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Houston Environmental News Update March 4, 2020
March 4, 2020

Houston Environmental News Update March 4, 2020

Spring Break Ideas, Farmacology, Buffalo Bayou Regatta, Nature Fest, Party for the Prairie, Resilience Renewed, Green Jobs, and more

Spring Break is just around the corner! For kids attending school, the week will be welcome respite from the daily ground. For their parents or guardians, the respite might involve working a bit harder to find ways to keep them occupied.

Thankfully, there are a wealth of opportunities in our region to get outdoors and learn about nature. Here are just a few organizations that have special programs for families.

Don’t forget to check out the Buffalo Bayou Regatta, shown above.

If you’d really like to help the environment in your travels during the week, consider planning your trip on METRO or the region’s other public transportation options, including Harris County Transit.

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.

CEC NOTES

Houston GREEN Film: Family-Friendly Edition

Join CEC, the Rice Media Center and other partners on March 18, 2020, for the next installment of the Houston Green Film Series. In honor of Spring Break, bring the kids for a fun evening with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We’ll feature an hours worth of short films that are all about Houston’s wildlife. Felice Yarbough, the star of the show, will be there to answer questions and interact with the audience. Socializing will begin at 6:00 p.m. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com. Sign up for additional news about the Houston Green Film Series on our Constant Contact form.

HERE in Houston Educator Workshops

Our kids are happier, healthier, and smarter when they spend time outdoors. Educators can learn how to incorporate the environment into their curriculum by attending one of almost fifty different workshops in the region. Visit HERE in Houston for a complete list with registration information. Also, please consider sharing this resource.

Earth Day Houston

Earth Day Houston, part of the 50th worldwide observance, will be held at Discovery Green on Sunday, April 19, 2020.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

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

TCN: Climate politics, 2020 style: Al Gore kicks off voter campaign in Houston

“It was cool and cloudy with a little drizzle now and then, but the weather didn’t dampen the spirits at a combination voter-registration and climate-action rally last month at historically black Texas Southern University in Houston. Al Gore, the former vice president and a world-famous climate-action campaigner, had come to TSU to kick off a national campaign to register voters concerned about climate change and then inspire them to vote in November.” See the full story at Texas Climate News.

HPM: Opening Statements Conclude In Arkema Criminal Trial

“Opening statements in the criminal trial of chemical company Arkema and three of its employees finished Monday, after delays from the massive water main break that caused county buildings downtown to be evacuated. Arkema and its employees face criminal charges over fires that broke out a Crosby plant during Hurricane Harvey, spewing hazardous chemicals into the air for days. Arkema and former VP of Logistics Michael Keough are charged with assault of a public servant, for allegedly endangering first responders by withholding critical information.” See the full story at Houston Public Media.

HCP4: How Technology Has Transformed Birding

“The thrill of discovering a coveted and rare species in an unexpected location has long fueled passions for birding. But until recently, the activity wasn’t known for its hip, tech-loving followers. Now, thanks to widespread smartphone use, birders of all ages are trading in bulky field manuals for high-tech birding apps and sharing more photos and videos than ever.” See the full story from Harris County Precinct 4.

Open OutDoors for Kids (OOK)-Houston offers 4th-grade field trips

Open OutDoors for Kids (OOK)-Houston is an initiative to connect more kids to nature, history and culture. There are more than three dozen partner groups which facilitate educational and engaging field trip experiences for 4th grade students from across the Greater Houston Area. Teachers can easily book a field trip with one of many national, state and local park partners who provide a variety of curriculum-based natural, cultural, and historical field trips correlated with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. For more information, see hereinhouston.org.

Solid Waste Management Workshop: Rules and Criminal Enforcement

On March 5, 2020, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a Solid Waste Management Workshop, focused on rules and criminal enforcement. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

“Climate Change vs. Global Health” dinner discussion

On March 5, 2020, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Student Society for Global Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health will host a Multicultural Dinner featuring delicious food from various cuisines around the world and a panels discussion on the theme “Climate Change vs. Global Health”. Panelists include: John B. Anderson, Ph.D., professor of oceanography, Rice University; Bill Dawson, editor, Texas Climate News; Meredith Jennings, Ph.D., postdoctoral research scientist, Houston Advanced Research Center; and John Nielsen-Gammon, Ph.D., Texas State Climatologist and director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies, Texas A&M University. The event will be held in the Reuel A. Stallones Building, 1200 Hermann Pressler Dr. Admission is $7 at the door (cash or card) or FREE if you bring a dish to share. If you plan on bringing a dish, please sign up here and even if you are not planning on bringing a dish, please RSVP through the linked form as well.

OHBA presents “Farmacology”

On March 5, 2020, from 5:45-7 p.m., the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance will present Dr. Daphne Miller, a family physician, research scientist and science writer, who will discuss her book “Farmacology,” about the concept of “food as medicine” and the health impacts of farming and soil management. The event will be held at the United Way of Greater Houston. For more information, visit ohbaonline.org.

Bayou Preservation Association accepting nominations for 2020 Board of Directors

Bayou Preservation is soliciting applications and nominations for volunteer board member service. Members selected for service will begin their term in April 2020. Interested and qualified parties may find the position description, terms of service, and application by visiting bayoupreservation.org. The closing date for 2020 nominations is March 6, 2020.

Dornith Doherty: Archiving Eden

On March 6, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m., the Rice Media Center will present Dornith Doherty, photography professor at the University of North Texas, who will discuss her ongoing project Archiving Eden, which explores the role of seed banks and their preservation efforts in the face of climate change and the extinction of natural species. The talk is free and open to the public. For more information, visit rice.edu.

48th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

On March 7, 2020, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host the 48th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, a 15-mile canoe and kayak race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. For more information and to register, visit buffalobayou.org.

16th Annual NatureFest

On March 7, 2020, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., the Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center will host the 16th Annual NatureFest. Nature lovers of all ages are invited to discover local environmental organizations, outdoor activities, native plants, and wildlife. This free family event includes pontoon boat tours, guided walks, live animals, and a catch-and-release fishing tank. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Party for the Prairie

On March 7, 2020, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host its “Party for the Prairie” fundraiser luncheon at the Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. The event will help raise funds for the Deer Park Prairie Education Program, honor prairie champions Susan and Peter Conaty, and feature silent and live auctions, and a fun test of prairie knowledge. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit texasprairie.org.

Historical Bike Tour of White Oak Bayou

On May 8, 2020, from 10 a.m.-noon, the White Oak Bayou Association will offer a historical bike tour of White Oak Bayou. Local history buff Andrew Groocock will leading the tour of this historic area from the interior of Houston Heights to the White Oak Bayou confluence with Buffalo Bayou in Downtown Houston. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Birdathon 2020 Kick-Off Workshop

Houston Audubon will present Birdathon 2020, the birder’s equivalent to a walkathon, from March 20-May 11, 2020. Teams of two or more compete to count as many bird species as possible in a consecutive 24-hour period. Birdathon is primarily a fundraiser, so teams also compete to raise the most money for the best cause: bird conservation. Registration is now open, and a Kick-Off Workshop will be held at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary on March 8, from 2-5 p.m. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable

On March 9, 2020, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable. Attendees will learn about the Nature and Eclectic Outdoors’ Healthy Outdoor Communities initiative and Exploration Green, an award-winning parks and natural areas project in the Clear Lake area. For more information and to RSVP, visit h-gac.com.

How Do Plants, “Do It”?

On March 9, 2020, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Clear Lake Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will present by Dr. Cassidy Johnson, president of the Coastal Prairie Partnership, on the biology behind angiosperm (flowering plant) fertilization. The talk will be held at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. This is free event, but please register as space is limited. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Artist Boat’s “Beautify the Bucket” registration ends March 10

Artist Boat’s spring “Beautiful the Bucket” competition will be held April 18, 2020, at Moody Park in Galveston. Since 2016, over 200 trash barrels have added to the beautification efforts on Galveston’s Seawall and beaches, thanks to volunteer artists, families and students. Registration ends March 10, 2020. For more information and to register, visit artistboat.org.

Work Day at Quinatana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

On March 10, 2020, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Gulf Coat Bird Observatory will host a volunteer work day at the Quinatana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary in preparation for the annual spring migration. Volunteers will help trim trails, weed, mow, and otherwise make QNBS as hospitable as it can be. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Mercer Lunch Bunch: March Mart Preview

On March 11, 2020, from noon-2 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold its monthly Lunch Bunch, featuring a sneak peek presented by Mercer education staff members Jennifer Garrison and Christy Jones of the plants that will be available for purchase at March Mart, one of the most anticipated plant sales in the Texas Gulf Coast region. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

Houston Climate Acton Plan stakeholder meeting

On March 11, 2020, from 3-4 p.m., the Texas Campaign for the Environment and Zero Waste Houston will co-host a stakeholder meeting to discuss how the City of Houston is addressing climate change. The City of Houston Climate Action Plan looks at issues of importance to the entire community, including transportation, air and water quality, materials management and energy, and help make our city better prepared to face expected climate impacts. City staff will begin delivering our recommendations to the Quality of Life committee on March 25. This meeting gives concerned citizens an opportunity to have their voices heard The meeting will be held at 3100 Richmond Avenue, Suite 290.

Resilience Renewed

On March 12, 2020, from 8 a.m.-noon, the organization Route Fifty, which connects the people and ideas advancing state, county and municipal government across the country, will host “Resilience Renewed,” a networking workshop about emergency management and planning, at Station 3 in Houston. The event will explore how Houston in the wake of repeat disasters is assessing its future risk, planning for the challenges ahead and renewing its spirit of resilience. For more information and to register, visit routefifty.com.

High Island Sanctuary Work Party

On March 14, 2020, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Houston Audubon will host a volunteer work party at the four High Island Sanctuarries, which are internationally known birding hot spots. This is a great opportunity to get outside and meet other like minded people while making a difference. Free meals will be provided to volunteers. For more information and to RSVP, see the Facebook event.

East End Lagoon Nature Preserve Trail Walk

On March 14, 2020, beginning at 9 a.m., the Galveston Nature Tourism Council and the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve will host a Trail Walk along the ADA-compliant trial. Participants will be able to enjoy a relaxing stroll and learn about local wildlife. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Houston Central Chapter general meeting

On March 14, 2020, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Houston Central Chapter offer the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its monthly general meeting at Emerson Unitarian Church, 1900 Bering Drive. Childcare will be provided for those who RSVP by March 12 with ages of children. RSVP to dori.wolfe@gmail.com. For more information, visit citizensclimatelobby.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.

  • Camera technology has changed the way people take pictures, but one Texas artist likes to capture images the old way. Follow Ian Kasnoff as he documents some Texas state parks with his traveling trailer camera
  • Where do alligator gar go to spawn? Ask Karim Aziz. Using Geographic Information Services and overlaying biological data, he conceived of and designed a mapping system that accurately predicts where the gar will spawn
  • Postcard from Texas: Relax along the banks of the Nueces River as it flows by resting rocks and rustling trees

Additional Upcoming Events