Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center lies within the historic Hare and Hare-designed Memorial Park, one of the nation’s largest urban parks. Sudden and significant tree mortality, related to hurricanes and drought over recent years, has altered the character and health of the site. Reed Hilderbrand, working with Design Workshop, performed a forensic investigation of existing soils, topography, hydrology, and the remaining vegetation to form the basis of a landscape design that develops resilient and sustainable ecologies on the site—meadow, savannah, forest, wetland, and bayou. The plan incorporates a new visitor center, education pavilion, drives and parking, and a network of paths, sited to maximize the visitor’s experience of the distinct character of the landscape, while preserving sensitive ecological areas.