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Houston Environmental News Update April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019

Houston Environmental News Update April 24, 2019

American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2019, Houston City Nature Challenge, World Migratory Bird Day, Green Jobs, and much more

The official Earth Day observance has passed, but don’t forget your friendly environmental advocate, the CEC! We need your support to continue our important work here at the CEC, and it’s not too late to give.

Help make us make Earth Day every day by making a donation. Supporters just like you make this newsletter possible. If you enjoy learning about opportunities to help protect and improve our environment and quality of life, please consider giving. We are thankful for friends like you who help us continue our mission to foster dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston/Gulf Coast Region.

And, in the meantime, get involved with and support the efforts of CEC’s member organizations who are making a difference–and you only have to scroll down to find out how.

Artist Boat Oppenheimer Bird Observatory Grand Reveal 2019

The banner above highlights the upcoming City Nature Challenge competition in which citizen-scientists across the planet will collect biodiversity observations in and around our cities from April 26-29, 2019. The Houston-Galveston count area is very large and observations can be made via the iNaturalist app anywhere. Last year Houston-Galveston placed No. 2 globally for species observed and we want to get to number one this year. One new idea: check out the new Artist Boat Oppenheimer Bird Observatory which is opening this weekend.

And, if beating other unnamed but inferior cities isn’t enough, Texas Parks & Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, and Houston Audubon–among others–will glean valuable insights into the state of our wildlife and native plant communities (including Species of Greatest Conservation Need) from these observations. You will be adding to real science and conservation!

CEC NOTES

For the rest of April, remember to give $1, $3, or $5 to EarthShare of Texas when you shop at any HEB or Central Market. 100% of those funds go to the forty-two environmental charities–including CEC and many of our member organizations–that belong to EarthShare of Texas. Through this partnership HEB and its customers have donated almost $1 million to EarthShare of Texas. Help us make that $1 million mark this year!

CEC is a big fan of H-E-B’s environmental initiatives relating to transportation emission reductions; green building; seafood sustainability; recycling, composting, and waste reduction; and ongoing support for environmental partners.

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

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

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

American Lung Association releases 2019 State of the Air report

On April 24, 2019, the American Lung Association released its annual “State of the Air” report. The report breaks down air quality findings by every county in the nation. The 2019 report shows that too many cities across the nation increased the number of days when particle pollution, often called “soot,” soared to often record-breaking levels. More cities suffered from higher numbers of days when ground-level ozone, also known as “smog,” reached unhealthy levels. Many cities saw their year-round levels of particle pollution increase as well. The Houston region ranked 9th worst overall for ozone. To see the findings for Texas, visit lung.org.

TWRC Wildlife Center seeking new home

At 40 years, the TWRC Wildlife Center is the oldest wildlife rescue center in Houston. The Center helps about 4,000 animals every year by rehabilitating them and returning them to the wild. Education is the other part of its mission, and its staff work hard teaching the public about the animals we share our world with. Currently, the Center is housed in about 4,500 square feet in two unconnected suites in a strip center. The Center is seeking someone willing to donate an acre or two of land near the current location or near the Cypress/Tomball area. After acquiring land, the Center would then begin a capital campaign for a new building. If you are someone you know might be interested in donating land, please contact Cheryl Conley, president, at 713-468-TWRC or cheryl@twrcwildlifecenter.org.

Slots open for Environmental Analysis program at Rice University

Rice University’s Professional Science Master’s program has open slots for its Environmental Analysis program for Fall 2019. The program is a cross-disciplinary effort to incorporate courses from environmental science, earth science, statistics, chemistry, ecology, and evolutionary biology, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, chemical engineering, economics, computer science, and sociology. The program is geared to teach students rigorous methods that are needed by industrial and governmental organizations to deal with environmental issues. For more information about the program, contact profms@rice.edu or visit www.profms.rice.edu.

Regional Air Quality Planning Advisory Committee meeting

On April 25, 2019, beginning at 2 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Regional Air Quality Planning Advisory Committee will hold a meeting at the H-GAC offices, 3555 Timmons Lane. On the agenda are Loren Raun of the City of Houston, who will discuss air quality observations from the ITC fire; and Bakeyah Nelson of Air Alliance Houston and Mustapha Beydoun of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). RAQPAC meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit h-gac.com.

West Fork Watersheds Partnership Public Meeting

On April 25, 2019, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the West Fork Watersheds Partnership will hold a public meeting at the Conroe (Central) Library, 104 I-45 North. The organization will recognize efforts for the past several years that resulted in the approval and EPA acceptance of the West Fork San Jacinto River and Lake Creek Watershed Protection Plan, as well as discuss current implementation efforts and the future of the Partnership. For more information, visit westfork.weebly.com.

Evening in the Park

On April 25, 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Hermann Park Conservancy will hold its “Evening in the Park 2019” gala at the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool and Molly Ann Smith Plaza. Join co-chairs June Deadrick and Barbara Friedman as they honor Terrylin Neale. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hermannpark.org.

“Enraptured by Raptors” lecture

On April 25, 2019, beginning at at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. is sponsoring a Going Green Sustainability Lecture by Mary Anne Weber, education director for Houston Audubon’s Raptor and Education Center, titled “Enraptured by Raptors: What Would We Do Without Them,” at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), 8801 Gosling Road, The Woodlands. Weber will discuss the environmental benefits of these magnificent birds and the dangers they face in an urban and suburban setting. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Houston City Nature Challenge 2019

Join Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and many others in a fun challenge to see which city can document the most species during April 26 – 29, 2019. It is easy to participate by joining an event or making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, you just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the community will help identify which species it is. Any observation in the greater Houston metropolitan area will count during the four-day challenge. You can participate by exploring the life in your backyard, in your local park, or on a field trip with your local naturalist group. For more information, visit iNaturalist.org or the Facebook event.

Keep Houston Beautiful Day volunteer registration deadline on April 26

Keep Houston Beautiful Day is a city-wide service day spanning various locations throughout the community. The event kicks off the national Great American Cleanup and celebrates the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off in Houston. The event has been rescheduled from April 7 to May 4, 2019, from 8 a.m.-noon. The new deadline to register is April 26. For more information and to register, visit houstonbeautiful.org.

Spring Wildflower Day at Lawther-Deer Park Prairie

On April 27, 2019, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas will host Spring Wildflower Day celebrating the five-year anniversary of the purchase and conservation easement of the 52-acre Lawther-Deer Park Prairie, 1222 E. Purdue Lane, Deer Park. For more information, visit texasprairie.org.

Houston Botanic Garden Spring Saturday Series with Urban Harvest

On April 27, 2019, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Houston Botanic Garden will host a Spring Saturday Series with Urban Harvest, featuring a walking tour and an Introduction to Organic Garden. In this class, attendees will learn how to select the site, build the beds, plant, care, and maintain a vegetable garden. A potting activity is included. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Keep Kingwood Green B.O.P.A. & National Drug Take Back Day

On Apr. 27, 2019, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Keep Kingwood Green will offer a safe way for Houston residents to dispose B.O.P.A. (batteries, oil, paint, anti-freeze) and prescription drugs. Twice a year, the City of Houston collects B.O.P.A. and old, unused and expired prescription and potentially dangerous OTC drugs. The event will be held at the Kingwood Metro Park, 3210 W Lake Houston Pkwy. For more information, visit keepkingwoodgreen.org.

Blackhawk Park Restoration Event

On April 27, 2019, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program will host a restoration project at Blackhawk Park, 9401 Fuqua St.. Volunteers will help install native grasses and forbs into the 47-acre restoration site. They will also be unveiling the new Nature Playground. For more information and to RSVP, email NaturalResources@houstontx.gov.

Pearland Earth Day Celebration

On April 27, 2019, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the City of Pearland, in partnership with Keep Pearland Beautiful, will host the 23rd annual Earth Day Celebration, designed to educate the community about their environmental responsibility. The annual event provides families with the opportunity to participate in educational activities teaching them about recycling, conservation, and environmental citizenship. The event will include live performances, educational booths, family games, inflates, food vendors and more. For more information, visit pearlandtx.gov.

Rice Design Alliance 2019 Architectural Tour: ADAPT

On April 27, 2019, from 1-6 p.m., the Rice Design Alliance will host its 2019 Architecture Tour. This year’s theme “ADAPT” refers to the different ways in which architects and owners of Houston homes have modified their living spaces to adapt to changing conditions. The six Houston houses featured on the tour have adapted to generational succession, family change, climate crisis, neighborhood expectations, rising waters, and preserving in place. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit arch.rice.edu.

World Migratory Bird Day at Armand Bayou Nature Center

On April 28, 2019, Armand Bayou Nature Center will host a full-day celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Scheduled events include a guided morning birding hike from 7-9 a.m., a behind-the-scenes viewing at the Rookery from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and a fun-filled family event from noon-4 p.m. The Armand Bayou Nature Center is located at 8500 Bay Area Blvd. in Pasadena. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abnc.org.

The Ecological Crisis & The Response of Faith Adult Forum

On April 28, 2019, from 9:45-10:45 a.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., will host an adult forum on “The Ecological Crisis & The Response of Faith.”
Lisa Brenskelle will examine the science that explains the present state of our world and the major environmental issues we face. She will then consider how our faith both informs and enables our response to this crisis. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Galveston Bay Foundation Rain Barrel Workshop at Spindletop Brewery

The Galveston Bay Foundation is hosting a series of Rain Barrel Workshops throughout the region to teach the public about the cost savings and environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, and proper rain barrel installation instructions and tips. The $35 registration fee includes one 35-gallon barrel, one connector kit, and admission to the workshop for the registrant and one guest. The first will be held April 28, 2019, from noon-1 p.m., at Spindletop Brewery, 10622 Hirsch Road. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory Reveal Party

On April 28, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., Artist Boat will host a party to unveil the new Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory. This will be the first public pull-off birding access along Stewart Road creating access to the Coastal Heritage Preserve, just for birders. In partnership with Artist Boat, the Gulf Coast Design Lab at The University of Texas at Austin designed this project with the goal of inspiring inspire its visitors to connect with nature in a new way that instills a sense of responsibility to protect the diminishing habitat of native plants and animals. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artistboat.org.

Webinar: How Water Conservation Will Save the Dry Day

On April 28, 2019, at 6 p.m., Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold it’s monthly environmental education web meeting series. This month Robert Mace, professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, will speak on water issues in Texas. The meeting will be held at 2353 Rice Blvd. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Houston Wilderness’s Great Green Quest scholarship opportunity

Applications for Houston Wilderness‘s 2019 Great Green Quest – Careers in Conservation scholarship opportunity are open through April 29, 2019. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate interns or staff who currently work at one of HW’s 100+ Network Partner organizations in the 13-county region and are currently seeking an undergraduate or master’s level degree in environmental science and/or ecology-related careers. Houston Wilderness is offering up to five $1,000 scholarships to help support deserving students in our region. For more information about the “Careers in Conservation” Scholarship program and to submit applications, please contact Torey Brown at torey@houstonwilderness.org. 

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center Photo Contest

From April 30-May 1, 2019, all amateur photographers to participate in the annual Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center Photo Contest. Get your cameras and mobile devices ready to capture the natural beauty within Jones Park. Whether you visit the park regularly with your family or for the various festivals throughout the year, there are countless opportunities to snap a winning image. Photos must be submitted by April 25, and the Awards Presentation will be held May 4. For more information, visit www.hcp4.net.

Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study public scoping meetings

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District has initiated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study. The study will investigate the causes of flooding and develop alternatives that could reduce the risk of flooding along the Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries, in Harris and Fort Bend Counties. The study will also complete a Dam Safety Modification Evaluation on the Addicks and Barker Dams. The USACE invites interested individuals and organizations to attend one of the five scheduled Public Scoping meetings. Find more information about the Study and the meetings at swg.usace.army.mil.

  • Kingsland Baptist Church Activity Center, April 30
  • Saint John Vianney Catholic Church Activity Center, May 2
  • Trini Mendenhall Community Center, May 7
  • Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, May 8
  • Cypress Ridge High School, May 9

Make I-45 Better Coalition fundraising event

On April 30, 2019, from 5-9 p.m., the Make I-45 Better Coalition will hold an event to raise funds to conduct study on health and environmental concerns about the I-45 expansion, focusing on the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. The fundraiser will be held at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Scenic City Application Deadline extended to April 30

The Houston-Galveston Area Council and Scenic Texas support vibrant, healthy communities across the state. Partnering with Scenic Texas and other agencies to form the Scenic City Certification Program has been a natural fit for H-GAC. See the full roster of certified Scenic Cities and review program requirements at sceniccitycertification.org. Due to a high volume of interest, the deadline to apply has been extended to April 30, 2019.

National Bike Challenge with BikeHouston begins May 1

From May 1 through September 30, 2019, BikeHouston, whose mission is the implementation of the City of Houston Bike Plan, will be sponsoring the city’s participation in the National Bike Challenge, a nationwide event that unites thousands of new and existing bicyclists across the country in friendly competition designed to celebrate and encourage biking. For more information on how to participate, visit lovetoride.net.

The Great Texas Bird Migration Conservation Grants deadline May 1

The Great Texas Birding Classic has donated $954,000 in conservation funding to nature tourism and avian habitat restoration, enhancement, and acquisition projects throughout the state. Organizations are not required to register a team in the Birding Classic to be eligible to submit a project proposal. All approved projects submitted by the May 1 deadline will be provided to winning Birding Classic teams to select which projects are funded by Conservation Grants. For more information, visit tpwd.texas.gov.

HARC’s People & Nature Speaker Series presents Jigar Shah

On May 1, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m., the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), in conjunction with UH Energy, will present the latest in its People & Nature Speaker Series featuring Jigar Shah, president and co-founder of Generate Capital and founder and former CEO of SunEdison, in a talk titled “Public and Private Sector Investment for our New Climate Future: From Energy Infrastructure to the Green New Deal and Beyond.” The event will be held at the UH Student Center South. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

City of Houston Climate Action Plan Community Meetings

The City of Houston’s Office of Sustainability, has begun drafting a Climate Action Plan. The goal is to create ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish a pathway to meet the Paris Agreement goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while also decreasing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and reducing costs through energy efficiency and renewable energy. The target completion date for the Plan is December 2019, with implementation by the City to start in 2020. HARC, the Houston Advanced Research Center, is providing technical assistance. The City has scheduled a set of Community Meetings to give members of the public information about the Plan, as well as receive input: Meetings will be held from 6-8 p.m. on the following dates (see details here):

  • May 2, 2019 — Northeast Multiservice Center
  • May 8, 2019 — Metropolitan Multiservice Center

Katy Prairie Conservancy 2019 Bash: Our Roots Run Deep

On May 2, 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Katy Prairie Conservancy will host its 2019 annual fundraising dinner, themed “Our Roots Run Deep,” at the River Oaks Country Club. This year, the event will honor avid conservationist and easement donor Forrest Wylie. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit katyprairie.org.

2019 WaterWorks Festival

On May 3, 2019, from 9 a.m.-noon, the City of Houston’s WaterWorks Education Center will hold the 26th Annual WaterWorks Festival at Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St. This year’s theme is “Careers in STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math).” The event will feature more than 50 sponsors and exhibitors sharing a variety of careers in both the public and private water and waste water sectors. For more information, visit constantcontact.com.

Mont Belvieu Spring Outdoor Celebration

On May 4, 2019, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the City of Mont Belviue will host its Spring Outdoor Celebration at City Park, 10900 Eagle Lane. This fun-filled day of outdoor exploration will include kayaking, archery, dog training, a wild bird show, outdoor education, and much more. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Party for the Planet

On May 4, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m., the Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena, will hold its annual “Party for the Planet” spring fundraiser. The event will include complementary cocktails, live and silent auctions, music and dancing, games and other fun activities alongside a catered dinner. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abnc.org.

GBCO Spring Fling concludes May 5

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s Spring Fling, an opportunity to see and celebrate millions of migratory songbirds as they arrive at stopover habitat along the coast, concludes May 5, 2019. This is great time to enjoy the wide variety of species that migrate through Texas dressed in their spring finery and to see colorful birds like orioles, grosbeaks, tanagers, and numerous warbler species. Spring Fling takes place at the Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. The Sanctuary is located on Lamar Street across from the Quintana town hall building. http://www.gcbo.org/spring-fling/

“Texas Coastal Exchange: How Houses of Worship Can Help”

On May 5, 2019, beginning at 2 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites you to learn about the Texas Coastal Exchange (TCX), a new carbon offset program for the region. Jim Blackburn, Rice professor and member of the TCX board of directors, will discuss how the TCX is designed both as a land conservation tool and a means to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Find out how you/your house of worship can support local land conservation as a buyer of carbon offsets. The event will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church,
2353 Rice Blvd. For more details and to RSVP, visit eventbrite.com.

CNREP 2019: Challenges of Natural Resource Economics & Policy

Registration is now open for the Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy’s CNREP 2019: Challenges of Natural Resource Economics & Policy, the 6th National Forum on Socioeconomic Research in Coastal Systems.The conference is scheduled for May 19-21, 2019 in New Orleans. This triennial forum focuses on the opportunities and challenges of socioeconomic research in the development and evaluation of coastal resource restoration and management. For more information and to register, visit cnrep.lsu.edu.

Call for presentations: 37th Annual Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference

The 37th Annual Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference will be held September 27-28 on Galveston Island. TAEE serves all regions of the Texas community by increasing the effectiveness of environmental education. The conference is geared toward formal and informal environmental educators, including classroom teachers, museums, parks, zoos, environmental agencies, and others. Best practices are shared and great ideas are passed forward. Click here to submit a proposal by June 1. For more information, visit taee.org.

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.

  • Travel to Goldthwaite for the opening weekend of deer season
  • Postcard from Texas: Milby County deer

Additional Upcoming Events