Riverside Nature Center in the heart of Kerrville is a 7-acre arboretum and garden featuring more than 100 species of trees and plants native to Texas and especially the Hill Country.

Highlights are the butterfly and hummingbird beds, the collection of cacti and succulents, and the ethnobotany berm of herbs and medicinal plants.

Located at the confluence of Town Creek and the Guadalupe River, the Center's level, gravel path with wood chip trails to both the creek and river banks offer excellent access to the trees, gardens, and visiting wildlife. The trails are open from dawn to dusk every day.

Founded in 1989 the Riverside Nature Center Association is a nonprofit, membership-supported organization whose mission is to foster greater public awareness and appreciation of the Texas Hill Country's natural resources through education information and example.

It now comprises four buildings, a nature lab, an open-air pavilion, the historic Lawson Store and the visitor center.

A 12-foot native limestone sculpture by local artist Dean Mitchell is a focal point.

The Visitor Center, completed in 1999, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

The center includes a gift shop with unusual nature-related items, many handmade by local craftsmen, and a selection of displays and resource materials on Hill Country plants and animals.

Group tours are available with advance notice.

RNC is located at 150 Francisco Lemos, seven blocks from of the Star downtown on Water Street.

For information call 257-4837.