Coalition Notes 12-17-2012

1. “Now What” Community Meeting About Houston’s Bayou Greenways. ParksByYou and the Houston Parks Board will host a short, one-hour community meeting entitled: “Now What” at the United Way at 50 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77007 on December 20, 2012, from 11am until noon. A short PowerPoint presentation will show where construction will begin on Houston’s Bayou Greenways during the first few months of 2013. ParksByYou still needs your help in fundraising and friendraising, so bring a friend and hear about the next steps in the most transformative project in Houston, and one of the largest trail projects in the nation. RSVP here: jen@houstonparksboard.org and check out www.houstonbayougreenways.org for more information on the trails and parks.
2. Armand Bayou Owl Prowl and Night Hike. Visit Armand Bayou Nature Center on December 22nd, 5-7pm, for a beautiful walk through the woods, looking for owls and listening to the fascinating sounds of the night. Don’t forget your walking shoes / boots and flashlight! Advance reservations are required: Call 281 474-2551, ext 10. This event takes place every 4th Saturday of the month. More at http://www.abnc.org/thecalendar.html.
3. Houston Sustainability Indicators – Presentation Slides. The presentation slides for the Houston Sustainability Indicators Project Report (November 28th) have been posted. Visit https://shellcenter.rice.edu/ to view them. The final report will be posted to the site on December 21st.
4. The Best and Worst Transportation Projects In the United States. The Sierra Club has put together a Green Transportation Report, naming the 50 best and worst transportation projects in the United States. This report shows that Americans can and should expect the dollars we spend on transportation to contribute to solving environmental and economic problems. Smart transportation investments are already providing Americans with transportation options that reduce our dependence on oil, improve air and water quality and public health, and keep more money in local economies. However that doesn’t always happen. Two projects in the Houston area made the list. The Houston Light Rail, one of the most-traveled light rail systems in the United States per route mile, was named one of the best projects. However, the Grand Parkway, the third beltway around Houston, was named one of the worst as it encourages additional sprawl. Read the full report at http://content.sierraclub.org/.
5. Flying WILD Workshop. Saturday, January 5, 2012. This companion to Project WILD highlights bird education and conservation though hands-on lessons, activities, and stewardship projects. The workshop is designed for formal and non-formal educators and meets TEEAC & CEU requirements. The cost is $15 for materials. Reservations are required: 281-446-8588 or jjp@hcp4.net. Visit http://www.hcp4.net/jones/pdf/calendars/042713WinterSpringJJP.pdf for more info.
6. Save the date: The 13th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale. Mark your calendar for this once a year fruit-tree-fest. The 13th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until sold out, at Houston Community College, 5601 West Loop South, just south of Hwy 59. This sale brings together far more types and varieties of fruit trees than can be found anywhere else in the greater Houston area. Best fruit trees are available only during the winter at this sale. For more information, visit http://www.urbanharvest.org/events/fruittreesales.html.