Houston Environmental News Update October 14, 2020

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Galas Galore, Wild About Houston, Low Carbon Energy Summit, Clean Waters Initiative, UH Energy Symposium, The Policy of Resilience, Big Thicket Day, Livable Places Initiative, Green Jobs, and more

‘Tis the season for our community to come together to support the many organizations that work to protect and improve the environment in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Here is a partial list of galas and other annual events you can look forward to this year. And don’t forget CEC’s Wild About Houston Green Film Festival on October 21 and November 18, 2020!

Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.

CEC NOTES

Tickets on Sale: Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC is proud to host the third annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival. The virtual festival will tell the story of local environmental issues, their champions and how you can make a difference. This year, the number and quality of film submissions was so great that CEC will host two nights of programming: October 21 and November 18, 2020. Each night will feature different films. A few of the best local films will be shown at the January 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour. Tune in to the live program to vote for your favorite film, or register to receive a link to watch the on-demand program later. In addition to pay-what you-can tickets, you can pre-order a delicious meal featuring local, organic food from Pat Greer’s Kitchen. Register at eventbrite.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, visit cechouston.org.

Save the Date: Justice and Transformation: Houston Women on Climate Action, Oct. 28, 2020

On October 28, 2020, please join Rice University’s Fondren Library for a discussion on justice and climate. This virtual panel will bring together four Houston women whose work addresses climate justice: Dr. Denae King (TSU), Dr. Cymene Howe (Rice), Amy Catherine Dinn (Lone Star Legal Aid), and Iris Gonzalez (Coalition for Environment, Equity & Resilience (CEER)). CEC is pleased to be a cosponsor of this event. Learn more at library.rice.edu/JusticeTransformation.

Support the environment through workplace giving

If you work for employers such as the City of Houston, the State of Texas, or HISD, among many other public and private workplaces, remember that the fall is campaign season for most employee workplace giving programs. Employees are offered the chance to select from many charitable organizations to support through payroll contributions. You can give to CEC via EarthShare of Texas, as one of 60 local, regional and national environmental organizations supported by EarthShare of Texas. You can designate individual organizations or let EarthShare of Texas divide it equally among their participating organizations. A complete list of participating workplaces is available at www.earthshare-texas.org. For more information about EarthShare of Texas, including information about how your organization can offer workplace giving, please visit www.earthshare-texas.org or call 800-GREENTX. Look for the the CEC’s code number under the EarthShare of Texas heading in workplace giving campaign literature at all state agencies (035569), at HISD (0111) and at the City of Houston (1413). Please consider CEC in your workplace giving program!

Be CEC’s Neighbor at MECA

CEC’s office is at MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling for the Arts) in the historic Dow School in the Old Sixth Ward off of Memorial Drive just outside of downtown. Studios (aka classrooms) are available, including one right next to CEC! (We might even share our conference room.) Learn more at meca-houston.org or email [email protected] to get the scoop.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Let’s Talk Houston: Livable Places Action Committee Meeting

The recently launched Livable Places initiative is a continuation of the City of Houston Planning Department’s effort to update portions of Houston’s development codes to create more opportunities for walkability, affordability and equity. On Oct. 20, 2020, from 3-5 p.m., the Living Places Action Committee will hold a regular meeting which begins the Committee’s Public Engagement process. For more information, including how to attend the meeting, visit houstontx.gov. Learn more about engagement opportunities with the Planning Department’s Let’s Talk Houston website.

Through Oct. 31, 2020: City of Houston Draft Long-Range Solid Waste Plan

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is excited to announce the creation of an updated Long-Range Solid Waste Management Plan covering waste and recycling programs for Houston until 2040. The draft plan will provide for sustainable materials management for the Houston area for the next 20 years. SWMD welcomes comments through Oct. 31, 2020. Learn more at houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/index.html. Residents are encouraged to provide comments on surveymonkey.com.

Through Nov. 2, 2020: Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Feasibility Report released

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, along with the Harris County Flood Control District, recently released an Interim Feasibility Report for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study. The purpose of the study is to evaluate alternatives with the goal of helping to reduce flooding under a range of flood events. Information sessions are scheduled for Oct. 15, 22, and 26. Learn more at usace.army.mil.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts, particularly in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Houston Botanic Garden seeks Horticulture Intern

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The Houston Botanic Garden is seeking a Horticulture Intern who will support various Garden projects alongside the Horticulture Manager, such as beautification tasks, site maintenance and participate in special projects.

Intern will also take a lead role in supporting the implementation of the Horticulture volunteer program including coordinating volunteer activities, updating orientation materials, organizing safety training protocol, tracking hours, and working alongside volunteers in various activities. For full job description and application instructions, visit hbg.org.

Houston Botanic Garden seeks Director of Horiculture

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The Houston Botanic Garden is seeking a Director of Horticulture to lead the horticulture team in all horticulture initiatives to drive year-round attendance and further the Garden’s education and conservation mission. The Director must understand the importance of botanic garden collections, conservation, sustainability, and display strategies to operate a successful public garden.

The Director serves as a member of the Leadership Team; is a key public face of the Garden; is one of the primary stewards of the guest experience at the Garden; and must be an enthusiastic advocate internally and externally for making the Garden beautiful and engaging for others. For full job description and application instructions, visit hbg.org.