Wild Neighbors

Wild Neighbors: Supporting Urban Wildlife as a Landowner — a presentation from Texas Parks & Wildlife urban wildlife biologist Addison Gaines — explores how adaptable and resilient wildlife species thrive in our cities and how landowners can play a key role in supporting them. Addison will highlight ways to create habitat that provide food, water, and shelter for various urban wildlife species while minimizing common conflicts. Attendees will learn practical tips such as plant selection, habitat design, and coexistence strategies that benefit both people and wildlife.

Addison will visit with attendees during a brief reception under the Garden’s Culinary Oaks, with free beer provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company, before delivering her talk in the climate-controlled Culinary Garden Tent.

Non-member Ticket Price: $25
Member Ticket Price: $10

Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for most daytime events, which are held rain or shine. If you have specific questions, please email education@hbg.org.

About Addison Gaines

Addison Gaines is a Michigan native who received her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and her master’s degree in environmental conservation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI. While studying at UW-Madison, Addison conducted research on red fox occupancy in urban areas across the United States to see what influences their behavior. Professionally, Addison has worked as a project manager for an environmental restoration company and a project coordinator for an environmental consulting firm both in the metro-Detroit area of Michigan. Currently, Addison is an urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife, where she performs professional planning, management, research, and public outreach associated with wildlife, habitat, and natural resource management specific to the greater Houston area.