how to prep your soil, plant your fall veggies, and set up breathtaking spring blooms.

​📅 When: Labor Day, Monday, September 7th
🕚1:00 - 3:00 PM
📍ETABS
1601 Patterson Road, Athens, TX 75751

​Don't miss out—REGISTER TODAY to secure your spot! 👇
https://mockingbirdeducation.typeform.com/to/p7Xmayb1?typeform-source=qrcode-button&fbclid=IwdGRjcAT-qUZjbGNrBP6pPnBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeNn-f2qFWjGxo8qXYdljWZ5Iy4_AUvhk04ORzXODpSNCJJs7BthPBlTfAIs8_aem_hzATExstNB7eWw1QvKOC9A

There's no better way to spend Labor day than at the Preparing Your ETX Fall/Winter Garden & Spring Flowers workshop. Reserve your spot TODAY!
Get your garden ready for success through every season! Join KindGrow Farms and the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society for an interactive, hands-on workshop designed specifically for East Texas gardeners. Learn what to plant now for a productive fall and winter harvest while getting a head start on vibrant spring blooms.

During this workshop, you'll discover:

Seed selection, planting, storage, and starting techniques
Hands-on seed preparation and germination tips
When to direct sow versus transplant
Essential fall and winter gardening practices, including bed preparation, watering, and weather protection
How to start spring flowers now for beautiful seasonal color

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, you'll gain practical knowledge and leave with seeds and transplants ready to grow in your own garden.

Join us and discover how to keep your East Texas garden thriving through fall and winter while preparing for a spectacular spring display!

For registration and more information, visit:
https://mockingbirdeducation.typeform.com/to/p7Xmayb1?typeform-source=qrcode-button

08/27/2026

📷Caught our local Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) putting the finishing touches on her masterpiece! 🕷️🕸️

​Those intricate "writing" zig-zags down the center are called a stabilimentum. While scientists still debate their exact purpose, there’s no doubt they make for one stylish dining room.

​She’s all set and ready for lunch! What do you think is on today's menu? 🦗🐝 ​Swing by the east side of the Grand Pavilion for your lunch date—she's already got the table set!

​

08/26/2026

Do It For Dolly! 🦋✨

​The butterflies are at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, and they’ve arrived in full force to honor the iconic Dolly Parton! ❤️ Join them and us in celebrating the life and legacy of this legend.
​You can pay tribute too! Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and feel the love.

📍1601 Patterson Road, Athens, TX 75751

​Hours:
📅 Tuesday – Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 Sunday | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

​

08/26/2026

We can't wait for September 12th!

Sign Up is LIVE!!!

Use the link to secure your spot😍😍😍
Only 20 spots are available for this event, so get them before they’re gone!

And, who knows, maybe you’ll get a little special treat for the next event😏

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=36010783&appointmentType=97408364

08/25/2026

🌞 Sunny Days & Shady Trails at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society! 🌿

​It is an absolutely gorgeous day to soak in nature at the ETABS! With a comfortable 84° right now and a high reaching 93°, it’s the perfect day to stroll through the gardens or stretch your legs along our 2+ miles of scenic trails.
​While a few of our sensitive plants are currently resting in the shade to bounce back from the summer heat, our October Glory Maple is vibrant, thriving, and giving us all the crisp fall vibes to come! 🍁✨
​Pack your water bottle, grab your favorite walking shoes, and come enjoy the quiet before we close at 5:00 PM today.
​📍 Find Us:
1601 Patterson Road
Athens, TX 75751
​See you on the trails! 🌳

08/19/2026

There's no better way to spend Labor day than at the Preparing Your ETX Fall/Winter Garden & Spring Flowers workshop. Reserve your spot TODAY!
Get your garden ready for success through every season! Join KindGrow Farms and the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society for an interactive, hands-on workshop designed specifically for East Texas gardeners. Learn what to plant now for a productive fall and winter harvest while getting a head start on vibrant spring blooms.

During this workshop, you'll discover:

Seed selection, planting, storage, and starting techniques
Hands-on seed preparation and germination tips
When to direct sow versus transplant
Essential fall and winter gardening practices, including bed preparation, watering, and weather protection
How to start spring flowers now for beautiful seasonal color

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, you'll gain practical knowledge and leave with seeds and transplants ready to grow in your own garden.

Join us and discover how to keep your East Texas garden thriving through fall and winter while preparing for a spectacular spring display!

For registration and more information, visit:
https://mockingbirdeducation.typeform.com/to/p7Xmayb1?typeform-source=qrcode-button