Houston Environmental News Update March 10, 2015

We had a great time at the Greater Houston Environmental Summit! Thank you to everyone who came, spoke, and supported us at the event. Planning has already begun for next year.

We also cosponsored an event last Thursday relating to state park funding; learn more in our notes about the Texas Legislature.

Keep an eye out for an email about our next event: Environmental Poetry & Puns the evening of April 1, 2015.

CEC NOTES

1. New Subscribers. Thank you Alexandra, Kendall, Gina, Lynn, Kimly, Carol, and Richard, our newest subscribers. We’d also like to welcome everyone who signed up at the Jesse Jones Park NatureFest and at the Rice University Nonprofit Internship Fair. We hope you enjoy our emails!
2. Save the Date…. …for CEC’s second annual Environmental Poetry & Puns on April 1, 2015.
3. Summer Intern. 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!

COALITION NOTES

1. 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 Galveston will be held on March 11, 2015, 6-8pm, at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Office.
2. Texas Stream Team Training. Texas Stream Team is a network of trained volunteers and supportive partners working together to collect information about the natural resources of Texas and to ensure the information is available to all Texans. There will be two training opportunities in March and April for those interested in volunteering. The first training will be March 14, 2015, at the Missouri City Park and Recreation Center (2701 Cypress Point Drive). The second training will be April 18, 2015, at Jesse Jones State Park and Nature Center (20634 Kenswick Drive). Both classes will be from 9am-3pm. and will cover Phase I and II TST training. For more information and to register for an upcoming training, contact Will Merrell at will.merrell@h-gac.com or 713-993-4594.
3. 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.
4. Houston Green Film Series – TINY: A Story About Living Small. The Houston Green Film Series will host a screening of Tiny on March 18, 2015, 6:30-9pm at the Rice Media Center. TINY is a documentary about home, and how we find it. The film follows one couple’s attempt to build a “tiny house” from scratch, and profiles other families who have downsized their lives into homes smaller than the average parking space. Through homes stripped down to their essentials, the film raises questions about good design, the nature of home, and the changing American Dream. View the trailer: http://tiny-themovie.com. Following the film we will have a panel panel discussion with local tiny house enthusiasts to discuss the tiny house movement in Houston. Doors open at 6:30pm for conversation, networking, and a light meal. The screening starts at 7:00pm, and the panel discussion follows. 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.
5. Warbler Identification with Gary Clark. Come learn how to begin your new adventure in birding from local expert, Gary Clark, at the Warbler Identification class on March 21, 2015, 8:30-11:30am at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center! Warblers pass through Houston during the spring in massive numbers on the way to their breeding grounds in North America. There is only a short period of time to enjoy them so now is the time to learn how to identify them. In this class you’ll learn all about migratory and resident warblers. Gary will provide little tricks that might help you remember migratory warblers from year to year. The class is $40 for HANC members and $65 for non-members. Sign up at http://houstonarboretum.org.
6. Spring Equinox Star Party with the Houston Astronomical Society. Come experience the spring equinox with members of the Houston Astronomical Society and their impressive assortment of telescopes on March 21, 2015, 7-10pm at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. In the lovely meadow, you’ll be able to view Jupiter, deep sky objects, and nebulae including the Pleides, the Eskimo, and the Great Orion. Wine, bubbly beverages, fresh fruit and a variety of cheeses will be provided. The cost is $30 for members, $45 for non-members, and $15 for children 5-12. Register at http://houstonarboretum.org.
7. 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).
8. BikeHouston Annual Meeting. BikeHouston is holding its annual meeting on March 24, 2015, 5:30-8pm at the Ensemble Theater. All members and friends are encouraged to attend. Come celebrate what BikeHouston has accomplished in 2014 and how members are continuing the momentum in 2015. There will also be an election for new board members with presentations by Council Member Ed Gonzales and Director of Planning, Pat Walsh. Food and drinks will be served from Chipotle and Karbach. Stay updated by visiting www.facebook.com.
9. inWARDS: Reflections on Houston’s Wards. Until 1905, Houston was organized geographically and politically into six districts, or wards. A new city charter made the wards unnecessary, but their boundaries have been used informally and imaginatively ever since to help Houstonians maintain a sense of place and identity. RDA is hosting a free civic forum on March 24, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The forum will feature a panel of historians, writers, and community activists who will share their stories from Houston’s wards. Learn more at www.ricedesignalliance.org.
10. Urban Wild Launch Party. Urban Wild, Memorial Park Conservancy’s young professional’s group, has launched! You and your friends are invited to join other community-driven young Houstonians to help restore, preserve and enhance Memorial Park for generations to come. This is membership with a mission, and is open to ages 21 and up interested in building a deeper relationship with Memorial Park. The Urban Wild Launch Party is set for March 26, 2015, at 6pm at Camerata. You do not want to miss out! To learn more about Urban Wild visit www.memorialparkconservancy.org.
11. 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.
12. 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.
    
13. 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).
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 10th Anniversary of Earth Day Houston. Earth Day Houston, developed by Air Alliance Houston, is the Houston area’s premier celebration of our planet at Discovery Green. Held on April 11, 2015, 11am-7pm, the FREE one-day celebration will focus on the merits of mindful, sustainable living while educating and encouraging Houstonians to do their part to preserve, conserve and enhance our city and the Earth. Earth Day Houston showcases more than 40 green non-profits, each educating visitors on how they can make Houston greener. Learn more at www.earthdayhouston.org.
20. 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.
21. 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

CoCoRaHS “March Madness” 2015. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a national grassroots, non-profit, community-based high density precipitation network made up of volunteers who take measurements of precipitation right in their own backyards. The Houston/Galveston region is part of a nationwide campaign to recruit volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to act as backyard rainfall observers. Recruiting will last the entire month of March and is also called “March Madness”. The state which recruits the most new observers in March will receive the “CoCoRaHS Cup” as a first place trophy. The Houston-Galveston region of CoCoRaHS is recruiting volunteer precipitation observers for its 15 member counties around the Houston and Galveston areas. The main focus of CoCoRaHS is to provide quality precipitation data and educational opportunities to help the public better understand weather and climate. Volunteers for CoCoRaHS do not need a meteorology degree – just an interest in weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather impacts our region. Volunteers are asked to obtain an official CoCoRaHS rain gage and place it in a strategic location. They take precipitation measurements each day at approximately the same time – usually 7am – and record those measurements on the CoCoRaHS website. Daily reporting of data is preferred as days without precipitation are just as important to know as days with rainfall. To join, go to the www.cocorahs.org and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem in the upper right corner of the homepage. Read more: CoCoRaHS March Madness 2015 — PRESS RELEASE.

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.

The North Houston Highway Improvement Project – Update. Visit www.ih45northandmore.com to view the latest updates to the North Houston Highway Improvement Project including the information from the third public meeting. The project, initiated by the Texas Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, will evaluate the IH 45 North corridor from near downtown Houston to Beltway 8 North, Beltway 8 North from IH 45 North to the Hardy Toll Road, the Hardy Toll Road from IH 610 North Loop to Beltway 8 North, IH 610 North Loop from IH 45 North to the Hardy Toll Road, and portions of IH 10 and US 59 near downtown Houston. View the latest public comments and learn more about the project at www.ih45northandmore.com.

Environmental Educators Summit. The Environmental Educators Summit will be held on March 27, 2015, 9am-4pm at Lone Star College – Montgomery. The Summit is a hands-on workshop for formal or non-formal educators who teach at any grade level. Sessions include a lightning round in which you will be introduced to new resources to help you incorporate environmental education into your curriculum, and your choice of one of three Project Learning Tree workshops (early childhood, PreK-8, or secondary). Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.

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.

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.

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.

Keeping Our Communities Healthy Conference. The annual Keeping Our Communities Healthy Conference is an effort to increase awareness of food, nutrition, health and wellness initiatives across America that keep our communities healthy. Experts and professionals from the food, nutrition, health & wellness industry and vested healthy communities stakeholders come together to talk about best practices, innovative models, network, share the latest news and research on what is happening in Texas and across the nation all in an effort to keep our communities healthy. This conference will be held at the NRG Convention Center from April 12-14, 2015. The cost is $99 per day or $250 for all 3-days. Register at www.hungerfreetexans.org.

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.

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.

Additional Community Announcements 

3/28/2015: Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo

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 Paddling Trails

Austin’s Warblers

Big Spring State Park

Parks & Wildlife People: Jason Singhurst

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 10, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• March 11, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• March 12, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide..

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