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September 17, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update September 17, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update September 17, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Environmental Forum for Houston City Council Candidates with League of Women Voters
  2. Additional CEC Events
  3. New subscribers

COALITION NOTES

  1. Native Plant Society Monthly Meeting
  2. A Sustainability Event: Bill Walsh on Indoor Environmental Quality
  3. Cherryhurst Bikes! to Celebrate Cycling
  4. 2013 Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza
  5. Harvest Moon Festival
  6. RSA/RDA Fall Lecture Series – RE:Architecture [NSFW]
  7. CWI: Electricity Production Through Wastewater
  8. MEMEnomics: Explore the Next Generation Economic System
  9. Bikes, Bats, and Brew
  10. The 2013 Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards
  11. Collaborative Access Meeting: Regional Ecotourism Roundtable Discussion
  12. 7th Annual Garden Faire
  13. Bayou Preservation Association’s 10th Annual Symposium: “A Decade of Significant Change.”
  14. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party.
  15. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference.
  16. H-GAC to Accept Applications for Solid Waste Grants
  17. Livable Center Sponsors

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Houston Mayoral Debate
  2. Coal Effluent Sign-On Letter Texas
  3. People’s Eminent Domain and Draw the Line Houston
  4. A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet
  5. Public Comment Period for Houston Superfund Site
  6. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later
  7. Sustainable Living Class
  8. Galveston County Feral Hog Seminar
  9. Houston Re-Market
  10. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World
  11. News from TCEQ
  12. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  13. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. HCFCD restoring 95 acres of Katy prairie to its natural state (Zach Haverkamp – The Rancher, 9/10/2013)
  2. Kingwood residents might be stuck with wild hogs eating everything (Carol Christian – Houston Chronicle, 9/12/2013)
  3. Threatened Species a Focus for Energy Industry (Neena Satija – The Texas Tribune, 9/11/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Houston Wilderness Seeks Event Planning Intern.
  2. Environmental Defense Fund seeks Senior Assistant (Austin)
  3. Colorado River Alliance seeks Environmental Educator (Austin)
  4. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia seeks Camp Leaders
  5. Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager
  6. Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator
  7. Scenic Houston seeks Executive Assistant/Office Manager
  8. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff
  9. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Wide Supervisor
  10. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors
  11. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Environmental Forum for Houston City Council Candidates with League of Women Voters. CEC is pleased to be partnering with the League of Women Voters to offer an environmental-themed candidate forum for City of Houston council races. We have invited candidates for Districts A, B, D, and I, and At-Large Positions 2 and 3. A reception and registration will be from 6:00 to 6:30, and a moderated forum will start at 6:30. Attendance is free but registration is requested for planning purposes: https://cechouston.eventbrite.com.

    Questions will relate to topics, listed below, of interest to the CEC’s 99 member organizations. Questions will also relate to the policy positions of the League of Women Voters, which takes an interest in natural resources (http://lwv.org/content/natural-resources).

    • Air Quality
    • Animals/Wildlife/Birding
    • Architecture/Community Development/Beautification/Historic preservation
    • Bayous/Water quality
    • Environmental education–for children and adults
    • Climate change
    • Conservation
    • Environmental Justice/Policy
    • Galveston Bay issues
    • Environmental health
    • Organic food/plans/gardening
    • Solid waste management (recycling/trash)
    • Sustainable infrastructure
    • Transportation

    If you have particular questions you would like to have asked of the candidates, please email suggestions to rachel@cechouston.org.

  2. Additional Upcoming CEC Events.
    • Tuesday, October 1, 2013, evening: Environmental Forum for City of Houston Candidates. Information will be sent out in a seperate email later this week.
    • October 30, 2013. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference
    • Tuesday, November 19, 2013, evening: “I recycled. I voted. What next?” A Collaborative Primer on Civic Engagement for Houston’s Environmental Community.
    • Thursday, February 13, 2014: Visions for a Greener Houston, CEC’s Environmental Summit.
  3. New subscribers. CEC welcomes Dalton and Ida to our newsletter. Thank you for subscribing!

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Native Plant Society Monthly Meeting. Join the Houston Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas for refreshments at 7 pm, and, at 7:30 pm, enjoy a presentation by Steve Hupp and Eric Ruckstuhl of the Bayou Preservation Association (bayoupreservation.org): Removal of Invasive and Exotic Plants. Free and fun! Hope to see you there! www.npsot.org\houston. Thursday, September 19, 2013, at Houston Arboretum.
  2. A Sustainability Event: Bill Walsh on Indoor Environmental Quality. USGBC & AIA Houston COTE Present: Bill Walsh. This is a great opportunity to learn about indoor environmental quality in building nationwide. Mr. Bill Walsh, founder and Executive Director of the Healthy Building Network. The HBN has been a leader in creating tools that encourage the use of healthier building products including the Green Guide for Health Care, new pilot Credits in LEED, and the Pharos Project, an online evaluation tool for building materials. In Houston in 2011, and at Greenbuild 2011, he addressed a standing room crowd as he introduced a new tool for the green building movement: the Health Product Declaration. If you are concerned about what kind of toxic materials are present in your environment, this declaration is an open standard format which encourages the standardized disclosure of content and health hazard information about building products. The event will take place on September 19, 2013, 6-8pm, at Maggiano’s. The cost is $10-@25. http://cechouston.org/
  3. Cherryhurst Bikes! to Celebrate Cycling. Cherryhurst Bikes!, a community cycling showcase, invites local organizations, businesses, and neighbors to celebrate cycling on Saturday, September 21, 2013, from 9am-noon at Cherryhust Park (1700 Missouri). Bring the whole family to to celebrate all that we can do on a bicycle. All are welcome to attend, both regular bicycle riders and riders-to-be. Enjoy free food and drink while visiting with 26+ community organizations and bike shops, and stroll (or roll!) over to the FrankenBike bicycle-themed swap meet at Anvil, on 1424 Westheimer. There will be a Bicycle “Show & Shine” (with prizes!), bike decorating for kids, safety, repair, & new rider classes, bike and helmet checks, experts to offer advice and guidance, new product demonstrations for city cycling, and more. Please visit www.cherryhurstbikes.org for more information and to register your bicycle for the show. For more information, contact: info@transitionhouston.org.
  4. 2013 Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza. Autumn is hummingbird season in Texas, as thousands of these tiny creatures move through the state on their southward migration to Mexico and Central America. Join the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory on September 21, 2013 to see hummingbirds being banded, adopt a hummingbird, browse the Nature Store, walk the nature trails, or buy a plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Adults $2, kids free. http://cechouston.org/.
  5. Harvest Moon Festival. Watch the Harvest Moon rising….take a horse-drawn hayride, ride on a miniature train, stroll the Willow Waterhole paths and see “FLY AWAY HOME” starring Jeff Daniels, Anna Paquin and Dana Delany. The movie follows a father and daughter as they attempt to lead a flock of orphaned Canada Geese south by air. There will be free popcorn, cookies, and bottled water. The festival will be held on September 21, 2013, from 6-9:30pm at the South Gazebo at Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. http://cechouston.org/
  6. RSA/RDA Fall Lecture Series – RE:Architecture [NSFW]. The Rice School of Architecture and the Rice Design Alliance’s Fall Lecture Series, Re: Architecture [NSFW], presents a new generation of architects operating across scales, methods, techniques, and sites of work. Rice School of Architecture Assistant Professor Troy Schaum, who curated the series, says he is “interested in introducing Houston to young firms that are building in unique ways, not easily categorized, and are refusing to play it safe.” Framed by the popular online tag NSFW [Not Safe For Work], Re: Architecture [NSFW] investigates how architects’ assumptions regarding safe boundaries for contemporary disciplinary investigation simultaneously limit and propel their creative practices. The lectures will take place every Wednesday night at 7pm at The Museum of Fine Arts, from September 25, 2013 to October 16, 2013. http://cechouston.org/
  7. CWI: Electricity Production Through Wastewater. Join H-GAC for the next CWI Workshop: Electricity Production Through Wastewater. This event will features speakers from San Antonio Water Supply, Klotz and Associates, and Hanzen and Sawyer. The workshop will be held on September 25, 2013, from 1:30-4:30pm at 3555 Timmons Lane #120. http://cechouston.org/
  8. MEMEnomics: Explore the Next Generation Economic System. Per Howard Putnam, Former CEO of Southwest Airlines – “If you want to be on the leading edge of transformation here is your opportunity.” In conjunction with Transition Houston, the 3rd Coast Center for Human Emergence has invited a group of speakers to Houston who are concerned with long-term cultural and economic sustainability. MEMEnomics in Houston will take place from September 19-24, 2013. Workshops include: What if Leaders Understood the Nature of Change?; Building Regional Resilience with a MeshWORKSâ„¢ Approach; MEMEnomics – The Next Generation Economic System; and Spiral Dynamics Level One Training & Certification. Learn more about each event and register at http://thirdcoastcomplexity.eventbrite.com/.
  9. Bikes, Bats, and Brew. Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Bayou City Outdoors for a batty good time! Bring your bikes (and helmets, too) for an evening spin around town and the Buffalo Bayou trails! Everyone will be heading over to the Waugh Bridge to see the Mexican free-tail bats depart for their sunset flight and then learning more about these important creatures from volunteers with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Afterward, the group will head back downtown to Niko Niko’s at Market Square Park for a brew and some social time. Please note that all types of bikes welcome (B-cycles will be available for rent if you don’t have your own) – helmets required (if you are renting a B-Cycle helmets will be available for you). This event will take place on September 25, 2013, 6-8pm, at Market Square Park. The cost is $10 non-members/free for Bayou Buddies and Bayou City Outdoors members (price does not include the brew). For reservations, contact Tatum Thompson at tthompson@buffalobayou.org or 713.752.0314 ext. 4. Bayou Bayou City Outdoors members, login in at www.bayoucityoutdoors.com and RSVP! Maximum capacity – 50 guests. http://cechouston.org/
  10. The 2013 Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards. You can now purchase individual tickets for the first annual Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards. Join Houston Tomorrow on September 26, 2013, in recognizing and honoring those who are dedicated to positive catalytic change. The Catalyst Awards recognize and honor those whose ideas and actions change and improve the quality of Houstonians’ lives. The event will be held from 6-9pm at the BioScience Research Collaborative Rice University. Learn more at https://org2.salsalabs.com/.
  11. Collaborative Access Meeting: Regional Ecotourism Roundtable Discussion. Interested in ecotourism in our 10 regions? Join regional partners for a dynamic roundtable discussion on local ecotourism needs and opportunities. The roundtable will be held on September 27, 2013 at 10am at Houston Wilderness. Please send your RSVP to holly@houstonwilderness.org. http://cechouston.org/
  12. 7th Annual Garden Faire. Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS) present the 7th Annual Garden Faire Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2013 from 8am-4pm. The Garden Faire is an outdoor fall festival for nature-lovers of all ages. Stroll along the wooded trails and shop for new plants, crafts and local foods while learning about community-based horticulture and environmental activities. Please call 281-443-8731 or visit the park for additional details. http://cechouston.org/
  13. Bayou Preservation Association’s 10th Annual Symposium: “A Decade of Significant Change.” Bayou Preservation Association (BPA) will host its 10th Annual Symposium, “A Decade of Significant Change” on Thursday, October 3. This year’s event will reflect on the last ten years of Houston bayou preservation highlighting a decade of evolution at Harris County Flood Control District, the bayou-friendly results of the 83rd legislative session and an overall retrospective of watershed development and sustainability. The symposium will also focus on the next 10 years of emerging issues in water quality. The symposium will take place on October 3, 2013 at United Way. Cost is $50. http://cechouston.org/
  14. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party. Friends of Mandell Park will be hosting a fundraising party on October 17, 2013, at the home of Rebecca and Michael Jusbasche. It will be a cocktail party from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. For additional information contact Friends of Mandell Park at FoMAndellPark@aol.com or Robert Shipman, Gala Coordinator at mandellpark@gmail.com.
  15. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. The next USGBC UnConference has been rescheduled for October 30, 2013. http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/
  16. H-GAC to Accept Applications for Solid Waste Grants. H-GAC will soon begin accepting applications for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Solid Waste Implementation Pass-Through Grants. Over the next two years, H-GAC will be able to award $1.2 million in grant funds ($600,000 per year), but will only accept applications for both years from September 23 to October 25, 2013. H-GAC will host a public meeting on the FY14-15 Solid Waste Funding Plan Friday, September 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in H-GAC Conference Room A, Second Floor. More information is available on the H-GAC website.
  17. Livable Center Sponsors. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is seeking proposals from local governments or other eligible project sponsors to conduct Livable Centers planning studies. The objective of the planning studies is to help create quality, walkable, mixed-use places, create multi-modal travel choices, improve environmental quality, and promote economic development and housing choice. Study recommendations will ideally lead to locally sponsored Livable Centers projects for possible inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and future Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP). Note: This is not a request for proposals from consulting firms. More info on the H-GAC website. Deadline: November 1, 2013.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Houston Mayoral Debate. The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area are pleased to announce that in conjunction with KUHT Houston PBS Channel 8 it will be hosting the ONLY televised mayoral debate on October 8, 2013. Learn more about the event on the League’s Facebook page.
  2. Coal Effluent Sign-On Letter Texas. Clean Water Action invites you and your organization to sign on to these comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines & Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category (letter attached). This comment letter will be submitted to the formal docket for this draft rule. The deadline to sign on is Tuesday, September 17th; the public comment period ends on September 20th. These new standards are urgently needed because Steam Electric Power Plants, especially coal plants, are responsible for nearly 60% of all the toxic pollutants discharged into Waters of the U.S.–more than any other permitted industrial discharger. The existing standards have not been updated since 1982 and power plants have essentially been give a free pass to dump unlimited amounts of arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium and other dangerous pollutants into our water for decades. To learn more about this issue, check out our power plant pollution national campaign page: http://www.cleanwateraction.org/powerplantwaterpollutioncomments
  3. People’s Eminent Domain and Draw the Line Houston. Have your word heard about the Keystone XL pipeline project. There will be two opportunities to get involved on September 21, 2013. At 10am, join Tar Sands Blockade in a festive, theatrical protest that will escalate the campaign against eminent domain abuses by the Keystone XL pipeline project. Love Park, 1000 West 12th Street (The Heights). http://cechouston.org/. At 2pm, hear voices from the extraction site, the pipeline route in east Texas, and the East End as they react to the Snakeline, the great TransCanada menace. Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin Street (Museum District). http://cechouston.org/
  4. A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet. A Fierce Green Fire is the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement–grassroots and global activism spanning 50 years from conservation to climate change. Directed and written by Academy Award-nominated director Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties) and narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Van Jones, Isabel Allende, and Meryl Streep, the film has won acclaim at festivals around the world. Inspired by the book by Philip Shabecoff and informed by advisers such as Edward O. Wilson, A Fierce Green Fire chronicles the largest movement of the 20th century and one of the keys to the 21st. It brings together all the major parts of environmentalism and connects them. It focuses on activism, people fighting to save their homes, their lives, the future–and succeeding against all odds. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will be showing this film on September 21, 2013 at 7pm and on September 22, 2013 at 5pm. Purchase tickets at http://www.mfah.org/.
  5. Public Comment Period for Houston Superfund Site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extendedthe public comment period for the proposed cleanup plan amendment for the South Cavalcade Street Superfund Site in Houston, Texas. The comment period will now conclude on September 23, 2013. The extension for public comment will allow the community more time to review the Agency’s proposal and provide valuable input to shape our proposed plan. More at http://www.epa.gov/.
  6. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later. Top experts in the field will discuss hurricane protection for Houston, Hurricane Sandy risk and response, and post Hurricane Katrina activities. Keynote speakers include Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Chairman Janiece Longoria of the Port of Houston Authority, Bill Read, former director of the National Hurricane Center and Professor Ning Lin from Princeton University who specializes in climate change and severe weather events. The conference will highlight the SSPEED Center’s proposed Centennial Gate, designed to protect the Houston Ship Channel. This session will include a description of the gate, surge modeling, legal issues, finance strategies, land use and ship channel environmental risk and tank stability. The conference will address emerging federal thinking on non-structural alternatives and the SSPEED Center’s formation of the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area and creation of the ecosystem services exchange. The conference will take place from September 24-25, 2013 at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC). Register at https://signup.rice.edu/.
  7. Sustainable Living Class. Learn how you can do your part to reduce resource consumption, and save money at the same time. This course will cover home energy and water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable lawn care, and alternates to common household chemicals. Discussions will also include health and environmental issues of our food supply, including organic and genetically modified food, fair trade, meaningless labels, and ingredients to avoid. The class will be held on September 24, 2013, and October 1, 2013, from 6-7:30pm at Memorial Drive United Methodist. FREE! Instructor: Corinne Maddox. RSVP to MDUMCearthministry@gmail.com. http://cechouston.org/
  8. Galveston County Feral Hog Seminar. The Feral Hog Seminar will include topics such as Basic Ecology of Feral Hogs and Their Impact, Feral Hog Population Dynamics and Reproduction, Impact of Feral Hogs on Watersheds, and more. The seminar will be held on September 28, 2013, 8:30am-4pm, at the Galveston County Extension Office. The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. Registration begins at 8am. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  9. 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. Come shop, swap, recycle, and chill every 4th Sat! The next event is on September 28, 2013 from 11am-4pm at the Greater East End.
    http://www.houstonremarket.com/
  10. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Join Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter, and Texas Riparian Association along the banks of the South Llano River on the campus of Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station for TXSER and TRA’s 2013 Conference, The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Participants will enjoy: Friday field trips and workshop; stimulating presentations on topics related to restoration, management and conservation issues in Texas; opportunities to network with fellow environmentalists; delicious meals; a social and poster session; and awards for lifetime achievement in the field and for student posters and presentations. The conference will be held November 1-2, 2013. Registration is now open. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/.
  11. News from TCEQ.
    • TCEQ’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Due October 4, 2013. To nominate an exemplary environmental effort for the 2014 awards, apply online at www.TEEA.org.
    • Rulemaking Actions: (No updates) New actions pertain to environmental flows in the Brazos River, rainwater harvesting, an vehicle inspections.
    • Upcoming hearings: Environmental Flows in the Brazos River, 10/15/2013; Triennial Revision of 30 TAC Chapter 307, Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, 10/17/2013
    • TCEQ Agenda meeting: (No updates) September 24, 2013: wastewater permit in Montgomery County; Municipal Solid Waste Management and Resource Advisory Council appointments; various enforcement actions for air and water quality, petroleum storage tanks, sludge application, revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality.
    • Permit Hearings: Proposed air quality permit in Chambers County, 9/19/2013; Proposed air quality permit in Waller County, 9/30/2013
  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).
    • Restoring the Forest
    • Lonnie Stanley, Fishing Hall of Famer
    • 50th Film History
    • Stephen F. Austin State Park
    • Found Flycatcher
  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.
    • September 17, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • September 18, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • September 19, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.

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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. HCFCD restoring 95 acres of Katy prairie to its natural state (Zach Haverkamp – The Rancher, 9/10/2013)
    The Harris County Flood Control District embarked late last month on the “Cypress Creek Site Improvements and Wetlands Construction Project,” a 95-acre prairie creation and restoration effort on a divide between the Cypress Creek and Addicks Reservoir watershed, near the intersection of House Hahl and Katy-Hockley roads. In order to recapture the land’s natural contours, the project’s landscape design is based upon aerial photos of the region from the 1930s. The technique has recently come into use by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, which has been working in conjunction with the HCFCD.
    http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
  2. Kingwood residents might be stuck with wild hogs eating everything (Carol Christian – Houston Chronicle, 9/12/2013)
    Kingwood communities that are battling feral hogs could be in it for the long haul, experts say. The huge, fearless cousins of domestic pigs have been roaming through the affluent northern suburb for at least a month, said Keith Crenshaw, urban biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Texas has the highest concentration of wild feral hogs in the United States, and in Kingwood, the community with the worst problem is Royal Shores, the area closest to Lake Houston, Crenshaw said.
    http://www.chron.com/
  3. Threatened Species a Focus for Energy Industry (Neena Satija – The Texas Tribune, 9/11/2013)
    More than 100 species in Texas could be classified as endangered by the federal government in the coming years, potentially choking development for oil and gas companies in the state. And so some of the biggest players in the energy industry —including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, BP and Sandridge Energy — are looking to take a major role in protecting such animals, whether or not they are listed as endangered. Plans are loosely based on the concept of a “wildlife habitat exchange,” in which oil and gas companies that disturb habitat would pay landowners to set aside a certain amount of their own acreage for habitat conservation.
    https://www.texastribune.org/
  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.

  1. NEW! Houston Wilderness Seeks Event Planning Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic and creative individual to assist with the planning and implementation of the Houston Wilderness Annual Luncheon, Collaborative Access events, and other events as needed. The Event Planning Intern will be able to list development and completion of projects on their resume. This is a paid Internship available from September 2013 – March 2014. Please email resume, cover letter, and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org. Please apply by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013. More information can be found here: http://houstonwilderness.org/.
  2. Environmental Defense Fund seeks Senior Assistant (Austin). With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. The Senior Assistant provides executive-level support to the Vice President, US Climate and Energy in EDF’s Austin, Texas office. Using key operational skills, this is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and skilled Senior Assistant to partner with a strong leader in the central hub of a transformational nonpartisan advocacy campaign on a complex environmental issue, and to gain knowledge of current climate and energy matters. Key responsibilities include: Maintain busy calendar and arrange extensive travel for VP; Develop schedule effectively relative to VP”s short-term needs, long-term plan and yearly goals; Act as coordinator and manage VP”s day and maximize efficient use of VP”s time; Prepare VP for meetings including printing documents, collecting supporting documentation and researching background information; Keep informed about major projects; learn and stay abreast of current priorities as they relate to the VP”s goals and strategy; and Prepare written communications and correspondence on behalf of the VP, including research as required. Read the full job description at http://tano.org/.
  3. Colorado River Alliance seeks Environmental Educator (Austin). If you love the Texas Colorado River, then this is the job for you! The Colorado River Alliance, a small nonprofit based in Austin, TX, seeks an innovative, energetic part-time Environmental Educator to make the River come to life for thousands of central Texas students through our exciting education programs. Expect to spend your time outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education, using hands-on activities and games to teach groups of elementary-aged students about our water resources. In addition to teaching regularly, the Educator will be the “right-hand (wo)man” to our Program Coordinator, helping manage day to day program operations including program scheduling and evaluation. This is an excellent opportunity to build your program coordination skills! More at http://www.501community.org/.
  4. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia seeks Camp Leaders. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia has immediate openings for Camp Leaders. Camp Leaders teach and supervise 5th grade students during their 4 day 3 night experience. Activities include instruction at the Model Farm, Aquatic Studies, Forest Studies, Conservation, Adventure activities and numerous evening activities such as astronomy and night hikes. All activities are designed to follow school district and state guidelines. Compensation includes salary, health benefits, sick days, room and board, and paid training. For more information, visit the website at www.hisdoec.com or email Tom Cosper at tcosper@houstonisd.org.
  5. Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager. Westchase District works to enhance economic development within the Westchase District boundaries through a variety of programs that improve mobility, public safety, beautification, marketing, and long-range planning. The Farmers Market will serve as a community gathering place, while providing the citizens of West Houston access to high quality, locally-produced, seasonal fresh foods. Westchase District is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Market Manager, working under the direction of Westchase District’s Vice President of Communication. The position is part-time and does not include benefits. Annual wage for manager is budgeted at $30,000. The manager will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Westchase Farmers Market, including: recruiting vendors, making farm visits, and maintaining vendor records; coordinating the physical requirements of opening and closing the market; enforcing the market operating rules; handling emergencies and complaints; maintaining a market information booth; keeping a weekly market log and collecting vendor fees; and more. If interested, please send your resume to 713-780-8025 (fax) or hiring@westchasedistrict.com. No phone calls please.
  6. Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator. Scenic Houston is a small non-profit doing big work for Houston. For decades, their dedicated team has successfully collaborated with government, business, and community leaders to beautify Houston’s streetscapes in significant ways. Growing support for their efforts has allowed them to expand their team. They are currently seeking a Development Coordinator to assist the President in the implementation of our strategic growth plan. The Coordinator will plan and direct a broad range of development activities that support Scenic Houston’s continued success including interface with potential individual, corporate and foundation funders, planning fundraising events, grant writing and the development of an effective public relations strategy. The candidate should be a highly creative and dynamic individual with a passion for the mission and the ability to communicate that passion successfully to a wide range of high-level professionals. To find out more about Scenic Houston, please visit their website www.scenichouston.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to info@scenichouston.org. No phone calls, please.
  7. Scenic Houston seeks Executive Assistant/Office Manager. Scenic Houston is currently seeking an Executive Assistant/Office Manager to assist the President in the management of all aspects of the operation. The Executive Assistant will plan, coordinate and direct a broad range of activities that support Scenic Houston including the administration of financial activities and support services, database management, coordination of special events and generally ensuring that the entire office runs smoothly. To find out more about Scenic Houston, please visit their website www.scenichouston.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to info@scenichouston.org. No phone calls, please.
  8. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff. Seeking a job that fully recognizes and utilizes your personal power to create positive change? Texas Campaign for the Environment is hiring passionate people to join their campaign staff. Be part of a team of like-minded individuals who are here for more than just a paycheck. TCE staff share a vision for a more sustainable, just society, and believe that grassroots organizing, or canvassing, is the best way to affect positive change; communicate with people in such a way that motivates them to get involved. Both full time and part time positions are available. To apply, visit the employment page at http://www.texasenvironment.org/jobs.cfm to complete the Houston application and submit it to the Office Manager, suzan@texasenvironment.org.
  9. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Wide Supervisor. Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is overseeing major enhancement of Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine, a 2.3 mile long, 160-acre City Park west of downtown Houston. The organization is seeking a Park Wide Supervisor for Shepherd to Sabine. Some of the essential functions include: Examine new or existing landscape sites and irrigation systems, examine repairs or modifications to ensure trades work and materials conform to prescribed quality and standards; Obtain evidence of failure to comply by sketching or photographing locations and features of deviations; Check irrigation system components including, but not limited to, water distribution lines, sprinkler heads, valves, pumps, nozzles and backflows devices for defects; Oversee the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution: evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; Oversee turf and irrigation management activities in compliance with park standards; Oversee and coordinate tree care program, including all pruning, plant diagnosis, tree removal, and replacement, tree repairs, and tree hazard evaluations; and more. If interested, please send Cover Letter and Resume to: jobs@buffalobayou.org or Mr. Gregg Burks, BBP – S2S Park Director / 1113 Vine Street, Suite 200 / Houston, TX 77002. No phone calls please.
  10. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors. 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 – 2014 school year. The right candidate will be an outdoorsperson with experience working with high school youth, preferably some experience with low income 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 2013-2014 school year, attend one fall and spring semester camping trip, and are highly encouraged to participate in the 2014 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.
  11. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. Their mission is to reduce air pollution in the Houston region and to protect public health and environmental integrity through research, education and advocacy. They are seeking a motivated individual to teach “Ozone Theater,” award winning, cross-collaborative lesson plans to k-8th graders in the Houston region. The Teaching Artist will work independently and in conjunction with the Education department on ongoing programs and new initiatives. This position will encompass a broad range of skills, including instruction on public health and quality of life, elementary to middle school education, data recording, paper work, and organizing. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working within the education field. Experience in all of these fields is not required, but intellectual and professional flexibility between fields and disciplines. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.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 calendar at cechouston.org.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sunday, September 22, 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
Sophany Touch, IREX Community Solutions Fellow/Wildlife Alliance
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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