"Don't miss the Mercer Arboretum" Spring by mbwabaka

Mercer is located just off Aldine-Westfield, north of 1960. There are lots of trails and gardens, with both wild flowers and cultivated plants of all kinds. It is one of my all-time favorite places for walking, sunning, and photographing. There is a nice little interpretive house, and staff are there to answer questions. Also a small butterfly house is located back among the irises near the camellia beds.

Baby green anole lizard

The arboretum is full in interesting creatures. Lots of butterflies and other insects (yes, I have seen fire ants there too...), as well as birds, fish, snakes, turtles, armadillos, and deer.

Mercer pond

The pond is my usual destination. It is about a 10 minute walk along a gravel path, back into the woods. This is an excellent place to sit on a quiet morning and soak up the sun. Overhead the pine trees reach to the sky, and an occasional jet (high enough not to be too noisy) crosses the blue expanse. Lots of turtles and fish here, and I once spent a happy hour watching a small snake pursue fish through the pondweeds.

• Pros:Mercer Arboretum is a great place to walk and meditate.
• Cons:A little off the beaten path, but well worth finding.
• In a nutshell:A surprising gem off Aldine-Westfield road.