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Houston Environmental News Update January 20, 2021
January 20, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update January 20, 2021

Presidential action, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Lake Mark Kramer, Flower Garden Banks Expansion, Again, Together film discussion, Climate Justice Workshop, Arbor Day at Houston Arboretum, #teamtrees, Green Jobs, and more

The Front Lawn of the White House with Squirrel and American Flag in Washington, DC.

Tuesday’s Houston Chronicle, on the front page above the fold, proclaimed “Biden puts climate at top of list.” Among his 17 planned executive actions for the first day in office, President Biden intended to sign a petition to rejoin the Paris climate accord. However, with the political turmoil and civic unrest in the nation’s capital, we wondered whether we would be able to celebrate such an action today–and what we would write about if his plans were foiled. 

Happily, we did not have to resort to talking about Squirrel Appreciation Day.*

Mr. Biden’s activities today included several executive orders to address the “immediate priorities” relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic relief, climate change, racial equity and civil rights, immigration, and America’s standing in the world. The third order that he signed was to accept the article and clauses of the Paris Climate Agreement. (Other environmental actions pertain to public health, science, Keystone XL pipeline, oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, construction of the border wall, equity–and more to come.) We look forward to seeing more environmental actions and initiatives from the current administration.

* Squirrel Appreciation Day is January 21. Did you know fox squirrel, gray squirrel, and flying squirrel are all found in the Houston area? If you are in need of an anodyne to recent events (and most of 2020), check out this squirrel video by Mark Rober, Youtube sensation and co-founder of #teamtrees environmental fundraiser, which has raised money to plant 20 million trees in partnership with the National Arbor Day Foundation and others.

Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.

CEC NOTES

Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour

Tickets are on sale now for the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour, hosted by CEC, on Jan. 29, 2021. Preview the film lineup on our website. The program features local winners from the Wild About Houston Film Festival: City of Pearland, SETSVN and Native Prairies Association of Texas. Special thanks to our sponsors: McMac CX and Veritex Bank. The Silent Auction is also back by popular demand; bidding is now open on this Google Form. Purchase festival tickets at eventbrite.com.  

Virtually Wild! Field Trips

Need a virtual lesson, activity or field trip about Houston’s environment for your students? Send an email to SCA Americorps Intern Emma Wilson (emma.wilson@cechouston.org) to book and create a free, custom program that aligns to any of the TEKS. She is available any date and time from now until March. Or participate in a scheduled program with the USFWS on Wednesdays. Details at hereinhouston.org/virtual-field-trips. 

Environmental Educators Exchange

Join CEC for the Environmental Educators Exchange on Jan. 29, 2021 from 9:30 – 10 a.m. January’s meetings feature tips on collaborative social media practices from Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation, and updates from TAEE and TCIN. Email alicia@cechouston.org for the meeting link.

CEC Educators Survey

CEC wants to hear from our formal and informal educators. What are your professional development needs in 2021? Please take this brief survey to help us help you in the new year. Google Form: https://forms.gle/iJLBtxGNj5GzTQsr7.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Learn more about public participation opportunities at cechouston.org/public-participation-opportunities/

Houston-Galveston Area Council TPC Meeting on I-45 Project

On Jan. 22, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council will hold a virtual meeting on the proposed I-45 expansion project. The meetings is open to the public. Find the full agenda at information on how to access the meeting at h-gac.com.

Activities of the Texas Legislature: Pre-filed bills in December

Bills pre-filed in December relate to energy efficiency goals, the establishment of the Texas Environmental Justice Advisory Council, aggregate production operations, utilities, air quality permits, and more. Red more at cechouston.org.

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).

Lake Mark Kramer

Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Director of Conservation and Chief Naturalist Emeritus, Mark Kramer, has spent a lifetime working to preserve and restore Armand Bayou. To honor his work, Mud Lake has been renamed to Lake Mark Kramer. Read more in the Houston Chronicle. You can also read–and be inspired by–a series of blog posts written by Mark on the Armand Bayou Nature Center website.

Final Rule for Sanctuary Expansion Published

On January 19, 2021, NOAA issued the Final Rule for expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This action protects portions of 14 additional reefs and banks, slightly adjusts the boundaries of the sanctuary’s original three banks, and expands the sanctuary from 56 square miles to a total of 160 square miles. The final rule applies existing sanctuary regulations to all 17 banks, within 19 separate boundary areas, to provide protection from the destructive impact of activities related to fishing with bottom-tending gear, ship anchoring, oil and gas exploration and production, and salvage activities on sensitive biological resources. These areas include critical habitat for recreationally and commercially important fish, as well as threatened or endangered species of manta rays, sea turtles, and corals in the Gulf of Mexico. The expansion becomes effective after 45 days of continuous session of Congress. (Note: This may be postponed due to presidential executive orders.)

Wildlife by Design classroom presentations

During Spring 2001, Texas Wildlife Association will offer its free, TEKS-aligned Wildlife by Design classroom presentations for grades K-8 in a virtual format. Each school can have up to two program dates per school year. Each presentation is designed for a classroom length period of time, up to 60 minutes, and for a group of 20-50 students. There are options for both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. All presentations will be interactive and provide opportunities for student action/participation. For full information and to register, visit texas-wildlife.org.

Center for Houston’s Future 2021 Annual Meeting

On Jan. 21, 2020, from noon-1:15 p.m., the Center for Houston’s Future will hold its 2021 Annual Meeting virtually, featuring a discussion with Harvard Business School Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter, led by METRO Chair Carrin Patman. Kanter will speak about her latest book,Think Outside the Building: How Advanced Leaders Can Change the World One Smart Innovation at a Time. For more information and to register for free, visit centerforhoustonsfuture.org.

“Again, Together: The Cumulative Impacts of Environmental Racism in Houston” online film screening and panel discussion

Join One Breath Partnership on Jan. 21, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., for an online screening and panel discussion. The film, created in partnership with Ronald L. Jones, brings together stories from communities across Houston that have been impacted by environmental racism — namely redlining, segregation, underinvestment, exposure to pollution, gentrification, inequitable disaster recovery resources and freeway development. Panelists include Dr. Denae King, Dr. Bakeyah Nelson, and Keith Downey. Learn more and register at onebreathhou.org.

“The Best of Both World’s, Cohousing’s Promise” online film screening

Now more than ever, people are seeking community and a sense of belonging. Come watch this newly released short documentary on the promise of cohousing. There will be a Q&A after the 27 minute-long film with the members of CoHousing Houston. Learn more and register on Facebook.

Embracing Renewable Energy: Conroe ISD’s Plan

On Jan. 21, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will present a virtual lecture by Conroe ISD’s Easy Foster, director of planning and construction for Conroe Independent School District, who will discuss  the new Stockton Jr. High School’s 1 MW solar array, how CISD came to the decision to do the project,  and the district’s future renewable energy plans which include a second array which has recently broken ground at a future junior high school in east Montgomery County.  Mr. Foster will be accompanied by the project’s consultants, LEAF Engineering. For information on how to attend, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Water, Wind and Fire: How Texas Became Texas

On Jan. 21, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold a virtual monthly meeting featuring a presentation by restoration ecologist Andy Newman. He will describe how non-living factors and geologic time have interacted to influence the vegetation communities observed in Southeastern Texas. Specific emphasis will be placed on prairies, savannas, and bottomland hardwoods and how specific abiotic and biotic patterns mediate biodiversity, community composition, and prevalence on the landscape. Click to register for the Zoom Meeting or view live on Facebook.

Keep Pearland Beautiful Tree Giveaway

On Jan. 23, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m., Keep Pearland Beautiful will celebrate Arbor Day by passing out two 3-5 gallon trees per household at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center (5800 Magnolia Pkwy). At this event KPB will be giving away two trees per customer, until supplies run out. 252 trees will be distributed, including: American Sycamore, American Elm, Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Loblolly Pine and Pecan. A suggested donation of $10 per tree is appreciated. Residents are recommended proper trees based on their needs and given specific planting instructions. KPB Members are able to reserve their trees for early pickup. Email will be sent with link to reserve two trees or call 281-489-2795 or email ltollefson@mykpb.org.

Using the Outdoor Spaces on Your Campus

On Jan. 23, 2021, from 10 a.m.-noon, Texas Children in Nature will present the second part of its “Using the Outdoor Spaces on Your Campus” online workshop. Experts in the field will discuss the tips and tricks of taking your class outdoors. Also addressed will be best practices of outdoor lessons and how various subjects can be transitioned into outdoors learning. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

CEER Climate Justice Trainings Series

CEER is excited to launch a training series focused on climate justice, starting January 23, 2021. The series will be offered as three workshops focused on Past, Present and Future. The curriculum features environmental experts, the lived experiences of residents and core elements of an interrupting racism training. It will be a dynamic training space full of storytelling, music, power building and piquing curiosity.  These trainings merge an interrupting racism curriculum with a climate justice curriculum. Learn how to help shape the narrative about what climate justice is, what it means for Houston and how we achieve it. The audience will be a mix of impacted community members, the general public, advocates, health equity experts and city and county folks implementing solutions around the climate crisis in Houston. Each workshop is offered twice, virtually, and will be held on Saturdays from 10am-2pm starting on Saturday, January 23 or 30, 2021. The workshops will be bilingual (English and Spanish). Learn more and register at the Facebook event, or register for the full series at ceerhouston.org.

Arbor Day at Houston Arboretum

On Jan. 23, 2020, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center will hold a free celebration of Arbor Day. Enjoy informative booths and self-guided tree hikes on our trails, grab a tree craft to make at home, visit the Discovery Room to learn how trees help humans, and learn about local tree species from our Botany Display. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

Unequal Realities: Telling Environmental Justice Stories in the Oil and Gas Capital of the World

One Breath Partnership is collaborating this winter and spring with Houston-based Grackle & Grackle (run by the novelist and memoirist Miah Arnold) to offer an online, eight-week writing workshop on Sundays, led by Allyn West, starting on Jan. 23, 2021. The class will include guest speakers and will practice the nuts and bolts of compelling storytelling. Application required; scholarships available. Learn more at grackleandgrackle.com.

Urban Harvest permaculture classes

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Urban Harvest offers a series of permaculture classes and hands-on training in the field, totaling approximately 100 hours, based on the curriculum of the International Permaculture Institute. Graduates of the Designers Certificate Course are invited to join the Permaculture Guild of Houston. The classes are grouped under titles, called modules, which are offered each season and do not need to be taken sequentially, except for Module 1. Module one includes two classes that are prerequisites required before going on to take Modules 2 – 5.

Prairie-To-Bay Ecology

On Jan. 27, 2020, beginning at 6 p.m., AIA Houston and Architecture Center Houston will present a Houston 2020 Visions panel discussion about two of Greater natural systems: the Katy Prairie on its west, and Galvestaon Bay to the east. These systems have remarkable abilities to protect the city from catastrophic storms, the former through the retention of rainwater in the prairie, and the latter by draining rainfall through the city and into the bay while protecting the city from storm surge. By reconnecting with these natural systems and being open to innovative ideas, an integrated infrastructure can be built to protect the metropolis. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.

Racism in the Woods

On Jan. 27, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., the Center for the Healing of Racism will host a virtual facilitated dialogue about the dangers that special members of minority communities face in outdoor spaces. This event is free and open to the public, with donations encouraged. To reserve a spot, please register below before January 26 at centerhealingracism.org. 

A Venture into the Desert Biome of Big Bend

On Jan. 27, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will hold its monthly virtual meeting featuring a presentation by HNPAT President Wally Ward, who will discuss a four-day field trip to the Big Bend National Park taken with Houston Cactus & Succulent Society in July 2008. Register for the meeting at zoom.us.

Bird Survey

On Jan. 28, 2020, from 8-10 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host a Bird Survey along the Cypress Creek flyway. Led by longtime birder Paul Gregg and Mercer staff member Christy Jones, this monthly bird survey is suited for birders of all levels and experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as Mercer’s 1.7-mile survey loop is primarily crushed asphalt trails. Participants must be 12 or older. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Connectivity

On Jan. 28, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the Houston Parks Board’s Rising Leaders program will host a virtual lunch and learn program featuring Beyond the Bayous Program Manager,Lisa Graiff, who will discuss planning for trails and connectivity that improve and build on active transportation options for Houstonians. For more information and to register, visit houstonparksboard.org.

Tools in the Resilience Toolbox for the 8-county Gulf-Houston Region

On Jan. 28, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will host a virtual luncheon featuring a presentation by Deborah Bevers, president and CEO Houston Wilderness. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Basin Steering Committee Annual Meeting

On Jan. 28, 2019, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., the Houston-Area Council’s Clean River Program Basin Steering Committee will hold its Annual Meeting. The committee serves as the primary forum for discussion of various water quality issues raised through the assessment process, and advises staff on all administrative matters related to the Clean Rivers Program. The meeting will focus on the draft 2021 Basin Summary Report and the draft FY2022-2023 Workplan and Budget. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

Rice Design Alliance Virtual Gala: Who Builds Our City?

On Jan. 28, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., the Rice Design Alliance will hold its annual gala virtually, themed “Who Builds Our City? An online celebration of Houston’s built environment.” Paying tribute to the diverse range of people and professions that shape Houston, the event will feature stories of those who often are out of the spotlight, but who are integral to the making of our built environment. The event is open to all completely free of charge, but RDA will seek gifts of any size to support its programs. For more information and to register, visit ricedesignalliance.org.

Take Care of Texas Student Video Contest judging

Through Jan. 29, 2020, the public will have the opportunity to pick their favorite submission in the The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s annual Take Care of Texas Video Contest for students in 6th through 12th grades. The videos portray positive ways Texans can help keep air and water clean, conserve water and energy, or reduce waste.There will be six winners. Waste Management of Texas, Inc. will provide prizes–GoPro cameras and scholarships. The middle and high school students who win first place will be recognized by the TCEQ Commissioners and representatives from Waste Management of Texas, Inc. For information on how to watch the videos and pick your favorites, visit takecareoftexas.org.

Birding 101

On Jan. 30, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, Mercer Botanic Gardens will present a “Birding 101” class with longtime birder and photographer Paul Gregg discusses four key tips to quickly identify common and migratory birds seen in the Houston area. This informative and family-friendly class is for beginner to intermediate birder. This program will be off-site at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive in Spring. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

From Climate to Weather: The Mechanisms of Global Warming

On Jan. 30, 2021, beginning at 3 p.m. Taste of Science Houston will hold an online discussion in which experts will discuss the connections between climate change and extreme weather events such as drought, wildfires and hurricanes. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Baytown Nature Center Full Moon Hike

On Jan. 30, 2021, the Baytown Nature Center will host a Full Moon Hike, an opportunity to visit the nocturnal habitats that are home to owls, raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife that emerge after dark. Full Moon Hike is free with paid admission to the park. For more information, visit baytownlibrary.org.

Houston Public Works launches Smart Utility Check-Up Program

Houston Public Works is inviting commercial buildings to join its inaugural Smart Utility Check-Up Program. The free program is designed to improve water and utility efficiency within the commercial sector. Businesses who participate will receive monthly water, electricity and gas utility assessments. Imperial Utilities & Sustainability, Inc. will provide data analysis on utility use with a breakdown of cost and consumption patterns. Participating businesses will also receive recommendations on how to save money on their utilities and rebate assistance. Availability is limited, and registration closes Jan. 31, 2021. Participants must be a Houston Water Customer, fully operational for 2 years, and maintain a 75% building occupancy. Applicants with a central plant that services multiple buildings & customers are not permitted. Businesses interested can apply here.

CELF Civic Science Scholarship applications open through Jan. 31

The Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation is leading a multi-state cohort of middle and high school teachers through student projects focusing on air quality. Teachers will receive an air quality monitor, a chance to connect with other teachers from other states through a virtual professional learning community, and the opportunity to have students present their air data findings – along with student-driven solutions – at the virtual CELF Student Symposium in Spring 2021. The deadline for applications has been extended to are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2021. For more information and to apply, visit celfeducation.org.

Bayou Preservation Association seeks board members

Bayou Preservation Association

Bayou Preservation Association is seeking qualified applications and nominations for volunteer service to the organization’s 2021 Board of Directors. Board members will support the work of Bayou Preservation Association and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The application outlines requirements, board member responsibilities, and qualifications. Applications are due on Jan. 31, 2021 in order to be considered for board services starting in 2021. For full information on how to apply, visit bayoupreservation.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Harris County Master Gardeners plant sales
    Contactless plant sales continue through March 20. Learn more at hcmga-online.company.site.
  • Citizen Science Program for Bird Observation
    The Audubon Society’s Texas Estuarine Resource Network (TERN) and the Harris County Department of Education are collaborating to bring a community-based citizen science program to prepare teachers and students in grades 5-12 as field researchers for bird observations. If your school is within walking distance of a waterway (pond, bayou, creek, ditch) please contact Lisa Felske (lfelske@hcde-texas.org).
  • SFA Sustainability Degree Programs
    Stephen F. Austin State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in sustainability, designed to accommodate community college transfers or other students wanting to stay in their hometown location. Visit sfasu.edu or email Dr. Bill Forbes at forbesw@sfasu.edu. To learn more about the Masters program, visit sfasu.edu.

Recurring Events with Changing Content

Virtually WILD! field trips

Virtually WILD! offers the community a chance to interact with conservationists and wildlife live every week. Stay tuned for new programming in January. Corresponding activities and archived videos, as well as registration details, are available at hereinhouston.org.

Living Water

In the latest “Nature as Normal” blog from the Armand Bayou Nature Center, Mark Kramer writes about how the “Living Water” of the bayou holds the secret ingredient to aquatic life. Estuaries are defined by the ebb and flow of tidal exchange. Tide water mixes with rainwater from the surrounding watershed. Tidal streams, such as Armand Bayou are in a dynamic hydrological process. Read the full post at abnc.org.

Enchanting Children With Nature: A Teacher’s Tale 

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In the latest “Houston and Nature,” podcast, Nivien Saleh talks with Mary Ann Beauchemin of Russ Pitman Park, who explains why it is so important to introduce children to the outdoors at an early age and shares her best strategies for doing so. To hear the podcast, visit houstonnature.com.

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.

  • Imagine living your life knowing one day you could lose your eyesight forever. That’s the norm for Cole Johnson, but you wouldn’t know it. He may be legally blind, but Cole doesn’t let his disability slow him down
  • Moving day can be tough. Especially if your family that numbers in the thousands. Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing
  • Buzzards and blackbirds hit the hay in the treetops at Cleburne State Park

Additional Upcoming Events

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

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