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Houston Environmental News Update June 10, 2020
June 11, 2020

Houston Environmental News Update June 10, 2020

Pollinators, Teacher Workshops, Candidate Forum, State of the Bay Report feedback, Flower Garden Banks public meeting, Houston Parks Board summit, Green Jobs, and more

Thirteen years ago the U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week, initiated and managed by Pollinator Partnership, has grown into an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, and beetles. The theme for this year’s observance, from June 22-28, is “The Future Flies with Pollinators.”

While we often think of pollination as an integral part of food production, pollination is also critical to ecosystem services, including biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, erosion control, soil health, nutrient recycling, and water filtration. Pollinators of many different species help improve biodiversity by facilitating the reproduction of native and diverse plant species that, in turn, provide food and shelter for many birds, mammals, and insects. Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient against sudden changes to the environment such as introduction of disease, natural disasters, changes in weather, and interference by humans. In fact, sustainable natural and agricultural ecosystems worldwide are only possible with sufficient biodiversity. Learn more at https://www.pollinator.org/poster-2020.   

In 2015, the Obama Administration announced The National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators. It had three overarching goals: 

  1. Reduce honey bee colony losses during winter, 
  2. Increase the overwintering population of the monarch butterfly to 225 million butterflies by 2020 occupying approximately 15 acres, and 
  3. Restore or enhance 7 million acres of land for pollinators over the next 5 years.

In the spirit of advancing the national strategy, in 2016 the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) issued the Texas Monarch & Native Pollinator Conservation Plan. The plan includes protection plans for Monarchs and 30 other pollinator species. Locally, the Gulf-Houston Monarch Flyway Strategy, a collaborative region-wide effort focused on the preservation and creation of monarch butterfly and other pollinator habitat in the 8-county area in and around Greater Houston, has been coordinated by Houston Wilderness and numerous partners. 

Unfortunately, not all aspects of the national, state, and local strategies have been as successful as hoped. For example, the yearly count of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico, occupying only 7 acres of oyamel forest, “shows a decrease of 53% from last year’s count and is well below the threshold at which government scientists predict the migration could collapse,” according to the Center for Biological Diversity. In 2014, the Center petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the monarch under the Endangered Species Act; the FWS recently announced a Candidate Conservation Agreement to protect this species. Similarly, the BEE Informed Partnership shows that from 2015 to 2019, winter colony loss increased from 20.9% loss to 46.2% loss.

Chart by Tierra Curry, Center for Biological Diversity

How can you learn more and what can you do to help? The National Pollinator Week website provides suggestions for how to celebrate at home. You can also learn about Pollinators and how to create Pollinator-friendly gardens at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve on June 18, 2020, at 9:00 am. Houston Zoo provides homes to bees and butterflies by setting up the pollinator stations.

Please scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community.

CEC NOTES

Free Virtual Teacher Workshops

Teachers, learn what’s outside your window and how you can use it to engage kids in any subject. Gain an understanding of what’s affecting Houston’s prairies, forests, and marshes. Discover resources to differentiate instruction for all learners, and connect virtually with local informal educators. Due to popular demand, more workshops were created. Visit the Eventbrite page for dates and times. Three hours CPE and G/T credit available, with an option for six hours. Hosted by CEC in partnership with Texas Association for Environmental Education.

Superpowers Sessions for environmental educators

The Environmental Educators Exchange continues to offer virtual meet ups every Friday, featuring locally-relevant topics. Join CEC on June 12 for “Collecting Stories from the Pandemic” and June 19 for “Connecting Students to Conservation Careers”. Offered at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Friday, spend 15 minutes connecting with fellow educators, and 15 minutes learning about each unique topic. Find details and register on this Google form.

Environmental Issues Candidate Forum: Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner

On June 24, 2020, from 7-8 p.m., CEC and other members of the Houston environmental community will host a virtual candidate forum with Diana Martinez Alexander and Michael Moore, the two Democrats in the July 14 run-off to be their party’s candidate for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3. (Republican Tom Ramsey will meet the run-off winner in the general election. Mr. Ramsey has agreed to participate in a general election Environmental Forum–watch for that information later.) We invite you to join as Houston environmental leaders ask questions. This informational forum is not affiliated with any party or candidate. View the flyer. Register for this Zoom event at us02web.zoom.us. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information on joining the meeting.

CEC Volunteer Info Session June 30 will be held online

CEC seeks individuals who might be interested in volunteering to help with our website and newsletter, plan events, design graphics, serve on one of our committees (programs, communications, finance, fundraising and development, membership, and governance) this year, or possibly joining our board of directors in January 2021. The next info sessions will be held June 30. For more information, please email rachel@cechouston.org, or join us online at Google Hangouts.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts, particularly in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Comment period for State of the Bay Report Fourth Edition extended to June 15

Since September 2017, the GeoTechnology Research Institute through the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has been working on a fourth edition of The State of the Bay report. The updated report will present a summary of Galveston Bay Plan implementation, research, and an analysis of the indicators and metrics available for the Bay, based on acquired and quality assured monitoring data from the Regional Monitoring Database. The draft documents have been completed and are available here. Due to technical issues, the stakeholder comment period has been extended to Monday, June 15, 2020 at 4 p.m. Comments can be submitted here.

Houston Sierra Club Online: World Oceans Day and Our National Marine Sanctuaries

In lieu of an in-person in June, the Sierra Club Houston Group is offering an online presentation topic featuring World Oceans Day (June 8) which celebrates the major role the oceans have in everyday life, and America’s National Marine Sanctuaries. To find the listing of online resources, visit sierraclub.org.

Eco-Art Kayak Adventure Tour of Galveston Bay

Artist Boat is offering Eco-Art Kayak Adventure Tours of Galveston Bay. Participants will exxplore marshes, seagrass beds and natural habitats filled with wildlife. No experience is necessary. The tours are perfect for families, groups, solo explorers and beginners ages 7 and up. These guided interpretive tours include paddles, lifejacket, and safety instructions. For more information and to register, visit artistboat.org.

Camp At Home and Wonders of Wetlands

Galveston Bay Foundation is offering “Camp at Home” virtual programs for students ages 9-18 this summer. Each program highlights the Galveston Bay ecosystem and connects campers to their role in the environment. The programs feature hands-on activities, online discussions and learning opportunities, animal encounters, and camp kits that include all materials for the week. During “Wonders of Wetlands: A Virtual Experience” sessions, educators will use song, movement, crafts, and stories to engage campers ages 5-8 in this 1-hour virtual workshop. Registration runs through June 12, 2020. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

“Nature as Nature” blog

The Armand Bayou Nature Center offers its “Nature as Normal” blog as a means to “remember that things are still happening as normal in the bigger picture, and that we’ll all be back to normal soon too.” Each weekly entry features photographs by award-winning kayaking photographer Gary Seloff and ABNC Volunteer Photo Walk Leader Lyman Brown, with commentary by ABNC’s  Conservation Director and Chief Naturalist, Mark Kramer. The latest entry is titled “Peak Boom“. Find all of the blog entries at abnc.org.

“Houston and Nature” podcast

Nivien Saleh, a political scientist, video producer, and volunteer member of Houston’s environmental community, recently launched a podcast, “Houston and Nature,” in which she interviews prominent members of the greater Houston environmental community about the strengths and weaknesses of the community and ways to improve it. The latest episode is titled “This Prairie Chicken Will Make Your Heart Quicken: Fighting Species Extinction“, featuring John Magera, manager of the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge.

Houston Family Nature Challenge

Through June 26, 2020, Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation Houston is hosting the Houston Family Nature Challenge. Participants will receive a challenge each Monday, accompanied by thought-provoking mini-lessons, educational tools to enhance understanding, and Texas-based guest speakers who will share valuable environmental insights for the whole family. each week with a live Show and Tell, structured on building community among families across the Houston-Galveston region. For more information and to register, visit celfeducation.org.

Ask an Ecologist

On June 11, 2020 (and every Thursday through September 24), beginning at 3 p.m., Bayou Land Conservancy will present a Facebook Live event called “Ask an Ecologist.” Attendees can submit nature-related questions or topics and receive answers live. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Final Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary expansion virtual public meeting on June 11

NOAA is issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking to expand Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The proposal would expand the sanctuary from 56 square miles to 160 square miles to protect additional critical habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed rule for expansion would add 14 additional reefs and banks to the sanctuary. NOAA is inviting the public to provide input on any aspect of the notice of proposed rulemaking during a public comment period ending on July 3, 2020. On June 11, from 6-8 p.m. the sanctuary will host a final virtual public meeting (register here) so that people can learn more about the proposal and submit comments. Additional information on the proposed rule and how to make comments is available on the expansion website. 

Houston Parks Board Rising Leaders Virtual Social

On June 11, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m. the Houston Parks Board will host a Rising Leaders Virtual Social in which HPB Board Chairman Barron Wallace will discuss hot to bringing 1.5 million Houstonians within 1.5 miles of a Bayou Greenway. For more information and to register, send and email risingleaders@houstonparksboard.org, and to register,visit houstonparksboard.org.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby 2020 Virtual Conference

On June 13, 2020, the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its 2020 Virtual Conference, which will focus on the path ahead for climate change policy. Attendees will learn about the prospect of climate change action from members of Congress, journalists and other climate organizations; and receive training on how to Congress members and others in the community about climate change Additionally, there will be three seminars on Sunday, June 14 that will dive deeper into the topics introduced at the conference. For more information and to register, visit citizensclimatelobby.org.

Urban Harvest gardening classes

Urban Harvest offers year-round adult gardening classes in Houston, in addition to its extensive Youth Education program. Urban Harvest offers advice, gardening classes, and services to provide parents, teachers, and administrators with information to build and maintain a successful and sustainable school garden programs in Houston. On June 13, 2020, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., it will offer an online class on “Low Volume Irrigation.” For more information and to register, visit urbanharvest.org.

Virtual Father’s Day Plant Sale

From June 13-14, 2020, Mercer Botanic Gardens will host a Virtual Father’s Day Plant Sale, featuring a wide variety of plants cultivated at Mercer’s Horticultural Propagation Center greenhouses., including annuals and perennials, edibles, roses, Gulf Coast natives, and trees and shrubs. Online shoppers will receive instructions in their order confirmation to retrieve orders the week after the virtual plant sale ends. All orders are pickup only. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Ocean Awareness Art Contest

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs invites students ages 11-18 to participate in the worldwide Ocean Awareness Art Contest by submitting visual art, film, interactive/multimedia, music, poetry, or prose that explores the theme Climate Hope: Transforming Crisis. Climate Hope asks for stories that will energize us and accelerate action and collaboration to take on the climate crisis. The deadline to participate is June 15, 2020. For full details, visit bowseat.org.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Summer Camps Go Virtual

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is offering virtual Summer Camps for children ages four through 12, with campers grouped in classes by age. Navigating around Covid 19, this virtual Summer Camp allows families to connect with nature from their own homes, while supporting the Arboretum’s crucial conservation and education efforts. Registration for the second five weeks of camp begin June 15, 2020. For more information and to register, visit houstonarboretum.org.

3rd Tuesday Kickerillo Audubon Bird Survey

On June 16, 2020, from 7:30-10 a.m., the Piney Woods Wildlife Society and Houston Audubon will co-host a free birding field trip at the Kickerillo preserve. All levels of birding experience are welcome. If you’re new to bird watching, this is an excellent way to start. For more information, visit the Facebook event.

Bay Area Sierra Club Zoom Meeting: A Trip to Antarctica

On June 17, 2020, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Bay Area Sierrra Club will hold a virtual meeting featuring Marion and Harry Hulen, who will share photos and lore learned from their trip to Antarctica in 2019. For more information, visit Meetup.com.

Coastal Communities Outreach Roundtable

On June 18, 2020, from 2-3 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will present a Virtual Roundtable Meeting to discuss additional outreach resources that communities would like to see added to the Outreach Toolbox in future updates and expansions. Registration is not required for this meeting, and any interested communities or local partners are encouraged to participate. You can join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. For more information, including dial-in information for your phone, please email waterresources@h-gac.com. For more information, visit coastalcommunitiestx.com.

TCiN Virtual Best Practices Training

On June 18, 2020, from 2-4 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will host a best practices webinar on creating virtual content. Join experts as we discuss hosting webinars and meetings in the online space. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Birding with Children

On June 24, 2020, from 11 a.m.-noon, Texas Children in Nature will host a webinar featuring Jennifer Bristol, author of “Parking Lot Birding: A Fun Guide to Discovering Birds in Texas”, in a presentation about birding with kids. Bristol will share tips and ideas about how to engage children of all ages. She will also share how you can improve the habitat in your yard or at your child’s school campus to attract more birds year-round. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Mercer Bird Survey

On June 25, 2020, beginning at 8 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host its montthly bird survey with longtime birder, Paul Gregg, and Mercer staff member, Christy Jones. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as Mercer’s 1.7-mile survey loop is primarily crushed asphalt trails. Registration is required. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

Virtual Rain Barrel Workshop

On June 27, 2020, from 2:30-3:15 p.m., Galveston Bay Foundation will hold an online rain barrel workshop with rain barrel pickup from 9 a.m.-noon at the Galveston Bay Foundation Office, 1725 Highway 146, Kemah. It will consist of a presentation via Zoom on the benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation and installation instructions and tips. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

Alliance for Water Efficiency Learning Landscapes Grant Program applications due June 30

The Alliance for Water Efficiency recently launched its Learning Landscapes Grant Program. AWE offers this grant program to support building or improving educational outdoor spaces that allow school-age children to experience hands-on, applied learning about the water our landscapes consume. Eligible projects include outdoor landscapes at schools, on public/government property, at botanical gardens, and other community locations as appropriate. The application period is open through June 30, 2020. For more information, visit allianceforwaterefficiency.org.

L.A.N.D.S. Outreach Workshops continue through August 3

The Texas Wildlife Association’s Learning Across New Dimensions in Science (L.A.N.D.S.) Outreach Workshops are six (6) hour trainings that introduce attendees to the TWA, in-class and outdoor lessons and activities, and how to incorporate natural resources into classrooms or programming.  Lessons focus on teaching land stewardship, native wildlife, and water conservation and are Science TEKS-aligned for Grades K-8. This year, the L.A.N.D.S. workshops are being held virtually through August 3. For more information and to register, visit texas-wildlife.org.

COVID-19 Registry seeks public’s input

The COVID-19 Registry, spearheaded by Rice University with partnering organizations, is a research study that provides real-time information to health departments on the spread of COVID-19, who is being affected, and how. The registry will help to: track virus spread over time and across geography; measure economic and health impacts; understand behavior in response to policy changes; and identify popular and effective sources of information. Data from the registry will be stored in a highly secure system built by Rice University. Things learned from the registry will be published, but will not include any information that would identify participants. For more information and to take the survey, visit rice.edu. Read the most up-to-date findings here.

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.

  • San Solomon Springs in west Texas is a true oasis in the desert. But oil and gas production can threaten the spring, placing its endangered species at more risk. Teaming with universities, local citizens, federal conservation groups, and the oil and gas companies themselves, Chad Norris is working to save the springs
  • A Classic Competition from the Coast is now statewide and open to all. How many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot? Follow some folks who decided to find out
  • Postcard from Texas: Wild and wide-open vistas await visitors at San Angelo State Park

Additional Upcoming Events