The mission of the Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum (LRLA) is to cultivate an awareness and appreciation of Houston’s native ecosystems. At the heart of this effort is the Rice University Nature Preserve (formerly the Harris Gully Natural Area), a landmark urban conservation project that supports both local biodiversity and the health and well-being of our campus community.
The Rice University Nature Preserve (RUNP) sits at the historic convergence of several diverse ecosystems, which include a coastal prairie, the Harris Bayou and woodland savannah. Over the years, the Rice community has recorded over 250 species of birds, 300 plant species and more than 700 species of insects in and around the RUNP. The RUNP also serves as a living laboratory for students to learn about our native ecology and environmental processes through courses offered in the Natural Sciences, Humanities and the Social Sciences.
As exciting and promising as the Rice University Nature Preserve is, it has not reached its full potential. After the completion of the outdoor mass timber pavilion, the Johnson Owl Deck, Rice’s Arboretum Committee fully committed to restoring the three, historic ecosystems that once dominated the area of the Preserve. To this end, a native wetland was built in spring 2026 and current efforts are working to restore a woodland savannah to establish the Preserve as a premier urban birding destination. The current funding efforts seek to provide accessibility and the continued support of the restoration efforts. Our goal is for the Preserve to become a showpiece for urban conservation on a university campus while also serving as an ecological and outdoor resource for the campus and Houston communities. We are grateful for your consideration and support.
Your official tax receipt will automatically be sent to the email address you provide. If you have any questions, please contact the School of Natural Sciences Director of Development, Melissa King at 713-348-5608 or klm16@rice.edu.