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September 23, 2015

Houston Environmental News Update September 23, 2015

Last time Houston saw a lunar eclipse, in April, nobody told me about it beforehand, and I was disappointed not to know. (Lucky for me, I was out for a jog at dark-thirty in the morning, and managed to see it.)

I don’t want you to think that CEC didn’t give you adequate warning, so I’m telling you now about the BIG lunar eclipse that will start at sunset on Sunday. If the weather cooperates, we’ll get to see a Supermoon eclipse. The moon will appear much larger because it is very close to being at its closest approach to Earth in 2015. If you want to learn more, Wikipedia’s eclipse page has some excellent graphics and timetables.

CEC tries to keep you in the know about what is going on in the region’s environmental community. We comb through emails, webpages, newspapers, and social media sites to keep you informed. It may be hard to believe, but we can’t fit everything into this newsletter. If you want to know what’s going on, visit cechouston.org and explore the calendar, news, and green jobs sections.

If you like what you see, please consider clicking on the “donate now” button either in the newsletter or on the website. Donations from our readers make a big difference in supporting CEC’s efforts. We can’t do it without your help!

If you have something you’d like us to share, send a note to news@cechouston.org.

CEC NOTES

  1. New Subscribers

    Thank you to our new subscribers: Lucy, Dixie, and Elyse. We hope you enjoy our emails. Please consider liking us on facebook.

  2. CEC Events–Save the Dates
    • October 28, 2015: Volunteer Networking Meeting
    • November 12, 2015: CEC Holiday Open House and Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
    • January 27 & 28, 2016: Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour
    • March 24, 2016: CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit
  3. City of Houston Electoral Forums–save the dates

    City of Houston is holding elections for a new mayor and for city council positions. Here’s a rundown of other forums of which we know being hosted by CEC member organizations:

    • Houston Mayoral Candidate Forum: Growth and Climate Change. September 17, 2015, at 7:00 pm at Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road. Sponsored by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Citizens’ Transportation Coalition, and Sierra Club – Houston Group.
    • Mayoral Candidate Forum–Plan Houston: A Roadmap to Success. Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9:00 AM at the Houston Community College Central Campus Auditorium. Sponsored by Blueprint Houston, co-sponsored by AARP, American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Landscape Architects Houston Chapter, American Planning Association Houston Section, Bike Houston, CEC, Citizens’ Transportation Coalition, Complete Streets Coalition, Houston Tomorrow, League of Women Voters, and the Superneighborhood Alliance.
    • Growing a Greener Houston: How do we get there? Mayoral Forum on our Parks, Bikes and Waterways – and Connecting to them. Thursday October 1, 2015, in the evening at Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion in the McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park. Sponsored by Bayou Preservation Association, Bike Houston, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Discovery Green, Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition, Hermann Park Conservancy, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Parks Board, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Keep Houston Beautiful, Memorial Park Conservancy, Scenic Houston, Student Conservation Association and Trees for Houston.
    • Mayoral Debate. October 16, 2015, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Dunham Theater at Houston Baptist University. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. To be broadcast on KPRC. Note: The League is also hosting a series of conversations with the candidates. More information is available on the LWV website.

    A few other events are being considered; we’ll keep you posted.

COALITION NOTES

  1. A Street for Living – A Celebration of a New Shared Street in The Energy Corridor. The Energy Corridor will be holding a special celebration on September 24, 2015, at 10am at Fortsmith Street and Stafford Street. The ceremony marks the opening of our new Fortsmith Street woonerf, A Street for Living, in The Energy Corridor. Creating a safer, shared street while improving drainage for Grisby Square, one of Houston’s iconic restaurant districts, the District’s woonerf has transformed Fortsmith Street with a design that calms traffic and works to share the road with all users – pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles, both personal and delivery. It also features a permeable paver roadway (unique for a City of Houston street) designed to facilitate storm water drainage. RSVP at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
  2. Galveston Ornithological Society Saturday Birding Trips. The Galveston Ornithological Society (GOS) is a group of friends of all ages in Galveston County, Texas, who share a love for learning about birds. Join GOS Saturday mornings at 8am for a birding field trip! The location varies each week. Contact (409) 370-1515 or galornsoc@earthlink.net for more information. You can also sign up for the GOS newsletter by emailing galornsoc@earthlink.net. The newsletter will keep you updated on all GOS activities. It will also include pictures and information on local birds.
  3. Mayoral Candidate Forum–Plan Houston: A Roadmap to Success. The Mayoral Candidate Forum will be held on September 26, 2015, at 9am at the Houston Community College Central Campus Auditorium. Sponsored by Blueprint Houston, co-sponsored by AARP, American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Landscape Architects Houston Chapter, American Planning Association Houston Section, Bike Houston, CEC, Citizens’ Transportation Coalition, Complete Streets Coalition, Houston Tomorrow, League of Women Voters, and the Superneighborhood Alliance. Hear Houston’s top mayoral candidates address strategies for growth and development, transportation/mobility, housing, neighborhoods, and infrastructure. Candidates participating include: Chris Bell,  Stephen Costello, Adrian Garcia, Ben Hall, Bill King, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Sylvester Turner. This event is free. Please RSVP via email at martha@blueprinthouston.org.
  4. HANC Native Milkweed Plant Sale. Join Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for their native milkweed plant sale! This sale will offer hard to find gallon size plants in a variety of native species including: Asclepias viridis, A. tuberosa and A. perennis. By planting native milkweed, you’ll be supporting monarch butterflies, attracting beneficial pollinators, and adding some color to your garden. The milkweed is the only plant on which monarch butterflies will lay their eggs and caterpillars feed. The sale will be held on September 26, 2015. The sale will be open to members only form 9-11am, and then will open up to the public from 11am-1pm. For more information, visit http://houstonarboretum.org.
  5. Harvest Moon Festival. The Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is hosting the Harvest Moon Festival on September 26, 2015, 6-9pm at the South Gazebo at Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve (5300 Dryad Dr). Come out for a free movie on the bigscreen and hot popcorn (food available for purchase from Honey’s Sno-Balls)! The movie will be Dreamworks’ HOME (animation/adventure/comedy). Bring your blanket and chairs! Learn more: www.willowwaterhole.org.
  6. Armand Bayou Nature Center Volunteer Orientation. Experience the joy of volunteering and the satisfaction of doing important work by supporting one of this nation’s most significant habitat preserves as an Armand Bayou Nature Center volunteer. Join ABNC on September 26, 2015, for an overview of Armand Bayou Nature Center and the many volunteer opportunities. A schedule of the advanced training and specialized assignments will be included in the training session. Both days will include classroom and outdoor activities so please come prepared with a sack lunch and sturdy shoes. Ages 18+. To sign up, please call or email Liz VanOrstrand, ABNC Volunteer Coordinator, 281-474-2551×18 or Liz@abnc.org. www.abnc.org
  7. Reception Honoring Sea Turtle Heroine Carole Allen. Turtle Island Restoration Network is holding a special reception on September 26, 2015, 12-2pm at the Moody Gardens Visitor Center, Garden Restaurant. This is a chance to honor and support Carole and her work to save Kemp’s ridleys. Founder, Todd Steiner will talk about the history of Turtle Island and his long-term collaboration with Carole Allen. Carole is the founder of H.E.A.R.T. (Help Endangered Animals Ridley Turtles) and she has been working for sea turtle conservation for over 30 years. RSVP at https://seaturtles.org. You can also make a donation here: https://seaturtles.org.
  8. 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 September 26, 2015, at 6:30-8pm at the Baytown Nature Center. The hike is free with general admission to the nature center ($3 for age 13 and older). Full Moon Hike 2015
  9. Toxic Sulfur Dioxide Pollution. “The Sierra Club today published a report detailing how NRG’s W.A. Parish coal-fired power plant is releasing toxic sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution at levels that violate federal health protections and threaten the health of people living, working and attending school within the area surrounding the plant. In addition to the detailed report, the Sierra Club released a map showing where SO2 pollution from the plant exceeds the federally set safe levels — highlighting the locations of numerous schools and a state park sitting within the plume of elevated levels of SO2 gas. Thousands of people suffering from asthma and respiratory illness live in Fort Bend County, where NRG’s coal plant is located.” Read more at http://content.sierraclub.org.
  10. BPA’s Dancing through the Decades. Take a trip back in time and dance the night away celebrating the perfection of Houston’s bayou system. Bayou Preservation Association hosts its annual gala, Dancing Through The Decades, at the serene home of Kristi and John Schiller on September 30, 2015, at 6:30pm. The event will bring bayou-loving Houstonians together to raise funds and recognize the organization that strives to protect the city’s 2,500 miles of waterways. This year’s celebration embraces the six decades that the Bayou Preservation Association has helped preserve and restore waterways. Don the attire of your favorite decade and enjoy a fun filled evening of al fresco cocktails, culinary concoctions and entertainment celebrating Houston’s pristine bayou system. For more information, visit www.bayoupreservation.org or contact Jennifer Cate at 713-206-5505 or jennifer@cateproctor.com.
  11. 2015 Park to Port Bike Ride. The second annual Park to Port Bike Ride will be held on October 3, 2015. The 20-mile ride will start in Hermann Park and travel east along Brays Bayou to the Port of Houston, where there will be a turn-around party, sponsored by the Port of Houston Authority, with snacks, music and activities at Brady’s Landing. Riders will then return along the same path, heading west, to Hermann Park for a post-ride celebration where there will be music, food, partnerships with local organizations, and more. Riders can also turn around at MacGregor Park for a shorter ride. Registration is $35. Learn more and register at https://hermannpark.ejoinme.org.
  12. Buffalo Bayou Park’s Grand Opening. Come celebrate, recreate and create at the grand opening of Buffalo Bayou Park on October 3, 2015. For this FREE public event, BBP will highlight various destinations and amenities in the 160-acre park that stretches from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street. Enjoy a day full of activities ranging from walking tours, lectures, children’s crafts, recreational opportunities, delicious food, live music and programming that will showcase Houston’s diverse arts community. The grand opening celebration will conclude with Confluence: A Journey in Five Movements, a site-specific walking procession organized by Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) of New York and a fireworks show. http://buffalobayou.org
  13. Biomimicry 3.8 at SXSWEco. Biomimicry 3.8 is heading to Austin, Texas, Oct. 4–7, for SXSW Eco 2015, and they’re bringing ideas, experts and dancing shoes. The fun begins Sunday, Oct. 4, with the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge Awards and dance party from 6–11 p.m. at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Bimimicry 3.8 has teamed with SXSWEco to present an original conference track, Nature, Innovation, and the Future of Design.Biomimicry 3.8 co-founders Janine Benyus and Dr. Dayna Baumeister will join a host of our experts throughout the conference to share the foundational ideas of nature-inspired innovation. Learn more about SXSW Eco registration and schedules.
  14. 2015 CH4 Conference: Methane Emissions Solutions for the Natural Gas Community. CH4 Connections 2015 returns and explores methane emissions from a host of perspectives. Industry experts share their approaches to emissions policy and best practices for leak detection and mitigation in natural gas production, transmission, and distribution. The conference will be held October 6-7, 2015 at the Lone Star Community Building (5000 Research Forest Dr). Learn more at www.cvent.com.
  15. BPA’s 12th Annual Water Quality Symposium – Trash, Plastic and Automobiles: Gross Pollutants in Our Watersheds. The Bayou Preservation Association will focus on pollutants at its 12th Annual Symposium titled “Trash, Plastic & Automobiles: Gross Pollutants in Our Watersheds.” To be held at the United Way of Greater Houston on October 9, 2015, from 8am-3pm, the Symposium will include fun and informative presentations covering many topics, including the Path of Trash, the Bottle Bill, illegal dumping, floatable control efforts, TxDOT’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign, Equusearch’s car removal program and much more. The keynote speaker for this year’s Symposium is Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands & Waters and 2013 CNN Hero of the Year for his efforts in removing debris from our nation’s largest rivers (estimated at 8.4 million pounds) with the help of his crew and more than 87,000 volunteers. BPA’s Symposium has become a sought-after event among key policy makers, planners, scientists and engineers who value the expertise presented throughout the day-long conference. The registration fee is $35 for students and Bayou HEROns and $65 for general registration. Register online at www.bayoupreservation.org.
  16. CWI: Galveston Bay Report Card Review. Please join H-GAC for the next CWI Workshop: Galveston Bay Report Card Review. This workshop will be held on October 13, 2015, from 1:30-3pm. at the Houston-Galveston Area Council offices. Lisa Gonzalez, Primary Researcher for the Galveston Bay Report Card, will present on the methodology used to develop the grade and report findings. Immediately following the presentation, a panel of representatives from H-GAC, the Galveston Bay Foundation, and the Center for Houston’s Future will convene to discuss the report findings and where Galveston Bay goes from here. Read the full Galveston Bay Report Card.
  17. ABNC Prairie Pandemonium. Volunteer to help restore one of the last remaining stands of Texas coastal tallgrass prairie! ABNC Prairie Pandemonium will be held on October 17, 2015, 8am-noon. Volunteers will become part of a planting effort to transplant native grasses and wildflowers into ABNC’s restored prairies. Volunteers will need to bring sturdy shoes and clothes that can get muddy. Tools and work gloves will be provided. To register, contact zach@abnc.org. Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by and adult. PP Flyer 2015
  18. 2016 Trash Bash T-shirt Design Contest. The River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® is excited to announce the 2016 T-shirt Design Contest! This is the third year that students in grades 1-8 to have been able to enter their original drawings in a contest to design the front of the Trash Bash® t-shirts. In addition to being printed on more than 5,000 shirts provided to volunteers, three winning students will receive cash prizes, recognition on the Trash Bash® website, and framed artwork. The entry deadline is October 23, 2015 (postmarked). Find out more and download a contest entry form at www.trashbash.org.
  19. The Woods Project’s Fall Luncheon: Celebrating Transformative Experiences. The Woods Project will be hosting their annual luncheon October 27, 2015, 11:30am-1pm at The Junior League of Houston. They are thrilled to announce Javier Loya, President & CEO OTC Holdings Group, will be the keynote speaker. He will share his insight on what low income students need to find success in school and life. The Master of Ceremonies will be Mike Feinberg, KIPP co-founder. Students from TWP 2015 summer program will be joining luncheon guests to share personal stories about their summer trip experiences and how TWP has changed the way they see themselves and the bigger world around them. Learn more and register at www.thewoodsproject.org.
  20. Camera-Sharing Program Helps to Combat Illegal Dumping. Illegal dumping is a problem. It threatens human health, harms the environment, impacts quality of life, and burdens the community with significant costs. To assist in this battle against illegal dumping, the Houston-Galveston Area Council Solid Waste Program has purchased illegal dumpsite surveillance cameras which are able to capture clear videos day or night as well as license plates of cars traveling at speeds up to 50 mph. Cameras will be available for local governments to use, but must be used for illegal dumping enforcement 100% of the time. Learn more at www.h-gac.com.
  21. Call for Projects Houston Zero Emission Delivery Vehicle Deployment. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is requesting responses from regional fleets or vehicles owners through a Call for Projects for the purchase and deployment of all-electric medium/heavy-duty delivery vehicles including step vans or box trucks. The vehicles must operate within the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria non-attainment area and applicants are expected to provide two years of data collection and reporting. Responses to the Call for Projects must include a partnership between a fleet / vehicle owner and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In total, the project includes deployment of at least 30 all-electric medium/heavy-duty delivery trucks. Technologies eligible for this particular project include zero emission all-electric trucks configured as a box trucks or step vans. A Call for Proposal package may be downloaded below, or obtained by contacting H-GAC’s Air Quality Program, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX 77227-2777, (713) 627-3200, fax (713) 993-4508, or by email at airquality@h-gac.com. All questions regarding the RFP must be made via email or in writing. The closing date is December 31, 2015. Learn more at www.h-gac.com.
  22. Dinner and Conversation with Nicholas Kristof. Join Center for Houston’s Future on November 11, 2015, at 6pm at the River Oaks Country Club, for a discussion on Civic Vitality. This topic has become a recurrent theme in the work of the 2015 guest of honor, New York Times columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof. He won his first Pulitzer in collaboration with his wife, Sheryl WuDunn for their coverage of the Chinese democracy movement and its suppression in Tiananmen Square. Kristof received his second Pulitzer in recognition of his “graphic, deeply reported columns that, at personal risk, focused attention on genocide in Darfur and that gave voice to the voiceless in other parts of the world.” In their latest book, A Path Appears, Kristof and WuDunn shine a light on the work of people actively engaging with the world to battle oppression and expand opportunity. Moderating the conversation will be Chris Knapp, perhaps Houston’s foremost advocate of impact investing, and whose community engagement leadership runs from the University of Houston Honors College to the Hermann and Memorial Park conservancies to Workshop Houston and Peckerwood Garden. Learn more and reserve your seat by visiting https://interland3.donorperfect.net.
  23. Galveston Bay Bacteria Reduction Plan. After 5 years of hard work, the Galveston Bay Bacteria Reduction Plan (Oyster Waters I-Plan) was officially approved by the TCEQ Commissioners. This community-based plan lays out the major sources of concern and recommended management measures for reducing bacteria levels to standards that are safe for oyster consumption. The primary sources addressed in the plan include: wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary sewer overflows, malfunctioning septic systems, boat sewage, stormwater runoff. Learn more and view the plan at http://galvbay.org.
  24. Galveston Ornithological Society Calendar. The Galveston Ornithological Society has just begun offering calendars for 2016! Find out more by calling 409-370-1515 or emailing galornsoc@earthlink.net.
  25. Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale. For a limited time you can buy barrels and bins at a discounted price! Check out the Green Building Resource Center sale at www.rainbarrelprogram.org. Purchase now, and the items will be ready for pickup on October 10, 2015, between 10am and 2pm.
  26. Vegan World Radio. Tune in to 90.1 KPFT on Tuesdays at 8pm for Vegan World Radio. This radio program tells the story of the vegan revolution that’s saving animals, the planet, and our health. You can also listen online at http://kpft.org. VWR is produced by a group of volunteers. To find out about upcoming programs, visit the Facebook page. Learn more at www.veganworldradio.org.

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. UH Symposium Series – Arctic Drilling: Untapped Opportunity or Risky Business? Four times a year, UH Energy sponsors the Energy Symposium Series, a panel discussion on critical issues in energy with leading experts on issues relevant today. The next event has been scheduled for September 24, 2015, 5:30-7pm at the University of Houston, Student Center South, Houston Room. The topic is Arctic Drilling: Untapped Opportunity or Risky Business. There is no cost to attend. Learn more at www.uh.edu.
  2. Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year, the TCEQ commissioners and the governor’s office honor the state’s most outstanding environmental projects through the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards (TEEA). Winners from across the state are chosen who represent ways Texans set the standard for ensuring clean air, clean water, and safe management of waste. Share Your Story in one of 9 diverse categories from Civic/Community to Education to Pollution Prevention. The categories are: Agriculture, Civic/Community, Education, Individual, Pollution Prevention, Innovative Operations/Management, Technical/Technology, Water Conservation, and Youth. Winners will be honored at an awards banquet held on May 4, 2016 where videos of the winning projects will be featured. See winner videos from 2015 and apply today by visiting www.teea.org. Applications will be accepted through September 25, 2015.
  3. Community Connections: Bringing Together Scientists and Local Voices. Whether it’s protection from chemical hazards, resilience to climate change impacts, or a food system that is accessible and affordable, communities across the country are working to improve health and safety. We can all benefit when all members of the community—scientists, policymakers, and residents alike—have access to the best available science and can break down barriers to shape decisions. This event will be held on September 26, 2015, at the Houston Community College Conference Center. The town hall will include a diverse audience of community groups, science organizations, technical specialists, citizens, and elected officials. Participants will learn and share stories from their own experiences of connecting science and community around a range of issues. The first half of the event will be a broader look at what it means to connect communities and science. The second part will focus on collaborations among Houston’s community and science experts to address local issues facing Houston. The event will be webcast, so everyone will be able to listen to the panel discussions and participate online. Learn more and register at www.ucsusa.org.
  4. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge Cleanup Event For National Public Lands Day. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge along with the Friends of Trinity River Refuge will host a trash cleanup day at the Hwy 105 Trinity River Bridge on September 26, 2015, from 9-11am. The cleanup event is part of a national effort for National Public Lands Day and volunteers are needed to help. Aluminum cans and metal will be recycled. Bring gloves if you have them, and plastic bags will be supplied. If you have any questions, call Stuart Marcus at 936/336-9786.
  5. Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza – State of Our World. The 2015 Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza will address the State of Our World. The event will be held on September 27, 2015, at 1pm at the University of St. Thomas in Robertson Hall. Professor Dan Cohan of Rice University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering will speak on The State of the Air; Professor Hyun-Min Hwang of Texas Southern University, Department of Environmental Science & Technology, will address The State of the Waters; Professor Maury Harris of the University of St. Thomas, Environmental Science & Studies Department, will speak on The State of the Land; Professor Chris Gabler of the University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, will speak on The State of the Plants; and Professor Amy Dunham of Rice University, Department of Biosciences, has recommended two of her students, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors Kathryn Hokamp, a senior, and Ben Johnson, a sophomore, to speak on The State of the Animals. In addition to the speakers above, children’s activities about nature will also be offered simultaneously, for children 5 and older. Informational materials from area environmental non-profits will also be available. For more information about the event, please contact Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com or call 713-372-7345. Creation Care Fest 2015
  6. Buffalo Bayou: Houston’s Past, Present and Future. Have you ever wondered why the fourth largest city in the United States was founded on swampland 50 miles inland in a hot, humid, flood-prone region? It all goes back to Buffalo Bayou, a natural waterway wending 75 miles from the Katy Prairie to the San Jacinto River. This six-week course will explore the Buffalo Bayou’s pivotal role in shaping Houston’s past, present and future and will illuminate the ebbs and flows of Houstonians’ relationship with the bayou. From the Allen Brothers’ 1836 landing to the development of the shipping industry and neighborhoods along its shores, to today’s renewed appreciation of the bayou’s influence on quality of life, the bayou was, is and will always be “the backbone of Houston.” The class will meet on six Mondays from 7-8:30pm, from September 28 to November 2, 2015. Registration is $180. The cost for Rice alumni is $162. Learn more and register at http://glasscock.rice.edu.
  7. Lone Star Hiking Trail Conservancy – Superior Trails. American Hiking Society and Michelob ULTRA have teamed up to provide 2 grants of $25,000 to deserving nonprofit organizations. Lone Star Hiking Trail Conservancy (LSHT Conservancy) is one of the top ten finalists! Lone Star Hiking Trail Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that maintains hiking trails, builds signs, camping areas in Sam Houston National Forest(by Sam Houston State Park) located in New Waverly to Huntsville Texas. LSHT Conserving is the only organization in Texas that is one of the finalist! You can vote daily through September. To vote, visit http://superiortrails.michelobultra.com.
  8. Local Park Grant Program. Recreation Grants is now accepting applications for the Urban Outdoor, Non-urban Outdoor, and Small Community Local Park Grant Programs through October 1, 2015. The Local Park Grant Program consists of 5 individual programs that assist local units of government with the acquisition and/or development of public recreation areas and facilities throughout the State of Texas. The Program provides 50% matching grants on a reimbursement basis to eligible applicants. All grant assisted sites must be dedicated as parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained and open to the public. Learn more at http://tpwd.texas.gov.
  9. 73rd Annual Bulb & Plant Mart. One of the largest and oldest horticultural events in Texas, the 73rd annual Bulb & Plant Mart, sponsored by the Garden Club of Houston, (GCH) will be held October 1-3, 2015, at St. John the Divine Church (2450 River Oaks Blvd). More than 500,000 top-quality bulbs from domestic and international suppliers from Amaryllis to Zantedeschia (Calla Lily) will be available at the Mart. Experienced as well as beginning gardeners will find an expanded collection of hard-to-find and unusual Crinums, Daylilies, Gingers, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and citrus plants, including unique offerings from the gardens of GCH members, grown specifically for the Mart. Visitors to the Bulb & Plant Mart will receive a Horticultural Guide for Houston, prepared by the Club. The booklet includes the botanical names and descriptions of the items for sale, information on planting and caring for plants, as well as a planting calendar for bulbs.
  10. 10th Annual Nonprofit Law Institute. 10th Annual Nonprofit Law Institute Presented by Houston Young Lawyers Association will be held on October 6, 2015, 9am-2pm at the United Way of Greater Houston. This is your chance to tap into Houston’s top legal and financial minds on these topics of critical interest: Lobbying for A Better World: Rules for Every Non-Profit During Campaign Season; Copyright Compliance, Content Licensing, and Contracting: Newer Risks, Lingering Myths, and Smart Management Processes, Tools and Checklists for Non-Profit Leaders; Keys to Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements; and Hot Topics in Labor and Employment Law. The registration fee is $40 (Central Market box lunch add on: $10). Learn more and register at www.cvent.com.
  11. 2015 TAEE Conference. The Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference 2015 will be held October 9-10, 2015, at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The conference will cover: strategies for education programs and classrooms, STEM in Texas, program development and sustainability, assessment and evaluation, what’s new in EE literacy, certification and guidelines. Dr. Laura Downey, Executive Director of Kansas Association for Conservation & Environmental Education, will be the Keynote Speaker. Registration is $60 (includes lunch and a membership to TAEE for one year). Learn more at https://sites.google.com.
  12. Railroad Commission Proposed Rulemaking – Public Comment. At its open meeting on August 25, 2015, the Railroad Commission approved a proposed rulemaking to be published for public comment. The proposed amendments in §12.108 would adjust the annual fees for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The comment period will end at noon on October 12, 2015. For more information on the proposed rules and to access the online comment form, visit www.rrc.state.tx.us. Subscribe to the RRC Rules list to receive copies of all rule drafts, proposals, adoptions, or other related information regarding rules approved by the Commission.
  13. Deadline for Comments on Project Deficiency Report for Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels (HGNC) Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District announced the release of the Draft Project Deficiency Report (DPDR), Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA), and the Draft General Conformity Determination (DGCD), and their public comment periods, for the Houston Ship Channel Project Deficiency Report, Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels. The USACE, Galveston District has prepared a DEA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Public Law 91-190, and regulations for implementing the Procedural Provisions of the NEPA, 40 Code of Federal Reulations 1500-1508. Comments are needed from interested parties to assist in collecting facts and recommendations concerning the tentatively recommended corrective actions to the exiting authorized 45-foot deep Houston Ship Channel. All comments and questions on the documents should be addressed to: andrea.catanzaro@usace.army.mil or(409) 766-6346. The deadline for comments is October 15, 2015. Read more at www.swg.usace.army.mil.
  14. 2015 EcoChallenge. You are invited to challenge yourself to better care for the environment during the upcoming online EcoChallenge. Participants choose one action to reduce their environmental impact and stick with it for the two week challenge period (October 15-29, 2015). There are many possible challenges to choose from in the categories of: water conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable food options, alternative transportation, trash reduction, civic engagement, and connect with Earth. Or, you can create your own challenge by using the “choose your own” option. Individuals, families, and other groups can participate. The Eco-Challenge is a competition, with points tallied and prizes at the national level to incentivize your active participation. For more information, see www.ecochallenge.org. Sign up today and challenge yourself to become a better steward of our shared environment.
  15. Discussion Course:  A World of Health. You are invited to join a series of six conversations on the connections between human health and the environment, using the discussion course A World of Health: Connecting People, Place, and Planet, from the Northwest Earth Institute. Discussions will take place on Wednesdays from 6-7pm at Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church, corner of Rice Blvd. and Greenbriar in Houston, beginning on October 21, 2015. There are Metro bus stops nearby for lines 27, 41, and 84. The book which serves as the source material for our discussions is available for purchase at www.nwei.org. If you plan to participate, purchase the text and read the material for session 1 prior to October 21. Please contact Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.
  16. Fall 2015 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event. Calling those of all faiths, or no faith at all, to care for our shared environment on October 25, 2015, from 1:30-4:30pm. Participants will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship by clearing brush/trash and planting native plants at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve in Houston. 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., Houston 77035 to sign in. Metro bus line 7 stops nearby. Tools/supplies will be provided. 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 for more information or to sign up to help (and receive a copy of the waiver form).
  18. 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.
    • A Migrating Muse – Sandhill Cranes
    • Outdoor Info: Hunting Sandhill Cranes
    • Fort Boggy State Park
    • Inner City Sanctuary
  19. 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 23, 2015: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” on the west and southwest side of the Houston area. Associated continental haze should continue in parts of Southeast Texas could possibly raise the daily PM2.5 AQI into the “Moderate” range in the Houston area.
    • September 24, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. WWinds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the west and southwest sides of the Houston.
    • September 25, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the west and southwest side of the Houston area.
    • September 26, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels in the Houston area.

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