• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org

Houston Environmental News Update December 18, 2012

CEC NOTES

  1. CEC seeks Executive Director
  2. Newsletter Holiday
  3. 82nd Legislature Regular Session–what are YOU following?

COALITION NOTES

  1. “Now What” Community Meeting About Houston’s Bayou Greenways
  2. Armand Bayou Owl Prowl and Night Hike
  3. Houston Sustainability Indicators – Presentation Slides
  4. The Best and Worst Transportation Projects In the United States
  5. Flying WILD Workshop
  6. Save the date: The 13th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Reading Towards Sustainability II
  2. Holiday Trees: Artistically Upcycled
  3. First Day Hikes in Texas State Parks
  4. Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership Public Meeting
  5. Van Tour – Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge
  6. Techs & Trainers
  7. Houston Re-Market
  8. Whooper Help
  9. 2013 Cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows
  10. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  11. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees: An Easier Choice Than You Think
    (Elizabeth Trovall – StateImpact, 12/13/2012)
  2. Rice Researchers Develop Plant-Based Battery (Laurie Johnson – KUHF
    News, 12/03/2012)
  3. Harnessing Huntsville’s potential: Community identifies areas for
    improvement (Tori Brock – The Huntsville Item, 12/02/2012)

GREEN JOBS

  1. CEC seeks Executive Director
  2. NEW! Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed Coordinator
  3. NEW! Armand Bayou Nature Center seeks Restoration Technician
  4. NEW! The Mercer Society seeks Retail Staff
  5. Urban Harvest seeks Executive Director
  6. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Directors
  7. Hermann Park Conservancy seeks Marketing Manager
  8. The Mercer Society seeks Executive Director
  9. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks Administrative Assistant
  10. Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TCWP) seeks Graduate Student Intern
  11. Texas Coastal Watershed Program seeks Wetland Program Assistant
  12. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens seeks Conservation Botany Intern

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS


CEC NOTES

  1. CEC seeks Executive Director. The Citizens
    Environmental Coalition is seeking an Executive Director with a passion
    for environmental issues and strong community involvement and
    fundraising talents. CEC works with organizations serving all facets of
    the environmental community with the mission of fostering dialogue,
    education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston/Gulf
    Coast region. We are seeking a person with strong independent work
    habits and the ability to connect with the breadth of the environmental
    community. For more information visit cechouston.org
    or contact our interim ED, Shawn McFarland, at shawn@cechouston.org.
    Please send a cover letter and resume to helen.oconnor@live.com,
    Board President, by January 1, 2013.
  2. Newsletter Holiday. The Houston Environmental News
    Update will not be published on Tuesday, December 25, 2012, or on New
    Year’s Day. We will continue to update the calendar and website, and we
    will send an abbreviated newsletter towards the end of December.
  3. 82nd Legislature Regular Session–what are YOU following? Session
    begins at noon on Tuesday, January 8, 2012, and we’d like to share
    information during the session about what bills our member groups and
    readers are tracking. Let us know what legislation will be important to
    you, and we will highlight it in our first newsletter of 2013, on
    January 8. We’ll follow the status of the bills and provide information
    in our newsletter. If you provide insight into progress of any of the
    bills, we’ll share that, too.So far, 278 bills have been filed by the
    House and 127 bills have been filed by the Senate. Bills filed so far
    touch on issues including climate adaptation planning, eminent domain
    for recreation, community gardens, solid waste management,
    transportations, the sporting goods sales tax, emmissions inspections,
    muncicpal land development, TCEQ rules, water efficiency and water
    rates, and salvage yards, to name a few. Learn more at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Reports/General.aspx.

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COALITION NOTES

  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.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Reading Towards Sustainability II. An educational
    seminar, Reading Towards Sustainability II, will take place at the Green
    Building Resource Center (1002 Washington Ave) on December 20, 2012,
    from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. GBRC Program Director Steve Stelzer will
    present an update of converging ideas and contrasts from a cross section
    of books addressing sustainability. The purpose is to give the audience
    an idea of the community effect of authors concerned about the state of
    the human race. Each attendee will receive a free, updated list of
    books. Please RSVP to Steve Stelzer at steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or
    832.394.9050. http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf
  2. Holiday Trees: Artistically Upcycled. Holiday trees
    decorated by local artists using recycled items will be on display
    during business hours until December 28, 2012, at the City of Houston’s
    offices at 611. Free and open to the public. More at http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/.
  3. First Day Hikes in Texas State Parks. Start a
    tradition on New Year’s Day 2013 by starting the year off on the right
    foot, the left foot, any foot — take a First Day Hike in a state park
    near you! Most all hikes are guided by state park staff and volunteers
    and feature an interpretive message about native plants, animals or park
    history. The walks average one to two miles in length, but many also
    offer shorter or longer trek options as well. There’s something for
    everyone! In the Houston area, there will be hikes at Brazos Bend State
    Park (meet at the park’s Nature Center at 10:00 am) and Sheldon Lake
    State Park (meet at the Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental
    Learning Center at 11:00 am). Find a hike here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/hiking.
  4. Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership Public Meeting.
    Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership will be holding a public meeting on
    January 3, 2013, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center (1724
    Market Street). The Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership is a group of
    local stakeholders from the communities surrounding Cedar Bayou whose
    purpose is to seek voluntary ways to restore and protect our local
    waterway. The meeting will cover the project status and preliminary data
    from the water quality monitoring effort underway. Come to have your
    ideas and concerns heard! More at http://www.cedarbayouwatershed.com/.
  5. Van Tour – Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge.
    Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest
    remnants of coastal prairie habitat remaining in southeast Texas. It is
    home to one of the last populations of the critically endangered
    Attwater’s prairie-chicken, a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal
    prairie ecosystem. The first Saturday of each month, a guided van tour
    of the refuge will take visitors on a two-hour trip through the prairie.
    Join refuge volunteers and staff to learn about native coastal prairie,
    the history of the refuge, the biology of the Attwater’s
    prairie-chicken, and what’s being done to save it from extinction. The
    next tour is on January 5, 2013, 8-10am. Space is limited and
    reservations are required. Contact the refuge staff to reserve your spot
    on this interesting tour at (979) 234-3012, ext. 221 or 223. Learn more
    http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Techs & Trainers. Recycle your computer AND help
    to provide meaningful employment for people with mental illness or
    disabilities. Using computers donated by individuals and local
    businesses, the Techs & Trainers recycling program makes good use of
    computer parts that were destined for the landfill, preventing e-waste
    before it starts. They repair, recycle, and refurbish computers and
    provide technological skills and computers to the unemployed and people
    with disabilities. Techs & Trainers is located at 5933 Bellaire
    Blvd., #111. Visit http://www.techsandtrainers.org/
    to learn more.
  7. Houston Re-Market. The Houston Re-Market is an
    innovative market whose goal is to foster responsible consumerism. The
    market features approximately 10+ vendors who use recycled and reused
    materials and other sustainable practices in their craft. In addition
    there are garage sales, a free swap (bring gently used, unwanted items
    and taking something new home), recycling drop off (plastics 1-5 &
    7, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard), live music and
    entertainment, and food. Shop, swap, recycle, and chill every 4th
    Saturday! The next Re-Market is on December 22nd at 4302 Harrisburg.
    More at http://www.houstonremarket.com/home.html.
  8. Whooper Help. Citizens can help the whoopers by
    reporting sightings and by preventing disturbance of cranes when they
    remain overnight at roosting and feeding locations. Sightings can be
    reported to whoopingcranes@tpwd.state.tx.us or 512-389-TXWW (8999).
    Observers are asked to note whether the cranes have colored leg bands.
    Volunteers interested in attending training sessions to become “Whooper
    Watchers” and helping to collect more detailed data should contact TPWD
    at whoopingcranes@tpwd.state.tx.us or 512-389-TXWW (8999). More info at
    www.tpwd.state.tx.us/whoopingcranes.
  9. 2013 Cohort of Kinship Conservation Fellows. The
    Kinship Foundation has opened applications for its 2013 cohort of
    Kinship Conservation Fellows. The goal of the annual program is to
    develop a community of leaders dedicated to collaborative approaches to
    environmental issues, with an emphasis on market-based principles. The
    month-long program supports mid-career practitioners seeking to
    effectively implement market-based mechanisms for conservation by honing
    their skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and
    finance. The deadline for proposals is January 26th. More at http://foundationcenter.org/.
  10. 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:

    • Lion Country
    • Atlanta State Park
    • Hooked on the Coast
  11. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html.
    Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.

    • December 18: Green–Good.
      Moderate afternoon winds and low incoming background levels should
      help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • December 19: Green–Good.
      Moderate to strong winds low incoming background levels should help
      to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • December 20: Green–Good.
      Moderate winds, cold temperatures, and low incoming background
      levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range
      statewide.

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ECONOTES Featured News
Articles–For dozens of additional headlines, visit the CEC
website
. (You can let us know about articles, too. E-mail news@cechouston.org).

  1. Galveston Coastline To Go Virtual Thanks To New Partnership
    (Jack Williams and Laurie Johnson – KUHF News, 12/5/2012) Because
    Galveston Island is actually a barrier reef, it shifts over time. That
    shifting leads to both erosion and beach growth. That creates a big
    challenge when it comes to knowing how beaches will react to man-made
    changes along the coastline. The Galveston Park Board of Trustees is now
    partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create a virtual
    model of the coastline and a strategy that will help predict how the
    beaches will move in the future. http://app1.kuhf.org/
  2. Water, jobs, infrastructure will be issues for legislators in
    coming session
    (Rusty Graham – Your Memorial News,
    11/30/2012) State Representatives, Bill Callegari (R-132) and Jim Murphy
    (R-133), talked about what area residents might expect from the 83rd
    Legislature, from water and government waste to manufacturing and tax
    reform. Water will likely be the state’s critical issue for years to
    come, as more reservoirs but federal regulations and requirements make
    them hard to build. Other ways of increasing a usable water supply
    include increasing the reuse of wastewater, and desalination of both
    seawater and brackish water. http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
  3. Funding Awarded Towards Houston’s First Public Hydrogen
    Fueling Station
    (Guidry News, 12/5/2012) Vision Industries
    Corporation (OTCBB: VIIC), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Air
    Products and project partners were recently awarded $500,000 from the
    Texas Emission Reduction Program (TERP) to partially fund the building
    of the first public hydrogen fueling station in the state. The station,
    which is proposed to be fed from an existing hydrogen pipeline, will
    fuel port trucks and be publicly available for personal vehicles at the
    Port of Houston. http://www.guidrynews.com/

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you
heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s
Green Jobs page
.

  1. CEC seeks Executive Director. The Citizens
    Environmental Coalition is seeking an Executive Director with a passion
    for environmental issues and strong community involvement and
    fundraising talents. CEC works with organizations serving all facets of
    the environmental community with the mission of fostering dialogue,
    education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston/Gulf
    Coast region. We are seeking a person with strong independent work
    habits and the ability to connect with the breadth of the environmental
    community. For more information visit cechouston.org
    or contact our interim ED, Shawn McFarland, at shawn@cechouston.org.
    Please send a cover letter and resume to helen.oconnor@live.com,
    Board President, by January 1, 2013.
  2. NEW! Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership seeks Watershed
    Coordinator.
    The mission of the Armand Bayou Watershed
    Partnership is to “improve the quality of life in our communities by
    protecting, enhancing, and restoring the ecological integrity and
    natural benefits of the Armand Bayou watershed.” The Watershed
    Coordinator is responsible for the overall administration and management
    of the Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership, including
    fundraising/grantwriting and business operations. Areas of
    responsibility include planning and evaluation, policy and program
    development and administration, personnel and fiscal management, and
    public relations. This is a full-time position, hired by and directly
    accountable to the Armand Bayou Watershed Council, communicating
    regularly with its elected Council chair. The Watershed Coordinator
    implements policies approved by the Council, manages the organization’s
    programs and operations (including implementation of its Strategic
    Plan), and represents the organization in the community.  Cover
    letter, resume, and written answers to the questions below should be
    submitted via e-mail to: linda.shead@sheadconservation.com. The
    questions are: 1. Based on the “Ability to create and foster teams to
    solve watershed problems,” how have you used this skill in the past, and
    what would you do differently in the future? 2. Tell about past
    experience with outside consultants and contractors.
  3. NEW! Armand Bayou Nature Center seeks Restoration Technician.
    Armand Bayou Nature Center is seeking a Restoration Technician to assist
    the Stewardship Department with implementation of the ABNC Natural
    Resource Management Plan. Duties include: habitat restoration including
    exotic vegetation control through herbicide application, prescribed
    fire, tractor mowing, native plant propagation, and planting (this
    includes maintenance of equipment); wetland restoration including tidal
    marsh planting and management of native plant nursery ponds; assist
    volunteer work groups in support of the above activities: Prairie Friday
    and Stewardship Saturday. The focus of this position is ecological
    restoration as described in the ABNC Natural Resource Management Plan.
    Technicians will gain experience in plant identification plant
    propagation, and wetland restoration. Technicians will also assist with
    supervision of volunteer work crews. Please visit our website at www.abnc.org
    for more information about the preserve and Management Plan.
    Applications are being accepted until January 4, 2013. Please send
    resume and letter of interest to: george@abnc.org. No phone calls
    please. Click here for a full
    job description
    .
  4. NEW! The Mercer Society seeks Retail Staff. The
    Mercer Society has an opening for a Retail Staff position in The Gift
    Shoppe on weekends. Candidates will have responsibility for handling all
    sales, greeting visitors, working with volunteers, opening and closing
    as well as general care duties and watering of the plants. The Gift
    Shoppe is a small, cheerful retail store managed by The Mercer Society.
    The sales help support Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. The shop
    sells garden art, tools, books, and a variety of gifts as well as
    plants. The work schedule is primarily every other weekend although all
    staff work special events. The Gift Shoppe weekend hours are 10 to 3
    Saturdays and 11 to 4 Sundays. Retail experience is desirable but not
    mandatory. If you are interested in, applying for this part-time paid
    position please send a resume with the subject “Gift Shoppe” to
    msociety@hcp4.net or mail to The Mercer Society, 22306 Aldine Westfield
    Rd, Humble, TX 77338.
  5. Urban Harvest seeks Executive Director. Urban
    Harvest is searching for an outstanding individual with strong
    leadership, management, and fundraising skills to become its next
    Executive Director. The Executive Director of Urban Harvest will work
    with the Board, staff, administration, and partners to promote the
    organization’s mission and accomplishments, position the organization to
    grow and thrive, and set priorities for achieving optimal community
    impact. He or she will provide strong leadership for the organization,
    including management of programs, staff, operating budget, strategic
    plan, donor and community relations, marketing, and development efforts.
    The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of business experience,
    preferably in the nonprofit field with time as an executive director or
    in senior management; management experience leading an organization,
    with measurable results in hiring, mentoring, developing, and retaining
    staff; proven experience with financial management, fund accounting, and
    budgeting; demonstrated track record of generating revenue through major
    donors, corporations, and foundations for an organization, as a
    volunteer, consultant, or professional; proven success engaging,
    building, and supporting a nonprofit governing board at the national,
    regional, or local level; and a college degree (required). Applications
    and nominations will be accepted until Friday, January 18, 2013. Please
    email applications to Pat Lawson at plawson@sterlingandassociates.com.
  6. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Directors. The
    Woods Project is seeking part-time (approximately 6 hrs/wk) Club Program
    Instructors to teach one or more of our weekly afterschool club programs
    for the 2013 spring semester. The right candidate will be an
    outdoorsperson with experience working with high school youth,
    preferably some experience with at-risk youth. Some additional
    requirements are flexible weekly schedule, access to personal
    transportation, must be comfortable with camping/backpacking gear, enjoy
    being in a mentor/leadership role. Duties will include travelling to
    schools to teach an hour club, working with existing curriculum as well
    as developing new research-based lessons. Instructors must commit to the
    remainder of the 2012-2013 school year, attend one spring semester
    camping trip, and are highly encouraged to participate in the 2013
    summer trip to places in Northern California or Montana. Ability to work
    independently and with confidence is a requirement of the job, as is the
    ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. For
    more information about The Woods Project and the Club Program Instructor
    position, please visit www.thewoodsproject.org.
    Interested candidates should contact Brittany White, Director of
    Programs, at brittany@thewoodsproject.org.
  7. Hermann Park Conservancy seeks Marketing Manager.
    Hermann Park Conservancy is currently seeking a full-time marketing
    manager. The marketing manager will have primary responsibility for all
    external communications, marketing initiatives, the membership program,
    PR, and media and donor relations. The marketing manager will work
    closely with the executive director and staff, particularly in the
    development department. Hermann Park will reach its 100th birthday in
    2014. In preparation for this milestone, the marketing manager will
    oversee a multifaceted marketing program, to include media and
    sponsorship initiatives, expansion of the membership program, the use of
    new web technologies, and promotion of happenings among various
    constituencies, including community partners, corporate sponsors,
    donors, members, and public officials. To apply, please email a cover
    letter and resume to info@hermannpark.org. Click here
    for more information.
  8. The Mercer Society seeks Executive Director. The
    Executive Director (ED) of The Mercer Society (TMS), a 501(c)(3)
    nonprofit organization, is responsible for the operation and
    administration of the organization. The main mission of TMS is to raise
    funds for Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. The ED’s main duties
    include ensuring that TMS is run in an efficient manner that meets the
    fiscal goals and overall objectives of the Board of Directors;
    processing all payments through fundraisers, events, and daily
    operations including the gift shop; updating TMS website and creating
    e-newsletters; facilitating fund-raising both independently and with
    others; managing the TMS staff in accordance with the TMS Employee
    Handbook; insuring compliance with all state and federal reporting
    obligations; being responsible for insuring TMS Bylaws, the Contract
    with Harris County and all policies and procedures are adhered to;
    serving as a spokesperson for TMS; and serving as liaison to the staff
    of Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens (MABG). To apply, send cover
    letter, resume and salary requirements to: The Mercer Society/Alan
    Raymond/msociety@hcp4.net.
  9. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks Administrative Assistant.
    The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF), located in Webster, Texas, seeks a
    full-time Administrative and Database Assistant. The primary duties of
    this position include providing administrative assistance to GBF’s
    President; providing assistance to the development team, as needed, in
    the areas of membership, marketing, and general development; entering
    data into GBF’s database; and providing general administrative duties
    including greeting visitors to the GBF office, answering phone calls and
    transferring accordingly, ordering office supplies, and operating basic
    office equipment. Candidates should possess an associate’s degree or
    bachelor’s degree or be currently enrolled in a college or university
    undergraduate or graduate program; have previous experience with data
    entry and/or database management; be proficient in use of Microsoft
    Office software including Word, Excel, and Outlook and have proficient
    typing skills; and possess excellent communication skills, both verbal
    and written. This is a full-time position with benefits. For a full job
    description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html.
    To apply, email resume to csmith@galvbay.org by Friday, January 11,
    2013.
  10. Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TCWP) seeks Graduate Student
    Intern.
    This fall the Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TCWP)
    will be hiring a graduate student intern. TCWP is a program of Texas
    A&M University that works on projects concerning wetland restoration
    and wetland education. The program is located in Houston, TX. Graduate
    students in wetland ecology, wetland restoration and wetland education
    are encouraged to apply. Interns will assist with several ongoing
    projects, focusing on the development of an Operations and Maintenance
    plan for restored wetland habitat at Sheldon Lake State Park. This task
    is to be completed in cooperation with Texas Park and Wildlife staff.
    This primary task will involve technical writing, research, numerical
    analysis, and some field work, and will require solid organization and
    writing skills. Internship will begin in early January and will conclude
    by the end of summer term 2013. Compensation is hourly, and the position
    is 20 hours per week. Employment will be at our office in Houston.
    Applicants should submit a resume, a 1-page cover letter, and a 2-page
    (max) writing sample. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate studies
    program at the time of hire. Application packets or questions about the
    positions can be sent to m-sipocz@tamu.edu, subject line: tcwp
    internship. Visit agrilife.urbannature.org; wetlandteam.ning.com
  11. Texas Coastal Watershed Program seeks Wetland Program
    Assistant.
    The Texas Coastal Watershed Program (Texas
    AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University) is seeking
    applications for a Wetland Program Assistant to work directly on
    existing restoration projects at Sheldon Lake State Park.
    Responsibilities include working collaboratively with the Wetland
    Restoration Team during Team workdays, completing other potential
    wetland restoration sites, and conducting wetland restoration monitoring
    (e.g. weekly water level monitoring and quarterly vegetation and
    photopoint collection). The Wetland Program Assistant must be a
    self-starter with a positive attitude and be able to work comfortably
    with volunteers and other staff. The ability to speak in public is a
    must, as well as, good writing and editing skills. A Bachelors of
    Science in Ecology or natural resource science is preferred, as well as
    knowledge and experience working in wetland education or restoration.
    Extensive experience may substitute for a degree. For more information
    contact Marissa Sipocz at: m-sipocz@tamu.edu. Send letter of interest
    and resume by e-mail only.
  12. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens seeks Conservation Botany
    Intern.
    Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is advertising a
    full time (possible part time) paid internship through the Student
    Conservation Association (SCA). This internship will focus on plant
    conservation efforts at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and
    restoring wild populations of endangered native plants in the Houston
    metro area. The intern will assist with formulating a restoration and
    management plan for a rare native plant preserve in the Houston metro
    area. The intern will assess the viability of Mercer’s frozen seed bank
    for three of the major rare prairie plant species in Houston metro area
    as well as assist collections of other rare species for the Center for
    Plant Conservation National Collection of Endangered Plants. Interested
    persons should contact the SCA directly at http://mysca.force.com/
    and search for the position: 00192580. More about the SCA at http://www.thesca.org/.

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UPCOMING EVENTS If you
attend one of these events, please let them know you heard about it here!
Visit the new calendar at cechouston.org.

  1. Tuesday, December 18, 2012
  2. Wednesday, December 19, 2012
  3. Thursday, December 20, 2012
  4. Friday, December 21, 2012
  5. Saturday, December 22, 2012
  6. Sunday, December 23, 2012
  7. Tuesday, December 25, 2012
  8. Wednesday, December 26, 2012

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coaltion of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC on line at cechouston.org.

Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments?
Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org.

If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday.
We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links
to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar
items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for
volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date.

Donate Now!

CEC and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll
contribution plans at many Texas workplaces through Earth Share of Texas.
Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org.
Earth Share Logo

CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com
for more information about the program.

Shawn McFarland, Interim Executive Director
Rachel Powers, Volunteer Editor-in-Chief
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org

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