Community Notes 03-19-2012

1. National Wildlife Week. March 19-25. National Wildlife Week is a part of the National Wildlife Foundation’s Be Out There campaign, which encourages families and communities to connect to nature, raise healthier kids, instill a conservation ethic, and inspire a life-long appreciation of wildlife and the environment. Learn more and participate in observation at http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/.
2. Seminar – Houston Recycling: Where Are We? A seminar on March 22nd from 6-7:30pm at the Green Building Resource Center will address recycling in Houston. Many questions about recycling will be answered including ‘How much does it cost,’ ‘What happens to it,’ ‘Why can’t we recycle everything,’ and ‘How does Houston compare to other parts of the country.’ Please RSVP: Steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or phone 832-394-9050. Read more at http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf.
3. Film Festival: Mountainfilm on Tour- Houston! A new film festival comes to town this year: Mountainfilm in Telluride on Tour in Houston, which is a compilation of several short, inspiring documentaries on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 from 7-11:30pm both nights at the Rice University Media Center (Corner of University Blvd and Stockton Entrance 8). Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring , environments worth preserving, and conversations worth sustaining. Learn more athttp://www.mountainfilm.org/houston.
4. Young Environmental Hero Nominations. The Gloria Barron Prize is accepting nominations for Young Heroes awards. The Barron Prize recognizes outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Ten winners each receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education, and half of each year’s winners are chosen for their work to protect the environment. The deadline for nominations is April 30th. Visit http://www.barronprize.org/ for more information.
5. TogetherGreen Innovation Grants. Applications are now being accepted for the TogetherGreen Innovation Grants, which support conservation partnerships that engage diverse communities and find innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The deadline for application is April 2. Learn more at http://www.togethergreen.org/grants/.
6. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website(* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
   • Fishing for Cats
   • Garner State Park
   • Lone Star Land Steward: North American Coal Corporation
   • The Desert Oasis – Balmorhea State Park
7. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
   • March 20: Green–Good–Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • March 21: Green–Good–Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • March 22: Green–Good–Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.