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Houston Environmental News Update October 7, 2020
October 8, 2020

Houston Environmental News Update October 7, 2020

National Wildlife Refuge Week, Friday Night Bug Lights, Solid Waste Plan, NAAEE Research Symposium & Conference, Implementing Climate Action & Resilience, Low Carbon Energy Summit, UH Energy Symposium, Green Jobs, and more

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent location for wildlife watching.

Rediscover your nature at a national wildlife refuge. National Wildlife Refuge Week, observed the second full week of October each year, celebrates the great network of lands and waters that conserves and protects Americans’ precious wildlife heritage.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides vital habitat for thousands of native species, including Attwater Prairie Chickens, American alligators,and sea turtles. Millions of Americans visit refuges each year to enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Have you visited any of the wildlife refuges in the region? You can find nearby refuges using the USFWS “Find a Wildlife Refuge” tool. If you are in the Houston region, you are probably within about an hour drive of at least one of the refuges. Our local refuges* include:

Rafinesque’s big-eared bat–
getting ready for October 31.

Don’t think you’ll make it out to a refuge any time soon? You are in luck! The Houston Community Partnerships & Engagement program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service‘ Urban Wildlife Conservation Program is bringing the refuges to you! Here are just a few of the ways you can engage:

*While refuge units are open for recreation, units may be subject to sudden access restrictions with little to no advance notice. Be aware that public building operations are temporarily suspended – including visitor centers, nature stores, and flush toilet bathrooms. Please plan ahead and come prepared.

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

CEC NOTES

Trivia Night: Water World

Did you know? Six billion gallons of treated water are lost every day. On Oct. 14, 2020 from 6-7 p.m., CEC is partnering with Houston Public Works to discuss water usage in our world and test your knowledge on the subject. This is a family friendly, virtual event! Any money raised will go to the Houston Water Aid to Elderly Residents (WATER) Fund, which provides assistance to senior citizens in need. Learn more and sign up at eventbrite.

Tickets on Sale: Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC is proud to host the third annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival. The virtual festival will tell the story of local environmental issues, their champions and how you can make a difference. This year, the number and quality of film submissions was so great that we decided to host two nights of programming: October 21 and November 18, 2020. Each night will feature different films. A few of the best local films will be shown at the January 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour. Tune in to the live program to vote for your favorite film, or register to receive a link to watch the on-demand program later. In addition to pay-what you-can tickets, you can pre-order a delicious meal featuring local, organic food from Pat Greer’s Kitchen. Register at eventbrite.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, visit cechouston.org.

Support the environment through workplace giving

If you work for employers such as the City of Houston, the State of Texas, or HISD, among many other public and private workplaces, remember that the fall is campaign season for most employee workplace giving programs. Employees are offered the chance to select from many charitable organizations to support through payroll contributions. You can give to CEC via EarthShare of Texas, as one of 60 local, regional and national environmental organizations supported by EarthShare of Texas. You can designate individual organizations or let EarthShare of Texas divide it equally among their participating organizations. A complete list of participating workplaces is available at www.earthshare-texas.org. For more information about EarthShare of Texas, including information about how your organization can offer workplace giving, please visit www.earthshare-texas.org or call 800-GREENTX. Look for the the CEC’s code number under the EarthShare of Texas heading in workplace giving campaign literature at all state agencies (035569), at HISD (0111) and at the City of Houston (1413). Please consider CEC in your workplace giving program!

Be CEC’s Neighbor at MECA

CEC’s office is at MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling for the Arts) in the historic Dow School in the Old Sixth Ward off of Memorial Drive just outside of downtown. Studios (aka classrooms) are available, including one right next to CEC! (We might even share our conference room.) Learn more at meca-houston.org or email rachel@cechouston.org to get the scoop.

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).

City of Houston Draft Long-Range Solid Waste Plan

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is excited to announce the creation of an updated Long-Range Solid Waste Management Plan covering waste and recycling programs for Houston until 2040. The draft plan will provide for sustainable materials management for the Houston area for the next 20 years. SWMD will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. SWMD is also hosting a a special conversation with high school and college students on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. All the meetings will be held via Microsoft TEAMS with virtual and call-in options. SWMD welcomes comments between now and Oct. 31, 2020. Learn more at houstontx.gov/solidwaste/longrange/index.html. Residents are encouraged to provide comments on surveymonkey.com.

NAAEE Research Symposium

From Oct. 8-10, 2020, the North American Association of Environmental Educators will hold its annual Research Symposium virtually. The Symposium brings together new and experienced researchers from around the globe to explore the current state and future directions of environmental education research and advance the use of practices proven to be effective. Among this year’s presenters are CEC’s own Alicia Mein-Johnson and the Nature Conservancy’s Jaime González, also based in Houston. For more details and to register, visit naaee.org.

Implementing Climate Action & Resilience

On Oct. 8, 2020, from 3-4 p.m., the Texas chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council will present a webinar that will examine the climate action plans developed by San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Austin, which include multiple strategies to address issues across the spectrum of a city’s operations, investments, and infrastructure. This discussion will focus on intersection of Climate Action and Resilience and how the core competencies of USGBC Texas and our members can be leveraged to accomplish these large-scale goals across the state. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.

Spring Creek Watershed Partnership Meeting

On Oct. 8, 2020, beginning at 2 p.m., the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss water quality issues impacting the Spring Creek watershed in Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties. Local stakeholders are invited to participate in the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership, which will develop a watershed protection plan to address these challenges. To register, visit springcreekpartnership.weebly.com.

Texas Children in Nature Virtual Meet Up

On Oct. 8, 2020, from 5-6:30 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will present a virtual networking event. Partners from across the state of Texas can gather to discuss getting more kids outside. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Green Approaches for Flood & Climate-Resistance

On Oct. 8, 2020, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Houston group of the Lone Star Sierra Club will hold its monthly online meeting featuring a panel discussion on various approaches to make Houston for flood- and climate-resistant. The panelists are Amanda Fuller, Deputy Director, Gulf Restoration Program (Austin), National Wildlife Federation; Laura Patino, Chief of Staff for Recovery and Resilience, City of Houston; and Cyrus Reed, Interim Director and Conservation Director, Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club. For full program information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Low Carbon Energy Summit

On Oct. 8 and Oct. 15, 2020, the Center for Houston’s Future will present the second annual Low Carbon Energy Summit, which highlights the region’s progress in accelerating Houston’s development as a leader in the energy transition. This year, the focus will be the theme of innovation, spotlighting the technologies and players making Houston a low carbon energy capital. For more information and to register, visit centerforhoustonsfuture.org.

Texas Recycling and Composting Summit

Through Oct. 9, 2020, the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) is presenting the Texas Recycling and Composting Summit virtually. The Summit brings together professionals from the materials management industry to learn, collaborate, network, share successes, and support the industry in Texas. The Summit provides attendees the unique opportunity to meet and connect with prospective clients and partners who are working to advance recycling in Texas. For more information and to register, visit recyclingstar.org.

The 48th Annual Short Course for Appointed and Elected Officials

Through Oct. 9, 2020, the 48th Annual Short Course for Appointed and Elected Officials is presenting as part of the 2020 American Planning Association Cross-Chapter Collaborative Virtual Conference for for planning commissioners and elected officials. APA Texas supports planning commissioner training to assist commissioners not only to do a better job, but to enjoy the time they spend serving their community. For more information and to register, visit texas.planning.org.

UH Energy Symposium Series: Houston’s Low-Carbon Energy Capital

UH Energy, the UH Bauer College of Business, and the Center for Houston’s Future have conducted a major research project on Houston’s potential role as “Houston’s Low-Carbon Energy Capital”. This month, the organizations will results of these project will be unveiled during a 4-series event on starting on Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m. with “Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage“. Subsequent presentations will be: “Low -Carbon Electricity Grid” (Oct. 16), “Hydrogen” (Oct. 23), and “Circular Plastics Economy” (Oct. 30). The series will not only share the findings of these studies, but also begin a broader discussion on Houston’s energy future with leading industry experts. Each session will conclude with an audience Q&A. For more information on the series, visit uh.edu.

Local Foods, Local Places planning assistance applications now open

Through Oct. 30, 2020, communities are invited to apply for a new round of planning assistance from the Local Foods, Local Places program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Local Foods, Local Places helps communities revitalize neighborhoods through development of local food systems. On Oct. 9, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. Central Time, they will host a webinar that provides an overview of the Local Foods, Local Places program and the selection criteria for the 2020-2021 application. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit epa.gov.

Lights Out for Birds

Most North American migratory birds fly at night, and lights on buildings can disorient birds on their paths, resulting in fatal collisions. The Upper Texas Coast plays a key role on the Central Flyway, an important migratory path for birds. Birds that move along and across the Gulf of Mexico depend on safe passage through the Houston-Galveston area. From Sept. 15-Nov. 15, Houston Audubon is participating in “Lights Out for Birds,” an effort to reduce light pollution in the region. For more information and to make a pledge to help reduce light pollution, visit houstonaudubon.org.

EcoRise: Sustainability in Outdoor Learning

On Oct. 10, 2020, from 10-11:30 p.m., EcoRise will present an interactive learning experience to explore EcoRise lessons that utilize outdoor spaces as well as options to adapt lessons for outdoor learning, using its Outdoor Learning Guide. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Big Thicket Day 56th Annual Meeting

Big Thicket Association

On Oct. 10, 2020, beginning at 9:30 a.m., the Big Thicket Association will hold its Annual Meeting virtually. Participants will receive get up-to-date information about BTA projects and programs and how it has been impacted by COVID-19. Participants will be able to ask questions, meet new Executive Director Wendy Ledbetter, get a Big Thicket Preserve up-date from Wayne Prokopetz, Park Superintendent, and election results for our 2021-2022 board directors. The keynote speaker will be Senior Policy Director and long-time Executive Director of the Texas Conservation Alliance, Janice Bezanson, in a talk tilted “Celebrating Successes: Coalitions and Persistence.” Join the meeting at zoom.us. Meeting ID: 845 3083 4408. Passcode: 950140. Phone dial-in: +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston).

Climate Forum for TX HD 148

On Oct. 10, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will host its monthly virtual meeting, including a forum with the candidates for the Texas House of Representatives District 148. Attendees are encouraged to remain on the Zoom call until 1 pm to learn more about Citizens’ Climate Lobby and ways that they can engage their elected officials to help advocate for meaningful climate change legislation. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Free Grant Writing Clinic

On Oct. 10 and 11, 2020, Healthy Outdoors Communities is sponsoring a free, two-day grant writing workshop for community based non-profit organizations and schools in the Acres Homes and Third Ward communities. The workshop will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on both days. Space is limited, so all registrants will be placed on a waiting list initially so we can ensure all participants meet the guidelines for registration. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Online Fall Plant Sale

From Oct. 10-14, 2020, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is hosting its Fall Plant Sale. They will be offering native flowers, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation and education efforts. Plant pickup will be available Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

Virtual Rain Barrel Workshop

On Oct. 11, 2020, from 4-4:45 p.m., Galveston Bay Foundation will hold a virtual workshop on the benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation and installation instructions and tips. Participants can register to pick up their rain barrels (included in the $35 cost) at one of three locations on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

Public comment sought on 2020 Forest Action Plan

The Texas A&M Forest Service has updated the 2020 Forest Action Plan and is requesting public comments through October 11, 2020, before a final version is published at the end of the year. Read the Forest Action Plan at texasforestinfo.tamu.edu and provide comment using this Google form. If you have any questions please contact Mac Martin, Staff Forester, at mac.martin@tfs.tamu.edu.

THEA Jones Road Community Meeting

On Oct. 13, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Texas Health and Environment Association, Inc. will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss technical reports and data received through a Freedom if Information Act Request to the EPA related to the Jones Road Groundwater Plume Superfund Site. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.

Fall Native Plant Sale

Through Oct. 13, 2020, Keep Pearland Beautiful is accepting pre-orders for its annual Fall Native Plant Sale. The Fall Plant Sale will include native and adaptive plants that love the Brazoria County soil and heat. They are all low maintenance perennials that are well suited for backyard gardens. Many are butterfly, hummingbird and bird attractors. Pici-up will be Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17. For more information and to place pre-ordrs, visit pearlandrecycles.com.

Envision Credentialing Class

On Oct. 14, 2020, from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., the West Houston Association will present an Envision Credentialing Class. The course is taught by ISI-approved instructors Michael F. Bloom and Liz Parent and will prepare you for the Sustainable Infrastructure credentialing exam for ENV certification. PDH certificates available upon request. For more information and to register, visit westhouston.org.

Fabulous Figs! A Virtual Lunch Bunch

On Oct. 14, 2020, beginning at noon, the Mercer Botanic Gardens will present a virtual Lunch Bunch talk on the subject of figs. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Clean Waters Initiative Workshop

On Oct. 15, 2020, from 8:30-11 a.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will present a Clean Waters Initiative Workshop. The topic of the workshop will be “Regional Resilience and Preparation for Extreme Weather Events”. Presentations will examine potential solutions, tools, and recommendations to improve regional resilience to these weather events. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

TPWD Celebrates Careers during National Hispanic Heritage Month

On Oct. 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., join TPWD to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions of our colleagues and learning about careers at Texas State Parks.

A Conversation with Leaders in Green

On Oct. 15, 2020, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the U.S. Green Building Council Texas will present a panel discussion in which several green leaders got into sustainability (their journey), why sustainability is essential (in the context of green building and sustainable land development practices), and what the opportunities are for people wishing to explore/get involved in this important sector. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.

Houston 2020 Visions Lecture Series: The Policy of Resilience

On Oct. 15, 2020, beginning at 6 p.m., the American Institute of Architects Houston chapter, as part of its “Houston 2020” exhibition, will present its introductory panel discussion, “The Policy of Resilience”. City Council Member David W. Robinson, FAIA, will moderate a discussion on how city government is implementing policy ranging from infrastructure projects to policy recommendations, from flood warning systems to resilient housing design. For more information and to register, visit houston2020visions.org.

Australia and Asia’s Transition to a Lower-Carbon Future

On Oct. 15, 2020, from 6-7:30 p.m., the Asia Society Texas Center will host a panel discussion featuring leading experts discussing how Australia and Asia are playing a leading role in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future through policy, innovation, and technology. This virtual event is scheduled from last spring. For more information and to register, visit asiasociety.org.

People’s Eco-Challenge

The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites Houstonians of all faiths to join their team for this year’s People’s Eco-Challenge, through Oct. 28, 2020. This online event offers you the opportunity to care for the earth by taking on a challenge in: justice for the whole community, healing & renewal, waste, food, health, transportation, energy, community, nature, water, or simplicity.  Create a new environmental justice/stewardship habit over the course of the three weeks of the challenge.  Join the team at https://peoples.ecochallenge.org/. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at: gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson Mapping near Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson has started a mapping project in the Gulf of Mexico for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. You can track the project’s progress in this story map.

Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Feasibility Report released

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, along with the Harris County Flood Control District, recently released an Interim Feasibility Report for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study. The purpose of the study is to evaluate alternatives with the goal of helping to reduce flooding under a range of flood events.This report is now available for public review and comment through November 2, 2020. Information sessions are scheduled for Oct. 13, 15, 22, and 26. To see the full report and information on the public sessions and how to provide comment, visit usace.army.mil.

Submit your Ideas for Texas Restoration Area Planning

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group is beginning the process of considering restoration activities that will address injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Through December 10, 2020, the Implementation Group is seeking restoration project ideas that benefit wetland, coastal, and nearshore habitats, and living coastal and marine resources, and restore water quality through nonpoint source nutrient reduction in the Texas Restoration Area. In our next restoration plan, a range of projects will be considered to address injuries to these restoration types: wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats; nutrient reduction (nonpoint source); oysters; sea turtles; and birds. Additional information on these restoration types is available in Chapter 5 of the Trustee Council’s Programmatic Restoration Plan, and the Strategic Frameworks for birds, oysters, and sea turtles.

Imagine A Day Without Water Essay Contest

Houston Public Works is sponsoring the “Imagine A Day Without Water” essay contest, open to 1st-8th grade students within the City of Houston limits, whether in public, private or homeschool settings. Essays up to 300 words should focus on what it takes to deliver clean and safe water to people’s homes, and describe what it would be like if the water stopped flowing. Prizes for teachers and students are $200 gift cards. The deadline for entries is Oct. 16, 2020, and winners will be announced during the Oct. 21 City Council meeting. For full details, visit cechouston.org.

Houston Botanic Garden Opening: Celebrating Africa

On Oct. 17, 2020, the Houston Botanic Garden will continue its series of opening season weekends with special educational opportunities that will showcase Houston’s cultural richness and biodiversity, focusing on Africa. The event will include educational demonstrations on Caribbean plants and food; and on gumbo and connections between African-Americans and West Africa; performances by FAM Houston’s Congolese Women’s Empowerment Group, children’s activities, and more. For more information, visit hbg.org.

Texas Pollinator BioBlitz & Plant Sale

Through Oct. 18, 2020, Mercer Botanic Gardens is hosting the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz, an annual, statewide effort to increase the awareness of Texas pollinators, including many species of butterflies, moths, bees, and more. Pollinator nectar and host plants, including plenty of Texas native plants such as coneflowers, milkweed, and passionflowers, will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Mercer Botanic Gardens. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Gulf Freeway PEL Study MetroQuest Survey–Video Game Style

TxDOT is conducting a study to identify issues and potential solutions for improving the Gulf Freeway from downtown to Beltway 8 South. Community ideas are key to this study and there’s an easy way for folks to provide input – TxDOT’s online survey is available until Oct. 11, 2020, at txdot.gov/inside-txdot/gulf-freeway-pel-study.html.

AAMA Graphic Design Assistance for Nonprofits

The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans’ Work and Learn Center teaches opportunity youth graphic design through its Youth Enterprise Design Studio. Participating youth, ages 16 – 24, are not enrolled in school, employed, or in a job training program. The Youth Enterprise Design Studio supports these passionate students while providing valuable career and hands-on experience. The students create a variety of designs and branding materials for local businesses and non-profits, ensuring that your vision becomes a reality. You can help support participants by providing experience working with clients. If you are interested in supporting AAMA’s students with your graphic design needs, please contact Jacob Saenz for a consultation at jsaenz@aama.org or at (218) 932–4661. Be on the lookout for the great work they have been doing for the CEC!

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.

  • Once thought to be on its way to extinction, the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is making a comeback. Due to the efforts of a few dedicated biologists and volunteers at Padre Island National Seashore, the turtle’s numbers are continuing to climb
  • Through the efforts of many agencies and organizations, the largest remaining undisturbed tract of land on the Texas coast has been acquired for conservation and restoration of native habitats and wildlife. Powderhorn Ranch is a unique and significant biological and recreational asset that will be an important asset for wildlife and outdoor recreation for future generations
  • Texas Parks & Wildlife Executive Producer Bruce Biermann recently retired after 26 years of state service. He produced every segment in this show. See some highlights of few of his favorite stories

Additional Upcoming Events

Check out the latest Green Jobs at cechouston.org/green-jobs/.