News & Stories

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays that doesn’t require a big production, but it still feels magical when you add a few thoughtful touches.

You don’t need a parade or an elaborate leprechaun setup to make March 17th feel special. (But I HAVE included parade details below if that’s what you’re looking for!) Sometimes it’s just green pancakes before school, a silly scavenger hunt in the backyard, or letting your kids pick out their “lucky” outfit for the day.

Once parents begin to understand that progress doesn’t always move quickly, another question naturally follows.

How do I know my child is really growing?

Have you visited Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens yet?

If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know I’m such a fan of the gardens. It’s one of those peaceful places that instantly helps you exhale. Even though we have so many beautiful spots in The Woodlands, I still find myself happily making the short drive to Humble to wander these paths and to snap photos throughout the year.

It also happens to sit right next to the Boettcher Branch Library, which I’ve become more familiar with recently thanks to their wonderful children’s programming, including options for homeschoolers. Pair a garden walk with a library stop, and you’ve got yourself the sweetest kind of day!

Mercer truly shines in the spring when everything is in full bloom, so now is the perfect time to make plans to visit. But even in winter (yes, it’s still currently winter; I’m writing this article on March 1), it’s lovely, calm, quiet, and reflective. (The photos here prove it!) You’ll find charming water features, a fairy garden, a Shakespeare garden, little bridges tucked throughout the property, and my personal favorite – the beautiful Storey Lake. It’s a peaceful oasis, the kind of place where you can sit, think, pray, journal, or simply enjoy the stillness. (If you Google this lake, you’ll see that some people have spotted water moccasin snakes here – which might already be expected at this kind of place – but I feel it’s my duty to mention it here so you can be aware.)

Founded by Thelma and Charles Mercer and preserved as a Harris County park in 1974, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is a 393-acre natural treasure. The east side features 60 acres of themed gardens filled with vibrant plant collections, while the west side offers scenic forest trails, the Jake Roberts Maple Collection, and unique natural areas like the Bald Cypress Swamp.

Over the years, the gardens have become a sweet space for my family to learn and grow. Mercer offers an abundance of free educational programs like  gardening seminars, guided tours, STEM lessons, nature hikes, Tai Chi classes, and even activities designed just for toddlers and preschoolers.

It’s the kind of place you can visit again and again, and each time feels a little different.

You can explore all of their free indoor and outdoor activities each month here:
https://www.pct3.com/Explore/Mercer-Arboretum-Botanic-Gardens

If you go this spring, take your time. Wander slowly. Let the kids explore. Sit by the lake a little longer than you planned. Spring really is coming, and Mercer is one of the prettiest places to watch it unfold.

Mercer Botanic Gardens is located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, and it’s a 17-minute drive from The Woodlands Mall.

The Woodlands Township is moving forward with plans to bring a new public recreation amenity to the 208-acre South Gosling Tract, following action by the Board of Directors at its February 26, 2026, meeting.

On February 13th, Family Promise of Montgomery County marked a powerful milestone as 236 community members gathered at Margaritaville on Lake Conroe to celebrate 25 years of serving families with children out of the crisis of homelessness. The anniversary celebration honored a legacy of compassion, partnership, and measurable impact while building excitement for an even stronger year ahead.