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Houston Environmental News Update February 20, 2019
February 20, 2019

Houston Environmental News Update February 20, 2019

CEC seeking summer interns, environmental career fair, Earth Day Houston Transforming the Climate Crisis, and much more

CEC would like to give a huge shout-out to our spring interns this year:

  • Hannah Jacob – Events and Marketing Intern, studying chemical engineering at University of Houston, and who has been with CEC for over two years
  • Stacy Giang – Salesforce Specialist – studying computer science at University of Houston, and who has been with CEC for almost two years
  • Azam Najafi – Accounting Intern from University of St. Thomas
  • Akshay Chhajed – Business Development Intern – recent graduate of University of Michigan
  • Murad Alnajjar – Accounting Intern – recent graduate of University of Houston Downtown
  • Ashley Odstrcil – Membership Intern – studying Computer Engineering Technology at University of Houston
  • Dan Phan – Digital Media Intern – studying digital media at University of Houston 
  • Aniell Parrales – Events Coordinator – studying communications at University of Houston
  • Madeline Bell – Public Policy intern from the Civic Houston Internship Program at University of Houston
  • Karina Maldonado – Technical Writing Intern from University of Houston Downtown  
  • Three teams of students from the Management Information Systems Department of the UH Bauer School of Business under faculty supervision and the mentorship of consultants from the Executive Service Corps of Houston.

CEC anticipates hiring several volunteer and paid summer interns in 2019. Typical internships involve Communications and Marketing, Policy & Government Relations, Publications/Journalism, Digital Media, Development, Event Coordination, Business Development & Bookkeeping, and Environmental Education; we are also open to customized internships to meet professional and academic goals. Internships include mentorship and networking opportunities, field trips, camaraderie, and chocolate.

With much gratitude for the generosity of the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth program, CEC has the opportunity to offer paid internships, for which youth ages 16-24 may apply through hirehoustonyouth.org by March 23, 2019. To be considered for additional paid and unpaid summer internship opportunities, please submit a cover letter and resume to internships@cechouston.org.

And speaking of students, on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Coastal Prairie Partnership will host a Conservation, Ecology, and Environmental Career Fair at Center for Sciences and Health Professions at the University of Saint Thomas. The event is designed to give area college students an opportunity to learn more about careers related to the environment. It will include panel discussions from environmental experts–including CEC’s executive director Rachel Powers–and also feature local organizations with current volunteer, internship, and job opportunities. For more information, visit constantcontact.com.

Our interns are a critical part of a team that includes:

  • Two regular volunteers: Stuart and Carole
  • Three part-time staff: Marina Rossow, Ken Fountain, and Amy Boyers who manage events, the newsletter, and Earth Day, respectively) 
  • Executive Director Rachel Powers
  • Extraordinary board members and committee members–past and present
  • Hundreds of additional volunteers who do everything from fixing computers to serving as recycling ambassadors at Earth Day

Together we ensure that CEC is fulfilling our mission of fostering education, dialogue, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston Gulf Coast region.

CEC NOTES

Houston Green Film Series: Divide in Concord

Please join CEC, the Houston Green Film Series, the Rice Media Center, and additional partners on Feb. 20, 2019, for Divide in Concord. The film follows Jean Hill, a fiery octogenarian, who is deeply concerned about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Since 2010, she has spearheaded a grassroots campaign to ban the sale of single-serve plastic bottled water in her hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. Her fiercest challenge comes from Adriana Cohen, celebrity publicist-turned-pundit, who insists the bill is an attack on freedom. In the same town that incited the American Revolution and inspired Thoreau’s environmental movement, can one senior citizen make history? (See the trailer.)

6:30 p.m. conversation, networking, and a light meal, followed by the screening at 7 p.m.. Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated. For more information, see the Facebook event. Sign up for information about this event and other green film news at constantcontact.com.

Earth Day returns to Discovery Green in 2019! Sponsor Deadline March 1

Presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. The event features displays, exhibits and booths on topics ranging from alternative energy to recycling methods, a foodie farmers market, unplugged – a live music acoustic mini-festival, EarthTalks and more, all in a zero-waste footprint. This year’s event will be held on April 14 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Featuring exhibits, bands, food, speakers, and more, the 2019 celebration promises to inspire, educate, and motivate. And it supports Discovery Green’s mission of providing free events that promote a healthy environment and sustainable operations.
Haw can you be involved?

  • Exhibit! Register by March 14 to be an exhibitor at earthdayhouston.org/exhibit/. Opportunities are available for nonprofits and government agencies; small, local businesses; and corporations with a commitment to the environment. Early registration discounts through February 14, 2019.
  • Sponsor! Our sponsors range value the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and our community.Benefits include unique access to the green family market, exposure of you organization to over 10,000 festival attendees, and community stewardship and volunteer opportunities.The sponsorship deadline to be included in all promotion materials is March 1, 2019.
  • Volunteer! Opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Sign up at earthdayhouston.org/volunteer.
  • Plan to Attend! Save the date on Sunday, April 14, 2019.

Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis

CEC is pleased be a promotional partner for “Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis,” a symposium presented by the Rothko Chapel and the University of St. Thomas from Feb. 28-March 2, 2019. The symposium will explore the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally. A central focus will be on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future. To see the full schedule and to register, please visit rothkochapel.org.

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

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the events listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

Houston Audubon Birdathon 2019 registration continues

Houston Audubon’s Birdathon 2019, which combines a fundraiser with a great opportunity to enjoy the spring migration, will be held March 22 through May 13, with a free Kickoff Workshop on March 10.  Teams of two or more (typically 4-5) compete to count as many bird species as possible in a consecutive 24-hour period. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Solid Waste Workshop Series: Environmental Enforcement

The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Solid Waste Program is re-imagining its past roundtable-style meetings into a new Solid Waste Workshop Series. The first workshop, on the topic of environmental enforcement, will be held Feb. 21, 2019, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at H-GAC. For more information, visit h-gac.com.

Texas Association of Environmental Professionals Luncheon

On Feb . 21, 2019, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will host its monthly luncheon at the Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd Drive. The guest speaker will be Scott Jones, advocacy director for the Galveston Bay Foundation, who will give an overview and GBF’s findings on the USACE Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Coastal Basin Bacteria Reduction public meeting (Bay City)

On Feb. 21, 2019, from 5-7 p.m., H-GAC and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are holding a public meeting to discuss the Caney Creek and Linville Bayou portions of the Brazos-Colorado Coastal Basin Bacteria Reduction Project. The meeting will be held at the Bay City Civic Center, 201 Seventh Street, Bay City. Fort more information, visit h-gac.com. 

NPSOT Meeting: Master Plan for Houston Arboretum

On Feb. 21, 2019, beginning at 6:45 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plants Association of Texas will hold its monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Emily Manderson, conservation director for Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, on the implementation of its master plan. The meeting will be held at the Center, 120 West Loop North. For more information, visit npsot.org.

The Woodlands Green Lecture Series: Pollinators

On Feb. 21, 2019, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will host a lecture by  Kendall Clark, environmental education specialist with The Woodlands Township tiled “Pollinators: From Bees And Bats To Butterflies.” Clark will discuss the importance of pollination and pollinators and The Woodlands Township’s new program to become a Monarch Champion City as recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. The event will be held at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), 8801 Gosling Road. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Civic Saturday: Resilience (Adapting to Change)

On Feb. 23, 2019, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium will co-host the third “Civic Saturday” event, this one focused on resilience and adapting to change, at the Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market Street, Baytown. The event includes free breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit talkingtransition.us.

Katy Prairie Conservancy Ann Hamilton Trail Walking Tour

On Feb. 23, 2019, from 10-11 a.m., the Katy Prairie Conservancy will host a free walking tour of the Indiangrass Preserve along the Ann Hamilton Trail. All ages are welcome. Attendees will learn about the history and value of the coastal prairie and KPC’s role in preserving these vanishing lands. For more information, visit katyprairie.org.

Climate Action and the Green New Deal

On Feb. 24, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., Indivisible Houston will hold its monthly general meeting, including a discussion of the Green New Deal proposed in the U.S. Congress. The discussion will include what is in the Green New Deal, its implications for the future, and steps that can be taken at the local and state level. The event will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal High School, 1800 Sul Ross. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Climate Change & What You Can Do webinar

On Feb. 24, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church will present a webinar featuring Daniel Cohan, Ph.D., associate professor at Rice University’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, on the subject of climate change. Cohan will discuss the latest research and scientific reports, as well as actions actions the public can take to combat climate change. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

“Lore of the Land” talk at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center

On Feb. 25, 2019, from 7-8 p.m., the Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will present “Lore of the Land: Mythological Flora & Fauna of Texas.” Guest speaker Anni Ranck will explore the intertwining history, science, and folklore of local flora and fauna and how they have shaped our culture and understanding of the natural world. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Clean Waters Initiative Workshop
On Feb. 26, 2019, from 10 a,m.-1 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Clean Waters Initiative will hold a workshop on funding sources for water and wastewater-related infrastructure. The workshop will be held at H-GAC’s Conference Room B/C, 3555 Timmons Lane. To register, visit constantcontact.com.

Wild Texas Film Tour

On Feb. 26, 2019, beginning at 7 p.m., the Wild Texas Film Tour, a short-film tour showcasing wildlife, adventure, and conservation stories from across the state, will be held at MATCH, 3400 Main Street. Among the films screened will be “Little Grouse on the Prairie,” produced by Friends of the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge. Attendees will be able to meet the characters in the films, the folks behind the camera, and the conservationists keeping Texas wild for future generations. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wildfilmtour.com.

“Rural Renewal” discussion with Houston Tomorrow

On Feb. 27, 2019, from noon-1:30 p.m., Houston Tomorrow will host a brown bag discussion called “Rural Renewal: Small Town Repopulation, Regenerative Agricutlure, and Carbon Farming.” The discussion will examine the dream of living in a small town and ways to improve the quality of life in the greater Houston region’s towns and cities. Speakers will include Houston Tomorrow’s David Crossley and Jeff Taebel of the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The event will be held at the H-GAC offices, 3555 Timmons, RSVP to info@houstontomorrow.org.

If You Breath It, Drink It, Sit on It – What’s In It?

On Feb. 27, 2019, from 6-8 p.m., the Green Building Resource Center, 1000 Washington Ave., will host a seminar on the use (and dangers) of chemicals in manufactured goods. Speakers include: Lawrence Childress, Houston Public Works; Paige Powell, Air Alliance Houston; and Jon Strassner, Humanscale. For more information and to RSVP, visit codegreenhouston.org.

Inspiring Through Education at Lawther Deer Park Prairie

On Feb. 27, 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Houston Native Prairies Association of Texas will hold its monthly meeting, featuring a presentation by Della Barbato,, NPAT Director of Education, on the Lawther-Deer Park Prairie Preserve, a51-acre conservation easement located in a subdivision in Deer Park. The meeting will be held at the Houston offices of the American Red Cross, 2700 Southwest Freeway. For more information, visit houstonprairie.org.

Urban Reads: The I-45 Meets the Walkable City

On Feb. 27, 2019, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, will present city planner and urban designer Jeff Speck, who will speak on what the expansion of Interstate 45 means for Houston. followed by a conversation with Kinder Institute Director Bill Fulton. The event will be held at MATCH, 3400 Main Street. For more information and to RSVP, visit kinder.rice.edu.

2019 Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium

On Feb. 28, 2019, the Gulf Coast Water Efficiency Network will host its 2019 symposium, which provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. The symposium will be held at the United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

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.

  • Enjoy a frog pond on the edge of Austin
  • Bobcats live out of sight in suburbs of Texas cities
  • Mustang Island offers a great spot to camp on the beach

Additional Upcoming Events

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