Houston Environmental News Update March 3, 2015

We are at the Greater Houston Environmental Summit!

We are hiring a paid summer intern to invigorate our volunteer program, and right now we are interviewing workstudy students from University of Houston and University of St. Thomas. We’ve posted several new internship opportunities–and one new regular job opportunity–in green jobs, below. Please send info to your favorite college student!

CEC NOTES

1. 5 minute survey to help CEC!
   We’d be extremely grateful if you would take about 5 minutes to complete a survey about the CEC. Over the next few months, CEC will be developing ways to help others better understand the work that we do and the impact we make. We would like your input as we develop our plan.
2.  State Park Funding Event — Support Truth in Budgeting and Support Parks. Calling all conservationists:  This legislative session in Austin may be the year to finally add dollars to our state park and local parks grants programs for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.   For years, our elected officials have been using dollars that should have gone to the parks to instead balance our state budget.  But transparency may finally be winning and a call for truth in budgeting is being made so that dollars collected under the sporting goods sales tax go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as they were originally intended.  This is not a new tax but rather a call to end the diversion and spend those dollars on state parks and the local parks grant program.Brian Trusty from Texas Audubon will address the role of state park funding for the local parks grant program and why every conservationist should get involved this year.State parks are an important part of our regional park system, but for years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been underfunded and dollars meant for the parks system have been diverted to balance our state budget.This year, we’re partnering with a broad-based Texas Parks Coalition to finally end that diversion and fund the parks system at a greater level.Join us to hear from Brian Trusty of Texas Audubon about the role of state park funding for the local parks grant program and why every conservationist should get involved this year.Come learn more on March 5, 2015 6:30 PM at the United Way.Co-Hosted by the CEC, Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition, Houston Parks Board, and Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Support Texas Parks Support Local Parks
3. New Subscribers. Thank you Anja, Ned, Gary, Jen, Austin, Paula, Amanda, and Adrienne, our newest subscribers. We hope you enjoy our emails!
4. Save the Date…. …for CEC’s second annual Environmental Poetry & Puns on April 1, 2015.

COALITION NOTES

1. Wildlife Speaker: Dr. Arnaud Desbiez, Giant Armadillo Researcher. Come learn about the Giant Armadillo and what is being done to save this incredible species from extinction on March 5, 2015, 7-8pm at the Brown Education Center at the Houston Zoo. The nine-banded armadillo may be designated as the Texas State mammal, but it seems not everything is bigger in Texas, at least not in the case of armadillos. The giant armadillo of South America is the largest of the armadillo species and can reach up to four feet in length and 110 pounds. Although giant armadillos range over much of South America, almost nothing is known about them. One of the great discoveries of the Giant Armadillo project was the role of these animals as ecosystem engineers (in this case an animal that can create or modify a habitat). Dr. Arnaud Desbiez, Giant Armadillo Researcher, will teach the audience about these amazing animals and talk about how the Houston Zoo is working with partners in Brazil to ensure these animals are safe in the wild! Learn more at www.houstonzoo.org.
2. VegOut! 30 Ways in 30 Days Challenge. Recipe for Success’s program in March is an easy, delicious food adventure that you can use to get yourself as well as your family, friends, employees and students on the path to healthier eating. Designed to help expand your repertoire of fresh options, this challenge to eat 30 different veggies in 30 days gives you access through this website to fabulous ideas, resources and support. Everyone who finishes the challenge and turns in their log on time is entered for the chance to win one of dozens of exciting prizes. Learn more at www.vegoutwithrfs.org, and find out about opportunities to eat local and eat delicious at Recipe for Success events. You can also get vegetables from one of our other member organizations (Urban Harvest, Central City Co-op, Last Organic Outpost are good bets).
3. 1% To Conserve Galveston Island. Artist Boat has just announced the start up of 1% To Conserve Galveston Island, which will fund land conservation projects on Galveston Island. The goal is to “help preserve our beach, bay and uplands; ocean and bay view sheds; wildlife and avian habitat; recreational access; and, clean water.” 1% To Conserve Galveston Island is a voluntary partnership with local businesses, and any business who would like to participate in the program should contact director@toconservegalvestonisland.org. Learn more at www.guidrynews.com.
4. Galveston Bay Survey Results. “HARC is partnering with the Galveston Bay Foundation to create the Galveston Bay Report Card. The Galveston Bay Foundation conducted an online survey about Galveston Bay’s health from July-December 2014. The goal was to involve the public in the process of determining the scope and features of the report card and to make it more interesting and relevant to a variety of audiences. The survey results provide insight into how bay issues are seen through the eyes of our community.”  Read more and see the results at www.harcresearch.org.
5. BikeHouston Map Now Available! BikeHouston has released a map of the bikeways in Houston along with laws and safety tips. View the map online at www.bikehouston.org. A printed, tear-proof and water-proof pocket map is also available for $5 plus shipping and handling.
6. Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Planning Group. Recently Ocean Conservancy, in association with the Environmental Protection Agency, held a listening session to discuss Gulf restoration priorities and opportunities provided by a portion of the RESTORE Act. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council members have proposed 50 restoration projects and programs to be considered for funding from the $150-$180 million currently available under the Council-Selected Restoration Component of RESTORE (commonly known as RESTORE, Bucket 2). This Draft Funded Priorities List was compiled by RESTORE Council leaders from the 5 Gulf states and the 5 federal agencies. The listening session was held last week, but it’s not too late to learn more! Read about the Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation plan: Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan (full packet) Feb 2015.
7. 2015 Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium: Reduce & Reuse–making water conservation work for the Gulf Coast Region. March 5, 2015, 8:00 am to 3:30 PM at the United Way of Houston’s Community Resource Center. View agenda and register. What you will learn:
   • Results of a statewide poll focused on public attitudes and perceptions on water supply, water conservation and what utilities can do to promote water conservation
   • Proven methods from around the state to reduce outdoor water use in your community
   • How building codes and green building principles can save water in growing communities
   • HB4 / State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and how it works
   • How Texas utilities can use SWIFT funds for water conservation programs
   • What role does reuse play in meeting the Gulf Coast’s future water needs
8. 43rd Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta. Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s 43rd Annual Regatta will be held on March 7, 2015, from 7:30am-2pm at Sesquicentennial Park. This is Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race! Houstonians (ages 12 and up) are encouraged to participate in the 15-mile ACA santioned race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. The cost to register is $45. Learn more and register today at http://buffalobayou.org.
9. Full Moon Hike 2015. Hike the Baytown Nature Center under the light of the full moon to visit nocturnal habitats that are home to owls, raccoons, opossums and other wildlife that emerge after dark. Be there as the ‘night shift’ awakens to search for food, water or even a mate. The next hike will be held on March 7, 2015, at 6pm. The hike is free with general admission to the nature center ($3 for age 13 and older). Meet a the Visitor Center parking lot and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The hike will last approximately 90 minutes. Learn more at cechouston.org.
10. Landscaping with Texas Native Shrubs & Vines. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (HANC) will be hosting a landscaping workshop on March 8, 2015, 3-5pm. For residents of Houston and Galveston, this class will be of timely interest due to the loss of landscape plants to the recent weather extremes. More than 36 shrubs and vines native to southeast Texas can provide both seasonal color and benefits to local wildlife. In these classes, participants will learn about growth habit, light requirement, and water tolerance for each species so you can select the shrub or vine for the most appropriate site in your yard. Each participant will receive the new Spring Plant Sale Profile Booklet. After a brief classroom presentation, participants will be led on a tour on the trails of the HANC to see how these native shrubs and vines have been integrated into various demonstration gardens. The cost is $20 for members; $35 for non-members. Register at http://houstonarboretum.org.
11. Master Plan Public Update Meeting: The Proposed Plan. Come out to the FINAL of four Memorial Park Master Plan Public Update Meetings,“The Proposed Plan: Memorial Park Tomorrow”, on March 9, 2015 from 6:30-8:30pm at the The Museum of Fine Art, Houston; Brown Auditorium-Caroline Wiess Law Building (1001 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005). Mark your calendars to stay up-to-date on the future of Memorial Park. Find out more about the Master Plan at www.memorialparkconservancy.org.
12. Wild West Tour: Spring Birding on the Katy Prairie. Get in the spirit of Spring with an exciting trip out to the Katy Prairie! Catch winter migrants preparing for their journey home and watch as our resident feathered friends prepare to raise families on the prairie. Join bird expert, Glenn Olsen, as he explores some of the best birding spots on the Katy Prairie! This event will be held on March 15, 2015, 7:30-11:30am at the Indiangrass Preserve. The cost is $50 per person. More at www.katyprairie.org.
13. Spring 2015 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event. Join with people of all faiths, or no faith at all, in caring for our shared environment on World Water Day, March 22, 2015, from 1:30-4:30pm. Participants will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship by removing invasive species and planting native plants in wetlands areas at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels, so bring the whole family, your neighbors, and your friends. Meet at The Gathering Place (5310 South Willow Dr) to sign in. Tools/supplies will be available, but participants are asked to bring empty milk jugs or soda bottles to use in watering the newly-planted plants. In addition, those who can do so are asked to bring wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels, to ensure sufficient quantities. This event is organized by Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church, Congregation Brith Shalom, and the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest, in partnership with the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. The conservancy requires signing of a waiver to participate. Contact Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com or 713-372-7345 for more information or to sign up to help (and receive a copy of the waiver form).
14. Gulf Coast Green 2015: Healthy Communities – Vitality in Placemaking. Celebrate 10 years of innovative green building education at Gulf Coast Green 2015, Healthy Communities – Vitality in Placemaking. Join architects, landscape architects, urban planners, developers, building managers and others who contribute to the future of our cities on March 27, 2015, in Houston to explore healthy community development and the built environment. AIA Houston is planning an anniversary-edition event with enhanced attendee opportunities and top-notch speakers. This one-day forum at one of the nation’s most prominent mixed-use urban centers is your opportunity to dive deep into the most important green building topics today, while fulfilling AIA and GBCI continuing education requirements and connecting with the architecture community in the Gulf Coast region. Read more and register at https://aiahouston.org.
15. River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash®. Once a year, thousands of volunteers gather along the Texas waterways to do their part in cleaning up the environment by participating in the largest single day waterway cleanup in the state of Texas, the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash®. Managed by the Texas Conservation Fund with support from the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Trash Bash has grown from 7 sites and 3,000 volunteers to 15 sites across the Houston-Galveston region with about 5,000 volunteers annually, earning the title of the largest single-day waterway cleanup event in the state. This year, the cleanup will be held on March 28, 2015, from 8am-noon. Volunteers will get trash bags and gloves to tackle debris and litter along Cypress Creek in Collins Park. Learn more at www.trashbash.org.
    
16. NOAA Seeks Input on Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Boundaries. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is soliciting public and stakeholder comment on a recommendation to modify the current boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This is the first step in a process that could expand the sanctuary. All comments must be submitted to NOAA by close of business on April 6, 2015. You can submit your comment at www.regulations.gov. Learn more about the sanctuary at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov. There will also be a public meeting to learn more about the proposal and comments. The public meeting in Houston will be held on March 5, 2015, 6-8pm, at the Bayland Community Center. There will be another meeting in Galveston on March 11, 2015, 6-8pm, at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Office.
17. Bayou Greenway Day 2015. On April 4, 2015, thousands of Houstonians will participate in an exciting new community event: Bayou Greenway Day 2015! This free, day-long event will offer individuals and teams the chance to walk, bike, run, stroll, play, and paddle between park sites along Brays Bayou – the star of this year’s event. Four “hubs” – Fonde Park, Gragg Park, Spurlock Park, and Mason Park – will feature an array of fun activities for all ages in festival-like atmosphere. Participants will be able to start at any of these locations, enjoying activities and exploring the trails that connect the hubs. For many, this will be the first opportunity to experience the transformation happening along Houston’s bayous. Read more at http://houstonparksboard.org. This is also a great opportunity to spread awareness about your organization! The event has opportunities for any combination of the following – a booth, a demonstration, activity, service offering, etc. To learn more about becoming a partner or sponsor for Bayou Greenway 2015, contact Lauren McMicken Sands at lmcmicken@sterlingandassociates.com.
18. Walk For The Woods Project 2015. Come out to the Ripley House on April 11, 2015, at 9am, for the 4th Annual Walk For The Woods Project. This estimated 4 mile walk will take you on a journey through Houston’s historic East End, where many of The Woods Project’s students live and play. It is the biggest fundraiser of the year for The Woods Project and promises to be a great morning of community, history and fun! The route includes stops along a beautiful undeveloped area of Buffalo Bayou, where walkers will learn about the efforts to clean up the bayou. Additionally, what makes this Walk very unique are the history stops found throughout the route. Walkers are encouraged to stop at various places to learn about important buildings and businesses in the area and the role they have played in shaping Houston. Learn more and register at https://secure.qgiv.com.
19. 2015 Action for Apes Challenge at the Houston Zoo! Action for Apes Challenge is a yearly contest hosted by the Houston Zoo where schools, community organizations, and businesses compete to see who can recycle the most cell phones by April 30, 2015. The group that recycles the most cell phones wins a one-of-a-kind painting by the apes at the Houston Zoo! Why recycle cell phones through the Houston Zoo’s Action for Apes Challenge? Recycling cell phones directly helps animals like gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild. A mineral (called tantalum) is found in almost every cell phone, as well as laptops and cameras. This mineral comes from the ground in central Africa, which happens to be where animals like chimpanzees, gorillas and okapis live. When the mineral is taken from animal habitats, the homes of chimps, gorillas and okapis become disrupted and these animal populations decrease. To participate in the challenge, register your school or organization at www.houstonzoo.org. Cell phones must be mailed by April 30, 2015. Email conservation@houstonzoo.org with any questions.

COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Pearland Wetland Awareness Day. Calling all volunteers interested in improving the natural surroundings of Pearland! Join the City of Pearland for an upcoming wetland planting event on March 7, 2015, from 9am-3pm, and on March 8, 2015, from 1-4pm (rain dates March14 and 15). This unique experience will provide participants with education on wetlands as well as hands on experience in planting. Participants will be planting and launching floating wetlands which will demonstrate a new technique for water quality improvements. Additionally help create a freshwater wetland habitat near the islands at the John Hargrove Environmental Complex, site of the future Pearland Nature Center. Volunteers will meet at Stella Roberts Recycling Center. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Register at www.pearlandtx.gov. View the flyer at http://tcwp.tamu.edu.
2. OHBA Successful Organic Gardens and Lawns. OHBA is hosting a series of organic gardening events around the Houston area. Each events will feature local Organic experts demonstrating simple Organic lawn care and gardening methods. Register early for a fun and festive learning experience that includes “how-to” hand-outs, samples, door prizes, and refreshments. Learn more and register at www.ohbaonline.org. The last event will be held in Fort Bend on March 7, 2015, 9am-noon, at the Harmon Center.
3. Input for Plan Houston. One million more residents are expected to move to Houston in the next 20 years. To prepare for this momentous growth, the City is creating a General Plan called Plan Houston. The Plan will address neighborhood enhancement and community development over the coming years, helping agencies better coordinate their efforts to make positive change throughout the city. The City wants your input. What makes Houston a great place to live? How can we ensure Houston’s future as a vibrant and growing city? Please visit ByYouCity.org and share YOUR vision of Houston’s future.
4. 19th Annual Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest. The Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest is an opportunity for Texas students (public, private, and home-schooled) in grades K-6 to show why the Texas coast is important or special. Artwork must be original and must be a horizontal or vertical drawing or painting measuring approximately eight and a half (8 1/2″) by eleven (11″) inches. Acceptable art media are paint (acrylic or water color), colored pencil, colored markers, ink, crayon, and chalk or pastel (fixed). All entries must have a completed parental release form affixed to the back of the artwork. The submission deadline is March 3, 2015. Read about entry guidelines and prizes for the winners at www.glo.texas.gov.
5. Eric Klinenberg, “Climate Change and the Future of Cities.” March 9, 2015 at Rice U, Sewall Hall 309. Sponsored by CENHS, the Kinder Institute, and the Department of Sociology. The fundamental threat to the human species is our collective inability to reduce our carbon emissions and slow the pace of climate change. Yet even if we managed to stop increasing global carbon emissions tomorrow, we would probably experience several centuries of additional warming, rising sea levels, and more frequent dangerous weather events. If our cities and communities are to survive, we have no choice but to adapt. For the past decade and a half, governments around the world have been investing in elaborate plans to secure their cities from the ravages of climate change—protecting people, businesses, and critical infrastructure against weather-related calamities. Much of this work involves upgrading what engineers call “lifeline systems”: the network infrastructure for power, transit, and communications, which is crucial in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Some of the solutions are capital-intensive and high-tech; some are low- or no-tech approaches, such as organizing communities so that residents know which of their neighbors are vulnerable and how to assist them. In this talk, NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg, author of Heat Wave, editor of Public Culture, and research director of the Rebuild by Design competition, explores emerging ideas and recent designs for climate change adaptation.
6. How To Be a Rot Star: Composting 101. As part of RecycleMania, The University of Houston will be hosting a composting workshop on March 10, 2015, from 11am-1pm at the UH Garden (next to Cougar Woods Dining Hall). Attendees have the chance to win a compost bin! Lunch will also be provided for the first 20 people. Speakers include John Ferguson from Nature’s Way Resources and Pat Greer from Pat Greer’s Kitchen. Parking is available in the Stadium Garage. View the event flyer: cechouston.org.
7. Houston Activist Workshop. An activist workshop will be held on March 12, 2015, 6-8pm at the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center. Run by trainers affiliated with The Public Interest Network Training Center, this workshop will cover the best techniques for developing a strategic campaign and persuading your local media to cover the issues you care about. It’s a chance to learn, share ideas and connect with other environmentally active citizens as well as activists from other causes.This event is sponsored by The Public Interest Network, Environment Texas, TexPIRG, Houston Peace and Justice Center, and Young Invincibles. A $10 donation is suggested to defray the cost of training materials, staff and food, although there is the option to register for free as well. To RSVP, email lsedgwick@publicinterestnetwork.org or sign up at www.eventbrite.com.
8. Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo. Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling is designed to help families learn a little about the land on which they live — and how to best take care of it — through hands-on clinics, live demonstrations and children’s activities. It doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. It doesn’t matter if you’re an urban homeowner or a rural landowner. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got just one tree in your yard or thousands of them. Texas Wildlife and Woodland Expo & Spring Fling has got you covered. There will be free, hands-on clinics and live demonstrations that will teach you how to nourish your plants, trees and wetlands, attract wildlife to your property and protect yourself from wildfire. The Expo will be held on March 28, 2015, 10am-4pm at the Lone Star College-Montgomery. More at http://expo.tamu.edu.
9. Clear Lake Mobile BOPA Recycling Event. The City of Houston is hosting a free mobile BOPA (batteries, oil, latex paint, antifreeze) collection event at the Ellington Recycling site on March 28, 2015, 9am-1pm. In addition to BOPA, large scrap metal, electronics, and large appliances will also be accepted for recycling. View the event flyer: cechouston.org.
10. TPWD Local Park Grants. Recreation Grants is now accepting applications for the Urban Outdoor, Non-urban Outdoor, and Small Community Local Park Grant Programs. Applications are being accepted through the online portal at https://tpwd-recgrants.fluidreview.com. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact rec.grants@tpwd.texas.gov or 512-389-8224. The deadline is March 31, 2015.
11. Community Solutions 2015 Host Applications. Does your organization value increasing cultural diversity in the workplace or forging international partnerships with like-minded individuals and institutions? Are you interested in having an experienced community development professional join your organization for four months at no cost? Does your team need a highly skilled expert to take on an upcoming project? Whatever the case may be, hosting a 2015 Community Solutions Program (CSP) Leader is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. The Community Solutions Program is a leadership development program for mid-career professionals working in community development from over 60 countries worldwide. CSP Leaders spend four-months in the U.S. working with selected host organizations while focusing on one of the following four areas: environmental issues, tolerance & conflict resolution, transparency & accountability, and women & gender issues. Interested organizations should fill out the Host Interest Form by May 15, 2015. Learn more at www.irex.org.
12. 8th Annual HAUFC Tree Planting Competition. Congratulations to all of the participants of the 2015 HAUFC Tree Planting Competition, which was held on February 7, 2015. A total of 1,600 trees were planted in less than two hours! Watch a video of the competition on the HAUFC Facebook page or at https://vimeo.com.
13. Additional Community Announcements 
    • 3/28/2015: Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo
14. 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.
    • Texas on Two Wheels
    • Running of the Bass
    • Outdoor Info: Shooter’s Eye & Ear Protection
    • Parks & Wildlife People: License Sales Migration Team
15. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • March 3, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • March 4, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • March 5, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds, cold temperatures, and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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