• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org
Houston Environmental News Update March 3, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update March 3, 2021

Spring Break Camps, Nonprofit Data Party, Greater Houston STEM Conference, Nature Fest, Bill Gates talk, Picnic in the Park, Green Jobs, and more

Artist Boat’s Eco-Camp

The record-shattering Winter Storm Uri and the often-tragic problems that arose from it are, thankfully, receding into the past – at least for the moment. And so soon will winter itself, which we can probably all agree is welcome, particularly this year.

With the coming of spring, that means Spring Break for area school districts, and parents will be looking for ways to keep their children engaged. Several environmental organizations are stepping up again in this difficult time to offer Spring Break camps. Among them:

EcoExplorers at Armand Bayou Nature Center
  • Spring Into Nature Spring Break Camp at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center in Baytown, May 8-12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For grades 4-6. Participants will learn how early Texas settlers lived off the land. For more information, visit secure.rec1.com.
  • Galveston Bay Foundation’s Spring Break Camp in Kemah, May 15-19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For grades 4-8. Campers will explore a variety of ecosystems, participate in hands-on lessons, and learn how they can help the Bay. For more information, visit galvbay.org.
  • Artist Boat’s Spring Break Eco-Camps, March 15-19, 9 am.-4 p.m. For ages 15-19. Explore, Observe, and Create in the Artist Boat Eco-Camp Sessions! Artist Boat Eco-Campers will experience true science enrichment with outdoor adventures and activities.  For more information, visit artistboat.org.
  • Artist Boat’s Spring Break Eco-Art Camps, March 15-19. For ages 5-19. Campers will experience true science and art enrichment with outdoor activities and art projects. For more information, visit artistboat.org.
  • Spring Breakout and Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, March 15-19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join park staff and volunteers for a week of programs tied to nature and Texas history. Participants spend each day learning helpful nature skills including fishing and geocaching. For more information, visit the Facebook event.
  • “Planet Defenders” Spring Break Camp at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, March 15-19. For ages 4-12 (different groupings). A Planet Defender explores, investigates, and protects the natural environment. Learn how you can protect and improve ecosystems. Campers will investigate environment issues through experiments, games and hands-on activities. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.
  • Armand Bayou Nature Center EcoExplorers, March 15-19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 4-10. EcoExplorers is packed full of live animal encounters, outdoor games, educational hikes, and hands-on science, and crafting activities. For more information, visit abnc.org.
  • Spring Break Day Camps at Nature Discovery Center, March 15-19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For ages 5-10. Campers will be engaged and entertained by our science and nature themed camps, featuring hands-on activities, games, art projects, new friends, and more. For more information, see the naturediscoverycenter.org.

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


CEC NOTES


“Racing Extinction” presented by Environment2Action Films

Join Sierra Club Houston for the powerful movie “Racing Extinction” by Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos, kicking off Sierra Club Houston’s brand new Environment2Action Film Series on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. “It’s dawning on us now, that this is the big one” and living through the hurricanes, frigid cold snaps, overwhelming rain events, flooding and higher temps in Houston region, we’re at ground zero. “It’s not a spectator sport anymore…” Updates available on Facebook. An expert speaker is invited to discuss the movie and take questions, and discuss important actions to address our current issues. Register now at Zoom. CEC’s Houston Green Films Program is proud to be a promotional partner for the event.


Request for Submissions – Earth Day Murals at Discovery Green

Discovery Green is seeking fourteen Houston artists to paint murals that celebrate the richness and diversity of our community, culture, and natural environment!WAG is curating and managing this incredible public art opportunity, so please send your submissions via https://weingartenartgroup.submittable.com. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 12, 2021. Murals will be on view April through October 2021, with a live painting event during Green Mountain Energy’s Earth Day celebration at Discovery Green on April 18, 2021. Image: “Hands of Heroes” by Anat Ronen. Photo Courtesy of Discovery Green.


Environmental Educators Exchange

Region 4 Education Service Center and our environmental educators are teaming up to create videos and field trips about Houston STEM resources for our teachers. If you want to submit a video or host a field trip, contact alicia@cechouston.org for more details about the project.


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. You may also participate in a scheduled program with the USFWS on Wednesdays. Details at hereinhouston.org/virtual-field-trips.

CEC, through an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation and in partnership with USFWS Houston Community Partnerships & Engagement Program and the Girl Scouts of America, is offering Virtually Wild! programs specifically designed for Girl Scouts. Upcoming presentations include:


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).


CEER Climate Justice Trainings Series

CEER is excited to offer a training series focused on climate justice. 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. 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.

  • 3/13/21 OR 3/27/21: Workshop #3: Envisioning Our Future

H-GAC honors Parks and Natural Areas and Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence Awards Winners

More than 20 projects across the Houston-Galveston region were honored for serving as models for best management practices in parks, natural areas, and water quality as part of the H-GAC’s annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards and Water Innovation Strategies of Excellence (WISE) Awards recognition ceremony, held online on February 5. The winner of the Parks and Natural Areas Awards Planning Process was Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, a project by Buffalo Bayou Partnership. The winner of Parks and Natural Areas – Projects Over $500,000 was Clay Family Eastern Glades, a project by Memorial Park Conservancy. See the list of the Parks and Natural Areas Awards winners here.


SPLASh launches new website

SPLASh (Stopping Plastic and Litter Along Shorelines) was launched in 2020 through a partnership between American Bird Conservancy, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and Black Cat GIS in order to address the overlapping issues of trash pollution and bird conservation in the greater Houston-Galveston region. It recently launched its website, where you can learn abut upcoming events, subscribe to the enews, and read about the project. Visit splashtx.org. If your school or classroom would be interested in participating, please contact Kelly Martin at kmartin@abcbirds.org and Celeste Silling at csilling@gcbo.org.


Port Houston Community Grants Program submissions open

The Port Houston Community Grants Program is officially open and accepting letters of interests for 2021. We’re focused on enabling projects that are aimed toward Community Outreach, Workforce Development, Environmental Stewardship and Maritime Commerce. The deadline for submitting Letters of Intent is March 12, 2021. An online workshop to present the program, review the application process and provide an opportunity to ask questions will be held on March 4, from 2-3 p.m. The deadline for all applications is April 16. Find out more about the Community Grants program and the application process and register for the workshop by visiting porthouston.com.


San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group openings

The Texas Water Development Board’s San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group has two new voting-member vacancies for the newly established Coastal Communities Category and an additional seat for the Public Category. Applications will be accepted by mail and email until March 26, 2021. The address is SJRFPG Attn. Fatima Berrios, 10555 Northwest Fwy, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77092. Find full information at twdb.texas.gov.


Nonprofit Data Party – Disasters

On March 4, 2021, from noon-1:30 p.m., Understanding Houston and United Way Houston will host its first Data Party, an overview of the new partnership between Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, and seek feedback on nonprofits what you want to see as they build disaster-ready philanthropic partnerships to improve regional disaster preparedness and response. They will also share key findings from our new subtopic on the various disaster risks to the region and break out in smaller groups to discuss how the data may be used, what additional data may be useful, and how this county-level data plays out in the communities you serve. They will also share highlights from the COVID-19 data page. For more information and to register, visit cvent.com.


Governor’s Community Achievement Awards

Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, annually awards the prestigious Governor’s Community Achievement Awards to Texas communities for their outstanding overall efforts to keep their communities beautiful. This year, ten winning communities will share $2 million in landscaping awards from the Texas Department of Transportation, with the amount based on population size. The funds are used for landscaping projects along local rights-of-way. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2021 at 5 p.m. For more information and to begin the application process, visit ktb.secure-platform.com.


Mercer Botanic Gardens Volunteer Orientation

On March 4, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold an orientation session for prospective volunteers. Among the opportunities for volunteers are help maintain the gardens, plant propagation and sales, and educational programs and the Mercer Ambassadors. This orientation will be off site at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive in Spring. For more information, see the Facebook event.


After The Storm: Town Hall on the Texas Power Failure

On March 4, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., join Representative Jon Rosenthal (Texas House District 135) and CEER Houston Coalition Director Iris Gonzalez for a Town Hall Discussion on the Texas Power Failure. Presented on Zoom and Facebook Live.Information will be broadcast in English and Spanish. Learn more on Facebook.


Texas grassroots mini-grants

Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund with the help of some generous donors is now able to make mini-grants to grassroots “kitchen table” groups working on environmental issues. Through small grants to traditionally under-funded organizations and communities, we’re working with a grassroots network to fight pollution and protect public health all over Texas. Learn more at texasenvironment.org.


Take Care of Texas K-5 Art Contest 

The Take Care of Texas Kids Art Contest is a fun way for K-5 students to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others. Students submit their artwork of how they, along with their friends and family, help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. The students that submit the best art can win a tablet or laptop computer. Submissions are due on March 5, 2021. For more information, visit takecareoftexas.org.


Greater Houston Area Virtual STEM Conference

On March 6, 2021, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., the University of Houston-Clear Lake College of Education will host the 2020 Greater Houston Area Virtual STEM Conference virtually, with the theme “STEM Innovations and Impact on Educational Communities”. This conference will bring together leading experts and researchers from around the Greater Houston Area to focus on topics that impact K–12 STEM education. For more information and to register, visit uhcl.edu.


eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants (Apply by April 2)

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is pleased to offer your organization an opportunity to apply for a NOAA-NAAEE Collaborative Aquaculture Literacy mini-grant. Through this mini-grants program, NAAEE supports partnerships sharing the mutual aquaculture literacy goals of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education(link is external), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and National Sea Grant Office. These mini-grants will provide informal learning institutions (e.g., aquariums), aquaculture industry (e.g., shellfish, finfish, seaweed farmers), and NOAA partners with support for the co-development of innovative educational experiences that explore aquaculture topics. Learn more at naaee.org. A recorded informational webinar will be held on March 5, 2021 at 1 p.m. Register here.


NatureFest at Jones Park

On March 6, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will host the 19th annual NatureFest. Nature lovers of all ages are invited to discover local environmental organizations, outdoor activities, native plants and wildlife. This free family event includes guided walks, live-animals, a catch-and-release fish tank, and a variety of local exhibitors and experts. For more information, see the Facebook event.


2021 CCL Third Coast Virtual Regional Conference: Forward Together

From March 6-7, 2021 the Citizens’ Climate Coalition will hold its 8th Annual Third Coast Virtual Regional Conference (reschedule from February). The conference features an opening keynote from climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe on “Talking Climate in a Polarized Environment.” It will also feature CCL Executive Director Mark Reynolds, Madeleine Para, vice president of programs, and Dr. Danny Richter, legislative director, who will provide a legislative update. Afternoon breakouts will include talks on the energy transition, health impacts, environmental justice, conservative talking points, and more. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.


TWRC’s 2021 “Wild InSight” Photo Contest

Beginning March 8, 2021, TWRC Wildlife Center is holding its 2021 “Wild InSight” Photo Contest. All wildlife photo snappers, hobbyists, “phone-tographers”, amateurs and professionals welcome. Enter your best photos, giving visual insight about wildlife living in the wild and then invite friends and family to vote for their favorites. Top 16 photos (receiving the most votes online) will be featured on a full 8 1/2 x 11 glossy, color page in the 2021/2022 “Wild InSight” calendar. For more information on prizes and how to submit photos, visit twrcwildlifecenter.org.


Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable

On March 8, 2021, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable. Kendall Guidroz will discuss this year’s Virtual River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® cleanup, and Kathy Janhsen will discuss the Trash Free Texas’ Adopt-a-Spot project. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.


Bill Gates | How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

On March 8, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston and Blue Willow Bookshop will present technologist and philanthropist Bill Gates in a discussion of his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need. In the book, Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical—and accessible—plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe. Attendees of this ticketed event will receive a copy of the book. For more information and to register, visit bluewillowbookshop.com.


Texas Health and Environment Alliance Town Hall

On March 9, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., Texas Health and Environment Alliance, Inc., will host its March Town Hall. Topics to be discussed will include: Progress reports for the Southern and Northern Impoundments in the San Jacinto River Superfund site; dpdates on the impacts of the recent freeze on the operations at the Jones Road Groundwater Plume Superfund site; and the Cityof Houston’s Vapor testing results that reveal new exposure concerns in the Fifth Ward. To register, visit zoom.us.


TxN Virtual Series: Reimagining Resources

On March 10, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., Texan by Nature will host a virtual discussion on how reimagining how we bring the state’s plentiful resources together to deliver innovative places, resilient landscapes and natural resources, equitable access, and economic opportunities is a future that will benefit every Texan at work, at play, and at home. For more information and to register, visit texanbynature.org.


San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group Public Meeting

On March 11, 2021, beginning at 8 a.m., the Texas Water Development Board’s San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group will hold a public meeting virtually. Members of the public may register to attend the meeting here. For additional information, or to be notified of future Planning Group meetings, please contact Region 6 Planning Group Sponsor, at: 713-274-2059, SanJacFldPG@eng.hctx.net, or Harris County Engineering Department, Attention: San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group Sponsor, 1001 Preston, 5th Floor, Houston, TX 77002.


Future of Buildings

On March 11, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., AIA Houston and Architecture Center Houston will present the latest in the Houston 2020 Visions Lecture Series, called “Future of Buildings.” Today, buildings need to be able to adapt, confronting a varied array of challenges including drastic environmental changes, increased density, and new environmentally friendly technologies, all while being sustainable and open to re-use and adaptation. Ideas of regeneration, resiliency, efficiency, sustainable planning, and green strategies must begin at the scale of the single building. For more information and to register, visit aiahouston.org.


Picnic for the Park

On March 11, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Memorial Park Conservancy will host its annual gala virtually. The event raises critical funds for the day-to-day care of Memorial Park including its vast urban trail network that provides enjoyment, well-being, and connectivity for the millions of people who love Memorial Park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit memorialparkconservancy.org.


Window Pains: Helping Birds Survive a Human World

On March 11, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., Houston Audubon will virtually host a special speaker event featuring biologist-turned-architectural consultant Heidi Trudell, who will discuss inexpensive and simple solutions to the problem of bird collisions into windows. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.


40 Ideas for a Sustainable Future

On March 12, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston will present a discussion with Yale University scholar Daniel Esty about his book A Better World – 40 Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future. Esty examines how policies relating to sustainability are shaped by a wide array of complex factors, such as Big Data, climate change and environmental justice. He also stresses the need for these policies to be pursued in a truly bipartisan, balanced and economically realistic approach. To register, visit wachouston.org.


Raptor Center Education Center Work Party

On March 13, 2021, from 8 a.m.-noon, Houston Audubon will host a morning of gardening and sanctuary maintenance at the Raptor and Education Center. Activities include trail maintenance, filling bird feeders and baths, litter pick-up, native gardening, and invasive species removal. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, spaces are limited. For more information and to register, visit volunteersignup.org.


Native Landscapes for Birds

On March 13, 2021, from 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Native Prairie Society of Texas will present a “Native Landscapes for Birds” class. Participants will learn: the importance of birds and Texas’ role in bird migration; how to identify threats to birds and steps to reduce them; the relationship between birds and native plants; how to create and maintain bird-friendly native plant landscapes. They will also become familiar with up to 50 native Texas plants that benefit your local birds. For more information and to register, visit npsot3.123signup.com.


Everybody Matters: From Peace Building through Human Rights to Climate Justice

On March 16, 2021, beginning at noon, the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at the University of Saint Thomas will present a webinar featuring Mary Robinson, former.President of Ireland and author of the acclaimed book Climate Justice. To register, visit stthom-edu.zoom.us.


Fix a Leak Week Workshops

Houston Public Works, Dallas Water Utilities, Fort Worth Water are bringing together a virtual class line-up featuring some of the leaders in the leak repair industry, providing comprehensive information about repairing simple water leaks inside and outside the home. Part 1, Indoor Leak Repair, will be held March 16, 2021, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Part 2, Outdoor Irrigation Leak Repair and Cold Weather Pipe Protection, will be held March 18, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To register, see this form. For more information, send an email to WaterConservation@HoustonTX.gov. Select participants who complete the survey at the end of the program may get a special gift—first come, first serve while supplies last.


Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary seeks Advisory Board applicants

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for two seats on its advisory council, a community-based group of individuals that provide advice for sanctuary management. The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following council seats: Commercial Fishing and Conservation. Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms. For more information and registration materials, visit flowergarden.noaa.gov. Applications for this recruitment cycle are due March 15, 2021.


Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is an art- and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. The program encourages students to explore their natural world, invites them to investigate biology and wildlife management principles and challenges them to express and share what they have learned with others. The winning artwork from a national art contest serves as the design for the Junior Duck Stamp, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service produces annually. All of the revenue from the sale of Junior Duck stamps goes to support recognition and environmental education activities for students who participate in the program. Find complete information in the the 2021 program brochure. The Texas Contest entry deadline is March 15, 2021. Entries are due to Felice Yarbough (felice_yarbough@fws.gov).


Climate Reality Project Leadership Corps Virtual Training (April 22-May 2, 2021)

The Climate Reality Leadership Corps Virtual US Training will feature four days of two-hour live broadcasts, with additional on-demand viewing and interactive sessions available between April 22 and May 2. During the training, you’ll join broadcast sessions with some of the world’s leading climate experts and activists – led by former Vice President Al Gore – along with breakout sessions designed to dive deeper into the most important climate topics of today. Learn more and register at climaterealityproject.org.


Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Wildlife by Design classroom presentations. Offered in Spring 2021 by Texas Wildlife Association. Learn more at texas-wildlife.orarg.
  • Virtual Field Lessons. Offered free by Texas Wildlife Foundation and the East Foundation to 5th-8th-grade teachers. Learn more at eastfoundation.net.
  • Harris County Master Gardeners plant sales
    Contactless plant sales continue through March 20. Learn more at hcmga-online.company.site.
  • Living the Change discussion group. Presented by Interfaith Environmental Coalition of Houston through April 29. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
  • The Young Texan Ambassador Program is a brand new program offered by Keep Texas Beautiful and invites students ages 15-25 to get involved in keeping communities clean and beautiful. Applications are being accepted through March 5, 2021. For more information and to apply, visit ktb.org.
  • Solar Installer Training Course offered free by LoneStar College and RigUp. Learn more at lonestar.edu.

Recurring Events with Changing Content

Prepared for Life? The Boy Scouts of America

In the latest “Houston & Nature” podcast, Nivien Saleh speaks with Eagle Scout James Sy, who provides an unvarnished view on the good, the bad, and the great about being a member of Boy Scouts of America. Topics include: Do they live up to the promise? What’s it like to grow up among the Scouts? Is being an Eagle Scout really as special as some people say? To hear the full podcast, visit houstonnature.com.


Virtually WILD! field trips

Virtually WILD! offers the community a chance to interact with conservationists and wildlife. Visit our virtual field trip videos on the CEC YouTube channel; new videos posted weekly. Corresponding educational activities are found at hereinhouston.org.


TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.

  • From the brush country of South Texas to the mountains of West Texas, two women have outdoor pursuits as different as the landscapes. These two mothers, one a hunter, and the other a hiker, meet and share their interests, growing a friendship and deepening their appreciation of the outdoors
  • Massive floods in 2015 destroyed much of the natural habitat along the Blanco River. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have been working with landowners along the river to help re-establish trees and grasses, and by educating locals about the importance of managing healthy river ecosystems that are more resilient to the effects of flooding
  • Bonham State Park is small by Texas standards, but that’s what people like about it. It’s a great place to swim, hike, fish, and meet the neighbors

Additional Upcoming Events


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