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July 30, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update July 30, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update July 30, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Randalls & Kroger Shoppers

COALITION NOTES

  1. Purple Martin Watch Party
  2. Art By Architects Exhibition and Fundraiser
  3. Public Meetings Set for Bacteria TMDL
  4. REEF Invasive Lionfish Workshops
  5. Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Classes Return
  6. H-GAC’s Natural resources Advisory Committee: Coastal Funding Opportunities under the RESTORE Act
  7. Urban Harvest Class – Starting a Community/School Garden
  8. RDA 2013 Design Charrette: “RE-CRAFT: A New Palette for HCCC”
  9. HANC Arboretum at Night
  10. RDA 2013 Charrette Reception
  11. Viva La Run benefitting Buffalo Bayou Partnership
  12. George H. Hermann’s 170th Birthday Party
  13. Summer Salons 2013: Healthy Neighborhoods
  14. KPC Wild West Tour: Breeding Birds
  15. RDA Civic Forums: Environmental Challenges Facing the Houston Region Over the Next 25 Years.
  16. H-GAC Parks & Natural Areas Awards
  17. SXSW Eco
  18. Apply for Mayor’s Proud partners Award

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Lords of Nature Screening @ HMNS, coupon for CEC members
  2. Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter Meeting
  3. Electronics Recycling
  4. SPARKling Collages Art Exhibit
  5. 2013 ArCH Film Festival: Boom and Bust
  6. Applications for The Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Donations
  7. OHBA Sustainability Scholarship Fund
  8. Houston Urban Food Production Conference
  9. Workshop on the Ecological Importance of Streamside Areas
  10. Urban Photography Contest
  11. Citizen Science: Hummingbirds
  12. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  13. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. In with the old: Houston library scores major design award for mid-century mindfulness (Tyler Ruckick – Culturemap Houston, 7/22/2013)
  2. Construction starts on new Lidstone Bridge and channel widening at Brays Bayou (Memorial Examiner, 7/24/2013)
  3. Adventures of Cullen Geiselman, Batgirl (Lisa Gray – Houston Chronicle, 7/26/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Recipe for Success seeks Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Educator
  2. Houston Audubon seeks Conservation Specialist (Sanctuary Management)
  3. H-GAC seeks Senior Air Quality Planner
  4. City of Mansfield, Texas, seeks Nature Education Specialist
  5. Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) seeks Houston Area Program Director
  6. The Energy Corridor District seeks Intern
  7. Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center seeks Horticultural Coordinator
  8. Uptown Houston seeks Project Manager for Memorial Park
  9. Memorial Park Conservancy seeks Conservation Director
  10. Public Citizen (Austin) seeks Project Media Coordinator

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES
Randalls & Kroger Shoppers. If you shop at Kroger or Randalls, you can help CEC using your customer loyalty cards–and we can use your help!

  • Randalls Remarkable Card.  Once you have linked your card to the CEC’s Good Neighbor account, Randalls will send a check for 1% of the purchase to the CEC. Fill out the form from the Randalls website (PDF), add Good Neighbor Number 12297, and turn in the form at the courtesy desk at Randalls. You can designate up to three registered Good Neighbor charities. CEC can also use Community Bucks–so send them our way!
  • Kroger Plus Card. The Kroger Community Awards Program starts Thursday, August 1! You can sign up for a Kroger Community Rewards Account by entering your zip code, clicking on your favorite store, entering your email address, creating a password, and agreeing to the terms and conditions–all much easier than it sounds. Sign up (starting Thursday) at www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com.

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COALITION NOTES

    1. Purple Martin Watch Party. Houston Audubon is holding a Purple Martin Watch Party on August 2, 2013 at 7:30pm at 7606 FM 1960 Rd W. The peak of Purple Martin season occurs in July and August when thousands of Martins flock together in preparation for migration. An amazing spectacle that engulfs the sky. Bring a chair, get comfortable, and watch as thousands of Purple Martins take flight. Visit http://www.houstonaudubon.org/ for more information.
    2. Art By Architects Exhibition and Fundraiser. AIA Houston Art by Architects is a juried exhibition showcasing art by local AIA members and architecture students. Select works will be available for sale with a portion of the sales benefiting Architecture Center Houston Foundation. The exhibition will be held from July 26, 2013 to July 31, 2013. More at http://cechouston.org/.
    3. Public Meetings Set for Bacteria TMDL. H-GAC, in conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research, will host three public meetings about the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) analysis currently underway for the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River. Bacteria levels in the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River are too high and area governments, individuals, community groups, and business and industry must work together to restore and maintain water quality. The meetings will show bacteria TMDL findings, give stakeholders and the public an opportunity to provide feedback, and outline next steps.
    4. REEF Invasive Lionfish Workshops. REEF is hosting lionfish collecting and handling workshops in Houston and Galveston in partnership with USFWS, the Houston Zoo and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The lionfish crisis is an ever increasing problem throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The invasive species, known for their voracious appetites, venomous spines and rapid reproduction, are depleting native fish and invertebrate populations at alarming rates. Marine scientists are concerned that lionfish will significantly harm ocean ecosystems. Learn more at a Reef workshop. The first workshop will be held on August 1, 2013, 6-8pm at the Houston Zoo, Brown Education Center. The second workshop will be held on August 4, 2013, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Ballroom. Both workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Visit http://www.reef.org/lionfish/workshops for more.
    5. Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Classes Return. The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is offering the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener classes this fall! Registration opens August 1, 2013. TGCG will give participants the knowledge and skills needed to start, develop and maintain their own gardens through a variety of gardening and horticulture topics specifically designed for the pleasures and challenges of the Texas Gulf Coast climate. The 12-week curriculum includes exciting lessons and lectures presented by Mercer staff and horticulture/botany experts from the greater-Houston area, plus hands-on learning activities. For more information, visit themercersociety.org.
    6. H-GAC’s Natural resources Advisory Committee: Coastal Funding Opportunities under the RESTORE Act. Thursday, August 1st, 2013, from 1:30-3:30 at H-GAC Offices, Conference room A. Woody Woodrow from USF&WS and Scott Jones from GBF will be presenting on the RESTORE Act and what its funding means for the Texas Coast. With hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, this is a crucial topic for area decision-makers. For more information, visit www.h-gac.com.
    7. Urban Harvest Class – Starting a Community/School Garden. Urban Harvest is hosting a class called Starting a Community/School Garden: Community Engagement & Planning #1. This class will explore goals, discuss organizing volunteers and funding, and help you set priorities for your garden. August 3, 2013 from 9-11:15am at Green Planet Sanctuary. It will cost $24 for members and $36 for nonmembers. http://cechouston.org/
    8. RDA 2013 Design Charrette: “RE-CRAFT: A New Palette for HCCC.” Rice Design Alliance’s 2013 design charrette, “RE-CRAFT: A New Palette for HCCC,” will focus on the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. HCCC is a nonprofit arts organization located in the Museum District on Main Street. Charrette participants will be challenged to brainstorm general solutions for integrating the campus. HCCC is hoping to implement a design, so participating in the competition could result in a very real impact on this world-class destination.The charrette will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013 from 8 am to 4 pm. RDA also invites you to a site visit on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 9:00 am to 10 am at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, located at 4848 Main Street, to learn more about the charrette. A reception where the winning entries will be announced will be held on August 5 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Learn more on the RDA website.
    9. HANC Arboretum at Night. Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight and they have radiated into almost every habitat on earth. They are responsible for eating millions of night-flying insects, dispersing seeds in rain forests, and pollinating plants in deserts. Enjoy wine and cheese while Cullen Geiselman gives a brief summary of the world’s bat species, their habitats, and life histories, dispels common bats myths as well as discusses the eight bat species found in the Houston area. Afterwards, go on a ‘bat walk’ on the Arboretum grounds to spotlight and detect bats using an ultrasonic bat detector. This event will be held at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on August 3, 2013 from 7-9pm. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. http://www.houstonarboretum.org/
    10. RDA 2013 Charrette Reception. Please join RDA on Monday, August 5, at 6 p.m. in the Rice School of Architecture’s Farish Gallery for wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a presentation of awards. In addition to Julie Farr, Executive Director of HCCC, jurors include Ernesto Maldonado, architect and partner of Glassman Shoemake Maldonado, Sheryl Kolasinski, Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer at the Menil Collection, and Christine West, Executive Director of Lawndale Art Center. Paid parking is available in Founder’s Court Visitor Lot or the Central Garage under the Jones School of Business. More at www.ricedesignalliance.org.
    11. Viva La Run benefitting Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Join Luke’s Locker & Brooks for Viva la Run, a series of 5Ks benefiting Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Viva La Run will be held on August 6, 2013 at Local Pour (1952 West Gray St) at 7pm. The cost is $15 per person (includes run, t-shirt, food & beverage while supplies last). More at http://www.buffalobayou.org/.
    12. George H. Hermann’s 170th Birthday Party. Join Hermann Park Conservancy in celebrating the 170th birthday of Hermann Park’s beloved namesake, George H. Hermann! On Tuesday, August 6 from 10am-6pm, children twelve years and younger can ride the Hermann Park Railroad for $1.70 and children under 1 are always free! There will be complimentary face painting from 11am-2pm and aspiring artists can enter the coloring contest from 10am-2pm for a chance to win exciting prizes! Pinewood Cafe will provide complimentary birthday cake (while supplies last) and offer vanilla soft serve for $1.70 for guests of all ages. Get in the birthday spirit and come one, come all to celebrate George H. Hermann’s birthday! Learn more here.
    13. Summer Salons 2013: Healthy Neighborhoods. Join Center for Houston’s Future for the Summer Salon Series, an annual series of three panel discussions. Meet the experts and sit it on candid conversations regarding topics that shape the future of our region. Join CDC’s Deborah Millette and local experts to discuss the newest ways to create healthy neighborhoods. The event will take place on August 7, 2013 at the Junior League of Houston, Inc. The cost is $20 per person. Register at https://futurehoustonsupport.com/.
    14. KPC Wild West Tour: Breeding Birds. Beat the heat this summer and join bird expert, Glenn Olsen, for a twilight tour of the Katy Prairie Conservancy. Visit wetlands, woods, and wild grasslands in search of breeding birds and feathery fledglings. A light dinner will be included with this special trip onto KPC preserves. The tour will be held on August 9, 2013 from 6-9pm. The cost is $50 per person. Learn more and register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/.
    15. RDA Civic Forums: Environmental Challenges Facing the Houston Region Over the Next 25 Years. These two forums, presented by the Rice Design Alliance, will feature nationally known scientists, researchers, and public policy experts who will discuss air, water, land, and health issues. 1) Challenges of Climate change on August 21, 2013. 2) Challenges of competing land uses, environmental justice, and public health on August 28, 2013. Both forums will be held at 6:30 in the Brown Audtorium at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Moderated by Thomas Colbert, Associate Professor, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston, and CEC Board Member Extraordinaire. More information available at http://ricedesignalliance.org/category/civic-forums.
    16. H-GAC Parks & Natural Areas Awards. The 2013 Parks and Natural Areas Awards Application is now available on the H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas webpage. You are invited to submit your park-and-natural-area project(s) for recognition in one of the following categories: Planning Process, Policy Tools, and On-the-Ground Projects. The application is due promptly at noon on Friday, August 30. Please see the application brochure on H-GAC’s Parks and Natural Areas webpage for details.
    17. SXSW Eco. Hosting an international audience of thought leaders and decision makers, this three-day event serves as the platform to evolve these critical matters towards actionable and profitable solutions. SXSW Eco 2013 will be held from October 7, 2013 to October 9, 2013 at the Austin Convention Center. Houston locals, Brian Yeoman and Laura Spanjian, will be speaking on “One Bin for All.” Register now for $275. Prices increase on August 24th ($325), and again on September 21st ($375). More at http://sxsweco.com/.
    18. Apply for Mayor’s Proud partners Award. Nominations due by August 19, 2013. More info at www.houstonbeautiful.org.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Lords of Nature Screening @ HMNS, coupon for CEC members. Could the survival of birds, butterflies, beaver, antelope, wildflowers and trees possibly be connected to top predators like the wolf and cougar? Lords of Nature explores the role that top predators play in their ecosystems. In areas where wolves and mountain lions were wiped out, see the remarkably restored biodiversity achieved with the reintroduction of these predators. Join ecology and predation researcher Volker H. W. Rudolf, Ph. D., of the Rice University Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology for the Houston premiere the film of Lords of Nature, Life in a Land of Great Predators. This is a one-time-only film screening.  Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 6:00pm at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at 713-639-4629. Citizens Environmental Coalition Members receive $5 off regular ticket price to Lords of Nature with coupon code NCM$5 (Coupon accepted at box office and 713.639.4629, not accepted online).
  2. Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter Meeting. Cody Dennison, Waller County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and County 4-H Coordinator, will speak on “Edible Plants.” August 1, 2013, at 6:30pm at the Bud O’Shieles Community Center (1330 Band Rd). More at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  3. Electronics Recycling. The City of Houston Solid Waste Department and CompuCycle are providing monthly one day E-Recyclable collection events on the first Saturday of the month at the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride lot. The next collection event will take place on August 3, 2013, from 9am-3pm. Find a list of accepted items at http://cechouston.org/.
  4. SPARKling Collages Art Exhibit. SPARK School Park Program is sponsoring an art exhibit at the Houston Downtown/Central Library (500 McKinney St) through August 15, 2013. The collages, created by students in the Houston/ Harri County area, were made from recycled jewelry donated by Charming Charlie. Charming Charlie, a fashion accessories retailer, approached SPARK in November 2010 to recycle damaged materials into student art work. The efforts have been part of an overall SPARK 30th year celebration in 2013. Collage boards with a theme of “Play in the Park” were created by students across the Houston area. Learn more at http://www.sparkpark.org/cc.html.
  5. 2013 ArCH Film Festival: Boom and Bust. BOOM AND BUST: Landscapes of Excess and Crisis. Cycles of Boom and Bust are certain, and yet whether it’s by forces of economy, policy, environment or our own selfishness, we find ourselves surprised, off guard and unprepared. Marked by either tidal debris-lines, vacant lots, or explosive development these forces are writ-large on our cities, towns and villages. This year’s jury-selected film series will illuminate cautionary, sometimes humorous, tales of excess and crisis ranging from palatial extravagance in Miami to the cavernous vacancy in China. Join the festival this year as the Architecture Center Houston explores the impact of Boom and Bust cycles on our human habitats. The festival will be held August 15-17, 2013. A single day pass is $5 for ArCH members and $10 for the general public. A weekend pass is $10 for ArCH members and $20 for the general public. https://aiahouston.org/
  6. Applications for The Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Donations. The Green Mountain Energyâ„¢ Sun Clubâ„¢ is now accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations interested in receiving solar array donations in 2014. Green Mountain is looking to work with organizations that value the environment and want to make an impact, both in best business practices and as an example to their community. Applications for solar donations will be accepted through August 2, 2013. Let the sunshine in! Learn more at http://greenmountaincleanertimes.com/.
  7. OHBA Sustainability Scholarship Fund. Four $1,000 Scholarships Available for Fall Semester 2013.  Any student who is a resident of Texas is eligible to apply. Application deadline is August 2, 2013. Application includes: Full name of applicant and parent names; contact information for applicants and parents (email, phone, home address); name of school attended, year in school as of Fall 2013, average college GPA to date, major & minor; most recent transcript/grade report; and an essay: your opportunity to share your focus to help communities be more sustainable. Email the application to Kyler Fields, OHBA Scholarship Fund Chair, at Kyler.Fields@thegroundup.com.
  8. Houston Urban Food Production Conference. The Houston Urban Food Production Conference will be held on August 17, 2013 at United Way of Great Houston. Some of the educational trainings include Organinc Certification, Beekeeping, Poultry Production, Goat Production, Integrated Pest Management, Soil Building, Fruit & Nut Production, Vegetable Production, Practical Weed Control, Efficient Irrigation, and more! 1 IPM and 1 General TDA CEUs available. Call Diana at 281-855-5614 to register for this program and for booth registration. Before August 1, $35 registration fee; after August 1, $50 registration fee. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  9. Workshop on the Ecological Importance of Streamside Areas. Texans love our many miles of beautiful streams. But how well do we really understand the inner workings of creeks and rivers? This workshop will help you to appreciate these waterways in a new and different way. The main presenter, Steve Nelle, has 37 years of direct experience working with Texas landowners and private lands conservation as a Range Conservationist and Wildlife Biologist, and he has led around 50 workshops of this kind. The workshop will be held from noon-4pm on August 27, 2013, at the Brackenridge Park Hafernick Center in Edna, TX. There is no cost for the workshop and BBQ lunch, but please RSVP to Sylvia Balentine at the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority either via e-mail sbalentine@LNRA.org or telephone (361) 782-5229. More at http://cechouston.org/
  10. Urban Photography Contest. CBRE is accepting submissions for its 2013 Urban Photographer of the Year competition “Cities at Work.” Deadline is Aug. 31. For more information, visit http://ijnet.org/ and http://www.cbrephotographer.com/.
  11. Citizen Science: Hummingbirds. The changing climate impacts birds of all sizes, including the tiniest in North America: the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are particularly susceptible because of their speedy metabolism and long distance migrations. Hummingbirds need reliable nectar sources, but flowering times are shifting. A new citizen science project hopes to monitor their activities. Learn more on the Living on Earth website.
  12. 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).
    • Working on the Mountain
    • Parks & Wildlife People: John Taylor
    • Cedar Hill Bike Trails
    • The Virtual Bat
  13. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • July 30, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. African dust should continue over most of the eastern two-thirds of the state and will likely raise the daily PM2.5 AQI to “Moderate” levels in most of this area.
    • July 31, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. African dust should continue over parts of the North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Texas and will likely raise the daily PM2.5 AQI to “Moderate” levels in most of this area.
    • August 1, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. If background levels are high enough, winds may be light enough for ozone levels to reach “Moderate” on the north sides of the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening. African dust should linger over parts of Southeast Texas and could raise the daily PM2.5 AQI to “Moderate” levels in the Beaumont-Port Arthur, Houston, and Victoria areas.

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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. In with the old: Houston library scores major design award for mid-century mindfulness (Tyler Ruckick – Culturemap Houston, 7/22/2013)
    In the two years since its triumphant grand reopening, the Oak Forest Neighborhood Library has garnered accolades from AIA Houston, Swamplot and the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance for its historically-savvy and eco-friendly renovation. This July, the library earned a prestigious AIA/ALA Library Award from the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association.
    http://houston.culturemap.com/
  2. Construction starts on new Lidstone Bridge and channel widening at Brays Bayou (Memorial Examiner, 7/24/2013)
    The Harris County Flood Control District began construction in July on a new two-lane bridge over Brays Bayou that will connect Lidstone Street to Old Spanish Trail in the Fonde Park neighborhood in south central Harris County. Also, through a partnership effort with the Houston Parks Board and other groups supporting the “Bayou Greenways” initiative, the Lidstone Street at Brays Bayou project will provide greenspace for connecting several Brays Bayou parks and pathways. The goal of the Bayou Greenways initiative is to develop connected green corridors with hike and bike trails along all major bayous of the greater Houston area, while also providing flood control and stormwater quality benefits.
    http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
  3. Adventures of Cullen Geiselman, Batgirl (Lisa Gray – Houston Chronicle, 7/26/2013)
    Cullen Geiselman has spent years studying bats, working for Bat Conservation International and then earning her Ph.D. from Columbia with a dissertation about South American rainforest bats. She has frequented the Waugh bridge in Houston and knows about the bat colony that lives there. Most of those in the bridge colony are Mexican free-tailed bats although there are eight different species of bats in Houston.
    http://www.houstonchronicle.com/
  4. Scoop.it Page. The CEC is now maintaining a page on Scoop.it. Check it out! http://www.scoop.it/t/citizens-environmental-coalition-houston

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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! Recipe for Success seeks Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Educator. Train then Teach Children’s Nutrition Education for award-winning non-profit. Paid training involves web-based coursework and on the job training in classroom. Certified Instructors teach after school cooking and gardening classes and mentor wellness programs in elementary schools. Experience: minimum 1 year culinary experience; organic gardening skills & early childhood education a plus. Education: BA or equivalent experience. P/T. Start at $15/hour. Email cover letter of interest and resume to molly@recipe4success.org. http://recipe4success.org/
  2. Houston Audubon seeks Conservation Specialist (Sanctuary Management). Houston Audubon is seeking a full time Conservation Specialists (sanctuary management). Responsibilities include: working with the Director of Conservation; guiding and providing day-to-day management of Houston Audubon sanctuaries (3,400 acres); assisting, coordinating, and executing various projects, including native habitat restoration, exotic and invasive species control, infrastructure maintenance, bird and vegetation monitoring, interpretation/education related to visitor services, and volunteer/intern training and oversight. The application deadline is August 9, 2013 at 5:00pm. Visit http://www.houstonaudubon.org/ for more details.
  3. H-GAC seeks Senior Air Quality Planner. The Senior Planner will serve as a primary staff for Transportation Air Quality Implementation Programs which may include Clean Air Action, Clean Vehicle and/or Commute Solutions activities.  Coordinates and supports the efforts of local, state and federal agencies in complying with the various federal and state alternative fuel mandates and trading regulations.  This position will support regional efforts to meet attainment of federal air quality standards by assisting in creatively analyzing and promoting transportation-related air quality programs and investigating other potential measures to help reduce ground level ozone. More at www.h-gac.com/careers.
  4. Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) seeks Houston Area Program Director. Experienced strategically-minded activist wanted for position available with Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) and TCE Fund, the state’s leading canvass-based environmental group. This person will work with the Executive Director and other program staffers to develop organizational corporate and legislative strategies, including evaluating and researching specific issues TCE works on at the local, state and federal levels and translating goals into winnable campaigns that motivate canvassers and the public. Experience in planning and executing creative direct actions is important. Currently, the top priority for Houston-area organizing is to stop a plan to do away with curbside recycling and have residents throw recyclables, organics and trash in one bin to be mechanically sorted at a “dirty Municipal Recycling Facility.” TCE needs a good strategic thinker who learns quickly and can work well with diverse stakeholders. This person will lead efforts to translate the success of the canvass operations into effective campaigns that get results by convincing government and corporate decision-makers to take the actions TCE advances. A qualified candidate must be able to identify, recruit and work with a broad spectrum of allies that share TCE’s interests, including community activists and organizations, businesspeople, elected officials and their staff members, and other government officials. This will require engagement outside of normal work hours and beyond the confines of the office. Flexibility and a strong work ethic are a must. If interested, email cover letter, resume, and contact information of two references to robin@texasenvironment.org. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2013.
  5. The Energy Corridor District seeks Intern. The Energy Corridor District is seeking a paid part time Intern to help with administration and marketing of the Federal Grant Programs. Responsibilities include: assisting District Staff in developing plans; organizing materials and implementing programs to promote the Energy Corridor District community and provide administrative support for the ECD office; promoting JARC Grant bus route to provide route information and seek promotional ridership; and assisting in implementing Energy Corridor CMAQ Grant CarShare Project by planning outreach activity, promoting Car Share Project at business work sites, developing web content, and responding to inquiries. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to jnunez@energycorridor.org or Energy Corridor District / Attn: John Nunez / 14701 St Mary’s Lane Suite 290 / Houston, TX 77079.
  6. Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center seeks Horticultural Coordinator. Under the direct supervision of the park superintendent, the horticultural coordinator plans, implements and maintains aspects of Jones Park’s native landscaping, heirloom garden and fruit trees, botanical identification, herbarium and seed collection, and greenhouse growing. This position requires a self-motivated, friendly and patient individual with a can do attitude, willing to work indoors or outdoors in all weather conditions, not afraid to get their hands dirty, and capable of conducting a variety of tasks in the course of a normal day. Responsibilities include growing and maintaining native plants, developing and maintaining the park’s landscape, presenting natural history programs, developing interpretive signage, using communication skills with the general public and volunteers. A four-year B.S. degree in horticulture, natural or environmental science, or comparable experience desired. Work varying shifts including weekends and evenings. The starting salary is commensurate with experience.  Contact Darlene Conley Hostetler at 281-446-8588 or DConley@hcp4.net for a full job description and Harris County Precinct 4 employment application. For more information about Jones Park check the website at www.hcp4.net/jones.
  7. H-GAC seeks Air Quality Coordinator.  Provides day-to-day oversight of the Clean Vehicles grant program and support to related programs including the region’s Clean Cities Coalition and H-GAC’s Drayage Loan Program. Supervises both technical and administrative aspects of the program, coordinates program staff, and tracks/analyzes metrics to ensure overall objectives are achieved.  Reports to the Air Quality Program Manager, Transportation Department. More at www.h-gac.com/careers.
  8. Uptown Houston seeks Project Manager for Memorial Park. Uptown Houston, through its tax reinvestment zone (TIRZ), recently incorporated Memorial Park into its service area. Memorial Park is among the largest urban parks in the U.S., and is Houston’s largest inner city park covering almost 1,500 acres. The Memorial Park Project – a twenty-year, $100 million park improvement program – is just now being launched as part of Houston Parks And Recreation Department’s, Memorial Park Conservancy’s and Uptown Houston’s partnership to make vital improvements in Memorial Park. Specifics of the Project will be determined by the proposed master plan for Memorial Park, which will be developed in 2013 – 2014. Responsibilities of the Project Manager for Memorial Park include: to serve as the Project Manager for the master plan and park improvement projects; to manage the execution of the master plan in accordance with its phased construction; To manage day-to-day operational aspects of the planning and construction stages; to manage the procurement of consultants and advisers throughout the planning and construction stages; to identify resources needed and assign responsibilities; and more. To apply, send responses to 1980 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1580, Houston, Texas 77056; Attention: Betsy Kirkgard bkirkgard@uptown-houston.com. Include your resume, cover letter, and minimum of 2 references.
  9. Memorial Park Conservancy seeks Conservation Director. The Conservation Director of Memorial Park Conservancy (MPC) is primarily responsible for restoration and enhancement of Memorial Park’s natural environment through the use of trees and plants that are native to the area. Duties and responsibilities include: developing and maintaining inventory of park forest that identifies trees by species, area of the park and estimated age; planning and implementing plantings and irrigation within the maintained areas of the Park; planning and implementing reforestation where appropriate; working with Houston Parks and Recreation (HPARD), technical experts and consultants to study Memorial Park’s ecology and identify today’s and future requirements and constraints to restore the park’s natural ecology within the context of the long-range Master Planning process; implementing ecosystem management regimes contained in the approved Master Plan; and more. If interested, email cover letter, resume, references and compensation requirements to: Shellye Arnold, Executive Director, Memorial Park Conservancy at sarnold@memorialparkconservancy.org.
  10. Public Citizen (Austin) seeks Project Media Coordinator. Public Citizen (Austin, TX) is seeking a Project Media Coordinator to be a part of the Clean Coastal Commerce Coalition, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction of coal exports.  The coalition seeks to get our message out in print, radio, television and online.  We are looking for an applicant who is adept at using a multi-media and communications strategy that will provide information to local and national reporters, and maintain a significant presence and following online using new media to advocate for public health and safety, government accountability, and clean and safe energy. This is an opportunity to make a difference.  For more information on this job posting go to http://www.citizen.org/Page.aspx?pid=5960.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Texas Capitol StarCEC 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 of the regular session was Monday, May 27, 2013, followed by a special session for redistricting. On June 12, 2013, the Governor called for additional legislation to be considered during the special session. Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

CEC will provide additional updates from our member groups soon. Websites with updates on environmental legislation:

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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.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Sunday, August 4, 2013

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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.

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.

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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
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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