General-

Name is Spanish for "Land of Flowers", chosen for the beautiful blooming meadows along Vince's Bayou. Bayou figured prominently in Battle of San Jacinto. Now a residential community closely tied to the petrochemical and shipping industries along the Houston Ship Channel. suburb and continued to grow with rise of Houston. Home of San Jacinto Junior College and Texas Chiropractic College. Northeast is site of capture of Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Battle of San Jacinto.

Armand Bayou Nature Center-

1,800 acres in southeast Harris County wiih the local plant and animal life in their natural states in three major ecosystems hardwood forest, tall grass prairie and the Estuarine Bayou. Includes the Jimmy Martyn Farm, a working farm operated as it was at the turn of the century. Recreational opportunities include hiking, canoeing (rentals available), birding. Self-guided tours, or guided tours through the preserved wilderness Sat. at 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. Tours of the Martyn Farm: Sat. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sun. I p.m. Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. except major holidays. 8600 Bay Area Blvd. (7 mi. east of 1-45.) Call 713/474-2551. Adjacent to Center is Bay Area Park, operated by Harris County. Free one-hour boat ride on bayou Fri. 2 p.m., Sat., Sun. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting. (713/326-6539 for reservations', no children under three.) Also picnicking, sports fields and courts. Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. From Pasadena: South on Red Bluff Rd. to Bay Area Blvd.-, west on Bay Area Blvd. to park. From Houston: 1-45 south to Bay Area Blvd. exit, 8 miles east on Bay Area Blvd,

Historical Museum & Strawberry House-

Museum features local history from pioneer times to present" displays of industrial development, changing exhibits. Open Wed. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.-, Sun.1 - 5 p,m. Strawberry House: Historic 8-room house features furnishings from 1890s to mid1940s. Open Sat., Sun. 1 - 5 p,m, In Pasadena Memorial Park, 201 Vince St. (Texas 225 at Richey St. exit.) Phone (713)477-7237.