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March 29, 2017

Houston Environmental News Update March 29, 2017

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a Texas legislative update and green job listings.

Tonight, Wednesday, March 29, 2017, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, please join the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) for Environment Matters – a periodic gathering for anyone interested in the environment. Grab a seat & beverage at Eureka Brewery, 941 W 18th St in the Heights, for an inclusive and interactive get together. Learn from experts, find out about local events, and enjoy the fun! If you are new to the Houston environmental community, this will be a great event to connect.

This month, Melanie Scruggs, Houston Program Director for Texas Campaign for the Environment. Melanie Scruggs graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Plan II Honors degree. Melanie joined TCE in 2012 as a community organizer, field manager, and program staff member in Austin before moving to Houston to serve as Program Director in 2013. She serves on the board of the Houston Clean City Commission/Keep Houston Beautiful, the Houston Peace and Justice Center and the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area.

We expect other avid legislative wonks will be joining us. We won’t be drunk-dialing our legislators, but we’ll definitely suggest ways to let them know what you think.

Food: The Mi Garita food truck will be on site. You may also bring in outside food.
Drink: Eureka has many fantastic beverages available and you may also bring in nonalcoholic beverages (reusable water bottle, etc..). To maximize meeting and greeting, please consider arriving a few minutes early.

Of course, don’t forget that Earth Month starts next week. (And if you are looking for something punny, sign up for Galveston Ornithological Society’s Gulls & Herons newsletter.)

CEC NOTES

Loam Agronomics CSA Farm Share
The photo above is of the vegetables included in the first share delivery from Loam Agronomics, one of the newest community supported agriculture farm share programs in the area. We are showing this picture because CEC is a ‘drop site’ for the Richmond-based CSA. It is not too late to sign up to get a weekly box of fresh picked, delicious veggies on Thursdays at our office in the Old Sixth Ward (off of Washington). Pickups are available on Thursdays or Saturdays in a variety of locations throughout town. We were thrilled to see our three subscribers last week come to pick up their shares. If you are interested in local food, please be sure to visit locallocal.com, localharvest.org, the USDA, and ediblehouston.com for information about other CSAs, farmers markets, farmstands, restaurants with local food, and local food culture. And, read on to learn about the newest farmers market, in the Energy Corridor District, which launches this weekend.

Stump the Treehugger: Earth Day Environmental Trivia Contest

Join CEC at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on Sunday, April 30, 2017, from 4 PM to 6 PM for the Earth Day Houston Environmental Trivia Contest. Sponsored by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, this exciting new way to celebrate Earth Day will stimulate and challenge all area tree-huggers (as well as budding ones). Think & Drink for the Planet!

Teams of eight players each will compete in nine rounds of earthy trivia, answering eco-centric questions in the following categories:
  • Enviro 101
  • Soils
  • Plants and Agriculture
  • Water
  • Air
  • Animals and Wildlife
  • Human Footprint
  • Politics, Government, and Eco-Justice
  • Global Issues

Ripe Cuisine food truck will have healthy, plant-based, seasonally inspired, and locally sourced delicious food available for purchase.

Both individuals and entire teams of eight are welcome to sign up for the contest (individuals will be assigned to a team). Register on EventBrite. We hope to see you there!

Earth Day Houston 2017

Dozens of Earth Day festivals will be held throughout the Houston area in 2017. We have begun compiling a list of Earth Month events on our calendar.

If you are hosting an Earth Month event (or any environment-related event), please be sure to let us know so we can share it! Information can be sent to news@cechouston.org.

Earth Day Houston 2018

The CEC is gearing up for the Earth Day Houston 2018, and is recruiting members for our planning committee. Join us at a planning meeting on May 11, 2017. To become a part of this exciting event, contact Marina Rossow, Program Manager, at 713-524-4232 or marina@cechouston.org.

Website Back Online
Sometimes, popularity can be a problem. We’ve been dealing with just that for the past week. Our website has been down because search engine ‘bots have been crawling our website with such enthusiasm that they took down our website. Can you imagine having to index all of the information from years’ worth of events and announcements that CEC has shared with you? (Our first website was launched in 1996, in collaboration with Rice University and NASA.) The good news? Cechouston.org seems to be back online. Thanks for your patience as we tried to resolve the problem!

COALITION NOTES

  1. Greens Bayou Coalition 10th Anniversary Luncheon
    On March 30, 2017, please join Greens Bayou Coalition as they honor volunteers, report on Greens Bayou watershed activities of 2016, and celebrate their 10th birthday. There will be a plated lunch, silent auction, and a keynote address. Speakers include Dr. Roel Lopez, Director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and Professor in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University, and Stephen Costello, the City of Houston’s Chief Resilience Officer and former councilmember. Learn more and register at GreensBayou.org.
  2. Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Training
    The Spring Creek Greenway is the longest contiguous urban forested corridor in the nation and includes green space land in both Harris and Montgomery counties. Bayou Land Conservancy protects thousands of acres along this corridor in both counties and also with The Woodlands, another Greenway partner. Due to the massive acreage of the Greenway, volunteers are needed year-round to ensure that the trail systems are cared for and remain safe for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. You can help by becoming a Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador. The next free, five-week adult training will begin on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center. Learn more at bayoulandconservancy.org.
  3. HREG Solar Energy System Workshop
    This free workshop, on March 31, 2017, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, addresses all issues related to installation and operation. Ideal for those with a technical background or DIYer in need of guidance or troubleshooting with their solar installation project. This monthly workshop, hosted by the Houston Renewable Energy Group and taught by solar guru Bill Swann, takes place at the TX/RX Labs facility. Hands-on experience will be provided with the installation of a ground-mount system. Learn more at HoustonRenewableEnergy.org.
  4. Memorial Park Conservancy Brunch Run
    The Brunch Run is the only fun run with such a fun after party! This event gets lots of media exposure for underwriters and provides an opportunity for area companies to host their employees in the Corporate Challenge health and wellness event. Join the Conservancy on Sat., April 1, 2017,  participate in the 4-mile Run/Walk, the Kid’s 1K, and Post-Race Party. You can also register for a sleep-in option; no foolin’! Register today!
  5. Neches River Adventure
    Enjoy a leisurely trip onboard the Ivory Bill on the ecologically diverse Neches River and into the Big Thicket National Preserve. The public nature tours are scheduled for each Saturday morning, March through November, and disembark at Riverfront Park in Beaumont. The Ivory Bill’s amenities include a covered open air deck, comfortable perimeter seating for 30 people, on-board restroom, and public address system. Private Charters also available. The Big Thicket Association operates The Ivory Bill, and offers school field trips, social events and Nature classes. Reservations are required…Call 409-651-5326 or visit www.nechesriveradventures.org.
  6. Energy Corridor Farmers Market Launch
    When we choose communities to live in we often pick a community with great amenities; sometimes it’s close to work, for others it is the proximity to good schools, or it’s the outdoor recreation or cultural activities that are close to home. The Energy Corridor District is a community that strives to provide all of these amenities and on April 1st, 2017 the District will finally have its own Farmers Market! The market wil make its home in Grisby Square at 14710 Grisby Rd., in the parking lot at Grisby Road and Grasshopper Lane. Residents and visitors of the area will now be able to walk and bike to Grisby Square, pick up groceries from local farmers and producers, and then even stick around and grab brunch or lunch at one of the many surrounding restaurants or visiting food trucks. Learn more at EnergyCorridor.org.
  7. Free Day in Nature at Armand Bayou Nature Center
    Each month on the first and third Sundays, Dow Chemical Co of Deer Park has generously underwritten admission to ABNC, so it’s free those days! Opening at 12 noon, the park closes at 5 pm and last admission is at 4pm. Dress for the weather, hike the trails with or without guides, visit the 1895 farmhouse and view the prairie, forest and marshes. Reptiles are on display in the interpretive building. The next free day is Sunday, April 2, 2017. For further information, visit www.abnc.org.
  8. Lifted Up Aerial PhotographyHermann Park–Final Public Meeting
    Join Hermann Park Conservancy on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, for their final public meeting where they will share the team’s full recommendations for Hermann Park’s master plan, which will guide the next 20 year’s of Park improvement projects. Can’t make our open house but still want your thoughts and ideas heard? Send us an email at ideas@hermannpark.org. Learn more about the event and the master plant update project at hermannpark.org.
  9. Flooding and Storm Surge Symposium–Registration Full
    Houston City Council Members David W. Robinson and Dave Martin and the AIA Houston Urban Design Committee will host an event on April 5, 2017, featuring two panel discussions on flooding and storm surge. Learn more at aiahouston.org.
  10. 15th Anniversary Galveston FeatherFest
    Thousands of birds take wing to Galveston Island each spring during an arduous northward migration across the Gulf from Central and South America. And hundreds of tourists and neighbors follow suit to see more than 200 species of brightly-colored birds strut their stuff around Galveston – a prime location along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. If you’ve attended FeatherFest before, you know it’s a fun four days (April 6-9, 2017) of excellent birding and nature photography workshops and adventurous field trips, topped off with delightful evening social events. You can also meet and mingle with some of the top naturalists in the country. Hosted by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, the festival is appropriate for the experienced or new outdoor enthusiast alike, and has event for all ages. Some activities fill up fast, so pre-registration is encouraged, although onsite registration is also available. Learn more and register at GalvestonFeatherFest.com.
  11. Baytown Nurture Nature Festival
    The annual Nurture Nature Festival at the Baytown Nature Center, 6213 Bayway takes place on April 8, 2017. The free, family event introduces visitors to the reptiles, birds, fish and native plants of the Baytown area through fun activities for all interests and levels. Exciting children’s games, informational exhibits, live animals and a variety of food keep visitors coming back year after year for this popular event. Learn more at Baytown.org.
  12. Keep Houston Beautiful Day
    Keep Houston Beautiful Day, on April 8, 2018, is a city-wide service day spanning various locations throughout the community. The event kicks off the national Great American Cleanup and celebrates the Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off in Houston. For more information, visit www.houstonbeautiful.org.
  13. 2017 City Nature Challenge: Austin vs. Houston vs. DFW
    Join Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and others in a fun challenge to see which city can document the most species between April 14-18, 2017. It is easy to participate by joining an event, or making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, you just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the community will help identify which species it is. Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of each city will count during the five day challenge. You can participate by exploring the life in your backyard, in your local park, or on a field trip with your local naturalist group. Learn more on the TPWD Nature Trackers webpage.
  14. EDF Launches Video Contest – Houston Teens Care about Clean Air
    In 2015, Houston experienced 44 days of unhealthy air quality. The region also continues to be unable to meet federal health-based air quality standards for ground-level ozone, commonly referred to as smog. Environmental Defense Fund is working together with four local high schools on a new video contest about the value of clean air. EDF is sponsoring the contest for students at four schools in Houston’s East End – Chavez, Furr, Galena Park and Milby. Students at those schools can submit short videos about the health effects of air pollution in Houston. Winning videos will be eligible to receive prizes worth up to $2,500. Winning students will also have the opportunity to learn filmmaking, editing and post-production techniques from Houston-area filmmaking professionals. Learn more at blogs.edf.org/texascleanairmatters/.
  15. Kinder Institute “Near-Miss” Study
    The Kinder Institute for Urban Research wants to understand the challenges experience by pedestrians and bicyclists and provide opportunities for residents to report daily travel challenges, including near-miss incidents. Get a chance to win a $100 gift card by recording your trip and near-miss for 7 consecutive days — weekends included! Learn more and register at kinder.rice.edu/NearMiss, and participate in a training with BikeHouston.
  16. Free Fourth Grade 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.
  17. Additional Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Energy Symposium -“The Future of Energy Policy”
    As energy policy in the Trump administration takes shape, the final UH Energy symposium of the year will focus on the implications of energy-related executive orders that have been issued, regulations that have been overturned and pending legislation. Two-thirds of the way through Trump’s first 100 days, the symposium will offer a deeper understanding of emerging energy policies and their impact on the Texas, U.S. and global economies. Hear from experts on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 4:00 pm, at the University of Houston. Featured guest speakers:

    • Congressman Gene Green, 29th District of Texas
      Congressman Pete Olson, 22nd District of Texas
      Commissioner Wayne Christian, Railroad Commission of Texas
      Moderator: Jim Granato, Director, Hobby Center for Public Policy

    Learn more at UH.edu.

  2. Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo and Spring Fling
    Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo and Spring Fling – a free, how-to event on April 1, 2017– affords families, youth and adults a chance to get outdoors – learn about the natural environment – recognize the significance healthy forests, trees, wildlife, and pollinators have on clean air, clean water and our overall health. For more information, visit www.lonestar.edu.
  3. Public meetings for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) Forest Plan (FP) revision
    The U.S. Forest Service (FS), begins a four-year process to revise the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) Forest Plan (FP). The first of six public meeting is on March 20, 2017, and the last is April 6, 2017. Check the CEC calendar for other dates and locations.Some of the issues to bring-up at public meetings include special management areas; red-cockaded Woodpecker management; reduction in oil/gas development; climate change management; trail corridor protection; prescribed burning; snags/downed trees; solitude, quiet, and natural sounds; urban effects; and non-native species. Whether you can or cannot attend the public meetings, please use one or more of the 10 issues mentioned above to write a personal letter or email to the U.S. Forest Service which expresses your opinion regarding the plan. Send your letter or email to Mr. Robert Potts, NFGT, 2221 North Raguet, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or robertpotts@fs.fed.us. You can learn more at www.fs.usda.gov.
  4. Business Case for EHS Compliance and Sustainability
    On Friday, April 7, 2017, you are invited to connect with colleagues in industry, consulting, non-profits, and the legal and regulatory communities as we examine the Business Case for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance and Sustainability: creating value through EHS compliance and auditing programs; embedding sustainability into everyday business; corporate social responsibility and stewardship; regulatory and industry partnering; and tracking EHS regulatory changes.  Join the amazing line up of local and global companies sharing their best practices…proving that taking care of people and our Earth simply makes good business sense!  For the agenda and information on registration, visit chapters.theiia.org.   Hosted by the IIA South Central Regional Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Audit Center.  Hope to see you on April 7!
  5. Loam Agronomics
    A farm your can love in the ‘burbs of Houston. Fresh and local food is important to the health of our community — both the people’s and the environment’s. We know that, so do the founders of Loam Agronomics, a new farm on 288-acres in Richmond, TX. If you’ve been looking for a regular supply of affordable and eco-friendly food delivered close to home, Loam has what you need. They’re setting up Drop Sites across Houston, scheduling pickups on Thursdays and Saturdays and pricing out boxes at just $30 a week! Check out what it means to be a part of their CSA (community supported agriculture program). And then join in. You may really like what they’re growing.
  6. 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.

    • Horned Lizards: Learn what may be causing declines of the Texas horned lizard, and what’s being done about it.
    • Young Guns: Join a group of enthusiastic first time hunters, and their parents, on a cold, wet duck hunt.
    • Outdoor Ethics: Discover some ideas for leaving the environment better than you found it.
  7. Additional Upcoming Events

http://cechouston.org/category/green-jobs/ 

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