Houston Environmental News Update June 16, 2015

CEC NOTES

1. Photographer Jim Olive: How to Get Your Photos on the Front Page.

   Have you struggled to get your environmental story on the front page of the newspaper?  Do you have the tools necessary to make it happen?  Environmental non-profits face the challenge of money, manpower and the right material  – all in sync – to get the media’s attention.  Join us June 23rd, 6:30-8:00pm when CEC member Jim Olive will share how his environmental photography consistently gets published.  From Time magazine to the Galveston County Daily Press; from oil spills to earthquakes, Jim’s work over five decades continues to tell a compelling environmental story.  To view Jim’s qualifications and portfolio, visit www.stockyard.com and Facebook: Christmas Bay Foundation.

     

   Start with enviro-networking at 6:30pm, followed by the program from 7:00pm-8:00pm. Join us in the Havana Room, El Meson, 2425 University Boulevard in the Rice Village. linger for dinner with other like-minded souls after the event.

   Please register on Eventbrite as the room will fill up fast.  Suggested donation of $10 for members, $15 for non-members, cash bar. Because we expect to see out, members have three days head start before registration opens for non-members on Friday.

2. CEC Events–Save the Dates
   • July 9, 2015: Happy Birthday CEC open house
   • September 3, 2015: Environmental Forum for Contested At-Large City of Houston Council races. Please contact rachel@cechouston.org if you would like to be a planning or promotional partner for the event.
   • November 17, 2015: CEC holiday open house
   • January 28, 2016: Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour
   • March 24, 2016: CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit

COALITION NOTES

1. Houston Bike Plan – Public Meetings. There will be four community meetings held in the evenings throughout the month of June at various locations around the city, where you can learn about the Houston Bike Plan project and existing conditions and provide your input on biking in Houston. Dates, times, and locations are listed below:
   1. Houston Bike Plan Public Meeting: June 23, 2015, 6-8pm at Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center
2. Conservation & Mitigation Banking Options for the Gulf-Houston Region. Houston Wilderness will be hosting a collaborative access program on June 18, 2015, 1:30-4:30pm. This discussion will be centered around mitigation banking & ILF options for the Gulf-Houston region. RSVP to rita@houstonwilderness.org.
3. NPSOT Meeting: Foraging Texas by Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen.  Thursday, June 18, 2015, 7-9pm. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4505 Woodway. Free. Native Plant Society of Texas – Houston Chapter event. Details:www.npsot.org. Come prepare for the zombie apocalypse by learning which plants are edible/medicinal! Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen has been a forager all his life, having learned the skill as a child from his parents in Minnesota. Knowing how to harvest nature’s free food fed him through the poverty years of childhood and on through getting a master’s degree in medicinal chemistry and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry. For the last eighteen years, he’s worked as a research chemist in the oil industry using his knowledge of natural products to develop environmentally friendly replacements for traditional oil field chemicals.
4. TWRC Wildlife Center Guest Speaker Series: Reptiles and Exotics with Gina Disteldorf. What reptiles are co-existing in your local ecosystems? What effects do they have on you, and what effects do you have on them? Local reptile and exotics expert, Gina Disteldorf, will share with you stories and advice from her lifetime of work with unique and fascinating creatures. Some of her largest and most unique education reptiles may even be in attendance! The presentation will be held on June 18, 2015, 7-8pm at the TWRC Wildlife Center. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. To RSVP, please contact education@twrcwildlifecenter.org.
5. BBQ, Telescopes & a Night In the Woods. Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the annual HANC membership drive. BBQ, Telescopes & a Night In the Woods will be held on June 20, 2015, from 7:30-10:30pm at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Visiting the Arboretum at night is a special experience and one you won’t soon forget. Participants will enjoy BBQ, wine and beer at our building before heading to the meadow to enjoy the sounds of nature and observe the night sky with members of the Houston Astronomical Society. The cost is $35/person; $70/family (two adults/two children). The price includes dinner, beverages, night hike, observation of the night sky, AND a new membership or renewal of your current membership to the Arboretum. Learn more and register at http://houstonarboretum.org.
6. Congressional Climate Message Day. On June 23, 2015, friends at Citizens’ Climate Lobby will be sending 900 volunteers to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, to lobby for legislation that prices carbon. You can help make their meetings a success by letting your representatives and senators know that their constituents support congressional action to address climate change. On June 22, 2015, you can participate by contacting Congress by phone and social media. Learn more at www.facebook.com.
7. Summer Gator Tales 2015. Summer Gator Tales are back at The Wetlands Center (1724 Market St). This is a free pre-school program held each Wednesday from 10-11am until August 19, 2015. This is a fun, educational hour geared for young children with an adult. Learn more: Gator Tales Summer 2015.
8. BPA’s Terry Hershey Bayou Stewardship Award Winner: ABNC’s Mark Kramer. The 2015 Terry Hershey Bayou Stewardship Award was presented to Mark Kramer, Stewardship Coordinator of Armand Bayou Nature Center. The award recognizes “those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to aiding in the conservation, preservation, restoration or advocacy of Houston’s waterways (www.bayoupreservation.org).” Kramer joined the ABNC staff in 1994 and has served as a contributor to the fledgling habitat restoration program, skipper of the tour boat, native plant nursery manager, and restoration project manager. He has trained many Texas Master Naturalists and ABNC volunteers, and he has guided thousands of students on hiking and paddling trips. Read more at www.yourhoustonnews.com.
9. Finding Value from Energy Efficiency in Houston’s Biggest Buildings (Andrew Mangan – Urban Land Magazine). “A new group of real estate and energy experts is setting out to show Houston’s building owners, occupiers, and investors how to add value by subtracting energy. In March, they launched a campaign—part of a global effort—with practical strategies for cutting consumption by at least 30 percent. It will significantly improve the market competitiveness of the city’s buildings and attract investments in energy efficiency.” The Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project was created in 2006 to focus on “action on energy security and manmade contributions to climate concerns.” Gavin Dillingham, from Houston Advanced Research Center, is currently “managing the action platform that resulted from the EEB Lab, called Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB)–Houston… The Houston ‘lab’ brought together experts and thought leaders to challenge conventional wisdom and work out how to transform the city’s building energy efficiency. It convened more than 30 experts from organizations including Houston-based real estate firm Hines, the Institute for Market Transformation, ULI Houston, and the U.S. Green Building Council.” Learn more at http://urbanland.uli.org.
10. Buffalo Bayou Park’s Grand Opening – POSTPONED UNTIL FALL. Due to the recent flooding, Buffalo Bayou Park’s Grand Opening has been postponed until the fall. Look for updates at http://buffalobayou.org.
11. CWI: Ag Programs and Invasive Species. The next Clean Waters Initiative Workshop will be held on June 24, 2015 from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at H-GAC. The topic is Ag Programs and Invasive Species. Speakers will discuss a variety of agricultural programs currently underway, as well as invasive species mitigation techniques. Speakers include representatives from Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Texas Forest Service, Texas A&M, Harris County, Armand Bayou Nature Center and Plum Creek Watershed. Learn more and register: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
12. 1% To Conserve Galveston Islandâ„¢ Recognizes Founding Business Partners. The program, 1% To Conserve Galveston Islandâ„¢, makes contributing to conservation efforts on the Island as easy as purchasing lunch or grabbing an item from your favorite shop. When customers visit a participating 1% to Conserve Galveston Island business, they have the opportunity to provide a voluntary donation of one percent of their purchase to the program. Read more: Roll Out One Percent Launch.
13. Houston Bayou Greenways Nature Website. A new Houston Bayou Greenways Nature website recently launched! The website serves as a repository for observations collected along the five major bayous in Houston: Brays, Buffalo, Halls, White Oak, and Sims Bayou. Observations may include photos, tracks, scat, carcasses, etc. found in the Houston area along all bayous covered and managed through the Bayou Greenways project. The purpose of this project is to enhance understanding of the distribution of wildlife and tree, & plant species that are observed along managed bayous and their corridors. Visit the website at www.inaturalist.org.

COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Public C: 10 Proposed Early Restoration Gulf Projects. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (Trustees) released a draft plan today that proposes 10 early restoration projects across the Gulf states at an estimated cost of $134 million. This includes two proposals involving Texas, a $45 million sea turtle restoration project and a $20 million bird rookery islands restoration project. The Draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessments (Draft Plan) is available for public review and comment through June 19, 2015. It is posted online at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.
2. Dow Black Skimmer Day. Dow Texas Operations will hold their annual Skimmer Day on June 27, 2015, from 9am-noon. This free public event provides a rare opportunity to view one of the largest nesting colonies of Black Skimmers on the Texas Gulf Coast. Black Skimmers are considered colonial waterbirds because they nest in large colonies, usually on bay islands. These unique birds have a lower mandible longer than the upper which enables them to employ a unique feeding style. They feed by flying low over the water, opening their bills and skimming the water with their lower mandible to catch small fish. According to colonial waterbird data, Black Skimmers have declined on the Texas coast by 70% in the last 40 years so this colony at Dow is of increasing importance. Meet at the Dow A-41 gate located on FM 523 which is 1 mile south of the Hwy 332 and FM 523 intersection for shuttles to the site. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, contact Janice Waldron (JYWaldron@dow.com) or Gabriella Cone (GVCone@dow.com).
3. National Rip Current Survey. Texas Sea Grant is supporting a National Rip Current Survey by Dr. Chris Houser, a funded researcher at Texas A&M, and Dr. Rob Brander of the University of New South Wales. They are using the survey to determine what people know about rip currents and what they understand about the hazard from the warning signs you typically see at the beach. The survey can be completed online by visiting: https://tamu.qualtrics.com. The overall TXSG research project is to improve the signage at coastal beaches to help people identify rips and survive encounters with them.
4. Re-Launch of Texasclimatenews.org. Texas Climate News is new and improved! The website recently relaunched with a new design and will be regularly producing more original reporting and analysis about climate and sustainability in Texas. In addition, a new nonprofit organization has been established – also called Texas Climate News – with the sole mission of continuing this magazine’s publication. Read more about the changes at http://texasclimatenews.org.
5. EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda Framework to July 14, 2015. As a result of robust feedback from stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period on the draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda (EJ 2020) framework until July 14, 2015. EPA is seeking public comment on EJ 2020, its next overarching strategic plan to advance environmental justice through EPA’s programs, policies and activities, and will support the cross-agency strategy on making a visible difference in environmentally overburdened, underserved, and economically-distressed communities. Stakeholders and the general public can review the framework and submit comments, by visiting  www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ej2020.
6. Houston Three By Three. Houston Three By Three is a program that includes three sessions with three speakers each who will discuss issues unique to the region, including innovative building skins created for hot-weather and high-wind environments, high performance facades, and the future face of Houston. The well rounded, informed dialogue will inform and inspire. This program includes the of the Facades+ 2-day conference into a quick-take morning forum with a local focus—Facades+AM—this time tailor-made for Texas and the Southwest region. Houston Three By Three will be held on June 18, 2015, at Hotel Icon. Learn more and register at http://am.facadesplus.com.
7. Teacher Trainings: Down Under Out Yonder (DUOY). A DUOY coral reef ecology underwater workshop for educators will be held from July 11-15, 2015. This 5-day expedition includes a 2-day Corals to Classrooms workshop followed by three days of diving the coral reefs of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, which harbors the northernmost coral reefs in the continental US, providing habitat for a variety of fish, turtles, and sharks. Participants return to their classrooms filled with innovative ideas for teaching biology, oceanography, geology, physical science, government, and environmental science. For more information, call 361-882-3939 or email info@gulfmex.org or visit http://www.gulfmex.org/education-training/duoy/.
8. Additional Community Announcements
   
9. 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.
   • Warden of the County – Jim Daniels
   • Cleburne State Park
   • Chicken Land
10. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • June 16, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds, heavy cloud cover with precipitation, and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • June 17, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds, heavy cloud cover, and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • June 18, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–PM2.5. Light amounts of African dust could begin moving into the Texas coast and could possibly raise the daily PM2.5 AQI into the lower end of the “Moderate” range in the Brownsville-McAllen, Corpus Christi, Victoria, Houston, and Beaumont-Port Arthur areas.
    • June 19, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–PM2.5. Patchy African dust should continue along the Texas coast and could move inland to cover portions of the eastern half of the state, possibly raising the daily PM2.5 AQI into the lower end of the “Moderate” range in parts of the area along and east of a line from Eagle Pass to Gainesville.

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