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Houston Environmental News Update March 17, 2021
March 18, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update March 17, 2021

Green & Leafy, Emerging, Houston Arboretum Prescribed Burn, Forests, March March Plant Sale, Bolivar Flats Clean-up, Birdathon, Author Rick Bass, Green Jobs, and more

This week, we’re celebrating the trees that have begun to leaf out–going green in the face of all of the craziness in the past year (and not just for St. Paddy’s Day). We aren’t alone in celebrating trees: Monday, March 21, 2021, is International Day of Forests.

This year’s theme is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being.” The restoration and sustainable management of forests help address the climate-change and biodiversity crises. It also produces goods and services for sustainable development, fostering an economic activity that creates jobs and improves lives. This year’s theme fits into the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world.

Of course, trees aren’t the only plants that are springing forth: shrubs, grasses, sedges, shrubs are also presenting fresh growth–and you can see bluebonnets and other wildflowers popping up. 

Houston Arboretum isn’t taking chances with the emergence of the great diversity of plants that can be found in prairie and savannah ecosystems in our region. This year, for the first time since the later 1990s, Houston Arboretum will, hopefully, be host to a prescribed burn between March 22 and April 2, 2021, in partnership with the Houston Fire Department and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Historically, fire helped shape the prairie and savanna ecosystems of the greater Houston area, creating healthy, native habitat. (Note: The Arboretum also hires goats to help manage vegetation.)

Jaime González, Houston Healthy Cities Program Director at The Nature Conservancy in Texas, worked for the Houston Arboretum during its first prescribed burn in 1999 and can attest to the results. “The value of prescribed fire for grassland health was on full display the fall after we burned the Meadow,” he said. “Nutrients that had been locked up in old grass thatch had been released and made available to native grasses and wildflowers, and other species that had been struggling to find light and room finally had their chance.”

The fire itself will only last for a few hours, after which much of the prescribed fire area will appear blackened. Within a few weeks of the burn, visitors can expect to see an abundance of lush green growth sprouting from the blackened area.

With a little luck, Irish or otherwise, we’ll all begin to feel a little greener in the coming weeks and months.

Banner image is a photo of prescribed burn at Houston Arboretum in 1999. Photo credit: Jaime González & Houston Arboretum.

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

CEC NOTES

Note: Interested in exhibiting at a scaled-back, socially distanced Earth Day event? Have a virtual or outdoor event that should be promoted as part of Earth Month Houston? Contact becky@cechouston.org.

Environmental Educators Exchange

Join the Environmental Educators Exchange on March 26 for a look at native plants in Texas and the benefits of wildlife gardens, in addition to conversation about the City Nature Challenge. Della Barbato will lead the meeting starting at 9 a.m. Email alicia@cechouston.org for the virtual meeting link. Order your “EEvengers Unite” shirt from Custom Ink with this link, thanks to Jaime Gonzalez: https://www.customink.com/g/ypz0-00cd-mkwa

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.

Fire & Flood: Queer Resilience in the Era of Climate Change film and panel discussion

On April 1, 2021, at 7:00 pm, join Rice University’s Fondren Library’s Green Team for a virtual panel discussion about the documentary “Fire & Flood: Queer Resilience in the Era of Climate Change.” The panel will feature Vanessa Raditz, director of the documentary; Kennedy Loftin, chief development officer at the Montrose Center; and Rice anthropology graduate student Kristin Gupta. Fondren Library will provide people who sign up for the panel access information to watch the film in advance.

Fire & Flood examines two climate-related disasters from 2017—Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the fires in Santa Rosa, California—through the viewpoint of LGBTQ individuals that experienced them first hand. The documentary focuses on the perilous situations that many LGBTQ communities face relating to climate change and also provides hope for resilience for these communities.

Co-sponsors include Rice’s Center for Environmental Studies; Rice’s Administrative Center for Sustainability and Energy Management; Rice University Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality; Rice Environmental Society; and CEC Houston.

Virtually Wild! Field Trips

Need a virtual field trip about Houston’s environment for your students? Visit hereinhouston.org/virtual-field-trips for live and asynchronous options with the Virtually Wild program.

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. Learn more and register for the final Envisioning Our Future workshop, offered in both English and Spanish, on March 27, 2021 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Facebook or at ceerhouston.org.

Texas Nature Challenge

Texas Nature Challenge, a collaboration between the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Children in Nature and Texan by Nature, is an opportunity to reach out to families, classrooms, and other types of groups across Texas to engage them with your programs. Propose challenges for groups to discover nearby nature. Challenges can be any type of activity either at your nature site, at home, or in any nature space. For more information, visit texaschildreninnature.org.

Volunteer Workday at Stuart Park

On March 18, 2021, from 8:30-11 a.m, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Student Conservation Association and  Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are co-hosting a volunteer day at Robert C Stuart Park, 7250 Bellfort Ave. Volunteers will restore riparian and prairie habitat at the park. Activities include planting native species, removing invasives, and trash pick-up. Registration is required by emailing NaturalResources@houstontx.gov.

Fix a Leak Week Workshop

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. 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.

TAEP Virtual Luncheon Meeting

On March 18, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will host its monthly luncheon meeting virtually, featuring a presentation by Alan Black, Harris County Flood Control District operations director, titled “Status of the Harris County Flood Control District Bond Program and the Challenge of Managing Environmental Compliance.” For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

BRIT Armchair Botanist program

On March 18, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host an online meeting featuring a presentation by Tiana Franklin Rehman, Botanical Research Institute of Texas’s Herbarium Collections Assistant and Collections Manager of the BRIT herbarium. She will discuss the BRIT Armchair Botanist program, whose goal is to make all its specimens available online (images and data) to further research and education. For more information, including how to connect to the meeting, visit npsot.org.

March Mart Virtual Plant Sale

From March 20, 2021, Mercer Botanic Gardens will host its March March plant sale virtually. Shoppers will be able to shop a wide selection of plants virtually and enjoy curbside plant pickup. All orders are pickup only; plants cannot be shipped. Plant pickup is offsite at The Mercer Society’s Horticultural Propagation Center, approximately one mile from Mercer at 3602 Hirschfield Road in Spring. Members of The Mercer Society can shop early starting Friday, March 19, at 4 p.m. and will receive a discount code via email the week before the sale. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Back to Basics: Outdoor & Weather-Related Risks Workshop

This year, Blackwood Educational Land Institute is offering a modified version of its “Back to the Basics” program for teens and adults as a series of skills-based workshops. The second week (March 20) will focus on food from seed to plate, with an overview of regenerative agriculture, ancestral health and nutrition, and basic outdoor cooking techniques. The third week (March 27) will focus on principles of living on the land. For more information and to register, visit blackwoodland.org.

Earth Day GreenUp 2021

On March 20, 2021, from 8-11 a.m., The Woodlands Township will host the 10th annual community litter cleanup, Earth Day GreenUp. Team up with family, friends and neighbors for a socially-distanced volunteer opportunity to target litter on pathways, along waterways and in greenbelts. Help keep our community beautiful and enjoy the outdoors while bagging litter from streets, pathways and streams. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Invasives Beware

On March 20, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will hold an event in which park staff and volunteers to assist with habitat management and enhancement projects throughout Jones Park by removing invasive species, managing the forest understory, and planting trees. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Bolivar Flats Beach Clean-Up

On March 20, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, Houston Audubon will sponsor a volunteer beach clean-up event at Bolivar Flats on the Bolivar Peninsula. Not only will this activity reduce the amount of plastics that our shorebirds and wildlife are exposed to, but clean-ups provide great opportunities to witness the wildlife of Bolivar, the activity on the ship channel, and experience hands-on conservation. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Sylvan Rodriguez Prairie Planting Event

On March 20, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program will hold a volunteer event restoring urban prairie habitat. Volunteers will help plant native grasses and forbs in the prairie restoration site at Sylvan Rodriguez Park, 1201 Clear Lake City Blvd. Shovels will be provided. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle, along with shoes, gloves, and clothes that can get muddy. Pre-registration is required. Register by emailing Naturalresources@houstontx.gov. For more information, visit volunteermatch.org.

Restoring Nature Through Permaculture

For three Sundays (March 21, March 28, and April 11), Urban Harvest will present “Restoring Nature Through Permaculture,” open to anyone who has completed the prerequisite classes: Sustainable Living Through Permaculture classes 1 & 2. No ecology or nature training is necessary. This module will combine nature study of area prairies, woodlands, and watersheds, along with the exploration of restoration permaculture and its implications for sustaining our planet. For more information and to register, visit urbanharvest.org.

Spring 2021 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event

On March 21, 2021, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host a hands-on environmental stewardship volunteer event for people of all faiths or no faith at all at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve, giving the park a spring cleaning by weeding, removing brush and other tasks. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels and appropriate precautions to prevent spread of the coronavirus will be taken. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Birdathon 2021

From March 22 through May 7, 2021, Houston Audubon will host Birdathon 2021, its annual spring fundraiser where participants compete to count as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period while fundraising for bird conservation. All contributions support Houston Audubon’s mission to advance the conservation of birds and positively impact their supporting environments. People can participate individually, in teams, or virtual teams with members in different locations birding at the same time. A virtual kick-off will be held March 22 from 7-8 p.m. Learn more at houstonaudubon.org.

Author Rick Bass discusses Fortune Son

On March 22, beginning at 7 p.m., Blue Willow Bookshop will host an online discussion with author Rick Bass, a native Texas, former geologist, and active conservationist, about his new book, Fortunate Son: Selected Essays from the Lone Star State. Michael Berryhill, chair of journalism at Texas Southern University, will moderate and special guests will include activists Pam Harte and Olive Spitzmiller. The event will focus on the themes of conservation and environmentalism in the book, and Texans’ relationship with land and animals. The event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit bluewillowbookshop.com.

Don’t Mess with Buffalo Bayou

On March 23, 2021, from 8:30-9:45 a.m., Scenic Houston will host a “Scenic Morning” discussion about Buffalo Bayou — arguably one of the most naturally beautiful spaces in Houston. With its copious trees, bountiful wildlife, miles of running and biking trails and natural landscape, this urban “river” provides a space for Houstonians to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, experience nature and breathe. This remarkable green space and water source has remained an oasis for Houstonians. A panel of experts will discuss the history and design of the bayou, responsible development around the bayou and threats to eliminate this beautiful oasis. For more information and to register, visit scenichouston.org.

Creating Nature Filled Cities for Kids

On March 23, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will host an online workshop on how city agencies and community organizations can be powerful partners in connecting children and families to the benefits of regular time in nature. The session will highlight successful city-community partnerships across Texas, established through the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative. A panel of CCCN city leaders from Austin, Houston and San Antonio will share successful strategies and lessons learned in navigating these partnerships — and reflect on how collaboration is increasing awareness of children and nature strategies statewide. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

 Residential Solar Energy 101

On May 23, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the City of Bellaire’s Environmental Sustainability Board will the first session of its new online learning academy. This first session will highlight Residential Solar Energy. Among the topics addressed will be: technology, equipment and economics; and EV charging, battery storage. For more information, see the Facebook event.

River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash

In 2021, the annual River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash, the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, will be hosted virtually from May 25 through May 28.  The event will include educational videos, small personal cleanups, and more. Celebrate with us, host a personal “backyard to bay” cleanup, and learn how to be good stewards of our Galveston Bay watershed. Find more information, including a full listing of events and ways to participate, at trashbash.org.

Houston Urban Wildlife

On March 14, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host a monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Dr. Daniel Brooks, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Houston Museum of Natural Science believes that urban wildlife research promotes biodiversity while forming positive associations between people and wildlife. The Houston Urban Wildlife Project’s purpose is to research urban wildlife in the Bayou City and understand how these species are able to adapt and thrive despite their strange new habitat. To register, visit zoom.us.

Bird Survey

On March 25, 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.

Texas Children in Nature Teacher Workshop: Nature and Structure

On March 25, 2021, from 7-8 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will host a workshop on the historic roots of ‘nature play’ and the contemporary movements that support nature play. Active outdoor play in and with nature has benefits for physical and emotional well-being, and also helps people to strengthen their relationships with nature and the planet we call home. With increases in urbanization, concerns with safety, and changes in the climate and environmental conditions in the US and globally, people are spending more time indoors. Educators have responded with renewed focus and determination to support nature-based play and learning in the outdoors. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

“Watershed Communities” – Taking Action to Improve Water Quality

On March 25, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will host a lecture by Rachel Windham, a planner with the Houston-Galveston Area Council, on the interconnectivity of local watersheds and some of the common challenges impacting water quality in lakes, streams, and other bodies throughout the region, including Spring Creek. She will also outline strategies for responding to these challenges that can be carried out at individual, local, and regional levels. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

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.

Resilience in Schools Summit

On March 27, 2021, the National Wildlife Foundation and local partner organizations will host the Resilience in Schools Summit, The aim of the summit is to connect middle and high school teachers and students to the experts, resources, strategies and plans that will allow them to affect change on their campus and in their communities related to climate resilience and public health. In the morning, teachers will engage in presentations and activities from Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF), EcoRise and NWF that will set the stage for successful project planning and design thinking with their students. During the afternoon, a panel of climate resilience experts in the non-profit, business and health sectors will equip teachers with the knowledge and resources to help them bring climate resilience education to the classroom. For full information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Green Building Bike Ride

On March 27, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., the U.S. Green Building Council Texas Gulf Coast chapter will host a  a green building-themed bike ride around Houston, beginning at Market Square Park in downtown. They will bike by some green building icons as well as some ‘new kids on the block.’ Bring your own bike or check out a BCycle from the bikeshare station at Market Square Park. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.

TWRC’s Virtual Chili Cook-Off

On March 27, 2021, from 3-5 p.m. TWRC Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will host its Virtual Chili Cook-Off fundraising event. Vegan, vegetarian and meat-based chilies are welcome. Along with the chili competition, this live-streamed event will also include an exciting educational presentation featuring the Animal Ambassador team, a Native Texas Snake presentation given by a local snake educator, a raffle item presentation, and a unique digital TWRC Chili Cook-Off Recipe Book. For full information, including how to enter, see the Facebook event.

Earth Hour 2021

Every year on March 27, at 8:30 p.m., millions of people across the world join in raising awareness of the issues facing the planet. Though global circumstances are different this year due to COVID-19, we still have an incredible opportunity to make an impact – online and from our homes, including by turning off all unneeded electric lights. For more information on how to participate, visit earthhour.org.

Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program 

Does your organization hire college students as summer interns? The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program. Almost 600 university students apply annually from across the nation for a paid summer internship assignment. About 70 percent of the applicants are STEM majors. Their internship assignments are either with the TCEQ, other state agencies, county and city government, or with private sector companies who sponsor these interns. Submit an online sponsor request through March 31, 2021 to receive student applications to fill your summer 2021 internship (or micro-internship) assignments at tceq.texas.gov.

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.

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.
  • TWRC Wildlife Center’s 2021 “Wild InSight” Photo Contest. All wildlife photo snappers, both amateur and professional, are welcome to submit their best wildlife photos. The deadline for entry is June 21, 2021. For more information on prizes and how to submit photos, visit twrcwildlifecenter.org.
  • Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund is offering “mini-grants” to grassroots “kitchen table” groups working on environmental issues. Learn more at texasenvironment.org.

Recurring Events with Changing Content

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.

  • How does someone go from shy introvert to a highly respected field-guide? Sheila Hargis says birding and the birding community transformed her life by channeling her enthusiasm for ornithology onto others
  • Children growing up in increasingly urban areas need to understand to role that wildlife plays in our world, but not all teachers know enough to teach it. ProjectWILD is empowering teachers with the lessons and activities they need to educate the next generation of wildlife stewards
  • A unique recycling program is underway, and it’s helping our bays. By returning old oyster shells up and down the coast, many Texas reefs are on the rebound

Additional Upcoming Events

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