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Houston Environmental News Update April 21, 2021
April 22, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update April 21, 2021

Happy Earth Day! #blacklivesmatter, Greentown Houston opening, Houston Together, Drug Take Back Day, Earth Day festivals, Green Jobs and more

Colorful Logo "Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with Citizens' Environmental Coaltion" with bright icons representing bird, plants, butterflies, sun, rain, recycle, etc

Happy Earth Day!

Thank you to everyone who attended–in person or virtually–Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.

To kick off the event, members of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas welcomed Houstonians. The tribe’s ancestors are among those who lived on the land where Discovery Green is now. In this video Eddie Garcia discusses the importance of the land to tribal members living here now and dispels a common, and derogatory myth about the tribe.

For more information about the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, Garcia invites you to visit the website at www.carrizocomecrudonation.com or follow them on facebook at www.facebook.com/CarrizoComecrudoTribeOfTexas.

In the afternoon, Mayor Sylvester Turner gave opening remarks before a panel discussion on The Nexus of Energy, Climate, and Equity in Houston. The discussion examined the freeze in February 2021, how electricity production affects the environment and what can be done to protect vulnerable populations. 

The experts that appeared on the panel are:

Throughout the day Houston artists completed murals celebrating the richness and diversity of our community, culture, and natural environment. The 13 artists were chosen from 111 applicants for their designs that envision the Houston we want to see and inspire us to create that shared future together. Their work will be on display at the park through October 2021.

We are grateful to the event sponsors: Green Mountain Energy and Port Houston. 

Help CEC make Earth Day every day by making a donation to support our work.

#BlackLivesMatter

“We are not free until all Black people are free. No marginalized intersection of the diverse mosaic of this word is free until the most marginalized and oppressed of us is free.
Free to live.
Free to breathe.
Free to exist.”

Marjorie Joseph, Executive Director,
Houston Coalition Against Hate

Register for a Bystander Intervention Training with Houston Coalition Against Hate. CEC is proud to be a member of Houston Coalition Against Hate.

CEC NOTES

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, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, is offering Virtually Wild! programs specifically designed for Girl Scouts. Sign up early to engage your Scout in STEM.    

The City Nature Challenge is from April 30 – May 2. Be part of an international project, support outdoor learning and exploration, and integrate technology into the classroom. Check out the Educators Toolkit for tips and tricks to host a challenge with your students. Also, check out this video that explains the Houston challenge to students.   

Environmental Educators Exchange

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

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors. STEM Applications, Project Based Learning, Wildlife Climate Resiliency, Local Data Analysis, Watersheds, and more. Workshops begin on April 8, and over 30 workshops are in the regional summer professional development calendar to connect you with local resources. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org. 

Celebrate Earth Month by shopping at H-E-B and supporting local environmental charities

Add your $1, $3, $5, or $10 donation to EarthShare of Texas at checkout in stores and online at H-E-B & Central Market. EarthShare of Texas supports 38 Texas-based environmental and conservation nonprofits, including the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition. April 14-May 25, 2021.
#MyEarthMyTexas #EarthMonth #EarthWeek #EarthDay #ShopLocal #HelpingHere #Texas

Houston Together volunteerism event

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Continuing through April 24, 2021, Volunteer Houston is presenting Houston Together, a mostly-virtual celebration of the impact of local volunteering designed to recognize and connect new and existing volunteers with service organizations that rely on volunteers to meet the needs of the community. By registering and participating, greater Houston area non-profits can raise awareness of their mission/organization, recruit new volunteers and recognize current volunteers. Volunteers can find local opportunities to make a personally inspirational impact and #BeAPartoftheStory. Learn more and register at volunteerhouston.org. Visit with CEC on Thursday from 11-noon, and on Friday from 3-4.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Public comment period for Regional Transportation Plan and Conformity Updates remains open through April 28

The Houston-Galveston Area Council recently hosted two virtual public meetings discussing proposed amendments to the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan and air quality conformity updates. Recordings of the meetings are available here and here. The public comment period for these topics remains open through April 28. Comments may be submitted online, by phone at 1-855-363-2516, by mail to Attention: RTP/Conformity Comments, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX, 77277-2777, or emailed to publiccomments@h-gac.com.

Help Open Ocean Trustees identify public engagement topics on April 29

The Open Ocean Trustees are hosting a webinar on April 29, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., to provide updates on their work, including the recent call for project ideas for Birds and Sturgeon, and ask for feedback on ways to help improve public engagement around their activities. Topics will include Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment basics; restoration projects; and restoration planning, monitoring and evaluation. The webinar is free and open to all. For more information and to register, visit gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.

Public comment period for the Draft 2022 State Water Plan open through May 26

The Texas Water Development Board will receive public comments on the Draft 2022 State Water Plan until 5 p.m. on May 26, 2021. The TWDB will publish notice in the Texas Register on April 23, 2021, of the Board’s intent to adopt the 2022 State Water Plan later this summer. The Board will receive public comment on the Draft 2022 State Water Plan at a hearing to be held on May 24, 2021, at 1 p.m. The hearing will be held in Austin at the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Room 170, and via GoToWebinar. The draft plan and additional information about the hearing are posted on the TWDB website.

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).

A Flock/Kettle/Wake/Congress/Parliament of Birdy Events

Spring has officially sprung, and along the Texas Gulf Coast, that means we’re in the beginning of the annual Great Bird Migration, as millions of birds who spent the winter in Central and South America and the Caribbean make their way across our state on their way to their homes in North America. Texas lies squarely within the Central Flyway, making it one of the world’s premiere spots for watching birds. And the greater Houston environmental community has got you covered.

  • Houston Audubon provides beautiful spots to do your bird-watching at its High Island sanctuaries in Chambers County.
  • Through May 7, you can do your part in helping migrating birds make their way safely home by participating in Lights Out, Texas, a statewide effort to turn off all unnecessary electric lights from 11 p.m.-6 p.m. Find more information at tcatexas.org.
  • Through May 8, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is hosting its Spring Fling at Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary. This is an amazing opportunity to see and celebrate the return of migratory songbirds as they arrive at stopover habitat along the coast. Knowledgeable GCBO volunteers and staff will be on hand at Quintana to answer your questions, keep a daily list, and sell water, snacks, and field guides.
  • You and your friends and family can participate in World Migratory Bird Day on May 8. Find an event near you, or create your own. Learn more at migratorybirdday.org.
  • On May 15-16, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host one of its occasional Bird Banding events virtually, allowing you to watch volunteers putting bands on the legs of bird from the comfort of your home. For more information, see the Facebook event.
  • Through May 23, Artist Boat welcomes the public to the Coastal Heritage Preserve for the spring migration. These trails are accessible by paid access only. Register at fareharbor.com for the opportunity to explore the Preserve and the 403 species that call it home including birds, otters, coyotes, swamp rabbits, fish, shrimp, and turtles.

Houston launches citywide Solar Co-op to celebrate first anniversary of the Houston Climate Action Plan

On the one-year anniversary since the release of the Houston Climate Action Plan, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) on Wednesday announced the launch of Houston’s citywide solar co-op that will help Houston residents go solar – advancing a major goal of the Climate Action Plan. “As we celebrate Earth Day, I’m proud to welcome this community-driven initiative for local rooftop solar and thank Solar United Neighbors for being such a strong supporter of the Houston Climate Action Plan,” Turner said in a press release. “I encourage Houstonians to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of residential solar and how they can take part. Bulk buy programs like this will help our city meet our energy transition goals and grow local investment in renewable and resilient energy.” An update on the implementation of Resilient Houston and the Houston Climate Action Plan is available at Rice | Kinder Institute Resilience and Climate Progress in Houston. Individuals interested in learning more about the citywide co-op can register or attend one of the upcoming information sessions on May 6 and May 19 at solarunitedneighbors.org. Read the full press release at houstontx.gov.

City of Houston Budget Workshop

On April 22, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., AARP and the City of Houston Controller’s Office will host a Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). Houston’s economy has suffered tremendously due to the pandemic and shutdown since March 2020, the oil and gas sector’s downturn, and recent natural disasters, including rain and freezing weather events. How will we meet the growing needs of our community with declining revenues? Will an influx of federal rescue funds be able to close the gap? Learn how Houston’s financial departments work with the Mayor to develop the City’s current $5.1 billion for the next fiscal year. To register for the workshop, visit aarp.cvent.com.

Greentown Houston Grand Opening Livestream

On April 22, 2021, beginning at 2 p.m., Greentown Houston, the city’s first climatetech startup incubator (located in the former Midtown Fiesta supermarket), will hold its Grand Opening celebration virtually. The event will be a celebration of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation, which together with the engineering strength and talent of the region’s energy industry will power Houston’s climate leadership. For more information and to register, visit greentownlabs.com.

Can Fleet Electrification Benefit Air Quality and Human Health?

On April 22, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., UH Energy will host a webinar featuring Yunsoo Choi, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry, who will discuss, considering projected population and traffic growth in the Houston region, how fleet electrification and new technologies can impact the regional air quality and human health. For more information and to register, visit uh.edu.

Central City Co-Op Earth Day Celebration

On April 22, 2021, from 5-8 p.m., Central City Co-Op will host a socially distanced Earth Day celebration at the parking lot of its headquarters, 420 E. 20th Street. The event will include live music by Gulfcost Brass Houston, Compost 101, Planting session with Lotus Sky, vendor sales and more. Bring lawn chairs and pick a spot in the parking lot to listen to the music from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Prairies, Pollinators & Preservation

On April 22, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., Keep Katy Beautiful will host a Virtual Earth Day Event featuring special guests from the Katy High School Tiger Prairie and Bee Keeping Club for an evening of educational fun learning about prairies, pollinators and all the benefits they have for the community. For more information and to register, visit Facebook event.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

April 24, 2021 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. You can search for a location near you and find other resources takebackday.dea.gov.

Daniel Cohan on Air Quality Issues

On April 25, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m., the Church & Society class at St. Philip Presbyterian Church will host a Daniel Cohan, Ph.D., associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University. He will discuss how energy use impacts the atmosphere, and how air pollution, in turn, impacts human health. Join the Zoom meeting at zoom.us. For more information, visit saintphilip.net.

2021 Texas State Legislative Training

On April 24, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m., Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience will hold a virtual training session for the 87th session of the Texas Legislature. The training will focus on specific bills and policies, storytelling, and interactive processes to support advocacy. Register at zoom.us.

Moody Gardens Educator Open House

On April 24, 2021, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Moody Gardens will host a free Educator Open House for all active employees of a public, private, parochial school, home school educators, early childhood educators and informal educators. Activity and exhibitor stations active from 10:30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m. Pre-purchased Meal Deals will be available from noon- 2 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at moodygardens.com. The registration link expires on April 22 at 5 p.m. For more information contact: Lisa Stegman 409-683-4233 or Lstegman@moodygardens.org.

Earth Day Storytime in the Park

On April 24, 2021, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Memorial Park Conservancy will host a special Earth Day event geared toward children featuring story readings, face-painting and more. The event will be held in the newest addition to Memorial Park, Clay Family Eastern Glades. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

2021 Power Shift Convergence Conference

Continuing through April 25, 2021, the 2021 Power Shift Conference is virtually bringing thousands of young people and students to gather the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to halt pending climate collapse and build the future. Headliner speakers include Angela Davis, Bill McKibben, and Destiny Hodges. Students can receive a discount on tickets by using the code ps21rrc50. For more information and to register, visit powershift2021.org.

Urban Harvest’s 2021 Earth Day Festival

Through April 25, 2021, Urban Harvest is hosting its 2021 Earth Day Festival. The festival will include plant swaps, Zoom classes, farmers market tours, and more. For more information, visit urbanharvest.networkforgood.com.

The Causes and Effects of a Healthy Galveston Bay

On April 25, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church will host a webinar featuring Sasha Francis, community engagement coordinator at the Galveston Bay Foundation, who will discuss the significant links between the health of Galveston Bay, the health of people in the Galveston Bay watershed (50% of the population of Texas) and the economy in this region. She will discuss the 2020 Galveston Bay Report Card’s updated information of the six categories of Bay health and what it means to the surrounding community’s unity, well-being, and economy. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

National Town Hall on Increasing Outdoor Safety and Access for Black Communities

On April 27, 2021, from 5-7 p.m., the National Wildlife Federation is hosting a National Town Hall on Creating Safe Spaces to discuss identifying path forward to address the challenges the Block community faces in engaging and recreating outdoors. Hear from a all-star panels and guest speakers about the programmatic and policy avenues to advance equitable access, representation, and safety among Black communities. Learn more and register at nwf.org.

Living Building Challenge: Monarch School Retrospective

On April 28, 2021, from 3-4 p.m., the Green Building Resource Center will present an education seminar about the journey of the Monarch School’s Outdoor Learning Studio, its Petal certification, and future ambitions. Originally put forward in 2011: “The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward – it defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions.” For more information, visit codegreenhouston.org.

What Now? Climate and Resilience in 2021

On April 28, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., Rice University’s Center for Environmental Studies will host a conversation about environmental policy in the wake of a presidential election, rejoining the Paris agreement, the Texas grid collapse and much much more. Featured speakers will be Jim Blackburn, environmental attorney and professor in the practice of environmental law in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Daniel Cohan, associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. For more information and to register, visit enst.rice.edu.

Texas Prairies Yesterday, Today and Concerns for the Future

On April 28, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Barron Rector, Ph.D., associate professor and extension range specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He will discuss the natural processes of prairies small to large, impacts of urban sprawl and human decisions, restoration of prairies, continued human impact, connecting corridors and value of pocket prairies. Register for the meeting at zoom.us.

Pasadena Community Meeting: Air Monitoring Network

On April 29, 2021, from 6-7:30 p.m.. Air Alliance Houston host a virtual meeting to unveil Pasadena’s new community air monitoring network program. Learn about the publicly available air monitoring dashboard and find out how you can get more involved in this community-led project. The event will include a panel discussion about the health impacts of air pollution, the air monitors being employed as part of the new network, and Harris County’s efforts to increase air monitoring and accountability. For more information and to register, visit airalliancehouston.org.

“The Quiet Invasion” – Taking Action to Remove Invasive Plants from The Woodland’s Open Spaces

On April 29, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will present a lecture by Teri MacArthur,Environmental Education Specialist with the Environmental Services Division of The Woodlands Township, who will discuss invasive plants and the damage they do to local ecosystems and how residents can take action starting in their own landscapes to reduce them. For more information, including how to connect to the meeting, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Beautify the Bucket

Registration is open through April 30, 2021, for Artist Boat’s Beautify the Bucket art competition, which helps beautify trash receptacles along Galveston beaches to enhance the views of the beach and catch the eye of visitors. Judging and public display will be held on June 12 at Stewart Beach during the World Oceans Day Festival. Winners are announced at noon. Trash barrels are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with a $20 registration fee. Learn more and register at artistboat.org.

National Arbor Day Celebration

On April 30, 2021, from 2-5 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host a celebration of National Arbor Day. Pick up a complimentary tree or sign up to foster a legacy tree. Learn more about trees through identification and tree aging activities while commemorating this year’s Earth Day theme, “Restore our Earth.” Participants must register in advance. Learn more and register at the Facebook event.

City Nature Challenge 2021

From April 30 through May 3, 2021, area residents are invited to join The Nature Conservancy in Texas, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Bayou Land Conservancy, Audubon Society, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and many others in a fun challenge to observe and record wild species. It is easy to participate by making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of Houston will count during the four-day challenge. You can participate by exploring the life in your backyard (and use the hashtag #backyardchallenge on social media), in your neighborhood park, or from an apartment balcony or courtyard. You can also help with IDs for other people’s observations to increase our species count. For more information on how to participate, visit inaturalist.org and join the Houston-Galveston City Nature Challenge Team on Facebook.

iNaturalist City Nature Challenge

On May 1, 2021, from 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center invites you to join staff naturalists and volunteer guides to assist in documenting the plant and animal diversity throughout the park. All data collected will be logged on iNaturalist as part of a global citizen science biodiversity study. Reservations are required. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

Christmas Bay Foundation Earth Day Paddle Tour

On May 1, 2021, beginning at 8 a.m., the Christmas Bay Foundation will host a a kayaking nature tour of the Bay and surrounding estuaries led by renowned naturalist and CBF President Bruce Bodson. This tour will touch on the benefits of estuaries and their importance to the environment and marine ecosystem, how the moon affects the tides and the movement of fish and how to identify the various critters that live in the bay and shoreline and how they depend upon each other for survival in a challenging environment. For more information and to register, visit christmasbayfoundation.org.

Green Building Bike Ride – EaDo and 2nd Ward

On May 1, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., the Green Building Resource Center and Cohousing Houston will host a green building-themed bike ride exploring some existing and future sustainability projects in EaDo and Second Ward with a brief local coffee shop break in the middle.Bring your own bike or check out a BCycle from the bikeshare station at Eastwood Park. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.

Wetland Walkabout

On May 1, 2021, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Exploration Green and partnering organizations will host Wetland Walkabout, a free educational event in Phase One. The event will include a rain barrel display from Galveston Bay Foundation and HARC; a pop-up birding station with Houston Audubon; guided wilderness tours; arts and crafts; a food truck and more. For more information, see the Facebook event.

San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group creates Upper Watershed member position

The Texas Water Development Board’s San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group recently voted to create the highly anticipated new Upper Watershed voting-membership position. If you or someone you know may be interested in the position, you are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted by mail and email until May 7, 2021. Send applications by mail to Texas Water Development Board, 10555 Northwest Fwy, Suite 120, Houston, Texas, 77092, ATTN: SJRFPG –Fatima Berrios. Email applications to SanJacFldPG@eng.hctx.net.

Lights Out, Texas!

Through May 7, 2021, the Texas Conservation Alliance, the City of Houston, Houston Audubon and other partnering organizations encourage all Texas residents, businesses and other entities to participate in “Lights Out, Texas!” by dimming non-essential lighting from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. With the simple flip of a switch, each of us can do our part to protect millions of migrating birds soaring across our Lone Star sky. Certify your business or residence with Lights Out for Wildlife. You will receive a certificate to celebrate your commitment to conservation and you’ll inspire others to join in. While “Lights Out Nights” in Houston runs April 19 – May 7, everyone is encouraged to turn building lights out nightly if possible, throughout the spring until migration in Texas ends June 15. Learn more at tcatexas.org.

Calls for submissions for environmental educators

The North American Association for Environmental Educators will hold its 50th Anniversary Conference in October. Environmental educators will gather virtually over two weeks to connect and share about “The Power of Connection.” The deadline for proposal submission is May 7, 2021. Learn more at naaee.org. Also, the Science Teachers Association of Texas will host the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching in November. The Call for Presentations is open until May 30. Learn more at statweb.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.

Houston Heights Compostable Dropoff

Thanks to high school student and Girl Scout Monica Orozco and Zero Waste Houston, on Wednesdays through June 2, neighbors will be able to drop their food waste and compostables off at the Historic Heights Fire Station (107 W 12th St.) for FREE!This 8-week pilot program, which will serve as Monica’s Girl Scouts Gold Award Project, will run on Wednesdays from 5-8 PM through June 2. Learn more on Facebook.

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.
  • NOAA Planet Stewards offers grants of up to $5,000 to support educators working in formal and informal educational settings to carry out hands-on action-based stewardship projects with elementary through college age students, as well as the general public. The deadline to apply is June 5, 2021. For more information and application instructions, visit oceanservice.noaa.gov.
  • 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.

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.

The Magical World of Houston Squirrels

In the latest “Houston and Nature” podcast, Nivien Saleh talks with Kelsey Low of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center about one of the most visible forms of wildlife in Houston, squirrels. She discusses what’s cool about them and what they do to survive. Most importantly, she’ll make you appreciate these little rodents in an entirely new way. 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.

  • Conservationist and hunter Terrance Jackson will be the first to tell you, “If Wild Turkeys could smell, they’d be nearly impossible to hunt.” Follow Terrance as he travels across East Texas working to restore and harvest the Eastern Wild Turkey
  • Postcard from Texas: Take a leisurely look at the sand and surf at South Padre Island National Seashore

Additional Upcoming Events

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