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October 22, 2012

Community Notes 10-22-2012

  1. Free rides on METRORail. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and KHOU 11, Houston’s CBS affiliate, have teamed up to offer days of free rides on the Houston area’s METRORail. The effort hopes to encourage riders to take advantage of public transit as a fast, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option. The last free ride will take place on October 28th, from 5:30am to 11:40pm. Read more at http://www.khou.com/.
  2. Texas Whooper Watch. Endangered whooping cranes have begun their annual 2,400-mile fall migration from Canada to Texas. As the rare birds approach Texas, a new citizen science initiative is inviting Texas residents and visitors to help collect sightings of whoopers. Texas Whooper Watch (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/whoopingcranes/) is a new volunteer monitoring program that is a part of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Nature Trackers program. According to Lee Ann Linam, biologist in the Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Whooper Watch is being developed to keep track of an ever-expanding population of whooping cranes. Read more at http://tpwd.state.tx.us/.
  3. USDA Food Compass Map. The USDA has just expanded the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass! The Compass is a narrative and searchable map of projects that have received federal support for local food work. Starting today, the Compass will include data and resources from other federal agencies. Learn about resources from USDA and beyond and see how others are using these tools in their communities. Check out the updated map and other new info here: http://www.usda.gov/kyfcompass. Read more at http://www.facebook.com/.
  4. Request for Pipeline Easement – Brazoria County: Two Hydrocarbon Pipelines at the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area. In a meeting on November 8th, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider the granting of an easement to Enterprise Crude Pipeline Company LLC for installation of two (2) hydrocarbon pipelines of 30” and 36” diameter to be directional drilled under a portion of the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Brazoria County. At this meeting, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed transaction before the Commission takes action. The meeting will start at 9am at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Prior to the meeting, public comment may be submitted to Ted Hollingsworth, Land Conservation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744 or by email at ted.hollingsworth@tpwd.state.tx.us or through the TPWD web site at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us. More at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
  5. New Hiking Trail. 35 volunteers from General Electric and five Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge volunteers established a primitive hiking trail that links the Liberty Municipal Park and Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can find this trail by walking the paved walking trails of the municipal park until they see the trailhead, two parallel lanes of logs leading into an opening in the tree line of the woods. The trail is now open for those who would like to experience it; however, hunting, harassing, and the collecting of plants or animals is prohibited. All entry, during daylight hours only, to the refuge must be on foot. Mountain biking, all terrain vehicles, or horses are not allowed as they cause erosion to sensitive tree and plant roots. More at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  6. Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant Program. Wells Fargo and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation are offering financial assistance through Environmental Solutions for Communities, a new grant program designed to help communities in the United States create a more sustainable future through responsible environmental stewardship. The program will support highly visible projects that link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. Grants will typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 for projects of 18 months. Deadline: December 3. More at http://foundationcenter.org/.
  7. 2012 Beaming Bioneers Conference. Join Houston Bioneers for a two-day forum exploring the practical solutions and innovative social strategies that are revitalizing our community. Be inspired by local leaders sharing serious concerns and exciting solutions, including Dan Phillips of Phoenix Commotion on sustainability in the 21st century, Rick Bost of Georgia’s Market on healthy food for everyone, Linda Geffin on human trafficking in Houston, Jane Weiner of Hope Stone on unlocking creativity in kids, and Crystal Montanez on empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. KPFT’s own Leo Gold will moderate a panel on Houston’s future in renewable energy. Connect with other on-the-ground innovators, change agents, and thought leaders from business, education, government, and the community. Houston Bioneers will take place November 9th-10th at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (1900 Bering Drive). Learn more and register at http://www.beamingbioneershouston.org/.
  8. 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:
    • Hueco Tanks, Rock Art Reborn
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Cook’s Branch Conservancy
    • Wild Game Cooking: Grilled Venison
    • Oasis of the Kingfisher
  9. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • October 23: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Incoming background levels may be high enough and winds light enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” levels on the north and northwest side of the Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • October 24: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Incoming background levels may be high enough and winds light enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” levels on the north and northwest side of the Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • October 25: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds and/or low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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