Visit the City of Plano’s Environmental Discovery Center to explore the wonders of our natural world. Feel the sun’s warmth, listen to the breeze rustling through native foliage, hunt for critters and smell the blossoms. Birds, butterflies, bunnies, dragonflies and squirrels are daytime residents. Evidence of evening visitors, such as armadillos, opossums and raccoons, is often found throughout the garden. The variety of plants located on the grassy creek banks and in the Texas Sm
artScape gardens host many insects.
Adults delight in the lush and colorful native plants to touch and smell. Look for signage and handouts in mailboxes that provide information about backyard and worm composting, in addition to SmartScape gardening practices. Visitors learn how to conserve and preserve the health of water and soil while having an attractive and vigorous garden. A rain barrel and a variety of compost bin styles are in use at the site. The garden beds are watered through drip irrigation and deeply mulched to prevent evaporation, erosion, weeds and to maintain even soil temperature.
Children can:
- Crawl through a tunnel like a worm
- Sneak a peek at the root viewing box
- Hunt for animal tracks
- Hide in a chrysalis
- Plant a seed at the potting table
- Count the rings on a giant tree cookie
- Catch a bug
- Dig for worms and hold one
- Spot a bird
- Go on a recycled object scavenger hunt
Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 4100 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 (SW corner of Commerce & Plano Parkway, ½ mile west of Coit Rd. )
When: The Environmental Discovery Center is open seven days a week during daylight hours. Construction of our environmental education building will begin soon, closing the gardens to the public until construction is complete. Check back for updates.
Why: To experience the joy of nature and develop an appreciation for our environment.
Cost: Free
Registration: No need to call ahead, but we ask that you sign out at the information kiosk and share impressions of your visit.
For More Information: Contact Erin Hoffer, Compost Education Coordinator at (972) 769-4228 or erinhof@plano.gov.
ADVENTURE PACKS
Looking for an outing for your group?
Come to the Environmental Discovery Center* and explore the gardens using activities, books and tools from one of our six Adventure Packs!
Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 4100 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 (At the SW corner of Commerce & Plano Parkway, ½ mile west of Coit Rd. ) Adventure Packs are located in the bench near the pavilion.
When: The Environmental Discovery Center is open seven days a week during daylight hours. Construction of our environmental education building will begin soon, closing the gardens to the public. Check back for construction updates.
What: Adventure Pack themes include: Insects, Butterflies, Worms, Plants, Soil and Habitats. Packs are filled with activities, materials and instructions to guide and help you learn about nature while interacting with the resources of the Children’s Discovery Gardens.
Why: To experience the joy of nature and develop an appreciation for our environment.
Cost: Free
Registration: No need to call ahead, but we ask you to sign out and complete a one line survey on the clipboard in the bench.
For more Information: Contact Erin Hoffer, Compost Education Coordinator at (972) 769-4228 or erinhof@plano.gov.
Kids in the Garden: Planting a Garden They Can Eat
Children and gardening go together like peas and a pod! Getting dirty and finding bugs and worms provide the fun and excitement. Doing the work themselves, making compost, preparing the soil, planning, planting and harvesting, brings pride, satisfaction and a sense of independence. Children need time to dig in the soil, discover what’s there and learn the source of their food. Spending time in a garden develops curiosity and skills of observation and categorizing. The healthy hobby, gardening not only provides exercise and a chance to soak up some vitamin D outdoors, but kids tend to eat what they grow! Click here for more information.