Houston Environmental News Update May 2, 2018

 

Ever wonder what species of plants, animals, fungi, and protozoa inhabit our region? The results from the international iNaturalist City Nature Challenge has Houston in the top seven for number of participants, observations, and species observed. In fact, Houston has identified the second highest number of species worldwide, second only to San Francisco–but identification isn’t over yet. The photos shown here are among the observations made during the challenges. See more of the Houston observations at iNaturalist.org.

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CEC NOTES

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Paid & Volunteer Internships with CEC Houston
CEC hopes to hire several volunteer interns this summer, with meaningful work, a mentorship program, field trips, flexible hours, and a constant supply of chocolate. If you or someone you know is interested, please send a resume to rachel@cechouston.org, and await a response after Earth Day. We’ve also been notified that we will be able to hire paid interns through the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth Program; Houston youth can apply at http://hirehoustonyouth.org/.

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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.

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We have tried to confirm the events listed below, but not all organizations have updated their websites. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

1. This week with the Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience (CEER)
   On Tuesday, CEER representatives spoke at the Harris County Commissioner’s Court to urge the Commissioners to embrace an inclusive, transparent and equitable process.  The County voted to seek a special election date of August 25 from the Governor for a nearly $2 billion bond as opposed to putting that bond up for election in November, where there was general discussion that more people would likely vote. “Flooding can wreak havoc on the environment” said Commissioner Radack in response to CEER’s representatives seeking a more inclusive, transparent and equitable bond package. CEER’s member organizations concluded by saying,  “No matter when the bond is, no matter for how much, the Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience ask you to make hard decisions and to prioritize people over projects—the public health and the environment—to make equitable investments for our region that address communities that need it most.” Coverage of the event occurred here:
   • http://harriscountytx.swagit.com/play/05012018-1494 (with Radack’s comment at 41.55)
   • https://www.chron.com/news/politics/houston/article/Harris-County-votes-in-favor-of-Aug-25-for-12878181.php
   • https://apnews.com/b2d2e3b7985a4bb4b03ea08f60118289
   • https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/05/01/us/ap-us-harvey-flood-control-projects.html

   The Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience, or CEER, focuses on the connection between pollution, place and public health in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. CEER envisions a region that is equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically strong where residents have the opportunity to live, work, learn, play, and pray free from environmental hazards. CEC, along with 23 other environmental, environmental justice and social justice organizations, have created this collaboration in part to implement a policy agenda around reducing pollution and environmental justice disparities.  CEER’s 8-point plan can be found here: https://ceerhouston.org.

2. Celebrate Bike Month in May
   May is Bike Month, and BikeHouston is hosting a series of rides and other events throughout the month to celebrate, beginning with a Mid-Main Thursday fundraising event on May 3, 2018, from 6-10 p.m. For a full list of activities, visit bikehouston.org. On May 18, the City of Houston is sponsoring “Bike to Work Day.” For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
3. Spring Fling at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary
   Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s Spring Fling is an opportunity to see and celebrate the return of migratory songbirds as they arrive at stopover habitat along the Teas Gulf Coast. Spring Fling is taking place at the Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary daily through May 6 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit gcbo.org.
4. H-GAC Natural Resources Advisory Meeting.
   The next meeting of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s NRAC will be on Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Houston-Galveston Area Council offices. This meeting will focus on the Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence (WISE) Awards, an update on NRAC future roles and responsibilities, and two presentations on environmental opportunities outside of water quality. Learn more at h-gac.com.
5. Urban Green’s Urban Derby
   Urban Green is a group made up of young professionals, mostly in their 20s and 30s, dedicated to the Conservancy’s mission to improve and maintain Hermann Park. On May 3, 2018, join Urban Green for a derby-themed event in the lush McGovern Centennial Gardens, complete with bites and beverages from some of Houston’s favorite culinary outposts and beats by DJ Mav, all benefiting Hermann Park Conservancy. You must be 21 or older to attend. For more information, visit hermannpark.org.
6. Texas Stream Team Certified Water Monitor Training
   Texas Stream Team is a network of trained volunteers and supportive partners working together to collect information about the natural resources of Texas and to ensure the information is available to all Texans. Volunteers are trained to collect quality-assured information that can be used to make environmentally sound decisions. The next training for volunteer monitors will be held May 4, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership offices, 1019 Commerce St. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.
7. Spring Wetland Planting Events at Exploration Green
   Wetland planting events are scheduled at Exploration Green Nature Park in Clear Lake City on May 5 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome to take part in expanding the wetland, which the community has been growing and planting. Children are welcome to participate with family members. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy. Tools will be provided. Parking is at 16203 Diana Land, Houston. For more information and to RSVP, visit tcwp.tamu.edu or contact Mary Carol Edwards at mcedwards@tamu.edu or visit explorationgreen.org.
8. On-Site Sewage Systems Homeowner Education Course
   The Houston-Galveston Area Council is offering a free On-Site Sewage Systems course for homeowners on May 5, 2018, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library, 1 John Hall Drive, Mont Belvieu. For more information and to register, visit constantcontact.com.
9. Heirloom grains class at Blackwood Educational Land Institute
   On Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Blackwood Educational Land Institute in Hempstead presents a class on the health benefits of heirloom grains with entrepreneur, author. chef and baker Karen Man. The presentation includes a lunch. For more information and to register, visit blackwood.org.
10. HREG’s Solar 101 Class
    The Houston Renewable Energy Group invites high school students with a basic knowledge of electricity and an interest in renewable energy to its Solar 101 class at the Emery/Weiner School on May 5, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. An instructor will lead the students on how to put together a small solar panel, use a multi-meter to test voltage and current, and charge a battery with solar energy. After the class, participants will make ice cream and sundaes with liquid nitrogen. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
11. Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston webinar
    On May 5, 2018, from 4-5:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host a webinar called “Making Houston a Resilient City – How Houses of Worship Can Help,” featuring environmental attorney Jim Blackburn, a Professor in the Practice in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Rice University, co-director of Rice University’s Severe Storm (SSPEED) Center and a Faculty Scholar at Rice’s Baker Institute. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
12. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council public meeting
    The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding a series of public hearings and a webinar to solicit public comments on Draft Amendment 9 – Coral Habitat Areas Considered for Management in the Gulf of Mexico. The Council is considering creating several new coral habitat areas of particular concern in the Gulf of Mexico. In the Houston area, a meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2018, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites Houston/League City, 2320 Gulf Freeway South. For more information, visit gulfcouncil.org.
13. ReThink Houston Sustainability Happy Hour
    On May 10, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. join sustainable design house Magpies & Peacocks and RePurpose Depot Houston for a happy hour where you can meet the leaders behind Houston’s environmental repurposing movement.and discuss collaboration as a network of like-minded businesses. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
14. National Hurricane Center Hurricane Webinar
    On May 9, 2018, beginning at 10 a.m. the National Hurricane Center will present a free webinar for pupils in grades 4, 5, and 6. Students will hear from NHC scientists as well as National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration personnel who fly into hurricanes. The webinar will cover hurricane hazards, forecasting, observing hurricanes with airplanes, and hurricane preparedness. For more information to to register, visit hurricanescience.org.
15. Citizens’ Climate Lobby, The Woodlands Chapter meeting
    The Citizens’ Climate Lobby, The Woodlands Chapter will meet on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), 8801 Gosling Road. Lunch will be provided. Citizens’ Climate Education (CCE) / Climate Lobby (CCL), is a non-partisan, grass-roots organization that works to create political will for climate solutions by building constructive and respectful working relationships with members of Congress.  Please RSVP to Bill Bray 832-702-6227 or on Facebook.
16. Keep Houston Beautiful leadership changes hands
    Robin Blut recently left Keep Houston Beautiful after a career spanning more than three decades of service to the City of Houston. Amy Reed took the reins of KHB when Blut retired on March 15
    “We’re supposed to, as individuals, to try to make the world a better place. Part of my service is to be committed to the community we live in. We don’t live in a vacuum. Fortunately I have a Commission that agrees with this concept and supports the mission of a clean and beautiful city.” said Blut. “Robin has done so much for Houston. She is an excellent role model,” said Dixie Meynier, Keep Houston Beautiful President. “She is a role model because of her vision and also because she inspires people to care about a cleaner environment.” For more, see the press release.
17. Hurricane Harvey Registry
    The Hurricane Harvey Registry (managed by a consortium including Rice University, the Houston Health Department, the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Institutes of Health, and The Cullen Trust for Health Care) is a tool for collecting information on the impact of Hurricane Harvey on our Houston community. The Registry includes a brief core survey with questions on health, housing, and vehicle damage resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The information gathered will be used to serve and inform the Houston community. Using the data collected, we will be able to better measure who is being impacted and how. This will help to direct both the continuing recovery efforts, as well as plan for the future. If you are interested in helping, please visit harveyregistry.rice.edu.
18. Call for Proposals:  Texas Children in Nature Summit and Champions Luncheon
    Texas Children in Nature will host the second TCiN Summit and Champions Luncheon in Corpus Christi December 6-7, 2018. TCiN is accepting session proposals from May 1 to June 29. Sessions are one hour in length and should relate to the TCiN Strategic Goals. Please consider how your work and session idea can inspire others to take action in their own community. Proposals will be reviewed by the TCiN planning committee and notifications will be sent out in August. Click here to submit your session proposal.
    Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness
    Asbestos is a fibrous substance commonly known for it’s heat resistant characteristics. These particular traits we’re quickly adapted back in the 1940’s for a variety of uses such as residential pipes, wire casing, home foundations and shingles, and much more. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that asbestos was banned from use after being discovered as the cause of a rare lung cancer known as Mesothelioma. To this day, asbestos is still being discovered in old homes and commercial buildings, and takes the lives of thousands annually. To learn more, please visit mesothelioma.net.
    
19. The Friends of Camp El Rancho Cima ask public’s help in preserving prime Hill Country habitat and watershed protection
    The Friends of Camp El Rancho Cima, a coalition of environmental organizations (including the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, Public Citizen, Save Our Springs Alliance, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, San Marcos River Foundation, and the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance), invite you to help preserve prime Hill Country habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and essential watershed protection for the Blanco River. The Friends have created to petition to the Sam Houston Area Boy Scouts Council to halt its efforts to sell El Rancho Cima to developers and allow funds to be raised to purchase and preserve the former camp forever. Any development of the tract would necessarily introduce development pressure on surrounding properties, threatening the loss of this beautiful part of the Blanco River watershed. To learn more, visit change.org.
20. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 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.
    • Getting a feel for frontier life at Fort Richardson State Park
    • Meet the man who built the trails at Franklin Mountains State Park
    • How government and private industry teamed up to save a bay

Additional Upcoming Events

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