Did You Know About Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center?

Did you know about Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center?

I just learned about this new nature facility that opened recently here in South Texas. Just two hours up the road from me in Orange, Texas, lays the Shangri La Garden. In a cypress swamp just a couple of hours from the Louisiana border, folks can visit the natural landscape and see native plants and birds of the area. There are more than 300 native species of plants to see as well as a bird blind to observe the native nesting birds of the locale. The Discovery Center houses a hands-on exhibit. There is also a laboratory and three outdoor classrooms. You will find an Exhibit Hall, Discovery Theater, Children’s Garden, Exhibition Greenhouses, Café, and the Garden Store. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is committed to showing how people can live in harmony with nature through its eco-friendly gardens and has received the U.S. Green Building Council's Platinum certification for LEED®-NC.

In addition to offering these displays of natural beauty to the public, Shangri La offers school programs and tours at discounted rates. You can bring your school group for special grade appropriate programs. The discount rates only apply during weekdays, though you are welcome to schedule a trip during a weekend.

Shangri La is offering many educational programs for schools, kids, adults-to anyone interested in learning more about the natural surroundings of this area. From teacher workshops to eco rangers, the trash-off to Earth week celebrations, Shangri La offers many opportunities to get in touch with your Earth and learn more about the nature that surrounds you.

Shangri La is open Tuesday through Sunday. You can tour the gardens, the outpost or both. The outpost tour does require reservations, so be sure to make arrangements soon to visit Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center.