Coalition Notes 09-07-2011

1. Armand Bayou Nature Center needs volunteers. Armand Bayou Nature Center is in need of volunteers to support one of the nation’s most significant habitat preserves. Volunteer service is critical to keeping the nature center open during these challenging times. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the nature center operations including environmental education, resource stewardship, facilities maintenance, and visitor service programs. The next volunteer orientation is scheduled for two half-day sessions on September 17th and 24th from 9am to 2pm at the nature center. To reserve a spot, call 281-474-2551, and to find more information, visit http://www.abnc.org/.
   
2. NPSOT Symposium 2011. Registration is ongoing for the Native Plant Society of Texas Symposium 2011, one of the largest environmental education events of the decade in Houston. The symposium will be heald from October 13th to the 16th at the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside (13210 Katy Freeway and Eldridge Parkway). The event will kick off Texas Native Plant Week in grand style by gathering together experts and gardeners from across the state, offering speakers, field trips, educational exhibits, workshops, and a native plant sale. Early bird registration ends Sept 15th. To register, visit http://npsot.org/wp/symposium2011/.
   
3. Clean Vehicles Program Grant Workshop Series. Grant applications can be big and scary, but here’s the workshop to work ’em out! For your whole fleet or just one truck, find out how to get Clean Vehicles funding to upgrade. Whether it’s propane, natural gas, hybrid-electric, or just clean diesel, there is funding available for your upgrade. This workshop offers you the know-how to get you through the process. Convenient workshop locations will be all over the region starting Sept 8th until Oct 3rd. At least one workshop in every county, so check out the location near you: http://www.houston-cleancities.org/events.htm.
   
4. 2011 Guardian of the Bay Award Luncheon. The Galveston Bay Foundation’s 2011 Guardian of the Bay Award Luncheon will be held on September 28th, at the Hotel ZaZa. The Guardian of the Bay Award exemplifies leaders who have shown remarkable distinction through substantial work and commitment for the betterment of Galveston Bay. They are proud to announce that the 2011 award recipients are: Shell (Industry), Ann Hamilton (Community), and City of Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker (Government). For more information and for instructions for a table and ticket purchase, visit http://www.galvbay.org/events_luncheon.html.
   
5. National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States. Volunteers work to remove trash and invasive plants, build and maintain trails, and plant trees and other native plants. The event is taking place on September 4th, and the local sites include Hermann Park, Sam Houston National Forest near New Waverly, and Trinity River Refuge in Libterty. To learn more about how to attend and volunteer, visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/.
   
6. 3rd Annual State of the Prairie Conference Registration Now Open! Coastal Prairie Partnership and Natives Prairies Association of Texas are pleased to announce that registration for the 2011 State of the Prairie Conference has opened. The conference will be held in and around Houston on November 18-19 and will focus on building prairies for wildlife, urban environments, cattle production, and ecotourism. Presentations and field trips are geared towards both prairie professionals and novices. Over twenty institutions will participate at this year’s event including the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Houston Audubon, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Full conference information and registration can be found at coastalprairiepartnership.org.
   
7. Opportunity to Support Project Brays. The Brays Bayou Association writes that the Federal Energy and Water Development Bill is being considered in congressional committees. This bill has the potential to provide the $20 million that has been requested to support the efforts of the Harris County Flood Control District and its partners to make improvements to Brays Bayou and within its watershed. More information about Project Brays is available on the HCFCD website. The Brays Bayou Association would be pleased to provide a presentation or packet of information about the bill, how it could effect Project Brays, and how you can support it. For more information, please contact Bob Schwartz, President, Brays Bayou Association, 713-723-7230.
8. CHILDREN AT RISK’s Annual Math and Science Education Policy Luncheon. On September 20th from 11:30-1pm at the United Way Building, CHILDREN AT RISK will be hosting a math and science education policy luncheon, “Inquiring Minds: Attracting Underrepresented Students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” To learn more and to register, visit http://childrenatrisk.org/2011.