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January 25, 2017

Houston Environmental News Update January 25, 2017

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter.

Eventbrite - Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour - January 2017Many members of the our environmental community have found the past week tumultuous, to say the least (scroll down for some of the news). Now, more than ever, it is important to connect with our environmental community to mourn what has been lost and to come together to address the challenges that face us. Know that you are not alone.

Please come together with hundreds of other environmentalists at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour. See amazing films from around the world, and meet local environmental heroes who are making a difference in our own back yard. Be inspired!

Tickets will be available at the door.

We are gathering informally each night before the festival to visit and eat dinner starting at 5:30 pm at the California Pizza Kitchen on West Gray. Mention you are with CEC and CPK will donate to the CEC!

CEC NOTES

Terry Hershey, CEC Founder, dies at 94
The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Hershey, the main force behind the founding of the CEC more than 45 years ago. We are deeply indebted to Terry’s many efforts on behalf of the CEC and will miss her devotion to the environment. The Houston Chronicle’s Kim McGuire has written a wonderful profile of Terry, which can be read at Chron.com.

Hear a few words from Terry Hersehy and be inspired by her and several other environmental heroes, watch this short video from the Texas Legacy Project. To be inspired by the next generation of environmental leaders, please join us at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour. Buy tickets now at https://cecfilmfest2017.eventbrite.com or at the door at the River Oaks Theatre.

2016wsfflogoFilm Festival January 25 & 26, 2017

Building upon our wildly successful 2016 showing*, the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition is proud to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour, one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America, back to Houston for two nights: January 25 & 26, 2017!

We invite you to join us at the 2017 W&SFF to be held at the historic River Oaks Theatre, where up to 450 patrons each night will enjoy about ten short films each night highlighting the latest environmental issues. We have selected films that showcase the links between beauty, environment, adventure, quality of life, and action.

We are excited to announce the local films that will be featured this year.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2017, we will show two films. One film, by Bike Houston, is a request for support of the proposed Houston Bike Plan, which will likely be considered by the Houston City Council this February. Bike Houston will be there to collect support for the proposal. The second film, Swallows,  is from the Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Bayou City Eco-Almanac video series. It was produced with help from students at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, home to the Environmental Institute of Houston.

On Thursday, January 26, 2017, we will be showing Jackie’s River, a Furr Environmental Communications Academy Production, which was produced by students at HISD’s Furr High School. It tells the story of activist Jackie Young and her family, and their relationship with the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site. The site is located just east of Houston, near Highlands, where I-10 crosses the San Jacinto River. The site is possibly the largest source of dioxin contamination in the San Jacinto River, Ship Channel, and Galveston Bay.

Many amazing films were considered and it was a difficult choice. Please watch the other candidate films–along with many other videos highlighting local environmental issues and efforts–on CEC’s YouTube page.

In addition to these local films, CEC will be showing 22 festival selections to highlight the outdoors and environment.


CEC is using this festival to tell local environmental stories, highlight the work of CEC’s member organizations, and to inspire our residents and visitors to make a difference in our environment and quality of life. CEC is working to connect individuals and organizations to create a stronger Gulf Coast environmental community.

 

Thank you to our Sponsors:

                             
                             
                                

                    

 

COALITION NOTES

  1. Seed Cleaning Party. Join Houston Native Prairies Association on Jan. 25, 2017, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion at Herman Park. Volunteers will clean and packet seeds, and learn about the plants native to Texas. Pizza provided. Please RSVP to shen.gcmn@gmail.com.
  2. Free Fourth Grade Field Trips! Are you a 4th grade teacher and want to get your kids outdoors, but the school lacks funds for field trips? Every Kid in a Park in the Houston area is offering FREE transportation for nature-based learning opportunities. Learn more at www.hereinhouston.org. Participating CEC member organizations include Buffalo Bayou Partnership, HPARD, Galveston Bay Foundation, Greens Bayou Coalition, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Houston Audubon, Houston Zoo, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Nature Discovery Center, and  1/26/16, Sheldon Lake State Park.
  3. Composting & Zero Waste Tour. Council member Jerry Davis will be joining Zero Waste Houston on Jan. 26, 2017, for a tour of a composting facility in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Farm Dirt Compost LLC. Join us as we learn about the economic, health, and environmental benefits of keeping food and organic waste out of landfills. There will be a tour of Farm Dirt followed by a conversation about the future of “zero waste” in Houston. Learn more and RSVP on the facebook event page, or visit texasenvironment.org.
  4. Chinese Tallow Removal Day. Join Bayou Land Conservancy on Jan. 27, 2017, 9 am – 4 pm. Volunteers will help remove invasive Chinese tallow trees. Bring a chainsaw or mechanical saw if you own one! Volunteers can help out for as long as they are able. Be sure to pack a lunch if you are able to stay all day. Email ssimpson@bayouland.org if you have any questions. Register at bayoulandconservancy.org.
  5. Field Trip: Addicks Reservoir. Join Houston Arboretum on Jan. 28, 2017, 7:30 – 11:30 am, for a guided bird watching experience. Bring water, snacks, and dress comfortably for the weather. Registration is limited so sign up early! Register at  houstonarboretum.org.
  6. X-Change:EaDo Crossroads. Join Rice Design Alliance on Jan. 28, 2017, 9 am – 6 pm, at Rice University. This event will feature multidisciplinary teams of creative minds to take their talents to the streets to find cost-effective design solutions. The winning team will receive a $500 prize. Register at ricedesignalliance.org.
  7. Trees and Stars Winter Celebration. Join the Houston Arboretum for their annual winter celebration, Jan. 28, 2017, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Light bites and libations will be served. A hike through the woods, and telescopes will be provided for by the Houston Astronomical Society.Wear clothing and shoes comfortable for the outdoors. Register at houstonarboretum.org.
  8. Cocoa and Constellations. On Jan. 28, 2017, Join Katy Prairie Conservancy to sip holiday cocoa and marvel at the vast, illuminated night skies at Indiangrass Preserve. The Fort Bend Astronomy Club will provide multiple indoor presentations throughout the event, telescopes for solar viewing in the late afternoon, and night sky viewing after dark. We will observe the sun, the sunset, far away constellations, galaxies, and more! For this special event, KPC will also provide the opportunity for solar viewing before sunset. For those that wish to come to both, you will have the opportunity to take in one of our spectacular prairie sunsets while waiting for nighttime viewing. Learn more and register at www.katyprairie.org.
  9. Exploration Green Conservancy Town Hall Meeting. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, Exploration Green Conservancy will host a Town Hall meeting at Clear Lake United Methodist Church at 7 pm in the Wesley Center, located at 16335 El Camino Real. The community is invited to hear from Exploration Green Conservancy and Clear Lake City Water Authority about near and long term plans for the development of Exploration Green. Topics will include updates on conservation and landscaping activity, wetlands development, hike-and-bike trails and fundraising. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and to explore volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit explorationgreen.org or call 281-317-7535.
  10. Vegan for Life Activist Training. This Saturday, January 28, two local activists will share their knowledge of effective actions in the community room of Central Market .
    First, Houston 350.org leader Sandra Spears will briefly talk about their use of freeway bridge banners to spread the message of climate change. Then long-time vegan activist and civil rights lawyer Jerry Friedman will give a presentation called “You Have the Right!”. This presentation is for you if you ever take to the streets for a good cause. Learn the legal subtleties of protesting and other modes of public outreach as well as how to interact, or not, with law enforcement officers and hostile civilians. After the presentation, many of us with spend time on the Central Market patio for some casual socializing. Learn more and RSVP on facebook.
  11. Air Alliance Houston Earth Day Contest – Deadline Approaching! Do you have an artistic student in your life? Deadline for Submission is Jan. 31, 2017.  Encourage them to submit to the annual Air Alliance Houston Art Contest, done in partnership with Skyline Art Services. Artwork must show what students imagine when they think of clean air, water and land. Winning arts will be displayed at an art gala, and proceeds will benefit that student’s school. Visit airalliancehouston.org for full rules and submission instructions.
  12. Saving Planet Houston. Saving Planet Houston is a first of its kind course which explores local conservation efforts in a globalized context. The series will consist of three weekday evening classes and a Saturday field trip – sign up for a few classes or the whole series. Class participants will learn from local experts about the historic, current, and projected status of ecosystems and wildlife in the Greater Houston Region, discover the connections between local ecosystems and Houston’s economic and cultural development, and explore how local groups are working to safeguard wildlife diversity. The three-class, evening series starts on Feb. 8, 2017, and ends with an optional field trip. Learn more at and register at houstonarboretum.org
  13. Native Plant Propagation Workshop.Learn from local native plant propagation experts Flo Hannah & Tom Solomon, on Wed., Feb. 8, 2017, at 6:30. To register for this event, hosted by Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program, email kelli.ondracek@houstontx.gov.
  14. Full World: Houston’s Economic and Ecologic Future. Former CEC Board Member, notable environmental attorney, and poet Jim Blackburn is teaching a short course through Rice Continuing Studies on the ecological and economic future of the City of Houston. The course will be held on eight Wednesdays between March 1 and April 19, 2017. Learn more about this not-to-be-missed class by downloading the flyer.
  15. Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Training. Registration Volunteers needed year round to maintain the trails. You will receive wetland education, access points of Greenway, recognition of invasive species, and much more! Training is 5 weeks starting on March 30, 2017. Visit bayoulandconservancy.org for more information and to register.
  16. Additional Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Clear Creek Clean-ups. The 18th Annual Clear Creek Clean-Up, hosted by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, will be on Feb. 11, 2017. Between now and then, CCFC will be hosting weekly pre-cleanups starting Jan. 7 & 8, 2017. clearcreekcleanup.org.
  2. Houston Philanthropic Society Networking Mixer. Join us for a networking mixer on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, from 5:30-7:30 at the Jack Meier Gallery located at 2310 Bissonnet. RSVP HERE. We are delighted to host The Thread Alliance. Hear from Founder, Sheila Aron. All charity reps, donors, volunteers and non-profit minded individuals are invited! Bring a friend.
  3. How to Meet with Elected Officials. Engaging with elected officials is an important way to build relationships with them and ultimately hold them accountable. Are you meeting with an elected official soon? Attend this training to make to help you get what you want out of your meetings. This training, hosted by the Texas Organizing Project, is Wed., Jan. 25, 2017, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Learn more–and check for possible weather-related postponement–on the Facebook Event Page.
  4. Net Impact Houston Happy Hour. Save the date for the next Net Impact Houston Happy Hour – here is a link to the event on the home page and Facebook. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at Okra Charity Saloon, 924 Congress, Houston, TX 77002.
  5. WEBINAR: Restoring the Carbon Balance: The Technologies. Join this Webinar Feb. 1, 2017, 12:00 – 1:30 Central Time . Listen to a panel of experts discuss the capacity of the Earth’s atmosphere to hold excess carbon, how NET technologies are still being researched and developed to become commercialized, and the necessity for public policy. To access the webinar, register here.
  6. Bear Creek Fruit Tree Sale and Symposium. Join Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and Harris County Master Gardener for their annual fruit tree sale, Jan. 28, 2017, 9 am – 1 pm. Download a flyer from hcmga.tamu.edu.
  7. Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation. Christ the King Lutheran Church invites you to a web meeting Jan. 29, 2017, 6 pm. Professor Melissa Anne Sutter from Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will discuss the vital connections that exist between humans and micro-organisms. Learn more at ctkelc.org.
  8. Houstainable Clean Drinks. The political landscape has been changing significantly, and political power exerts great influence on economic outcomes. Understanding how these levers of power function provides a critical advantage. To better position us all, Clean Tech Open is starting 2017 with a discussion of Political Capital with some of Houston’s top experts: Dr. Dagobert L. Brito (Peterkin Professor of Political Economy at Rice University), James Cargas (Energy Lawyer and Energy Expert) and Kelly Kimberly (Public Affairs Consultant). Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, 6:00 pm at The Springbok. Learn more and register on eventbrite.
  9. WEBINAR: Restoring the Carbon Balance: The Technologies. Join this Webinar Feb. 1, 12:00 – 1:30 Central Time . Listen to a panel of experts discuss the capacity of the Earth’s atmosphere to hold excess carbon, how NET technologies are still being researched and developed to become commercialized, and the necessity for public policy. To access the webinar, register  on gotwebinar.com.
  10. Through Feb. 14, 2017, Comment on Sea Turtle Conservation & Shrimp Trawling Requirements. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for fishing—with the exception of vessels participating in the Biscayne Bay wing net fishery prosecuted in Miami-Dade County, Florida—to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) designed to exclude small turtles in their nets. The intent of this proposed rule is to reduce incidental bycatch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries, and to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations. We also are proposing to amend the definition of tow times to better clarify the intent and purpose of tow times to reduce sea turtle mortality, and to refine additional portions of the TED requirements to avoid potential confusion. Learn more about the comment opportunity, which ends on Feb. 14, 2017, at federalregister.gov.
  11. Wildlife Conservation Safari. Africa 360 has organized a safari to South Africa and Zimbabwe in June and July 2017. The group will have VIP access to one-of-a-kind conservation events, including collaring an elephant with a field vet team, tracking african wild dogs with Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), notching a Rhino with Rhinos Without Borders, conducting citizen science rhino research with Earthwatch, and visiting Victoria Falls (Wonder of the World). Learn more on facebook.
  12. 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, Texas City, Galveston, 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.
    • Hatching Fish: The Dundee Fish Hatchery is back in business after shutting down due to drought.
    • Seeking Squirrels: Join a father and his daughter as they hunt squirrels in east Texas.
    • River Reclamation: Some central Texas citizens help restore damaged habitat along the Colorado River.
  13. Additional Upcoming Events

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