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Houston Environmental News Update May 29, 2019
May 29, 2019

Houston Environmental News Update May 29, 2019

National Trails Day, 2019 North American Prairie Conference, BIG Spring Meeting, Green Jobs, Don’t Panic, and more

This Saturday, June 1, we celebrate National Trails Day. Across the country, folks get out to to their favorite trails to do some hiking, volunteer to maintain them, or just enjoy a bit of nature.

Here in the greater Houston region, we have several opportunities to get out there. The Memorial Park Conservancy will host a celebration by leading groups on the South Side trails between 9-11 a.m. to teach them about the ecology of the Park, what makes Memorial Park unique, and the Conservation work going on (see Coalition and Community Notes below).

Beginning at 9 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will host a Creek Bash volunteer activity. Park staff and volunteers will clean up the creek and ponds around Jones Park to improve the environment for future generations (also see below).

You can also check out the City of Houston’s ever-expanding Bayou Greenways 2020. Buffalo Bayou Park is offering a free East Sector Wellness Walk beginning at 9 a.m.

Bayou Land Conservancy is hosting a guided bird walk with Joanne “JoJo” Bradbury on the Spring Creek Nature Trail along the ponds of Creekside Park. RSVP required.

Cullinan Park will host a Cleanup beginning from 8-11 a.m. (The banner photo above is of trails at the park; view more amazing photos at cullinanparkconservancy.org.)

The City of League City will hold its own National Trails Day event at the Dr. Ned and Faye Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center from 9-11 a.m.

If you’re looking for some adventure farther away, you can check out the Lone Star Hiking Trail at Sam Houston National Forest, 50 miles to the north, and at several nearby state parks. The Hiking Project, an online directory, offers a ranked listing of area trails here. Similar lists are available from trails.com and alltrails.com.

Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter featuring a wrap-up of area activities marking World Oceans Day!

CEC NOTES

Save the Dates: Green Films, Greater Houston Environmental Summit, Environmental Educators Exchange, Earth Day

  • Houston Green Films: Please join CEC, the Houston Green Film Series, the Rice Media Center, and additional partners on June 19, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. for conversation, networking, and a light meal, followed by a film at 7 p.m. and panel discussion at 8 p.m. The featured film will be “Don’t Panic: The Truth About Population.” Free to the public, although donations are kindly appreciated. Sign up for information about this event and other green film news at constantcontact.com. Events are held the third Wednesday of each month. In June, join us for “Don’t Panic,” an infographic extravaganza with world famous Swedish statistician and showman Hans Rosling. His main message – that our world is profoundly changing in ways most of us simply don’t realize – much of it for the better.
  • Greater Houston Environmental Summit: Friday, August 2, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community Resource Center at the United Way of Greater Houston. In addition to excellent presentations, we will again offer small-format table talks. Details and registration will be available early summer 2019.
  • Earth Day Houston, part of the 50th worldwide observance, will be held at Discovery Green on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
  • The Environmental Educators’ Exchange next quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. Location TBD.

Candidate Forums and Questionnaires

7 days of being engaged in the community

Are you organizing a candidate forum or questionnaire for the November 2019 election? CEC is gathering information about election-related activities within our environmental communities. Let us know what you are planning, and we’ll keep you in the loop. CEC is interested in either hosting, coordinating, and/or supporting the efforts of local environmental nonprofits leading up to the election. Send your comments to rachel@cechouston.org. Note: the filing deadline for the November City of Houston elections is August 26, 2019.

Networking & Field Trips for Summer Interns

Are you interested in meeting future environmental leaders and telling them about your important work? CEC will be hosting several interns this summer and would like to arrange field trip, networking, and mentorship opportunities for them. If you are interested in hosting them for a meeting or tour, please let us know. If you are interested in having your environmental interns join CEC’s interns, we’d be delighted to have them join us. Email rachel@cechouston.org for more information.

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.

Public’s input sought on City of Houston 2019 Water Conservation Plan

Houston Public Works is seeking public input on the proposed 2019 Water Conservation Plan. Houston’s population is projected to increase by 50 percent in the next 40 to 50 years. In addition, surrounding counties that have wholesale water accounts with Houston Water are also projected to double their population. Public feedback will help make sure the proposed Water Conservation Plan is right for our community and guide future investments in water conservation programs. Public input can be made through an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/waterconservationplan or by emailing waterconservation@houstontx.gov. The online survey closes Friday, May 31 at 5 p.m. and should take no more than two minutes to complete. 

Harris County Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Survey

The Greater Harris County Regional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Steering Committee is asking that residents to help to identify and plan for future disasters by taking an online survey. Data collected will help assess residents’ level of awareness regarding disasters; determine areas vulnerable to various types of disasters; coordinate activities to reduce the risk of injury or property damage in the future; and update the multi-jurisdiction Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. For more information and to take the survey, visit surveymonkey.com.

Galveston Bay Park website unveiled

Environmental attorney Jim Blackburn, who is a fellow at Rice University’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education & Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center, passes on a new website, developed by Nivien Saleh, on the proposed Galveston Bay Park. The proposed park would create a 25-foot-high wall up the middle of Galveston Bay as a series of islands, extending from Houston Point down the Houston Ship Channel to Texas City. In addition to helping buffer the area from severe storms, it would provide recreational opportunities for the region’s residents. Find the website (including news stories, editorials, a promotional video, and other material) at galvestonbaypark.org. (NOTE: CEC takes no position on this proposal, but presents it for informational purposes only.)

Houston Community Toolbank: Busiest in the Country

The Houston Community ToolBank serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment & expertise to empower their most ambitious goals. The busiest toolbank in the country, the Houston Community Toolbank has supported the work of over 65,000 volunteers with 79,000 tool rentals with a rental value of %5.1 million, as described in their 2018 Annual Report. You can also check out their new website at houstontoolbank.org.

“Recycle in Houston” website

Environmental professional Mathilde Allard-Khalifa has developed a free website as a community resource describing what, where and how to recycle in Houston. Find the site at recycleinhouston.com.

Milby Park Cleanup

On May 31, 2019, from 9 a.m.-noon, the City of Houston’s Natural Resources Management Program will host a cleanup of the riparian restoration area of Charles H. Milby Park, 2001 Central Street. To volunteer, send an email to Naturalresources@houstontx.gov.

Free Solar Power Workshop

On May 31, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., local expert Bill Swann will lead a free workshop addressing the basics on how to install and operate a solar system. The workshop is ideal for those with a technical background or a DIYer in need of guidance or troubleshooting with their solar installation project. Hands-on experience will be provided with the installation of a ground-mount system. The workshop will be held at TX/RX Labs, 205 Roberts Street, Houston.

Call for presentations: 37th Annual Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference

The 37th Annual Texas Association for Environmental Education Conference will be held September 27-28 on Galveston Island. TAEE serves all regions of the Texas community by increasing the effectiveness of environmental education. The conference is geared toward formal and informal environmental educators, including classroom teachers, museums, parks, zoos, environmental agencies, and others. Click here to submit a proposal by June 1. For more information, visit taee.org

National Trails Day at Memorial Park

On June 1, 2019, Memorial Park Conservancy will host a celebration of National Trails Day. The Conservancy team will lead groups on the South Side trails between 9-11 a.m. Learn about the ecology of the Park, what makes Memorial Park unique, and the Conservation work going on. If you want to explore on your own, stop by to pick up a trail map or a self-guided scavenger hunt for kids. There will also be volunteer opportunities to maintain the Park’s trails, bike tune-ups, food and beverages. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Houston Botanic Garden Spring Saturday Series with Trees for Houston

On June 1, 2019, Houston Botanic Garden will host its latest Spring Saturday Series with two events with Trees for Houston. At 9 a.m., there will be a family workshop called “The Importance of Trees” that will teach kids about basic tree biology and the importance of trees in our urban environment. At 11 a.m., there will be an adult workshop that will teach the basics of tree identification, proper planting techniques, site suitability, and planting care. The class will also focus on the environmental and practical role of trees in our growing city. For more information and to register, visit hbg.org.

National Trails Day: Creek Bash

On June 1, 2019, beginning at 9 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will host a Creek Bash volunteer activity to celebrate National Trails Day. Park staff and volunteers will clean up the creek and ponds around Jones Park to improve the environment for future generations. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for wet and muddy conditions. All ages welcome. Ages 16+ only for canoeing clean-up. Reservations are required by calling 281-446-8588. For more information, see the Facebook event.

E-waste recycling event in Kingwood

On June 1, 2019, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., CompuCycle will be at the Kingwood METRO Park and Ride to collect and responsibly recycle old, obsolete or broken electronics. The service is paid for by the City of Houston, and for items such as TVs that incur a cost for the City, they are only to be collected from City residents. For more information, visit keepkingwoodgreen.org.

2019 North American Prairie Conference June 2-5 at UH Clear Lake

The 2019 North American Prairie Conference will be held June 2-5, 2019, at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. This conference brings together individuals from across the country to learn about prairie conservation, restoration, education, and communication. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s damage to Houston and coastal Texas, prairies (and their associated wetlands) are in the spotlight for the many benefits they provide. The conference will spotlight how prairies can help to create healthy watersheds for people and wildlife. Find more information and register at northamericanprairie.org.

Houston Central Solar Co-Op for Houses of Worship and Their Members

On June 2, 2019, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host an information session for houses of worship and their members to learn how they can go solar for less as part of the Houston Central Solar Co-Op. The session will present information on how solar works, how it can be financed, and how it is installed. The event will be held at St. Philip Presbyterian Church in the Uptown area. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

BIG Spring Meeting

On June 4, 2019, from 1-3 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) will hold its Spring Meeting. The BIG committee has developed and is overseeing implementation of a plan, or I-Plan, to remedy high levels of bacteria in waterways identified in Total Maximum Daily Load projects in the Houston region–the most widespread water quality impairment in the region. Since 2005, when stakeholders discussed the problem during the total maximum daily load (TMDL) project, bacteria levels in waterways have decreased from above eight times the state’s contact recreation standard to just above four times the standard, and have implemented myriad solutions to effect change. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, visit h-gac.com.

Flower Garden Banks research webinar

On June 6, 2019, from 9-10 a.m., there will be a Gulf of Mexico Forum webinar titled “Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary – 2016 Localized Mortality Event and Ongoing Research” with research biologist Dr. Michelle A. Johnston (read a story about her research here). To register for the free webinar, visit gotowebinar.com.

“Green” Happy Hour at Saint Arnold’s Beer Garden

On June 6, 2019, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the US Green Building Council, Gulf Coast Chapter and Bayou Land Conservancy will host a “Green” Happy Hour for green builders, conservationists, and environmental professionals at Saint Arnold’s Beer Garden. A free tour of Saint Arnold’s will be offered to the group at 7 p.m. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Proposals for 2019 CAST due June 7

The 2019 Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas will take place Nov. 21–23 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. With more than more than 5,000 educators and science advocates attending, CAST is one of the nation’s premier science education conferences. The proposal submission deadline has been extended to June 7. For more information, visit goeshow.com.

World Oceans Day Festival in Galveston

On June 8, 2019, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Artist Boat will host the World Oceans Day Festival at Stewart Beach in Galveston. World Oceans Day provides a unique opportunity to honor, help protect, and conserve our world’s shared ocean. This year’s event focuses on the issue of plastic pollution. The festivities will include the Marine Debris Art Contest. For more information, visit artistboat.org.

World Oceans Day Celebration in Sugar Land

On June 8, 2019, from 10 a.m.-noon, there will be a celebration of World Oceans Day in the Plaza of Sugar Land Town Square. Speakers will discuss the latest research and reports on environmental issues facing our oceans. The free event includes crafts, activities, painting and exhibits that teach about ocean conservation, plastic pollution and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Sims Bayou Greenway Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting

On June 8, 2019, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Houston Parks Board will host the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the Sims Bayou Greenway and the first-ever CenterPoint recreational trail, 1.5-mile hike-and-bike trail providing important connections to the communities living in this area. The family event will include plenty of activities for children. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

“The River and the Wall” screening at 14 Pews

On June 8 and 15, beginning at 7 p.m., 14 Pews will schow the documentary “The River and the Wall,” directed by Ben Masters. The film follows five friends on an immersive adventure through the unknown wilds of the Texas borderlands as they travel 1200 miles from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico on horses, mountain bikes, and canoes (see the trailer). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 14pews.org

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.

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Additional Upcoming Events

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