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Houston Environmental News Update August 19, 2020
August 19, 2020

Houston Environmental News Update August 19, 2020

Thank You Interns, Houston Climate Week, Environmental Issues Forum, Climate Solutions Symposium, Advocacy and Lobbying 101, Keep Texas Beautiful Conference, Green Jobs, and more

It has been a whirlwind summer as our interns learned and worked, taking on projects including video production, curriculum development, accounting, policy and issue research, event planning, plastic pollution trivia, marketing, outreach, Salesforce administration, web development, and more than we can list here. The interns also had the opportunity to meet with environmental professionals in our weekly mentorship meetings.

While most of our summer interns have left to go back to school (one as a teacher rather than as a student!), some of them are still finishing their internships. At the same time, we have already begun onboarding fall interns (more about them soon). For these interns and other young people interested in environmental careers, we are hoping to offer our environmental mentorship meetings to a broader community. Please reach out to rachel@cechouston.org if you are interested in participating or helping out.

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

CEC NOTES

Environmental Issues Virtual Forum with Candidates for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3

On August 20, 2020, the Houston environmental community will host a virtual candidate forum with Tom Ramsey and Michael Moore, the two candidates for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3. We invite you to join as Houston environmental leaders ask questions. This informational forum is not affiliated with any party or candidate. Advance registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information on joining the ZOOM meeting. Tendremos un intérprete disponible para cualquier persona que desea escuchar en Español. Se proveera instrucciones cuando comience la reunión de Zoom. Advance registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/environmentalforum2020. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information on joining the meeting. Event co-hosts include:

Air Alliance Houston * Bayou City Waterkeeper * Bayou Land Conservancy *
Bayou Preservation Association * CEER  (Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience) * Citizens Climate Lobby * Citizens’ Environmental Coalition * Galveston Bay Foundation *
Houston Audubon Society * Houston Sierra Club * Houston Tomorrow * Katy Prairie Conservancy * National Wildlife Federation * Save Buffalo Bayou * THEA (Texas Health and Environment Alliance)

Call for submissions: Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC is proud to host the third annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. CEC hopes to use this festival to tell local environmental stories, highlight the work of CEC’s member organizations, and to inspire our residents and visitors to make a difference in the environment and our quality of life. The festival will be held virtually to protect the health and safety of our community in these times. We invite you to submit a film for consideration. Films should be specific to the environment in the Houston/Gulf Coast Region, should be no more than seven minutes long, and must be of suitable quality to be shown publicly. Find the Submission Guidelines here, and make submissions here.

CEC seeking fall interns

CEC is currently recruiting interns for the fall semester to help with projects, gain experience, and develop professional competencies. Interns will work in Communications & Marketing, Policy & Government Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, Event Coordination, Business, Education or design a custom program to fit their needs. If interested, please email a resume and cover letter to alicia@cechouston.org and visit CEC Houston for detailed job descriptions.

TAEE Conference registration now available

CEC is proud to partner with the Texas Association for Environmental Education to host a virtual conference on September 25 & 26, 2020. CEC encourages all of our environmental educators to register and actively participate. Highlights include a special session for pre-service teachers, a preview of a new Texas wildlife movie, and a focus on quality virtual programming. Please share the opportunity within your own networks, and contact info@taee.org if you have any questions. Learn more at taee.org and register online.

Future CEC Events

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).

How to Stay Alive in Heat Waves

While Houston has had 10 days a year of dangerous heat, in 2100, 113 are expected every year unless we limit warming to 2 degrees. That’s nearly four months of dangerous heat. Learn more about this virtual event on August 20, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. hosted by the First Unitarian Universalist Church’s Climate Action Team and register on Eventbrite.

Waste Management, Recycling and Sustainability 

On August 20, 2020, from 2-3 p.m., the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy will present a webinar focusing on issues involving shortfalls in our recycling and waste management systems, while plastic pollution and marine debris continue to be global problems. In the quest to decarbonize our economies, renewable energy and low carbon technologies are often perceived as green solutions in the energy transition. However, life cycle considerations, particularly end of life management, are crucial to the overall sustainability profile of such technologies. For more information and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.

Cotton Bayou Project Virtual Public Meeting

The Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have been working on a long-term project to address the high levels of bacteria in Cotton Bayou. The first step is to analyze bacteria level trends and possible causes. On August 20, 2020, from 2-4 p.m., they will host a public meeting to discuss water quality in the watershed. H-GAC will provide an update on its latest findings and hear from people who live, work, and enjoy the outdoors in the watershed. To register, visit gotowebinar.com. For more information, contact Rachel Windham at 713-993-2497. 

A Landscape Makeover, with Natives!

On August 20, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host a virtual meeting featuring Suzy Shapiro (client) and Joe Blanton (landscape design and implementation). They will share the journey from the early development of ideas, completely scraping and regrading a residential lot in Montrose, installing drainage, hardscape, bed elevations and excavations for a rain garden and ponds, and planting the gardens. For more information and to register, visit npsot.org.

Climate Solutions Symposium

On August 22, 2020, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Climate Solutions Community and the  Engineering, Science & Technology Council of Houston will co-host a virtual Climate Solutions Symposium which will present solutions to global warming and its climate change effects. Topics will include transportation electrification, nuclear energy, carbon pricing. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Houston Climate Week

In commemoration of the third anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the City of Houston’s Office of Sustainability will host a virtual Houston Climate Week from August 24-28, 2020, to officially kick off the implementation phase of the recently-released Houston Climate Action Plan. There will be a series of online talks throughout the week. Speakers include leaders from the City of Houston, Google, Tesla, bp, NRG, EVolve Houston, CenterPoint, ENGIE, GHP, Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, Texas PACE Authority, Marvin Odum, Dr. Robert Bullard, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, METRO, Greentown Labs, Sunnova, BQ Energy, Sunnyside, LINK Houston, The Nature Conservancy, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and Asakura Robinson. For the full listing of talks and to register, visit eventbrite.com. Members of the public are also invited to sign up to join the Plan’s implementation working groups. To sign up, visit greenhoustontx.gov.

New report on state of climate change disclosures by Texas companies

Houston-based Global Affairs Associates has published a special report titled “Gathering Momentum: Climate-related Reporting by Fortune 500 Companies Headquartered in Texas.” The report’s objective is to better understand how 93 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Texas disclose climate-related information and to provide a snapshot of the current state of climate-related reporting. Global Affairs Associates will hold a webinar to discuss the report’s findings on August 25, 2020 at 10 a.m. To download the full report and register for the webinar, visit globalaffairsassociates.com.

OpenRICE: Advocacy and Lobbying 101

On August 25, 2020, beginning at noon, the Glasscock School at Rice University will present a free webinar called “Advocacy and Lobbying 101: Legal Tips for 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Advocates.” presented by Natalie Ossenfort, director of Alliance for Justice’s Texas office. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to maximize their advocacy, the kinds of advocacy activities 501(c)(3)s can engage in, and when a communication is considered lobbying. For more information and to register, visit glasscock-info.rice.edu.

Exploring the Connection between COVID-19, Waste Management, Recycling, and Sustainability

On August 25, 2020, from 5-6 p.m., the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy will present a webinar focusing how on the novel coronavirus and the ensuing pandemic has impacted waste management procedures and plastic pollution while upending the goal of a circular economy. A panel of experts will discuss these impacts as they relate to the greater Houston area, which is home to the largest medical center in the world and runs the fourth largest municipal solid waste operation in the United States. For more information and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.

53rd Annual Virtual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference

The 53rd Annual Virtual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference will be a two-day event held on August 25-26, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Attendees will be able to celebrate and recognize the achievements of community leaders, inspiring youth, civic groups, businesses, and governments; experience sessions that are filled with innovative approaches to community beautification, waste reduction, and litter prevention; and find networking opportunities and engaging presentations from knowledgeable experts and those with a passion for the environment. For more information and to register, visit ktb.org.

Solid Waste Webinar: Waste Diversion

On August 26, 2020, from 9-11 a.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a Solid Waste Webinar focusing on waste diversion – keeping waste out of the landfills. Specific topics include uniform recycling, construct materials reuse, composting, food waste diversion. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

Texas Flood Registry: Measuring the Long-Term Impacts of Major Storms

On August 26, 2020, from 1:30-3 p.m., the Kinder Institute for Urban Research will present a webinar sharing findings from the 2020 Texas Flood Registry Report, which includes updates on Hurricane Harvey’s long-term impact and recent findings about the health and housing effects of the May 2019 storms and Tropical Storm Imelda. A panel discussion will follow. For more information and to register, visit kinder.rice.edu.

Vision for Sustainability: Houston Zoo Looks Ahead

On August 26, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m., the Green Building Resource Center will host an online discussion about the Houston Zoo’s efforts to strengthen its sustainability infrastructure and operations with Erin Donato, sustainability manager, and Florence Tang, project manger. For more information including how to connect, visit codegreenhouston.org.

Secrets of Milkweed Propagation and Significance to Prairies

On August 26, 2020, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host a virtual meeting featuring Barbara Keller-Willy, founder and director of Monarch Gateway, a Fort Bend County non-profit which seeks to create contiguous pollinator habitat across the coastal and central flyways of Texas. For more information, visit houstonprairie.org. Register at zoom.us.

Mercer Botanic Gardens Bird Survey

On August 27, 2020, from 8-10 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host its monthly bird survey led by 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. Space is limited. Must be 12 or older to participate. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Developing a Planning Range for Sea-Level Rise

On August 27, 2020, from 1-2 p.m., the Gulf of Mexico Climate & Resilience Community of Practice will co-present the latest in its “Fast and Easy CEU’s: Coastal Resilience Webinar Series.” This presentation will focus on how the probabilities of each sea-level rise scenario can be used to bring intentionality into planning that considers sea-level rise. It will review factors to consider when developing risk tolerance and how different levels of risk tolerance connect to scenario likelihood. For more information and to regiseter, visit eventbrite.com.

This Place Called Houston

On August 28, 2020, beginning at noon, the Glassock School for Continuing Education at Rice University will present a free webinar featuring environmental attorney, professor and poet Jim Blackburn, who will discuss ways residents can experience Houston’s nature with new eyes. Attendees will learn about Gulf Coast ecology, how our bayou system works, and how this place has shaped our identity and our future possibilities as a city. For more information and to register, visit glasscock-info.rice.edu.

Virtual Plumeria Plant Sale

On August 29, 2020, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host its Virtual Plumeria Plant Sale. All plumeria plants for sale are propagated from The Mercer Society’s mother plant collection. An online preview of all available plants will begin the week prior to the sale. 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.

Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza

On August 29, 2020, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church will host a virtual Creation Care Fest/Environmental Extravaganza with the theme “The Wonders of Texas Nature”.  Four expert speakers from local environmental organizations will discuss Texas flora and fauna, and the best places for outdoor recreation in the greater Houston area. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

10th Annual Trash Makeover Challenge

On August 29, 2020, from 7-8:30 p.m., Texas Campaign for the Environment will hold its Trash Makeover Challenge virtually. The Challenge is a high-profile contest for fashion designers, stylists, and models to create original high fashion looks out of recycled and recovered materials. Enjoy a unique fashion show that challenges designers to make clothing out of repurposed materials, participate in deciding the People’s Choice awards, and learn more about TCE’s work to fight pollution in Texas. There will be an online auction which begins Friday, August 21 and ends during the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit trashmakeover.com.

NPSOT Wildscapes Workshop Registration Now Open

Fireflies, an awesome plant sale, great speakers, and more will make this year’s virtual workshop hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas a not-to-be-missed event, starting September 1. Registration is now open at npsot.org.

Stephen F. Austin State University offers online degree in sustainable community development

Stephen F. Austin State University is now offering an online degree in sustainable community development, designed to accommodate first-year, second-year or community college transfer students wanting to stay in their hometown location. The degree builds core competencies in sustainability, including internships in areas such as renewable energy, community gardens, sustainability monitoring and grant writing. The degree offers flexibility to choose courses that fit students’ interests and schedule. SFA’s sustainability program merges environmental studies with economic, social and/or technical themes. SFA’s Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to tailor their masters degree to focus on sustainability. Distance and online course options are available. For more information, please sfasu.edu or email forbesw@sfasu.edu.

Community Outdoor Outreach Program grants available

Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program is now accepting applications for outdoor education programming. CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-represented populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education activities. Grant awards range between $5,000 – $30,000 for eligible activities that take place between March 1, 2021 – September 1, 2022. Recreation Grants staff will host a CO-OP Grant Writing Webinar on Tuesday, September 15 at 9 a.m. This webinar will discuss grant program requirements, provide an overview of the application process, review the newly modified scoring criteria and answer questions from applicants. Register for the webinar at gotowebinar.com. Applications are available now via the RGO 2020 system and the deadline is November 6, 2020 at 5 p.m CST. For more information and to apply, please visit tpwd.texas.gov.

EcoExplorers Daily Outdoor EcoPrograms

The Armand Bayou Nature Center is offering a new EcoProgram called EcoExplorers for children 4-10 years old, which provides several flexible Outdoor EcoClasses to fit your schedule during this unprecedented time of transition. Class sizes are limited to 10 children per counselor. All activities will be held outdoors, and masks are required. ABNC EcoExplorers will be adhering to the Health Protocols set forth by the CDC, Gov. Abbot’s Open Texas Plan and the American Camp Association concerning the COVID-19. For more information regarding the efforts we are taking please see the Parent Information Guide. For more information and to register, visit abnc.org.

Ask an Ecologist

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.

“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 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 “The Spider Experience.” Find all of the blog entries at abnc.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.

  • Elusive and rarely seen, “Lions of West Texas” chronicles the mountain lion research conducted in the Davis Mountains of west Texas by the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University
  • Green sea turtles have been showing up on south Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever. Dr. Donna Shaver, her team, and a great network of people have been busier than usual rescuing stuck or stranded turtles that need a little help getting to safe
  • Postcard from Texas: Leafy trees sway in the faintest breeze around the quiet waters of Fort Boggy State Park

Additional Upcoming Events