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April 9, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update April 9, 2013

Citizens' Environmental Coalition Logo

Houston Environmental News Update April 9, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green
  2. EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC
  3. CEC Welcomes New Executive Director

COALITION NOTES

  1. Children’s Museum of Houston: April Showers Bring May Flowers
  2. Call of the Wild Speaker Series
  3. CWI Workshop: Construction Site Runoff
  4. Bayou Buddies’ Annual Bayou Bash
  5. GBF Rain Barrel Workshop
  6. Wildlife Center of Texas Volunteer Training
  7. Green Building Tour: The Houston Permitting Center
  8. Give 5% Day
  9. Earth Day Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of Houston

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
  2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock
  3. Algae Farming Workshop
  4. Urban Houston Framework Workshop
  5. Green Film Series: Grow!
  6. 4th Annual Blackwood Garden Party, An Evening In Bloom
  7. Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club’s Big Day
  8. Keep Texas Parks Open – 2013 Tour
  9. 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event
  10. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
  11. Support for Recycling
  12. Lazy Gardener & Friends Newsletter
  13. State Turtle
  14. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  15. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Why More Bicycle Rental Stations Could Improve Houston’s Bike
    Friendliness (Florian Martin – KUHF News, 4/4/2013)
  2. Galveston City Council Votes to Keep Kemp’s Ridley Eggs on the Island!
    (Guidry News, 4/3/13)
  3. New Sea Grant Extension Director Has Goal To Reinvent Program For 21st
    Century Coast (Guidry News, 4/3/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator
  2. NEW! Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor
    Diversity Specialist
  3. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Membership & Development
    Coordinator
  4. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
  5. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator
  6. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge seeks Summer Crew
  7. The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks
    Part-time GIS Research Assistant
  8. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator
    Interns (2 positions)
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator
  10. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
  11. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern
  12. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs
    Intern
  13. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE with survey!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green. Earth Day Houston, developed by Air Alliance Houston, is the Houston area’s premier celebration of our planet at Discovery Green. The FREE one-day celebration will focus on the merits of mindful, sustainable living while educating and encouraging Houstonians to do their part to preserve, conserve and enhance our city and the Earth. Earth Day Houston showcases more than 30 green non-profits, each educating visitors on how they can make Houston greener. Earth Day Houston will take place on April 14, 2013, from 11am-5pm at Discovery Green. Learn more at http://earthdayhouston.org/. Visit the CEC website for a calendar of local Earth Day events.
  2. EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC. CEC is pleased to announce that H-E-B, in recognition of Earth Day, has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the April beneficiary for its in-store coupon promotion. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill to support environmental work throughout the State of Texas for the entire month of April. Contributions made in the Houston area will be divided among EarthShare of Texas organizations with program work in the Houston region, including CEC and several of its member organizations. H-E-B supports many EarthShare of Texas organizations with corporate grants or in-kind contributions. The April tear-pad promotion is a bit different  as it enables H-E-B customers to bolster the diverse environmental program work of more than three dozen EarthShare of Texas’ organizations, including the CEC.  The customers’ dollars will go directly to these organizations, benefiting both the Texas environment and economy.  Throughout the month of April and into the first week of May, look for the EarthShare of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in any Texas H-E-B and Central Market stores.  Support EarthShare of Texas and the Texas environment! 
  3. CEC Welcomes New Executive Director. The CEC is pleased to welcome Rachel Powers as its new executive director, effective April 1, 2013. Rachel has volunteered with the CEC since 2004, when she joined the board of trustees. For the past four years, she has served as volunteer newsletter editor and webmaster. Rachel has experience working for and volunteering with several CEC member organizations, and is deeply committed to CEC’s mission of working to ‘foster dialogue and collaboration on environmental issues, and serve as an information clearinghouse for our member groups and the community at large. The CEC would like to acknowledge and thank Ms. Shawn McFarland for stepping up and serving as the interim executive director for the CEC during the search for the new executive director. Shawn is continuing her work with the CEC as chair of the board of trustees. More information about Rachel and Shawn is available in the press release.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Children’s Museum of Houston: April Showers Bring May Flowers! April showers bring May flowers! April is a time of change and transition. During this time, kids can explore the phenomena of rain. Come to the Children’s Museum of Houston and learn a bit about how rain is created and what colorful things can happen when Mother Nature lets it all out. This exhibit will be at the Children’s Museum of Houston from April 4, 2013 to April 10, 2013. More at http://www.cmhouston.org/. Don’t forget to explore the great outdoors, indoors at the Museum’s EcoStation exhibit.
  2. Call of the Wild Speaker Series. The Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Speaker Series brings wildlife heroes from all over the world to Houston to share their stories of working with local communities to protect animals and habitats. The next lecture will be held on April 9, 2013, at 7pm at the Houston Zoo’s Brown Education Center. The speaker will be Amy Dickman, Director of the Ruaha Carnivore Project. Amy is the Kaplan Senior Research Fellow in Felid Conservation at Oxford University, and has over 15 years experience working on large carnivores in Africa, specializing in big cats. Cost is $12 per person. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  3. CWI Workshop: Construction Site Runoff. The next CWI Workshop: Construction Site Runoff will be held on April 11, 2013 from 2-5pm at the Houston-Galveston Area Council offices. The workshop is part of the 2013 Minimum Control Measure Series for MS4s. Speakers invited for this workshop include the City of Houston, Harris County, the City of Baytown’s training program, the TCEQ, a Federal Agency regulated as an MS4, and Construction EcoServices. Register at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/.
  4. Bayou Buddies’ Annual Bayou Bash. Come to The Sabine Promenade on Saturday, April 13, 2013, 1-4pm for the Bayou Bash! Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Bayou Buddies is hosting the bash. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year featuring crawfish, live music by Electric Attitude and The Journey Agents, Texas beer garden by Saint Arnolds Brewing, lawn games and an awesome silent auction! $20 for Bayou Buddies; $25 for non-members; and $10 increase at the door. Learn more and purchase tickets at http://www.buffalobayou.org/.
  5. GBF Rain Barrel Workshop. Rain barrels are an efficient, low-cost method for collecting rainwater. They are placed at downspouts in order to reduce runoff into storm drains, and can be used for watering a garden or houseplants, among many other uses. Attend this workshop to learn the benefits of rain barrels, how to use them, as well as proper location and installation. The workshop will be held on April 13, 2013 at 8:30am at the Lake Nassau Park Pavilion. The cost is $25. Learn more at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Wildlife Center of Texas Volunteer Training. The Wildlife Center has hundreds of dedicated volunteers helping them help native wildlife. Without these compassionate, caring people, the center couldn’t continue their efforts on behalf of the injured, ill, oiled, and orphaned wildlife. The Wildlife Center is always looking for volunteers to help further this mission! You can register at http://www.wildlifecenteroftexas.org/. Orientations are held the second Saturday of every month, January thru September, from 10-11:30am. The next orientation will be held on April 13, 2013 at 7007 Katy Road.
  7. Green Building Tour: The Houston Permitting Center. In celebration of Earth Day, the Houston Permitting Center will be the site of the City of Houston’s next Green Building Tour on Friday, April 19, 2013. The center, certified by the US Green Building Council in 2012 – LEED for New Construction (Gold Level), will be available for tours from 11am-2pm. The center is located at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, and the tours are free and open to the public. Come at 11:20am and noon for engineer led tours.
  8. Give 5% Day. On Saturday, April 20, 2013, five Houston-area conservation groups – Bayou Land Conservancy, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Galveston Bay Foundation, Houston Audubon, and Katy Prairie Conservancy – are collaborating for the second annual “Give 5% to Conserve Houston” campaign! The campaign encourages local businesses to commit to donate five percent of gross sales on April 20th, the Saturday before Earth Day, to the above listed non-profits that dedicate their time and energy into making the Houston area a better place. In return, the participating non-profit partners encourage the local community to celebrate Earth Day by supporting these businesses throughout Earth Day weekend. See a list of businesses here, and you can sign up to participate here.
  9. Earth Day Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of Houston. The Children’s Museum of Houston will be celebrating Earth Day on April 20, 2013. There will be green events happening all day. Topics include recycling, wildlife, and energy. There will also be special presentations by the Texas Wildlife Rehab Center, Texas Wildlife Association, and Trees for Houston. Learn more at http://www.cmhouston.org/.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Americans use more than 150 trillion gallons of fresh water a year. With more people and more demands on water than ever, water conservation is one of the best solutions to this growing issue. The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation started last week and lasts through April 30, 2013! The challenge is a friendly competition between cities across the U.S. to see who can be the most “water-wise.” Pledge to conserve water and reduce pollution! Visit http://www.wylandfoundation.org/ and enter your city to start the challenge. It’s free, easy, and brings together friends and neighbors in cities across America to see who can be the most water wise. Best of all, participants from winning cities can win hundreds of prizes, including a Toyota Prius c Hybrid.
  2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock. Sugar Land’s Earth Day Celebration – called Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock – will be held April 20, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities will begin at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., with a recycling collection event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items accepted will include household electronics, paper for shredding, clothing and household goods for reuse. In addition, grant funds from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will allow residents to dispose of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and fluorescent light bulbs during the recycling event. Environmental activity booths and performances are planned at Sugar Land Town Square from 2-6 p.m. Enjoy eco-friendly displays and demonstrations, interactive games and educational booths from local organizations. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  3. Algae Farming Workshop. The National Algae Association is hosting an Algae Farming Workshop from April 11, 2013 to April 12, 2013 at Homewood Suites by Hilton (29813 I-45 North). Presentations include “Understanding the Evolutionary Physiology of Lipid Production in Algae for Commercial Application,” “Microalgae Co-Products as a Feed Grade Ingredient and Fish Meal and Oil Replacement for Aquaculture, e.g. Shrimp, and Economic Importance for Microalgae Biofuel/Biodiesel Industry Development and for World Fisheries Sustainability,” and more. To learn more and register, visit http://www.nationalalgaeassociation.com/. Scholarships may be available to those who pre-register through CEC.
  4. Urban Houston Framework Workshop. The City of Houston has been developing a framework for creating Urban Centers that encompass regional sustainability principles and promote live, work and playenvironments. Building off of previously held workshops, the project has successfully: established a general Vision for Urban Centers; solidified a series of Goals for achieving the general Vision; vetted existing and future characteristics of Small, Medium and Large Centers; and introduced and solicited feedback on various Urban Center Criteria, Expectations, Tools and Process alternatives. The FINAL Implementation Workshop will be held Thursday, April 11, 2013, and is intended to build upon previous findings regarding Urban Center Criteria, Expectations and Tools and Process alternatives. Choose to attend the workshop from either 2-4pm or 6-8pm at 1475 West Gray Street, Activity Room 1. Register at http://www.houstontomorrow.org/.
  5. Green Film Series: Grow! GROW! takes a look at this new generation of sustainable farmers through the eyes, hearts and minds of 20 passionate, idealistic and fiercely independent young growers. In the film they speak of both the joys and the challenges involved in tending the land. Learn more at http://growmovie.net/. The film will be shown on April 12, 2013 at Discovery Green. Activities, including a panel discussion, start at 8pm, and the film starts at 8:30. More at https://www.facebook.com/.
  6. 4th Annual Blackwood Garden Party, An Evening In Bloom. Join the board of directors of Blackwood Educational Land Institute as they host this year’s 4th Annual Garden Party “An Evening in Bloom” honoring Linda Geffin with their “Green Wellie” award for her outstanding service in the Houston community. This year’s event will be held in the lovely home and studio of well-known Houston Artist, Dixie Friend Gay and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with her in her studio-home in the Heights where her creations are born. An Evening In Bloom promises to be a riveting experience celebrating nature and her bounty… with music, food, communion among friends, and an opportunity to honor Linda Geffin for her incredible service to the Houston community. The party will be held on April 13, 2013 at 7pm. Tickets are $75 and up. For more information, please contact Robert Shipman, Gala Coordinator, at rkshipman@gmail.com or Cath Conlon, President/CEO at cath@blackwoodland.org
  7. Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club’s Big Day. The annual “Big Day” of the Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 starting at 7am at White’s Memorial Park located on Hwy 61 just south of I-10 in Chambers County. The trip is open to the public, and both novice and experienced birders are welcome. The “Big Day” is the time LTVBC visits local birding hotspots and identifies as many bird species as possible. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  8. Keep Texas Parks Open – 2013 Tour. Keep Texas Parks Open is organizing a 7-city tour across Texas to show support for our state and local parks. Texas parks improve quality of life, protect water and wildlife habitats and also help the economy. Come for the Houston forum and learn how to help keep parks open. The tour will come to Houston on April 17, 2013, 11:30am-1pm, at Rice University Grand Hall (6100 Main Street). More at http://www.keeptexasparksopen.com/.
  9. 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event. Texas Medical Center will sponsor the 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling C for the public on April 20 and 22, 2013. E-waste includes laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, cables, printers, fax machines, scanners, computer and circuit boards, data storage devices, toner cartridges, cameras, cell telephones, compact discs, game consoles and controllers, radios, and batteries. On April 20, 8am-1pm, members of the public may drop off their unwanted electronic devices at no cost at the Texas Medical Center South Extension Lot located at 1522 S. Braeswood Blvd. at William C. Harvin Blvd. On Earth Day, April 22, 9am-5pm, the location is the John P. McGovern Museum of Health And Medical Science at 1515 Hermann Drive. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  10. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop. A Texas Watershed Steward workshop addressing water quality issues in Galveston County bayous will be held from 8am-4pm on April 30, 2013 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Galveston County, 4102 Main Street in La Marque. The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in Dickinson Bayou and surrounding areas. Participants are encouraged to preregister at http://tws.tamu.edu. The training provides a discussion of watershed systems, types and sources of water pollution, and ways to improve and protect water quality. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  11. Support for Recycling. The State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) is encouraging citizens to support recycling in Texas during Earth Month. Small donations can make a big difference. Donations help supply educational materials for the Master Composter training program and help provide recycling bins to classrooms. Learn more at http://www.recyclingstar.org/.
  12. Lazy Gardener & Friends Newsletter. Sign up now for Houston’s new “LAZY GARDENER & FRIENDS” newsletter! This free, weekly online newsletter is a project of John Ferguson and Mark Bowen of Nature’s Way Resources with The Lazy Gardener, Brenda Beust Smith. It will include:
    • a Lazy Gardener column by Brenda
    • what-to-do-each-month in Houston area gardens
    • articles by guest writers
    • a calendar of upcoming Greater Houston area horticulture events
    • and much, MUCH more including input from readers.

    If you’d like to receive this free, emailed newsletter, send your full name and email address to lazygardenerandfriends@gmail.com. Be assured that — as with Brenda’s own personal Lazy Gardener email list — this list will never be shared or sold, and you will never receive anything from it other than the newsletter.

  13. State Turtle. Texas has a state bird, flower, song, small and large mammals, fish, shell, tree, insect, plant, fruit, stone, shrub and many other symbols, but no official sea turtle! The Fourth Grade Green Team at Oppe Elementary in Galveston hopes to solve this problem led by teacher Katie Blaser. Representative Craig Eiland of Galveston has introduced HCR 31 which the students wrote asking that the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle be proclaimed the official sea turtle of the state of Texas. The full resolution can be found at www.capitol.state.tx.us and can be printed out. The resolution was sent to the Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee and the Green Team testified at their meeting on March 20, 2013. It passed and has gone on to the House of Representatives and to the Senate. This resolution will not pass unless many other representatives and senators around the state vote for it. Support can be shown by calling representatives and senators to ask for their support of HCR 31 for the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle to become the official sea turtle of the state of Texas. If anyone has a question, they can e-mail Carole@seaturtles.org or Kathryn_Pistone@gisd.org.
  14. 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:
    • The Firefighters
    • Wild Game Cooking: Redfish Three Ways
    • Bastrop Tree Planting
    • The Guide
  15. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
      • April 9: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should cover much of the eastern half of the state and could possibly raise the daily PM2.5 AQI into the “Moderate” range in much of this area.
      • April 10: Green–Good. A cold front should push the smoke out of most of Central and Southeast Texas in the morning.
      • April 11: Green–Good. Moderate winds, cooler 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. Why More Bicycle Rental Stations Could Improve Houston’s Bike Friendliness (Florian Martin – KUHF News, 4/4/2013)
    Houston’s bike share program has added 18 new stations to the three initial locations that were set up last year. The expansion is another step in the city’s efforts to make Houston a bicycle city. Houston is one of 14 cities nationwide that are participating in the B-Cycle program.
    http://app1.kuhf.org/
  2. Galveston City Council Votes to Keep Kemp’s Ridley Eggs on the Island! (Guidry News, 4/3/13)
    The Galveston (Texas) City Council spoke up for retaining the eggs of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles that are laid along the Upper Texas coast in Galveston. Since the endangered sea turtles began laying eggs on the Upper Texas Coast, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has required the eggs to be moved to the Padre Island National Seashore for incubation and release of the hatchlings. Not only does transferring the eggs some five hours in a vehicle jeopardize their well being and ability to hatch, but the movement may reduce the growth of a nesting population on the Upper Texas Coast.
    http://www.guidrynews.com/
  3. New Sea Grant Extension Director Has Goal To Reinvent Program For 21st Century Coast (Guidry News, 4/3/2013)
    The man chosen to lead the Texas Sea Grant College Program’s extension program says he wants to put the power of university research into the hands of Texas’ coastal citizens. Cooperative extension was created almost a century ago as a means of disseminating knowledge gained at land grant institutions, such as Texas A&M University, to the farmers, ranchers and homemakers who could best use the information.
    http://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.New

  1. NEW! Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. The Community Outreach Coordinator will work independently and in conjunction with Air Alliance staff on ongoing programs and new initiatives. The existing programs require skillful program management, attendance at stakeholder and community meetings, support of educational and outreach activities, leading community based participatory research initiatives such as community air monitoring, public speaking, written advocacy, and grassroots organizing. New initiatives will require the Community Outreach Coordinator to identify a community’s health and environmental issues, raise awareness about them within the community and beyond, and develop strategies to address them. The Community Outreach Coordinator will also be expected to assist Air Alliance staff with major program events and ably represent the organization at other public functions, events, and meetings. This position will encompass a broad range of issues including public health, quality of life, community relations, grassroots outreach, education, written and oral advocacy, organizing, public policy, and fundraising. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working with diverse stakeholders including community members, local business and industry, academic partners, regulatory agencies, government and elected officials, and the media. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org. View the full job posting here: http://airalliancehouston.org/.
  2. NEW! Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist. Based at Sheldon Lake State Park, Houston, TX. Responsibilities include: Under the direction of the Outdoor Education and Outreach Coordinator for Texas State Parks, this position serves as lead instructor for overnight camping workshops, and outdoor activity program delivery to promote the use of State Parks to non-traditional visitors. Responsible for organizing, conducting and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family workshops within the Houston-area State Parks. Serves as a community liaison between State Parks and Houston-area organizations. Develops relationships with community partners who serve diverse audiences, conduct outdoor leadership trainings to prepare group leaders and volunteers to lead overnight camping and outdoor education experiences. View the full details of the position and learn how to apply at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/.
  3. Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Membership & Development Coordinator. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a full-time Membership & Development Coordinator. The Membership & Development Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for GBF members; manages the membership renewal program and direct mail efforts for new member acquisition; coordinates the database, submitting entries and updates and generating reports; plans and implements quarterly and annual membership meetings; oversees The CAST, GBF’s young professionals group; serves as coordinator for outreach events and represents GBF at booths and exhibits; and solicits funds for and prepares grant proposals in support of select GBF programs. Qualifications and abilities should include: a Bachelor’s degree (required); two or more years of professional experience in development and database management; grant writing experience; strong interpersonal skills; exceptional verbal and written communication skills; and ability to work some weekends. For a full job description, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs. To apply, email resume to sroark@galvbay.org  by April 12, 2013.
  4. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns. The Wildlife Education interns will assist with Summer Wildlife Camp, conduct outreach and on-site education programming, assist in the Baby Bird Feeding Program and work with other TWRC Wildlife Center interns on a Summer Internship Action Team to develop and analyze education programming, complete individual service projects and address challenges presented by the Education Coordinator. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  5. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator. TWRC Wildlife Center is seeking a Junior Counselor Coordinator for its Summer Wildlife Camp. The paid intern will recruit, train, schedule, and supervise teenage summer camp counselors in education animal care, wildlife summer camps, birthday parties, outreach programs, summer wildlife workshops, and in-center baby bird rehabilitation. The Junior Counselor Coordinator will implement, analyze and improve the Junior Counselor program while working hands-on with native and exotic wildlife. As a vital team member of an active non-profit, the Junior Counselor Coordinator will be called upon to develop and coordinate marketing, fundraising, or community awareness materials and events in relation to the new Junior Counselor Program. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  6. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge seeks Summer Crew. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge is seeking summer employment applications from young men and women ages 15 to 18. Two positions will be available through the Youth Conservation Corps program. No prior experience is necessary but participants must be citizens of the United States. Crew members will work 40 hours per week for $7.25 an hour starting June 10th through August 2nd. Hours of work will be Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM till 4:00 PM. Work will be conducted outside and will be physically demanding. Individuals selected must have transportation to and from the refuge office, located at 601 FM 1011, Liberty, Texas. Typical duties will include trail maintenance, boundary line posting, fence construction, building construction, and various restoration and maintenance projects. Educational field trips and training sessions will also be included. Selection will be on a random basis from the list of qualified applicants. Young adults interested in wildlife careers, summer employment, or job experience are encouraged to apply. For applications or more information please contact the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 10015, Liberty, TX, 77575 or call 936-336-9786. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY April 10th and can be mailed, faxed, or brought to the office. The fax number is 936-336-9847. Selection will be made on April 15th.
  7. The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant. This person will assist the director with expanding the Service’s geospatial capabilities, developing fee-for-service resources, and supporting research and community outreach projects that utilize geospatial modeling and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience with ESRI ArcGIS software, as well as experience producing effective visual communications, managing data, and using basic biostatistical tools. The candidate should also have good writing skills and a demonstrated interest in environmental health. The hours are flexible, with the possibility of a full-time position if funding permits. The BCM-EHS is located in the Texas Medical Center. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified students who would like to satisfy practicum or independent study requirements will also be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and work samples to Dr. Winifred Hamilton (hamilton@bcm.edu), director of the Environmental Health Service. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Hamilton (713-798-1052).
  8. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions). The interns will serve as a member of a team to conduct investigative water sampling in Houston-area bayous upstream of locations with identified high fecal indicator bacteria. For more information see: http://www.bayoupreservation.org/employment. Contact: Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director;  shupp@bayoupreservation.org;  713-529-6443.
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator. The Bayou Greenways 2020 (BG2020) project aims to create a united urban park system like no other in the nation. By developing linear parks and trails along all the major bayous that flow throughout Houston, BG2020 will add nearly 1,500 acres of additional park land to Houston’s inventory. The Grassroots and Digital Coordinator will be responsible for developing online and web strategies, creating and executing email campaigns, maintaining and managing multiple websites, and organizing and coordinating online and offline community outreach and grassroots outreach efforts. Responsibilities also include managing the organization’s relationship with online community influencers, including reaching out to external blogs and online communities. To Apply: Cover letter, resume and three references should be emailed to: Jen Powis, Advocacy Director at jen@houstonparksboard.org.
  10. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator. The Nature Discovery Center is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to manage all areas related to volunteer work at the Center. The ideal candidate will be adept at working with a variety of personalities and styles, technologically savvy, and goal-oriented. Additional requirements include sense of humor and love of nature. A background in science, education, or conservation is helpful though not required. Responsibilities include: recruit, interview and place applicants for volunteer work at the Nature Discovery Center; conduct and arrange volunteer orientation and training, including the Teen Volunteer Summer Program and most special events; create and maintain a volunteer database and a system for reporting volunteer statistics; and coordinate all volunteer activity with staff. For more information about the Volunteer Coordinator position, or to apply contact: Sarah Flournoy, Executive Director at sflournoy@naturediscoverycenter.org or 713.667.6550.
  11. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern. The intern will participate in research and administrative work in preparation for the upcoming exhibition to be held at the Julia Ideson Library related to Hermann Park’s centennial celebration in 2014. Primary responsibilities include carrying out research related to Hermann Park, including historical materials, publications, documents, photographs, master plan(s), sketches, artworks, etc.; archiving, cataloguing and chronology; correspondence and communications (writing letters, e-mails, phone contacts, etc.); organizing and filing of documents and research materials; maintaining database of objects and materials; preparing exhibition materials’ bibliography including materials, sources, references; and report writing. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  12. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning (90%) and Volunteer Programs (10%) Intern. Primary areas of responsibility include: assisting Hermann Park Conservancy’s (HPC) Conservation Director with aspects of the continuing development of a reforestation plan in Hermann Park, and assisting the HPC volunteer coordinator with volunteer project facilitation with regard to tree plantings, tree care, park maintenance and other Hermann Park improvement projects. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  13. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders. SCA seeks two qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire high school students for the Houston Summer Crew program. Co-lead, mentor and coach a crew of 12 students, ages 14-19, while completing various conservation service projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental stewardship. Projects include a range of activities such as trail and park maintenance, habitat restoration, revitalization of abandoned urban properties or to urban agriculture. In addition, leaders will facilitate pre- and post- program planning which includes crew training, environmental education and reporting. Training is June 3-12 and program start date is June 20. To Apply: Please visit the www.thesca.org/employment for a detailed description including information on how to apply. For questions contact SCA Houston staff at SCAHouston@theSCA.org or call: (713) 520-1835.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CEC is sharing information during the session about what bills our member groups and readers are tracking. More information is available at cechouston.org/category/texas-legislature/.

The last day to file most bills was March 8, 2013. The next significant date is April 15, 2013, which is the first day a Senator my place five bills or resolutions on the Intent Calendar. The last day of the regular session is Monday, May 27, 2013. Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Let us know what you think about the senate bills that have been filed! Take a quick survey to let us know which senate bills are important to you–and why! We’ll let you know what our readers think. Click here to take survey

Here is news from Adrian Shelley of Air Alliance Houston:

  • SB 467 – Hegar – Oppose – Senate floor this week: The “Paralysis by Analysis” bill would single out environmental rulemakings for additional regulatory requirements. Regulatory analyses of bills are already required under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act. This bill would create additional unnecessary requirements that would lead to a lopsided cost-benefit analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
  • SB 1727 – Deuell – Support – Senate Natural Resources Committee, Tuesday at 9:00 am. This bill updates the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP). TERP is a proven, cost-effective means to achieve emissions reductions by funding upgrade or replacement of old, dirty vehicles and equipment. This bill would expand eligibility for the program to include projects that achieve reductions in particulate matter. It also makes changes to update and modernize TERP, extending its effectiveness for years to come.

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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.

Apr 9 Tue

Apr 13 Sat

Apr 16 Tue

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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 coalition 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.

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.

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

Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org

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