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November 11, 2014

Houston Environmental News Update November 11, 2014

Please join the CEC in honoring and thanking all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

We give extra thanks to those veterans who have been part of environmental programs within the U.S. Armed Services and in their communities. With well over a million employees and extensive land holdings, the US Military has a tremendous impact on the environment, including being one of the largest single users of energy in the world. Notable military leaders have stated that they believe climate change to be a significant  national security threat.

Here are links to some of our armed services’ initiatives:

The Environmental Directorate is part of the Air Force’s Civil Engineer Center, which, on its website, is highlighting another notable–but very different–holiday: America Recycles Day, on November 15 each year. Check out some of the local events at http://americarecyclesday.org. And read the article about the Air Force article about recycling, with Texas ties!

CEC NOTES

  1. Welcome new subscribers. Please welcome our new subscribers: Nancy, Jarka, Megan, Sally, Katie, and Jimmy. We’re glad you joined our community!
  2. Holiday Shopping. Use Goodshop to support Citizens Environmental Coalition - CEC While some of you may already have your holiday shopping complete (even thought it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet!), many of you still have shopping to do. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting ways you can support the CEC at the same time you are buying gifts.

    This week, check out Goodshop.com. We have partnered with Goodshop so that now you can feel great about your online shopping! Goodshop gives you the best coupons for thousands of stores like Target, Apple, Amazon, Petco and more AND a percentage of what you spend on virtually every purchase is donated to our cause!

  3. Save the Dates

    The CEC has three great events planned for next year, and we hope you can join us. More details are coming soon, but for now, please save the dates!

    • January 29, 2015: CEC hosts the Texas premier of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour
    • March 3, 2015: CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit
    • April 1, 2015: Environmental Poetry and Puns

COALITION NOTES

  1. Prairie Month! October 6, 2014 to November 15, 2014 is Prairie Month! Join the conservation community for a series of fun and informative events in 
the Greater Houston region, celebrating and restoring 
our prairie heartland! Find an event near you by visiting http://prairiepartner.org.
  2. Energy Corridor Recycles Day. Energy Corridor Recycles Day will be held on November 15, 2014, 9am-2pm. You know you’ve got them. Motorola flip phones, stereos with blown amps, computers struggling to run Windows 95, rear projection televisions with the red color malfunctioning, and VCRs with “The Breakfast Club” tape stuck inside. They are everywhere, taking up space, sitting unused with potentially toxic metals that have no business discarded into landfills, left along roadsides or stashed in garages. Get ready to properly dispose of all those outdated electronics cluttering up your home and office. This is your chance to help remove the potential environmental threat of improperly disposed televisions, computers, telecommunications equipment, hard drives, game consoles and other electronics that can be laced with heavy metals. www.energycorridor.org
  3. La Porte Rain Barrel Workshop. Reduce runoff— slow it down, spread it out, soak it in! 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. Come out to the Evelyn Kennedy Civic Center in La Porte on November 15, 2014, 2-4pm, to make your own rain barrel! This is Galveston Bay Foundation’s last rain barrel workshop of the year. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $30 per kit, which includes admission to the workshop, a 35-gallon recycled barrel, and a connector kit. Space is limited, so register soon! Register online at http://galvbay.org.
  4. KPC’s Putting Down Roots. Help Katy Prairie Conservancy Put Down Roots during the conservancy’s largest restoration effort yet! Volunteers will work together to transplant native prairie plants in order to restore 55 acres of newly reconstructed prairie habitat. The event will be held on November 15, 2014, from 9am-1pm at the Indiangrass Preserve. Participants should dress for the prairie – wear pants, close-toed shoes, and clothing that can get muddy. It can be chilly and windy on the prairie so a hat and layers are also recommended. Lunch, snacks, and door prizes will be provided, but feel free to bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions. Registration is limited and required. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
  5. Streambank Stabilization. Harris County Flood Control District and Bayou Preservation Association have recently released educational resources related to streambank restoration. HCFCD has published a handbook describing streambank stabilization, “Streambank Stabilization Handbook: A Guide for Harris County Landowners,” available at: www.hcfcd.org. This Handbook was prepared by HCFCD to assist Harris County residents in planning streambank stabilization project on their property, with an emphasis on bioengineered approaches. It provides information that may be used by landowners to evaluate the potential use of bioengineered stabilization methods on a variety of streambank erosion conditions that exist throughout Harris County. The Handbook is directed towards addressing localized erosion problems and is not intended to provide information regarding full restoration of a stream. Landowners should coordinate their stabilization effort with a design professional and Harris County Flood Control District. The Bayou Preservation Association has launched the website, www.preservingbuffalobayou.org. This website describes the proposed “Memorial Park Demonstration Project,” and provides arguments in support of the project. Visit the website to learn more about the current condition of the bayou, proposed solution, results of the project, and myths vs. realities.
  6. Recycling Education Seminar. What does it take to recycle in Houston? Buildings are responsible for a large component of the waste stream. On September 17, City Council voted to provide curbside recycling to all residential customers with City of Houston collection. Check. How about your office? Your apartment? What are the obstacles to recycling? What can you recycle? Why isn’t everything recyclable? What are other cities doing to recycle? What about composting? Bring your questions to the Recycling Education Seminar on November 19, 2014, 6-8pm at the Green Building Resource Center. Visit www.greenhoustontx.gov for more information. Please RSVP to Steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or 832-394-9050. This event is free and open to the public!
  7. Houston GREEN Film Series: Deep Down. Come out on November 19, 2014, 6:30pm, to the Rice Media Center for a screening of Deep Down: A story from the heart of coal country. “Through a complex human story that cuts across environment, economics, public policy, and culture, the story of Beverly May and Terry Ratliff reveals the devastating impact of our energy consumption against an explosive backdrop: Appalachia’s centuries-old struggle over the black rock that fuels our planet.” A light dinner will be served, courtesy of Dr. Pat Speck and Dry Bones Cafe. The film is free to the public, though donations are suggested and kindly appreciated. Learn more at www.facebook.com.
  8. 20th Annual Twilight Gala: Turning a New Leaf. Join Nature Discovery Center for the 20th Annual Twilight Gala, helping the greater Houston community discover, enjoy and value nature. For nearly three decades, the Nature Discovery Center has been sparking interest in science and nature, developing critical thinking tools, enriching educational opportunities for children, improving the teaching of science for teachers, and nourishing the inquiring minds of hundreds of thousands of people, particularly children. This year’s Twilight Gala fetes all that is new and renewed at the Center. From the fresh renovation of the 89-year-old Henshaw House to the renewal of the grounds for all of those that spend time in the four-acre outdoor classroom, Russ Pitman Park. The gala will be held on November 21, 2014, at the Houstonian Hotel. Learn more and purchase tickets online at www.naturediscoverycenter.org.
  9. Olive Allen Hughes Award. Air Alliance Houston will present an annual award given in honor of Olive Allen Hughes, a long-time supporter of Air Alliance Houston and Earth Day Houston in particular. Olive’s kindness, her generous spirit, and her passion for the nonprofit community have been an essential component of the success of Earth Day Houston. Starting in 2015, Air Alliance Houston will give the Olive Allen Hughes award each year to an Earth Day Houston participant. Eligible organizations must: be active in Texas in the fields of public health or environment; demonstrate how their mission and programming qualify them for the award; and complete award application and provide proof of nonprofit status. Learn more and find the application at www.earthdayhouston.org.
  10. Save the Date! H-GAC Fall Planning Workshop: Low Impact Development. Mark your calendars and plan to join the Houston-Galveston Area Council annual Fall Planning Workshop, to explore the world of Low Impact Development (LID). The workshop will be held on December 5, 2014, at the H-GAC offices.
  11. Jones Park Tree Planting Party. Fall planting season is here! Help re-establish native trees to areas in Jones Park on November 15, 2014 and December 13, 2014, from 9am-1:30pm. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toed shoes (preferably hiking boots), and prepare to get dirty! Bring a refillable water bottle, gloves, and tools like shovels, axes, loppers, and hand pruners, if available. Park staff will provide tools as needed. For more information or to sign up contact Rose Belzung Holmes at rbelzung@hcp4.net or call 281-446-8588. Pre-registration is required! Planting Party Flyer (3)
  12. Earth Day Art Contest. Earth Day celebrates our planet’s wonders. Show what you see when you think of clean air, water, and land. Show your vision of how we can honor, celebrate, and protect our environment. Students in grades 3 through 12 in the Houston area should enter their artwork by January 31, 2015. Find the rules at www.earthdayhouston.org.
  13. Additional Upcoming Events

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. The Atlas of Migratory Connectivity for the Birds of North America. Princeton University Press will publish “The Atlas of Migratory Connectivity for the Birds of North America.” The atlas will contain information on migratory connectivity through a mapping project using the GSGS Bird Banding Laboratory. The goal is to make this atlas the most comprehensive source of information available on the subject. To do so, The Migratory Connectivity Project is reaching out to the ornithological community for related sources of information. Contributions are welcomed through the end of 2014. Contact Amy Scarpignato (ScarpignatoA@si.edu) with questions or to send information. Learn more at www.migratoryconnectivityproject.org.
  2. Financing Sustainable Water. Developing rate structures that successfully balance revenue management, resource efficiency and fiscal sustainability is becoming more challenging than ever in a world of scarce supply, volatile weather and declining demand. Learn from experts about the newest resources and strategies that can help water managers to navigate these challenges at the workshop on November 12, 2014, 9:30am-2:30pm at United Way. Registration is $30, and lunch and meeting materials are provided. Participants will receive in-depth training on the new Alliance for Water Efficiency Sales Forecasting and Rate Model, an innovative, free and user-friendly tool that can help managers explicitly model rate structures and effects on revenue and water use. Learn more and register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
  3. Biennial Scientific Symposium. Register now for the Children’s Environmental Health Institute’s Eight Biennial Scientific Symposium: Prenatal Environmental Exposures as a Determinant of Early Childhood Disease. Hear global experts challenge us to elevate critical  thinking on ways to address the prevention of environmental health risks to children. Keynote speakers Jeanne Conry, MD, PhD, and Philippe Grandjean, MD, PhD, among other distinguished speakers will provide prevention-oriented research on how toxic chemicals in the environment harm our ability to reproduce, negatively affect pregnancies, and are associated with numerous health problems and chronic disease. The symposium will be held November 13-14, 2014, at McKinney Roughs Education Center, close to Austin Texas. Learn more and register at http://cehi.org.
  4. Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program. Many communities around the country are asking for tools to help them achieve their desired development goals, improve quality of life, and become more economically and environmentally sustainable. In response to this demand, EPA developed the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program. Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities provides quick, targeted technical assistance to selected communities using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread application. The purpose of delivering these tools is to stimulate a discussion about growth and development and strengthen local capacity to implement sustainable approaches. On October 23, 2014, EPA announced a Request for Letters of Interest inviting communities to apply for technical assistance on one or more of the following topics: bikeshare planning, equitable development, infill development for distressed cities, sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas, and flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities. There will be a conference call to discuss the opportunity on November 13, 2014. If interested, RSVP to Sarah Dale at dale.sarah@epa.gov by November 12th. Applications are due by November 20, 2014. Read more at www.epa.gov.
  5. The Texas Big Six 2040 Signature Workshop. With a horizon year of 2040, key representatives from Texas’ six largest cities, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, will speak about major plans, policies, and projects currently underway that will shape the livability, resiliency, and competitiveness of these cities and our region’s future. The workshop will be held on November 21, 2014, 8:30am-3:30pm at Texas Southern University – Barbara Jordan/Mickey Leeland School of Public Affairs (Cleburne St at Tierwester St). The cost is $50 for APA members, and $60 for non-APA members. Student rates available. Register at www.eventbrite.com. Registration for this event includes admission to the workshop, breakfast and lunch at the workshop, and admission to the mixer to be held the night before the event.
  6. Paddlers’ Camping Course. The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center will be hosting a two-part outdoors knowledge and skills course. Session #1 will be held on November 22, 2014, at the Center’s riverside pavilion from 9:20am-12:45pm. It will cover the fundamentals of everything-must-go-in-the-boat wilderness camping. This includes selecting gear, foods, shelter, destinations and campsites; plus safety and emergency management. Session #2 will be a guided 18-mile overnight float trip down the Colorado River on January 3-4, 2015. This field exercise is designed to hone one’s practical understanding regarding safe and comfortable camping along the shores of enticing waterways, under the watchful eye of an experienced expedition paddler. The course is limited to ten (10) individuals, 18 or older, possessing the confidence they can cover 8-10 miles per day on slow-moving flat water. The cost is $35 per person and covers two light meals; shuttle, guide, instruction and trip leadership services; and ‘15 MCBNC membership. If interested, contact Willie Younger at 979-240-4872 or w-younger@att.net.
  7. Climate Leadership Summit. The Climate Leadership Summit will be hosted in Houston and presented by the Rainforest Action Network. The goal of the conference is to bring together leaders involved with all aspects of environmental justice to learn strategies for implementation, hear from experts on the issues, and network to develop a stronger force to fight for environmental protection. The summit will be held December 13-14, 2014, at Sharespace (2201 Preston St). More at www.ran.org.
  8. EPA’s Gulf Guardian Awards. It’s time to recognize all those great programs that benefit the Gulf through EPA’s Gulf Guardian Awards. This is an exciting competition that rewards good Gulf stewards for their efforts with an award and recognition from their State and the EPA. The deadline is January 15, 2015. The categories for nomination are: Business/Industry, Environmental Justice/Cultural Diversity, Civic and Nonprofit Organizations, Youth Environmental Education, Individual, Partnerships and Bi-national. Learn more at www.epa.gov. Applications are due by January 15, 2015.
  9. Additional Community Announcements 
  10. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.

    • Lizards on the Move

    • Lone Star Land Steward: Hillingdon, Laurels & Leslie Ranches

    • Stephen F. Austin State Park

    • Young Guns

    • Postcard From Texas: Caprock Canyons State Park

  11. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • November 10, 2014: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • November 11, 2014: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and cool temperatures should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • November 12, 2014: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and cold temperatures should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • November 13, 2014: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and cold temperatures should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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