Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a local Clear Lake resident wanting to enjoy nature just beyond your back yard, a runner or bicyclist looking for open safe trails, a birder wanting to see one of the many species Exploration Green ("the Green") lakes have attracted, or if you just want to take a casual walk on our 10-foot wide trails, the Green has much to offer.
Being a natural habitat, Exploration Green Conservancy ("the Conservancy") asks that you abide by the maxim, "take only pictures, leave only footprints."
Plan your visit
What to do, see and learn
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Hike/bike/roller blade six miles of ADA compliant trails along five lakes.
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Scavenger Hunt
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Bird Watch
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Study Nature
Map
Map and Parking
The Green is located approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston, east of the Gulf Freeway (I-45). It is nestled within the original Clear Lake subdivisions, less than two miles from NASA's Johnson Space Center.
The largest Exploration Green parking lot is located at 16314 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062.
Another parking lot is located at 2201 Bay Area Boulevard near its intersection with Space Center Drive, Houston, TX 77062.
And a third small parking lot can be found at 1296 El Dorado Boulevard, Houston, TX 77062.
Hours
The Green is open to visitors and guests from dawn until dusk every day of the year.
Things to Do
The master design and layout incorporates a number of open spaces that provide vaious opportunities - leisure and relaxation areas, benches and scenic lookouts, walking and jogging trails, athletic fields, and more!
Walking, Running and Biking
Visitors to the Green will find six miles of 10-foot wide concrete trails ideal for walking, running, roller skating, and biking. The trails interconnect thoroughfares, neighborhoods, apartment communities, local schools, shopping areas, government offices, the Freeman Library, and other businesses.
Observing Nature
According to iNaturalist's Exploration Green page, the Green is home to more than 1,000 species of plants, animals, birds, and insects. And eBird lists the Green as a "hotspot" with hundreds of bird species.
Open Green Spaces
Numerous open spaces can be found throughout the Green that serve as wonderful amenities for community enjoyment. These spaces are accessible for picnicking, outdoor games, and leisure activities. Additionally, all the landscaping is designed to attract natural wildlife, including native birds and butterflies, further enhancing these open spaces.
Plant and Animal Species Guide
Explore the plants and animals found in the Exploration Green area and those that are native to Texas. Be sure to visit at different times of the year to see animals, insects, and plants that vary in population or appearance during the different seasons.
The information and images are derived from local naturalists as well as several organizations, particularly the National Audubon Society, Wildflower.org, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Britannica. When possible, citations and links to specific external pages are made for further educational opportunities.
Basic Rules
For their safety and enjoyment, visitors and guests must observe certain rules when they are at the Green. Click link below to see the Green's basic rules.
Plant and Animal Species Guide
Click the link below to see our online Plant and Animal Guide.
Scavenger Hunt
Challenge yourself to find all of the items on our scavenger hunt list by walking the trails at the Green.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Learn more about the Green and the Conservancy, and read answers to questions submitted by visitors and members of the local community.
Donate
Creating the Green’s 200-acre park and conservation area has been a major undertaking. Unlike city or county-owned parks, the Conservancy must raise all the funds for the amenities and services offered - native trees and grass, hike and bike trails, educational programs, and other infrastructure like park benches and signage.
Would you like to help? We are always looking for people and organizations to provide financial support for the Green!
What to Bring
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Walking or jogging shoes
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Hiking boots
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Hat or cap
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Bicycles, roller skates
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Binoculars
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Device to access iNaturalist
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Drinking water
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Bug spray and sunscreen