Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) aka Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
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Morning in the garden with a jackrabbit. Photo by Faith Hille.
06/08/2026

Morning in the garden with a jackrabbit. Photo by Faith Hille.

Benches are best when they are shared with your best friend. We have several benches in the botanical garden. Come try o...
06/06/2026

Benches are best when they are shared with your best friend. We have several benches in the botanical garden. Come try one out!

A Falcon Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, commonly referred to as a hornworm, has a voracious appetite, making it an unwelcome v...
05/30/2026

A Falcon Sphinx Moth Caterpillar, commonly referred to as a hornworm, has a voracious appetite, making it an unwelcome visitor in some gardens. Its back end has a defensive adaptation that mimics the appearance of having two enormous eyes.
Photo by Mark Youmans.

Welcome, little Red Velvet Mite! We've been expecting you!These cute, fuzzy little arachnids come out each year after a ...
05/27/2026

Welcome, little Red Velvet Mite! We've been expecting you!
These cute, fuzzy little arachnids come out each year after a heavy spring rain (like the one we had yesterday). Unlike other mites, these little guys are harmless to humans and pets, and are beneficial in the garden.

Their "true" common name is Giant Red Velvet Mite, which causes us to stop and giggle about the oxymoron. It's kind of like saying "jumbo shrimp."

It rained this morning! Two inches! Even the pond, or tank as they call them in West Texas, which is dry throughout the ...
05/26/2026

It rained this morning! Two inches! Even the pond, or tank as they call them in West Texas, which is dry throughout the winter, now has water in it.

The Havard Agave at the front gate is in full bloom! Photo by Will Southerland.
05/23/2026

The Havard Agave at the front gate is in full bloom!
Photo by Will Southerland.

We're hosting another cactus and agave sale! June 4-6.
05/18/2026

We're hosting another cactus and agave sale! June 4-6.

Camouflage is amazing. This Copperhead snake was photographed on the Modesta Canyon Trail. Photo by Scott Whitener.
05/16/2026

Camouflage is amazing. This Copperhead snake was photographed on the Modesta Canyon Trail.
Photo by Scott Whitener.

Garden Tours at CDRI, part of Agave Festival MarfaAgave Festival Marfa is fast approaching, with activities starting on ...
05/14/2026

Garden Tours at CDRI, part of Agave Festival Marfa

Agave Festival Marfa is fast approaching, with activities starting on June 4. During the festival weekend, CDRI will offer two guided hikes of the Botanical Gardens.

Dates and times are listed below:

Friday, June 5 Led by: Faith Hille-Dishron, CDRI’s Head
Gardener
Saturday, June 6 Led by: Jim Martinez, CDRI Board President

Both hikes begin at 9:15 a.m. at the Powell Visitor Center.

Each hike is limited to 50 guests. To participate in the hike, please sign up at [email protected] or call 432-364-2499.

Last month, the Echinocereus cacti stole the show with their blooms. Now it's the Mammillarias' turn! This Mammillaria ...
05/13/2026

Last month, the Echinocereus cacti stole the show with their blooms. Now it's the Mammillarias' turn! This Mammillaria quelzowiana has really outdone itself.

Address

43869 TX-118, Ft. Davis, TX. We Are Located 4 Miles SE Of Fort Davis Off Of Highway 118
Fort Davis, TX
79734

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14323642499

Website

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