The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Below is an itinerary of upcoming programs for the months of September, October and November. The Saturday Adventure Series programs begin at 9:30 a.m. and last about an hour. These programs are free with paid admission on the day of the event. Participants will meet at the Admissions Window at the scheduled event time. An RSVP is required as space is limited. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 409-670-9799.

Sept. 15, 2012: Bats Are Cool - Come learn all about bats in this fun, interactive family program! We’ll first talk about what makes bats so unique and then play some games to learn more about them! Program presented by Kaycee Dortch.

Sept. 22, 2012: Winged Wonders - Two insects are the favorites of many people: dragonflies and butterflies. These creatures instill wonder through their beauty and diversity. You’ll learn helpful identification tips during this family program. Program presented by Amanda Noble.

Sept. 29, 2012: Wild and Rich Wetlands - Henry David Thoreau called wetlands, “the wildest and richest gardens that we have.” During this family program, presenter Kaycee Dortch will aid visitors in discovering critters that live in the swamp mud. Attendees will also play games to understand the important role of swamps.

Oct. 6, 2012: Poetry of Plants - Let the works of poets spark your own writing experience at Shangri La. Using orchids as inspiration, learn about and write your own Orchid Haiku. This program, presented by Amanda Noble, will start and end in the lab and includes a stroll through the orchid greenhouse. Brave participants might even share their poetry. For adults and children 10 years of age and older.

Oct. 13, 2012: I Scream for Orchids - We all know how delicious vanilla is, but did you know the vanilla bean is the seed pod of an orchid? During I Scream for Orchids, participants will make ice cream, and discuss edible orchids around the world. Ice cream lovers of all ages will enjoy this program! Kaycee Dortch will present this program which is a part of Orchid Festival 2012!

Oct. 27, 2012: Night Life at Shangri La - Are you like an owl? We’ll explore the dark during family program. We’ll turn off the lights and rely on our senses of hearing and touch as we explore the world of nocturnal animals and their adaptations. We’ll also explore how our own eyes work in the dark. This program is presented by Kaycee Dortch.

The Creepy Critters program on November 10 will teach the whole family about the unique features of snakes and spiders.

Nov. 3, 2012: Behind the Scenes of Recycling - What can be recycled, and where is my local recycling center? Learn about the processes of specific recycling procedures and try your hand at recycling paper. Each family will make and take home recycled paper. For adults and children 10 years of age and older. Presentation by Amanda Noble.

Nov. 10, 2012: Creepy Critters - During Shangri La’s Autumn Fair, come learn about some creepy critters - snakes and spiders! At this family program, led by Amanda Noble, visitors will learn about venom, poison and some easy tips to help prevent hair-raising accidents.

The Saturday Adventure Series has programs for the young and young-at-heart. For those interested in attending, please RSVP by calling 409.670.9799. Saturday Adventure Series programs are free of charge with paid admission to Shangri La. Located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas, Shangri La is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday noon until 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.shangrilagardens.org.