Rice University's campus is home to a rich diversity of life. The Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum contains more than 100 species of trees and woody plants, providing a green oasis for many species of animals. Each year during the spring and fall, hundreds of migrating birds can be seen on campus as they make their way to and from their winter homes.

The Rice Science Café is a meeting where for the price of a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of wine or beer, anyone can come explore and debate the latest ideas in science and technology. Speakers for this event include Cin-Ty Lee, earth science professor, and Scott E. Solomon, lecturer in ecology and evolutionary biology.