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Houston Environmental News Update October 17, 2018
October 17, 2018

Houston Environmental News Update October 17, 2018

We’re gearing up for tonight’s “Wild About Houston: A Green Film Festival”, part of the Houston Green Film Series, so this week’s newsletter is going out a bit early. The event showcases local, short films telling environmental stories.
Please join us and our partnering organizations at the Rice Media Center at 6:30 p.m. for conversation, networking, and a light meal, followed by the screening at 7 p.m. The event is free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated. For more information, see the Facebook event. Sign up for information about other green film news at constantcontact.com.
Also, please don’t forget that early voting for the November 6 elections begins this coming Monday, October 22 and runs through November 2. Information on how and where to vote can be found at VoteTexas.gov website operated by the Texas Secretary of State. Don’t forget to read the Voters Guide from the League of Women Voters of Houston Education Fund!
Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a green job listing.

CEC NOTES

Repair Café Houston
Please consider joining CEC and our partners Transition Houston, the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center, the Houston Peace & Justice Center, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Houston Complete Communities, and TX/RX Labs for the fall Repair Café Houston on October 27, 2018! A Repair Café celebrates fixing through a fun, collaborative, hands-on community event. People bring their broken items for assessment, disassembly and repair. Bring your toolkit and join us to have fun and learn while helping others troubleshoot and fix their broken stuff! Volunteers assess, take apart, and hopefully – REPAIR. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Tales of Houston Women: Houston Women in the Environment
Bayou Preservation Association, Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Houston Audubon, Memorial Park Conservancy, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and UH Libraries are supporting Tales of Houston Women, the Houston History Alliance’s two-month retrospective and celebration displaying the many ways Houston’s women have, are, and will put their mark on local, national and global history. Twenty-one organizations have planned coordinating events, including four events of events themed “Houston Women in the Environment,” on October 27 and 28 and November 3 and 5, 2018. Learn more at https://houston-women-in-the-environment.eventbrite.com.

Save the Date: EEE on Nov. 7
The next quarterly meeting of the Environmental Educators Exchange will be on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 4:30 PM at the Houston Arboretum. More details coming soon. Sign up for EEE-mails at constantcontact.com.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the events listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

  1. HIGHLIGHTING HARVEY
    With so many local organizations holding events and discussions relating to the effects and lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey, we are consolidating them into this special section. Please click on the links for detailed information.

  2. “Like There is No Tomorrow ” art installation continues through Oct. 31
    Main Street Projects is presenting an immersive new art exhibition, “Like There Is No Tomorrow” — an interactive installation and complimentary exhibition by Lina Dibin collaboration with Taylor Knapps. The installation is a large-scale interactive video installation that examines species decline in the Anthropocene. Footage of the Gulf of Mexico’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is brought to the surface on Houston’s Main Street.
  3. 2018 Prairies & Pollinators: A Regional Celebration
    Through early November, the Coastal Prairie Partnership is sponsoring “2018 Prairies & Pollinators: A Regional Celebration,” a set of events allowing attendees to learn about and help plant pollinating plants in prairies across the region. For a full listing of planned events, visit prairiepartner.org. Events in the coming week include:

    • 10/19/18: Prairie Restoration Roundup at Texas City Prairie Preserve
    • 10/20/18: Prairie Pandemonium at Armand Bayou Nature Center
    • 10/20/18: Clinton Park Prairie Planting
  4. Recycle Bowl continues through November 15
    Keep America Beautiful presents Recycle Bowl, a national K-12 competition between schools to invigorate student participation in recycling efforts. The competition runs from October 15 to November 15. The Recycle-Bowl competition has three division categories (School, Community, and District Divisions) allowing schools to compete where they fit best. The Recycle-Bowl also features a non-competitive, “Open Division” that is less formal and accommodates schools that register late. For more information, visit kab.org.
  5. Our Great Region Awards applications open through November 16
    The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Our Great Region Awards recognize outstanding projects in the region that advance the goals and strategies identified in the Our Great Region 2040 plan. The application period is open through Nov. 16, 2018. Any plans, programs, projects or policies that have implemented a strategy of the Our Great Region 2040 plan within the 13-county region in the past four years are eligible. For more information, visit ograwards.org.
  6. Bay Area Sierra Club presents Climate Change Awareness Round Trip
    On Oct. 17, 2018, from 6:30-9 p.m., the Bay Area Sierra Club will present the “Climate Change Awareness Road Trip,” featuring Sharir Masri, Ph.D., an air pollution scientist at University of California at Irving and author of “Beyond Debate: Answers to 50 Misconceptions on Climate Change.” The event will be held at the Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park, 5002 NASA Parkway. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.
  7. Educators Night Out at Houston Zoo
    On Oct. 18, from 6-9 p.m., Houston Zoo will host an Educators Night Out spotlighting “Texas Wildlife.” Participants will learn how the Zoo works with other organizations to help save Texas animals in the wild. Learn about local wildlife, participate in hands-on STEAM activities, and learn how you and your students can help these animals in the wild. Appropriate for all grade levels. For more information and to register, visit houstonzoo.org.
  8. “USGS Annual Groundwater Table Data: How Are We Doing?”
    On Oct. 18, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will present  a Going Green Sustainability Lecture titled “USGS Annual Groundwater Table Data: How Are We Doing?” by Christopher Braun of the U.S. Geological Survey. The event will be held at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC),  8801 Gosling Road, The Woodlands. Registration is not requird. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.
  9. Harris County Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee Meeting
    On Oct. 18, 2018, from 10 a.m.-noon, the Harris County Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee, which is working to update the Harris County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, will hold a meeting at the Houston TranStar building, 6922 Katy Road. The Steering Committee meetings are open to the public, and residents, community groups and stakeholders are invited to participate and make comments. For more information, visit readyharris.org.
  10. Houston Audubon 2018 Gala: Birds, Bugs & Blooms
    On Oct. 18, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Houston Audubon will hold its 2018 Gala, themed “Bird, Bugs & Blooms,” at The Briar Club, 2603 Timmons. The gala will benefit Houston Audubon’s Bird-Friendly Communities program, which aims to transform the greater Houston area into a thriving community that supports birds, butterflies and other pollinators while providing more accessible opportunities for people to experience the wonder and joy of birds. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit houstonaudubon.org.
  11. 15th Annual Plant Thyme Fall Luncheon
    On Oct. 19, 2018, from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Keep Pearland Beautiful will host the 15th Annual Plant Thyme Fall Luncheon and plant sale, benefiting KPB environmental programs and the Stella Roberts Recycling Center, at Pearland First United Church. The keynote speaker is Randy Lemmon, host of KTRH-AM’s “GardenLine” program. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit keeppearlandbeautiful.org.
  12. Picnic for the Park
    On Oct. 19, 2018, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital will present “Picnic for the Park,” benefiting Cullinan Park Conservancy, at the River Pointe Church auditorium, 5000 Ransom Road, Richmond. Guinness Book Atlantic Ocean rowboat record-holder will share stories of his adventures, and Ann Hamilton will be honored with the Nina Cullinan Award. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cullinanparkconservancy.org.
  13. Energy Day Festival
    On Oct. 20, 2018, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the 8th annual Energy Day Festival will be held at downtown’s Sam Houston Park. Energy Day is a free family festival showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Energy Day includes nearly 70 interactive demonstrations and exhibits that teach students and their families about various forms of energy through STEM fields, along with efficiency, conservation, and other STEM-related industries. For more information, visit energydayfestival.org.
  14. Pumpkin Patch Festival at Nature Discovery Center
    On Oct. 20-21, 2018, the Nature Discovery Center will hold its annual Pumpkin Patch Festival in Bellaire’s Russ Pitttman Park.  Proceeds from the festival  support the Center‘s science and nature based programs for schools, children, adults and families. Admission to the festival is free. Tickets sold from ticket tents located at both ends of the park are required for food, games and activities. Pumpkins will be sold for cash or tickets. For more information, visit naturediscoverycenter.org.
  15. “Canoe, Creek and Commissioner” at Spring Creek Greenway
    On Oct. 20, 2018, from 4 p.m.-sunset, the Bayou Land Conservancy and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle will host the annual “Canoe, Creek and Commissioner” paddle event down the Spring Creek Greenway. Canoes and tandem kayaks are available to rent. Meeting point at Jesse Jones Nature Center. Pre-registration will close on Oct. 20 at noon. Walk-up registrations will be accepted if spots are available.For more information, visit bayoulandconservancy.secure.force.com.
  16. Clean Cities Technology Conference
    On Oct. 23-24, 2018, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host the Clean Cities Technologies Conference at the offices of Faust Distributing, 10040 East Freeway. The conference will focus on the cleanest technologies available for use by mobile sources including both on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.
  17. BIG Fall Meeting
    On Oct. 23, 2018, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG), which oversees implementation of a plan, or I-Plan, to remedy high levels of bacteria in waterways identified in Total Maximum Daily Load projects in the Houston Region, will hold its Fall Meeting at the H-GAC offices, 3555 Timmons Lane. On the agenda are the 2018 Annual Report, I-Plan revisions, and TMDL updates. The meeting is open to the public.To register, visit constantcontact.com.
  18. Air Alliance Houston Social
    On Oct. 23, 2018, from 6-9 p.m., enjoy an evening at Axelrad Beer Garden, 1517 W. Alabama St., and learn about Air Alliance Houston’s current research, education and advocacy programs. Air Alliance Houston staff and volunteers will be on-site with interactive stations where you can learn about the latest trends and concerns regarding Houston’s air quality. A portion of proceeds from the evening will go to Air Alliance Houston. Visit airalliancehouston.org for more information.
  19. Houston Audubon presents “Introduction to Birding”
    On Oct. 23, 2018, from 7-8:45 p.m, Houston Audubon will present an “Introduction to Birding” class taught by Glenn Olson at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. The class includes a field trip on Oct. 27, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of birdwatching, or birding, including the habitat, migration, and behavior of birds, as well as how to identify them by family and species. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.
  20. Rice Environmental Film Series: Manufactured LandscapesPlease join CEC, the Houston Green Film Series, the Rice Environmental Club, and the Rice Media Center on Oct.24, 2018, at 7 p.m. for the final film in the Rice Environmental Film Series, Manufactured Landscapes. The film follows renowned environmental photographer Edward Burtynsky as he travels through China documenting the effects of that country’s massive industrial revolution (watch the trailer). For more information, see the Facebook event.
  21. “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
    On October 25, 2018, the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District’s Water Efficiency Network will hold its monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Christina Hughes of the Walter P Moore Water Resources Engineering group titled “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Water Mapping for Master Planned Developments.” The meeting will be held at 655 Conroe Park N Drive, Conroe. For more information, visit cechouston.org
  22. Los Brazos de Dios 35K
    On Oct. 27, 2018, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Lower Brazos Riverwatch is hosting a 35-kilometer (22-mile) canoe and kayak river race on the Brazos from FM 1458 at San Felipe to FM 1093 at Simonton. Proceeds support Lower Brazos Riverwatch and the Columbia Bottomlands Conservancy. This is an ACA sanctioned event. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
  23. Cabin Tours and meet “Edith L. Moore”
    On Oct. 27, 2018,  from 1-4 p.m., Houston Audubon and the Houston History Alliance will present log cabin tours at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, where attendees can meet “Edith” and learn about her love for nature and her perseverance to protect it. Children can design their own mini cabin craft. A guided nature walk will be led at 2 p.m. For more information, see the Facebook event.
  24. BikeHouston Moonlight Ramble
    On Oct.27-28, 2018, BikeHouston will host its annual “Moonlight Ramble” fundraiser ride, in which more than 1,000 costumed riders will “retake the night” through historic Houston neighborhoods The event will include live music, food and drinks, and last-minute bike tune-ups. The ride begins at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Avenue. For more information and to register, visit bikehouston.org.
  25. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.

    • Paddle a kayak along San Antonio’s Mission Reach Paddling Trail
    • Biologists tag and track Green Jays in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Ride in a stagecoach at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site
  26. Additional Upcoming Events

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