Riverside Nature Center fills its fall calendar with archaeology, stargazing and free trees

Riverside Nature Center has a busy stretch of programs ahead for families, birders and anyone curious about the Hill Country outdoors.

This Saturday, Oct. 24, the Riverside Rangers program for ages 9 to 12 works with the Hill Country Archaeological Association on an archaeology day. It runs from 10 a.m. to noon and is the program’s last session of the year. The fee is $7, or $10 for two siblings, and registration is required.

The center’s Celebrate the Night: Story & Stars event has moved to Friday, Nov. 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It was originally set for Oct. 16. Amy Jackson, an author and director of Starry Sky Austin, will lead story time. The Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky will talk about why dark skies matter, and the Hill Country Astronomers will host a star party afterward. The event is family friendly, and registration is requested.

The next morning, Saturday, Nov. 7, Bartlett Tree Experts joins the center for Texas Arbor Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free trees will be given away while supplies last, along with advice on choosing, planting and caring for them.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the monthly NEd Talk looks at what an El Niño winter could mean for the Hill Country. Richard McAlister, an incident meteorologist for the American Red Cross, will give his forecast for winter 2026 and share tips on how to prepare. The talk runs from 1 to 2 p.m. It is free, but registration is required.

Also on the November calendar:

• Nov. 13: 1 on 1 with a Scientist, 1 p.m.; Paint and Sip with Kathryn, 6 p.m.
• Nov. 14: NEd+: Adventure in Botany, 10 a.m.; Design Your Own Hill Country Pokémon, an ecology and art program, 3 p.m.
• Nov. 20: 1 on 1 with a Naturalist, 10 a.m. to noon. Bring questions for a Texas Master Naturalist.
• Nov. 21: Bird Walk & Talk, 8 to 9:30 a.m., led by experienced local birders. All ages are welcome, but space is limited, and the location is shared after you register.

Several weekly programs continue as well

Sprouts, for preschoolers and parents, meets Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. There is no session Oct. 22 or Nov. 26.
Wildflower Bunch meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. There is no session Oct. 21, Nov. 11 or Nov. 25.
Meadow/Pollinator Garden Work Day volunteers meet Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
The center is also building a new exhibit, “Nature’s Secret Services,” about the work ecosystems do for people.

Riverside Nature Center is at 150 Francisco Lemos St. and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Register at riversidenaturecenter.org or call 830-257-4837.