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May 31, 2017

Houston Environmental News Update May 31, 2017

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

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day (June 5) is “I’m with Nature.” The United Nations encourages us to celebrate nature, explore our world, and picture all your favorite places. If you regularly receive this newsletter, you have an idea of some ways you can participate in World Environment Day. Another way to participate is to take photos and contribute to iNaturalist. That’s where today’s banner photo comes from: an iNaturalist photo taken just a short walk from the CEC office. The photo of a broad-banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata ssp. confluens) was taken by Brian Schrock at Sabine Park. Help  create the world’s biggest nature album by sharing a photo or video of the place that matters most to you.

Environmental Mid–Year-In-Review Survey

Halfway through each year (and again at the end of the year), we like asking our readers to tell us what they might put on a top-ten list of the most important things impacting the environment in the Houston region this year.  Help us compile the list by making a suggestion (or more) on this online form. We’ll be sharing the results!

CEC Welcomes Cesar Muro

When we included this magnificent photo of a SPARK park in last week’s newsletter, we neglected to credit the photographer: Tom Callins.

CEC NOTES

Greater Houston Environmental Summit & Environmental Education Expo
Annually, CEC hosts a networking and learning event for the extraordinary people who work at or are interested in the work of environmental organizations in the greater Houston region. In 2017, CEC will be hosting the Greater Houston Environmental Summit on Friday, August 4, 2017, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Community Resource Center at the United Way of Greater Houston. In addition to excellent keynote presentations and panels, we will again offer small-format table talks. We will feature a panel in conjunction with EarthShare of Texas, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We are partnering with a variety of environmental education collaboratives to offer an Environmental Education Expo for teachers and informal educators. If you are interested in exhibiting at the EE Expo, please contact Marina@cechouston.org. We’re taking suggestions & proposals for the table talks, so if you have an issue you’d like to learn about or share with the environmental community, drop us a line at rachel@cechouston.org.

Save the Date: Houston Green Film Series
The next screening by the Houston Green Film Series will be on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at the Rice Media Center. Stay tuned to hear about the film! Learn more on the Houston Green Film Series’ Facebook page.

Earth Day Houston 2018
Thank you to everyone who joined us to discuss Earth Day Houston 2018. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Community Resource Center of the United Way of Greater Houston. Notes will be sent out soon. To learn more or be added to the mailing list, please contact marina@cechouston.org.

http://cechouston.org/2017/05/30/sign-up-for-reliant-eco-share-support-cec-3/

COALITION NOTES

  1. What Went Down: Post-session Reception on the Texas Legislature
    You’re Invited! Texas Campaign for the Environment would like to thank you for supporting our work by extending a special invitation to our “What Went Down” reception.TCE will honor young Houston area activists who made their voices heard at the Capitol. TCE executive director Robin Schneider will debrief you on bills TCE advocated for and plans are going forward. Learn more on facebook.
  2. Blackwood Farm to Table Dinner
    On Friday, June 2, 2017, join Blackwood Educational Land Institute for an incredible 7-course Farm-to-Table dinner, benefiting the Institute. Brought to you by Long Spoon Catering and 290 From The Ground Up. Beer, Wine, and Cocktails included. Reservations may be made online at blackwoodland.org or by calling Cath Conlon at (832) 721-4711.
  3. National Trails Day(s)
    Multiple CEC member organizations are hosting events to celebrate National Trails Day, which is on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Here are a few (and let us know if you know of more):

  4. AIA SandCastle Competition
    On June 3, 2017, join the American Institute of Architects for their annual SandCastle Competition. The AIA SandCastle Competition is a fund-raising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation as well as one of the top five revenue generating events for the City of Galveston. This year over 60 teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious Golden Bucket Award. Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event the teams, stretched along the beach front, meticulously sculpt their piles of sand and work non-stop for five hours. Read more at aiahouston.org.
  5. Houston Gulf Regional Conservation Plan workgroup meeting
    The first ever Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan (Gulf-Houston RCP) is a long-term collaborative of environmental, business and governmental entities working together to create a first-ever ecosystem continuity and connectivity plan for the Gulf-Houston Region. The RCP Working List is comprised of every known environmental/conservation project in the 8-county region. On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, please join Houston Wilderness to discuss next steps for the Plan. Learn more and RSVP at gulfhoustonrcp.org.
  6. HLWSF Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure Workshop
    On Wednesday, June 7, 2017, join the Houston Land/Water Sustainability Forum, in cooperation with the International Erosion Control Association (IECA), and Harris County, for a workshop featuring a residential case study, a review of Harris County guidelines,a discussion of hyrdrology, and site visits. Space is limited, register early to confirm your space! Learn more at houstonlwsforum.org.
  7. Central City Co-op Weekly Market
    Central City Co-Op is Houston’s oldest organic co-op.  For over 15 years, the Co-op has supported sustainable agriculture by providing farm fresh, local, organic produce and nationally certified organic produce to our members at affordable prices.  Each Wednesday, the Co-op has preordered shares of fresh fruits and vegetables available for members to pick up. The Co-op also has a small open market featuring a selection of sustainably produced farm-fresh produce, free range eggs, local dairy, local meat, bread, and other locally produced delicacies. Tou do not need to be a member to shop. Additional pickup locations are available in the Heights, West U/Rice, first ward, and fifth ward. Learn more at centralcityco-op.com.
  8. World Oceans Day with Artist Boat
    World Oceans Day (June 8th) is the United Nations-recognized day of ocean celebration and action. Artist Boat, a Galveston-based non-profit, is hosting the second annual World Oceans Day Festival to commemorate the day. Join us at Stewart Beach from 4-7pm on Thursday June 8th and be a part of the celebration.  Marine Debris Art Contest submissions will be on display during the Festival. The World Oceans Day Festival is free for the public, but Stewart Beach parking fees will apply.  For more information on the World Oceans Day Festival or the Marine Debris Art Contest call (409) 770-0722 or email kguidroz@artistboat.org. Learn more at artistboat.org.
  9. Sierra Club: Update on National Forest Planning Process in Texas
    June 8, 2017. This is a once in a 20 year opportunity to ensure that the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are managed to protect endangered species (Red-cockaded Woodpecker), streams and rivers (San Jacinto River, Neches River), rare plants (orchids), rare ecosystems (blackland prairies and Longleaf Pine Woodlands), recreation of all types (birding, hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, etc.), lakes and ponds (Lakes Conroe, Toledo Bend, and Sam Rayburn), provide protection to ecosystems from climate change (adaptation and specific management), reduce oil/gas drilling and or its impacts, provide for less logging, less motorized recreation, etc. Without citizen input there will be lots of environmentally impacting activities and little for citizens who own these forests to be proud of and protect. We all need to steward our federal public lands particularly in the time of Trump and this is one way we can do this. Rob Potts with the NFGT Supervisor’s Office (Natural Resources and Planning Team Leader) will make the presentation. The event is free and open to the public at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1805 W Alabama, in Pecore Hall. Main Program starts at 7:30 PM (doors open for an informal social period starting at 7:00 PM). Learn more at sierraclub.org/texas/houston.
  10. Friends of the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge Meeting

    The Friends of Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge are holding a combination members’ meeting and board meeting of the Friends of Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge at the Visitor’s Center of the Attwater PrairieChicken National Wildlife Refuge at 5:30 pm on June 8, 2017.  Please RSVP at garykwoods@sbcglobal.net by Tuesday June 6, as we plan to provide a light meal and refreshments. The members meeting will be held first, ending by 6:30 pm, followed by the board meeting. We will discuss proposed amendments to the bylaws, and members and visitors may have an opportunity to see the Chick Wagon that will be used to transport chicks from captive breeding facilities to the refuge. REMEMBER TO RSVP at garykwoods@sbcglobal.net. More info about the Friends can be found at attwater.org.
  11. American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report
    For 18 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from official air quality monitors to compile the “State of the Air” report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make our air cleaner and healthier. While fewer people now live where the air quality hit unhealthy levels, four in ten people live where air is unhealthy. This year, Houston-The Woodlands is #12 on the list of most polluted cities for Ozone (with a higher number of more high-ozone days than the previous year) and #16 for year-round particulate pollution. We aren’t on the top 25 most polluted list for short-term particle pollution. Dig deeper at stateoftheair.org, or read the press release about Texas.
  12. Air Quality Tour
    If you want to see on-the-ground elements of air quality in the Houston region, consider joining EarthShare of Texas (in celebration of their 25th anniversary), Air Alliance Houston, Houston Advanced Research Center, and Public Citizen for an eye-opening tour of the Houston Ship Channel, which ffeds our economy. Hear from the Executive Director of Air Alliance Houston – Dr. Bakeyah Nelson, the Community Outreach Manager for Public Citizen – Ms. Stephanie Thomas, and the Program Director of Air Quality Science for Houston Advanced Research Center – Dr. Jay Olaguer. Each of these individuals are experts in their fields, and this will be a fabulous opportunity to hear their stories. Learn more and purchase tickets at earthshare-texas.org.
  13. METRO’s Summer of Fun Pass
    School’s out, and METRO wants to give you FREE RIDES to where the fun is – ALL SUMMER LONG! The new METRO Student Summer of Fun Pass offers K-12 students the opportunity to travel anywhere METRO goes…any time…any day…FREE. Learn more and sign up at ridemetro.org.
  14. EarthShare of Texas 25th Anniversary Round Table Discussion Series: Bracken Cave Bat Tour
    Happy Anniversary to EarthShare of Texas!
    To celebrate 25 years, EST is hosting a Round-Table Discussion Series to introduce the public to all of the great work its members have accomplished.  From air quality to zebra populations, they have it covered. Learn more at earthshare-texas.org/events. Buying a ticket to the entire series will gain you entry into the following events:

    • Bats, Birds, and Barbecue- A dinner discussion of wildlife and habitat conservation with a viewing of  the awesome bat emergence at Bracken Bat Cave. July 29, 2017 – Bracken Cave, San Antonio.
    • On the Ground Floor of Ground Water: A breakfast discussion divining the future of our most precious resource.   July date tbd Redbud Center.
    • The Hot Topic of Climate Change- Greater Houston Environmental Summit Aug 4, 2017 – United Way of Greater Houston–In conjunction with the CEC!
    • This Land is your Land: Exploring the terrain of land conservation; Red Bud Center, October 17, 2017.
    • And the grand finale picnic with food, games music and more!  The whole family is welcome!
  15. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 p.m. 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.

    • Hunting Laurens: Join a couple of Houston area ladies as they experience hunting for the very first time.
    • Diving Wardens: Meet the game wardens who make up the Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team.
    • Outdoor Writer: Get to know Ray Sasser, the Dallas Morning News’ outdoor writer.
  16. Additional Upcoming Events

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

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