
Hummingbirds Take Flight: 17th Annual Hummingbird Festival Returns to Kleb Woods Nature Center in Tomball
Each fall, the skies over Houston shimmer with tiny, winged travelers making their way south for the winter—and in Tomball, there's a celebration waiting just for them.
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Kleb Woods Nature Center will host its 17th Annual Hummingbird Festival, a free, family-friendly event timed to coincide with the peak of hummingbird migration in Texas. The event offers a unique opportunity to witness the dazzling spectacle of ruby-throated hummingbirds in action—feeding, flying, and even being banded for scientific research.
A Rare Chance to See Nature Up Close
The centerpiece of the event is hummingbird banding, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trained researchers gently catch, measure, and release these remarkable birds as part of a long-term tracking effort to better understand their migration patterns.
Houston Audubon highlights that the fall migration period—especially early to mid-September—is a crucial time for hummingbirds as they pass through the Gulf Coast region en route to Central America. With Texas serving as a major flyway, local parks and preserves like Kleb Woods become essential refueling stations.
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More Than Just Birds: A Full Day of Outdoor Discovery
Festival-goers can expect a full schedule of nature and history experiences:
- Guided Nature Walks along Kleb Woods’ 3.86 miles of scenic trails
- Hummingbird Viewing Stations to see these fast-flying pollinators in action
- A Tour of the 1896 Kleb House, offering a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past
- Hands-on Activities, games, and educational exhibits for all ages
Located at 20303 Draper Rd, Tomball, TX 77377, the 133.5-acre Kleb Woods Preserve is part of Harris County Precinct 4’s award-winning park system and features wetlands, woodlands, picnic areas, and a nature center full of engaging exhibits.
Once a private homestead, the preserve has a fascinating backstory. The land belonged to Elmer Kleb, who inherited it from his German immigrant family and spent his life quietly protecting it. As development spread across northwest Harris County, Kleb refused to sell—choosing instead to let the woods remain wild. After his passing in 1999, Harris County honored his wishes by turning the property into a public nature preserve.
Today, visitors can still tour his original 1896 farmhouse and experience the same peaceful landscape he worked so hard to preserve.
Free Admission, Optional Registration & Transportation Options
The festival is free and open to the public, with optional registration encouraged via Harris County Precinct 4's website. Attendees can also reserve free bus transportation from the Bayland Community Center by calling 713-271-3240 or visiting in person.
For questions or assistance, contact klebwoods@hcp4.net or call 281-357-5324.
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A Sanctuary for Nature and Learning Year-Round
Kleb Woods Nature Center isn’t just a festival site—it’s a year-round haven for nature lovers, homeschoolers, birdwatchers, and families. The center offers:
- Weekly bird walks
- Farm tours and hands-on homestead history lessons
- Star parties with the Houston Astronomical Society
- Live bluegrass jam sessions every fourth Saturday
- History Discussion Groups and Closer Look at Nature classes for school-aged learners
Volunteers, Scout troops, and service groups are always welcome to get involved.
Please note that a designated wildlife preserve, dogs are not permitted on-site in order to protect sensitive species, including the very birds the festival is designed to celebrate.
As the Houston area prepares to welcome waves of hummingbirds this September, the Kleb Woods Hummingbird Festival offers a rare chance to pause, watch, and appreciate the resilience of these tiny travelers—right in the heart of Tomball.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more family-friendly events, nature programs, and community happenings across Northwest Harris County.
