Community Notes 02-23-2011

1. “State of the Gulf – America’s Sea.” A one-hour documentary called “State of the Gulf – America’s Sea”, produced by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will air at 8pm central time, on Thursday, February 24th on PBS. The documentary will explore the diversity of the gulf, its flora and fauna, geology, and hydrology. A variety of habitats will be examined along with water quality and climate change. To read more about the program, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20101229a.
2. Ocean Discovery Day – Texas. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory are sponsoring Ocean Discovery Day on March 26, from 9am to 3pm. The free event is designed to engage residents and visitors in fun, creative, and educational hands-on activities that illustrate how NOAA programs are relevant to the community. For more information, visit http://flowergarden.noaa.gov/newsevents/odd2011article.html.
3. University of St. Thomas Tackles the Clean Energy Economy. The forum will focus on challenges and solutions to a clean energy economy and sustainable transportation. UST is holding a Focus the Nation Clean Energy Forum to educate the public on the innovative approaches the community is taking to make Houston a more sustainable place to live. The forum will take place on February 28th from 5-9pm at the University of St. Thomas. Pre-registration is appreciated and can be completed at http://www.focusthenation.org/forums. For more information on the event, visit http://www.usgbc-houston.org/calendar.asp?show=825&calid=710.
4. FeatherFest Photos. Entries are now being accepted for the FeatherFest Photo Contest held in conjunction with Galveston’s annual birding, nature and photography festival. Individuals are invited to submit images of birds taken in Galveston or adjacent counties. Entries for Week 1 are due Tuesday, March 1. For more information, visit http://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/PhotoContest.php.
5. Students Give Water a Voice Competition. Give Water a Voice is aimed at increasing students’ awareness of their community water resource problems and empowering them to find solutions. This year’s international art competition celebrates World Water Day with the theme, Water Change in your Community. The deadline for submission is March 22, 2011. To learn more, visit http://www.naturesvoice-ourchoice.org/students-give-water-a-voice.html.
6. Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Project. The Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Project challenges young artists to create an illustration of their state fish and a written composition on its behavior, habitat, and efforts to conserve it. The deadline for entry is March 31, 2011. To learn more, visit http://www.wildlifeforever.org/contest.