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Houston Environmental News Update March 24, 2021
March 25, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update March 24, 2021

A male Attwater’s Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) booms early in the morning at Attwater’s Prairie Chicken NWR near Eagle Lake, TX.

#dancinglikeanattwaters, Booming on the Prairie, Trash Bash, Green Building Bike Ride, Earth Hour 2021, Green Jobs, and more

More than a century ago, up to one million Attwater’s prairie-chickens graced the coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana. Each spring, males gathered to perform an elaborate courtship ritual. They inflated their yellow air sacs and emitted a strange, booming sound across a sea of grasses. Today, less than one percent of coastal prairies remain and the Attwater’s prairie-chicken has been pushed to the edge of extinction. In April 2020, the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge had 142 Prairie Chickens, the highest spring count since mid-1990s.

Unfortunately, due to COVID precautions, the annual Attwater Prairie Chicken Festival was cancelled. While the refuge is not hosting an in-person festival this year, you are invited to participate virtually. The 2021 festival has been moved to THIS weekend, rather than later in the summer, because, apparently, the chickens don’t want to wait to put on their show.

From March 26-27, 2021, from 7-8 a.m., Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement, Friends of Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge and Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge will co-host a virtual visit to a Texas prairie. Enjoy watching the Attwater’s prairie chickens during this exciting time of year when the birds are booming and displaying. For more information, see the Facebook event.

The management program for the endangered APCs includes captive breeding, partnerships with The Nature Conservancy and private land owners, fire ant management, and habitat management–including prescribed burns.

Last week, we shared information about the prescribed burn that was being planned to manage habitat at Houston Arboretum. Conditions are favorable for the burn to happen Thursday, March 25, 2021.

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

CEC NOTES

Earth Day Houston, Sunday, April 18, 2021

Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green, presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. The event features exhibitions, a panel discussion and live mural painting. Exhibitors will be spaced out to allow for social distancing and masks are required. Online viewing options of the panel discussion will be provided. More details to come soon.

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 from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. on March 26 for a look at native plants in Texas and the benefits of wildlife gardens with Della Barbato. On April 9 we will be joined by Julia Shank with the San Jacinto Council of the Girl Scouts. Email alicia@cechouston.org for the virtual Zoom meeting link. Order your “EEvengers Unite” shirt from Custom Ink with this link, thanks to Jaime Gonzalez: customink.com. 

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. The regional teacher workshop calendar is taking shape, too. Be sure your workshop is included by checking our master calendar at: hereinhouston.org. 

City Nature Challenge is April 30 – May 2. Check out the Educators Toolkit for tips and tricks to host a challenge with your students, either on campus or from home: citynaturechallenge.org. Also, check out this video that explains the Houston challenge to students: facebook.com. 

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 (see the trailer).

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:

Opportunities for Public Engagement

TWDB to hold Board meeting on March 25

The Texas Water Development Board will hold a board meeting on March 25, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Board will consider approving financial assistance for wastewater system and Flood Infrastructure Fund projects. TWDB Board members and staff will be available to answer questions and accept public comment. If you wish to address the Board, please fill out the visitor registration form and send it to Cheryl.Arredondo@twdb.texas.gov no later than 8 a.m. on March 25. For more information, including the meeting agenda and how to connect, visit twdb.texas.gov.

H-GAC to Host Virtual Public Meetings on April 8 to Discuss Regional Transportation Plan and Conformity Updates

The Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold two virtual public meetings on Thursday, April 8, 2021 to discuss proposed amendments to the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. Additionally, H-GAC will provide updates on its process to maintain conformity with state and federal air quality goals. There will be an afternoon meeting from 2-3 p.m. and an evening meeting from 6-7 p.m. H-GAC experts will present the main topics, after which attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and make public comments. Both meetings will be held online via Zoom with dial in by phone options. The public comment period for these topics opens on March 26 and will close on April 28. For more information about the meetings and submitting public comments, visit 2045rtp.com/virtual-meeting.aspx.

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).

Birdathon 2021

Through May 7, 2021, Houston Audubon is hosting 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. Learn more at houstonaudubon.org.

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 March 25-28. 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.

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.

KBH Day 2021 registration deadline on March 26

Keep Houston Beautiful will hold KBH Day 2021, a citywide volunteer event, on April 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Whether you’re interested in removing harmful litter and debris from your neighborhood and parks, or sprucing up a community garden, planting trees and beautifying your special part of the community, there is an opportunity for you. KHB is seeking groups with 20 members or less per location to join in. Individuals can also register and be placed on a designated TEAM KHB location. The registration deadline is Friday, March 26. For more information and to register your team or project to to volunteer, visit houstonbeautiful.org.

CEE-Change Fellowship

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NAAEE, the US EPA, and the Cedar Tree Foundation believe in supporting innovative initiatives for using civic engagement and environmental education to address environmental issues and strengthen community resilience. Become a Civics and Environmental Education (CEE)-Change Fellow to strengthen your community through a community-based environmental education action project, gain access to opportunities for leadership training, technical assistance, and professional development, and join a growing network of community leaders. Applications for North American applicants are open until May 17, 2021, and professionals of all ages are encouraged to apply. Visit the North American Association for Environmental Education’s website to apply at naaee.org/ceechangefellows.

Back to Basics: Principles of Living on the Land

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 third and final week (March 27th) will focus on principles of living on the land. The goal is to introduce you to basic skills that will help you stay comfortable and safe in the great outdoors, and begin to establish a personal relationship with nature. For more information and to register, visit blackwoodland.org.

Resilience in Schools Summit

On March 27, 2021, the National Wildlife Federation 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 downtown’s Market Square Park. 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.

“Texas GulfLink, Risky Business for the Gulf & Coastal Communities”

On March 27, 2021, from 10 a.m.-noon, Concerned Citizens of Surfside Beach, Citizens for Clean Air Clean Water, Earthworks, Sierra Club, and Lonestar Legal Aid will host a webinar titled “Texas GulfLink: Risky Business for the Gulf”. The Texas GulfLink project includes onshore and offshore pipelines, an oil export terminal and a crude oil storage terminal in the Jones Creek community. This webinar will feature Gulf experts and local leaders discussing the potential impact this project will have on communities and wildlife across Brazoria County. For more information and to register, visit Meetup.com.

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 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.

A Healthy Planet is a Prerequisite for Healthy People

On March 28, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church will host a webinar featuring Hyun-Min Hwang, associate professor in the Department of Environmental & Interdisciplinary Sciences at Texas Southern University, who will discuss the links between people’s health and the health of the planet. The presentation will cover how humans have polluted the planet and how a polluted environment affects human health. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

The Role of Nonprofits & Philanthropy in Fostering Equity For All

You are cordially invited to the 19th Annual Bank of America Program on Volunteerism on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.  The event will be managed on Zoom. The 19th Annual Bank of America program will address “The Role of Nonprofits & Philanthropy in Fostering Equity For All.” This year’s program will focus on the role nonprofits and philanthropy have in fostering equity for all in a moderated panel discussion that offers perspectives from the philanthropic and corporate sectors. Panelists for this event are:

  • Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University,
  • Mr. Rick Jaramillo, Houston Market Executive at Bank of America, and
  • The Honorable Margaret Spellings, President and CEO of Texas 2036 and Former US Secretary of Education

Learn more and register at tamu.edu.

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.

Virtual Tour and Case Study: Gensler Houston

On March 31, 2021, from 4-5:30 p.m., the Green Building Resource Center, the U.S. Green Building Council Texas Gulf chapter, and the IFMA Houston chapter will present a virtual tour and panel discussion on the design, construction and operations of Gensler’s new, transformational office space at 2 Houston Center. Following the virtual tour, project team members will lead a panel discussion to dive deeper into the design, construction and operations process for the space. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.

Environment 2 Action Films

Join Houston Sierra Club on April 1 at 7:00 pm for a powerful Zoom show and discussion of four short movies on about stepping up to take real action about environmental issues and a speaker to address environmental justice issues in Houston region: Good Housekeeping, Forget Short Showers, Conviction and Fault Line: Houston Cancer Cluster. All tell great stories building our enthusiasm to take action on Environmental Justice in Houston region now. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who has been standing up for the people of the 5th Ward, who are facing the deadly toxic pollution of the Union Pacific railyard, has been invited and expected to participate. Check scheduled films at sierraclub.org or on facebook.

Drawdown EcoChallenge

The Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston invites all members of the public to join its team for the Drawdown EcoChallenge during the month of April. During the EcoChallenge, you choose “challenges”, from among 80 of the most substantive solutions to climate change, to implement in your life, forming new earth-care habits over the course of the month. Categories include: building resilience, healing & renewal, electricity, food, agriculture & land use, transportation, industry, buildings, land sinks, coastal, ocean & engineered sinks, and health & education. Join the team or learn more at ecochallenge.org. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

The 25th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic

Registration begins April 1 for the 25th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic, held April 15 through May 15, 2021, sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife. All levels and ages of birders are welcome to join this Texas birdwatching event during the amazing spring migration. There’s a tournament category for everyone – from the beginning backyard birder to the competitive lister. Registration fees raise money for Texas bird and birding conservation project grants. The health and safety of our Birding Classic participants, staff, and the birding community are paramount, so rule modifications were made and tournament categories tweaked to better suit the state’s pandemic guidelines. Gather your team, register, and go birding – it’s truly that simple. For detailed information, visit tpwd.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.

First Saturday Bird Walk at Jesse Jones Park

On April 3, 2021, from 7:45-10 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Nature Park & Nature Center and the Piney Woods Wildlife Society will co-host their monthly bird walk. Visitors will join a volunteer guide to observe and document the birds of Jones Park. This is a great time to get into the park and catch a glimpse of some of our year-round resident birds, along with spring migrants and early summer resident birds. Must be 10 or older. Registration required beginning Wednesday, March 24. For more information, see the Facebook event.

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.
  • 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. For more information, visit texaschildreninnature.org.
  • 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.

  • A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee
  • Take to the skies and fly with the birds at Franklin Mountains State Park. With the right wind and a perfect place to launch this state park is prime territory when it comes to Paragliding
  • A father and son, armed with a video camera, fight city litter, and raise awareness about the impacts of urban trash on water, fish, and wildlife

Additional Upcoming Events

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