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Houston Environmental News Update August 4, 2021
August 4, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update August 4, 2021

National Oyster Day, Photo Safari Stories, Agents of Discovery, Rain Barrel Workshop, Floods and Phytoremediation, Green Jobs and more

As one of the most threatened marine habitats worldwide, oyster reefs necessitate care and attention. National Oyster Day, observed on August 5, is a time to recognize the actions we can take to ensure their environment is nurtured. (Note: In the Houston-Galveston region, organizations have begun “shellebrating” Oyster Month in April.)  

Galveston Bay Foundation organizes an extensive oyster reef restoration program, which includes oyster shell recycling, volunteer oyster gardening, volunteer reef restoration, and large scale reef restoration. Restoring oyster reefs is not only helpful for the oyster population, but also other animals. Oyster reefs serve as both a fishery and habitat for other aquatic species. Oysters also filter contaminants from the water, protect shorelines, stabilize sediment, and provide food and shelter for over 300 different species. 

Some recent oyster activities of Galveston Bay Foundation and various partners:

Facts about oysters (from TPWD unless otherwise noted):

  • The most common oyster in local waters is the Eastern Oyster, Carrostrea virginica.
  • Oysters have been found attached to bricks, boats, cans, tires, bottles, crabs, and turtles, but they prefer to attach to other oysters. 
  • All oysters sold in Texas must be certified, which means they must be harvested, handled, processed, and stored in accordance with state and federal standards.
  • Oysters are protandric–in the first year, they spawn as males, but as they grow larger and develop more energy reserves, they spawn as females. From eggs, they hatch into free-swimming veliger; once they land they become spat.
  • Because they are filter-feeders, oysters may ingest pollutants out of the water.
  • Oysters are in best condition in winter and early spring, but are good to eat all year long.
  • A world record has not been established for the most pearls in an oyster, but a Galveston Bay oyster containing 356 pearls must be a leading contender. Because the commercial oyster lacks the ingredient in its secretion to form the mother-of-pearl coating that gives the luster and beauty of the true pearl, its pearls, although interesting, are not valuable.
  • Oysters may be taken by hand, with tongs or by oyster dredge (more about oyster regulations). 
  • Oyster harvesting season is from November 1 to April 30 each year; the Texas Department of State Health Services helps determine where oysters might be harvested.
  • Galveston Bay oysters are being passed off as Blue Points and Chincoteagues in other parts of the country. (Robb Walsh’s book Sex, Death, and Oysters.)
  • Be on the lookout for a save the date announcement from Bayou City Waterkeeper for Folks ‘N Oysters later in the fall.
  • To find a pearl in an oyster is a rarity; only one out of every 10,000 oysters produce a pearl. Considering this, it seems unfathomable that an oyster would produce more than 1 pearl. However, one Galveston Bay oyster contained 356 pearls. The process of pearl formation is initiated by sand grains, shell fragments, or other particles that get lodged within the oyster’s mantle tissue. The mantle cells then stick to this particle, and become lodged within the mantle tissue, continuing to secrete around it. Eventually, the oyster creates a “pearl.” The next time you see a pearl, take a moment to appreciate the importance of oysters and their artistry that is 1 in 10,000.

Resources:

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors. Over 30 workshops are in the regional summer professional development calendar to connect you with local resources. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org.

Breaking Through – How to Build A Strong, Sustainable Nonprofit

Presented by the Executive Service Corps of Houston and Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Breaking Through – How to Build A Strong, Sustainable Nonprofit is a free, robust, six-month business training program for nonprofit organizations with a multifaceted approach including workshops, mentoring/coaching, and development of of a business plan. Topics covered include governance, financial management, marketing and branding, fundraising, volunteers, insurance, IT, HR, and disaster planning. Apply now for a July program start date. Special consideration given to CEC’s member and partner organizations. Download the flyer and simple application.

Montopolis: The Living Coast

We are excited to announce that The Living Coast event, planned for last year but postponed, has been rescheduled for Sep. 18, 2021, at MATCH. The Living Coast performance by Montopolis combines original music, live narration, and cinematic images of the Texas gulf coast. Surfers and sailors, shrimpers and oilmen, poets and scientists all share their stories about this complicated region of serene beauty, vast industry, and incredible contradictions. All ticket sales will be donated to the Matagorda Bay Foundation and the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.  Tickets now available.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

2022 Unified Transportation Program comment period open through Aug. 9

Via LINK Houston: During their June meeting, the Texas Transportation Commission decided to include the North Houston Highway Improvement Project as part of the annual public comment period for the Unified Transportation Program for 2022. The TTC will consider removing funding for the NHHIP and the Houston region as part of the UTP, the state’s 10-year slate of projects. On July 9, the Texas Department of Transportation opened the 30-day public comment period for the UTP, giving the public only two options to consider regarding the NHHIP: “Support maintaining project and funding as proposed or Support removing project and funding.” TxDOT will accept written public comments until 4 p.m. August 9, 2021. You can submit your comments through the online form and provide your feedback in the text box under question number 1. You can also print a comment form and mail it to TxDOT or call (800) 687-8108 to leave a voicemail with your name and comments. Another option is to email your comment form to TxDOT at utp-publicComments@txdot.gov.

H-GAC Unified Planning Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program public comment sought through Aug. 11

The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Unified Planning Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program seek public feedback on what they can do to reduce congestion, improve air quality, create safer bike and pedestrian paths, increase access to public transportation, and create a more connected, inclusive transportation system for everyone who lives and works in the region. The public comment period closes on Aug. 11, 2021. Comments may be submitted by email at PublicComments@h-gac.com, by phone at 1-855-363-2516, or by mail to “Attention: Unified Work Program and Title VI Environmental Justice Program”, P.O. Box 22777, Houston, TX, 77227-2777.

TPC Group Expansion Public Meeting

On Aug. 12, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will hold a public meeting for residents near the TPC Group’s Houston Plant at 8600 Park Place Blvd. to ask questions about the company’s air permit applications to authorize a significant increase in cancer-causing butadiene emissions at the plant. Community members may submit written comments anytime before or during the Aug. 12 public meeting electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ (Permit No. 19806) or by mail to the Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ, Mail Code MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Find the full meeting notice, including instructions on how to connect, at tceq.texas.gov.

Caney Creek Coordination Meeting

On Aug. 17, 2021, from 4-6 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss an implementation plan for improving water quality in the Caney Creek watershed. Registration is required at zoom.us. For more information, contact Steven Johnston.

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).

Preliminary Toxic Release Inventory data published

On July 29, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published preliminary Toxics Release Inventory data about chemical releases, chemical waste management, and pollution prevention activities that took place during 2020 at nearly 21,000 federal and industrial facilities across the country. The preliminary data includes the first-ever reporting on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) added to the TRI by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The 2020 preliminary data are for substances included on the TRI list of chemicals. These data were reported by facilities in certain industry sectors, including federal facilities, that manufactured, processed, or otherwise used the TRI-listed chemicals above certain quantities during 2020. The data include quantities of such chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. The data also include the pollution prevention activities initiated by individual facilities during 2020. Find the preliminary data at epa.gov.

Improved TexasFlood.org website launches

The Texas Water Development Board has reorganized the sea of flood-related information and redesigned the TexasFlood.org website to provide a user-friendly resource for Texans who want to increase their flood awareness and preparedness. TexasFlood.org provides fundamental information on emergency preparation for and recovery from flood events, as well as web tools to better understand flood risk, in a format that is easy to access and easy to understand. The TWDB has gathered important information from other local, state, and federal entities to provide the most relevant information for Texans in one convenient online location. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year, so all Texans are encouraged to check out the revamped TexasFlood.org to learn how to pack a flood kit, download resources to prepare family, review individual flood risk, plan an evacuation route, and more

Photo Safari Stories from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

On Aug. 5, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., as part of the National Marine Sanctuaries’ annual Get Into Your Sanctuary celebration, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will present stories inspired by its recent Photo Safari Scavenger Hunt. Participants will discuss the animals, habitats, and situations that the photos bring to mind. You might hear about the natural history of the area and the creatures that live there, the research underway to understand and protect the sanctuary, or even funny stories and encounters they’ve had during the course of our work. For more information and to register, visit gotowebinar.com.

Houston Parks Board’s Agents of Discovery missions

From August.6 through September 3, 2021, the Houston Parks Board offers the public the opportunity to tackle two different Agents of Discovery missions in the Houston area. The newest mission launches on Friday, August 6 in MacGregor Park. You’ll find more sports and play equipment than you could possibly fit into one day, but do you know the history behind this beautiful park? Unlock the history as you complete challenges and answer questions around the park. In addition to MacGregor Park, it’s not too late to play the Upper Greens Summer Challenge! Located in North Houston just off I-45, You’ll start at the Rockstar Energy Bike Park and follow the clues along the bayou greenway to uncover the truth about the plants and animals around you. Download the free Agents of Discovery app to get started.

Hill at Sims Virtual Community Meeting

On Aug. 5, 2021, from 6:30-8 p.m., Harris County Precinct One and its project manager, Houston Parks Board, will hold a second virtual community meeting to discuss the Hill at Sims Initial Improvements phase. Precinct One and the Houston Parks Board’s Beyond the Bayous initiative both identified Harris County Flood Control District’s Hill at Sims as an opportunity to transform the 100-acre detention basin into easily accessible public parkland. In this meeting, community members will hear how their input from the March 2021 Community Meeting is reflected in the planned design for transforming the Hill at Sims into a Precinct One park. Register to attend the meeting via Zoom or the Facebook event.

Open Flood Districts position at the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group is soliciting nominations for individuals interested in becoming a voting member to represent Flood Districts on the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group. Nominees who have strong affiliation, or are endorsed by Flood Districts within Region 6 are encouraged to apply. This individual must have demonstrated public service experience and show they are capable of acting in a leadership role. As the Flood District voting member representative, this individual must be prepared to adequately represent the interest and concerns of all Flood Districts within the San Jacinto Region. Nominations may be made to the Region 6 – San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group Sponsor, Harris County, until Aug. 6, 2021 by 5 p.m. Find the full notice, including the nomination form, at twdb.texas.gov under the heading “Open Solicitation for Vacant RFPG Member Positions”.

Electronics Recycling at Kingwood METRO Park and Ride

On Aug. 7, 2021, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., CompuCycle will be at the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride lot at 210 W Lake Houston Pkwy. to collect and responsibly recycle broken and obsolete electronics. Electronic items have both valuable and hazardous waste inside, and should never be hidden in your trash, which will be sent to the landfill.  This service is provided the first Saturday of every month, by the City of Houston.  However, everyone in the Lake Houston area is encouraged to use this service.  Only TVs are restricted to residents of the City of Houston as the City pays a fee to have these recycled.  And only CRT TVs up to 27” and LCD/Plasma/LED up to 50” in size are accepted. Look at their list of all accepted electronics as well as what CompuCyle does not accepts.

Rain Barrel Workshop

On Aug. 7, 2021, Galveston Bay Foundation and Urban Harvest will present a Rain Barrel Workshop consisting of a virtual presentation via Zoom on the environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation, installation instructions and tips. Barrel and kit pick-up will be from 9 a.m.-noon at 3302 Canal St., Houston and the virtual workshop will be that afternoon from 2-3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit support.galvbay.org.

Floods and Phytoremediation

On Aug. 7, 2021, from 1-4 p.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center will present a symposium on the health hazards of extreme flooding and how native plants can help reduce the toxicity of these weather events. In partnership with Jones Park, Lone Star College – Kingwood and the Citizens Environmental Coalition work with local residents and organizations to create healthy, resilient, and research-based practices at Jones Park. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On Aug. 7, 2021, Houston Audubon will host watch parties at The Fountains (in Stafford) and WIllowbrook Mall to watch the annual migration of the Purple Martin. From July to September, Houston’s Purple Martins spend most of the day feeding on flying insects to build energy for their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico. At dusk, they form large flocks and roost together in preparation for migration. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

9 Natives Showcase Garden Volunteer Day

On Aug. 9, 2021, from 9:30 a.m.-noon, Katy Prairie Conservancy will host the 9 Natives Showcase Garden outside the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This monthly volunteer opportunity is the perfect way to support native plant education in Houston by maintaining this urban native garden that provides habitat for local wildlife. Volunteers will maintain the garden by cutting back seedheads, arranging new growth areas for specific plants, and conducting regular weeding. Volunteers of all ages and experience are welcome to join this come-and-go event. For more details, contact Lan Shen at lshen@katyprairie.org.

Houston Parks Board’s August Green Team

On Aug. 11, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks Board’s August Green Team volunteer event will be held at Coolgreen Park, 300 High Ridge St. Volunteers will be repotting trees that have outgrown their pots.The work will be mostly stationary and mostly in the shade, so this will not be an over-strenuous event especially given the August heat. Learn more and register at houstonparksboard.volunteerhub.com.

Technology and Global Food Security: A Conversation With UPL CEO Jai Shroff

On Aug. 12, 2021, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in partnership with Asia Society India and the Harvard Business School Club of Houston, Asia Society Texas Center will present Jai Shroff, global CEO of UPL Limited, for a conversation on food security and climate challenges, and the role of technology in addressing these concerns. UPL’s purpose — OpenAg — is to create an open network for agriculture, activating connections across the world’s agriculture system. For more information and to register, visit asiasociety.org.

Sierra Club meeting: The Houston Zoo, Biodiversity & Sustainability

On Aug. 12, 2021, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual monthly meeting featuring the Houston Zoo’s Mark Hoffman, Director of Design and Engineering, and Florence Tang, Project Manager in Design and Engineering. They will discuss the Houston Zoo’s efforts to incorporate biodiversity and sustainability goals into planning and operations. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

All About Invasives

On Aug. 14, 2021, from 8-10 a.m., the pubic is invited to join Precinct 4’s Legacy Trees Project to restore the banks and meadows along Spring Creek by volunteering to remove invasive species like Chinese tallow and privet. Please bring a refillable water bottle, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. Online registration closes 48 hours prior to the event. For more information and to register, visit apps.hcp4.net.

Birding 101

On Aug. 14, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, Mercer Botanic Gardens will present longtime birder and photographer Paul Gregg, who will share four key tips to quickly identify common and migratory birds seen in the Houston area. This informative and family-friendly class is for beginner to intermediate birders, and concludes with a bird watching field excursion. Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide. Binoculars will be available for use. The class will be held at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive, Spring. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

Virtual Cacti and Succulents Plant Sale

On Aug. 14, 2021, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will host its Virtual Cacti and Succulents Plant Sale. This online plant sale will feature cacti, succulents, and plenty of tough plants that thrive in the Houston area. Early shopping is available for members of The Mercer Society on Friday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. Members will be emailed a discount code the week before the sale. For more information, including on how to place orders, see the Facebook event.

CCL Houston Monthly Meeting with special guest Matt Lanza, Space City Weather

On Aug. 14, 2021, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Houston chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby will hold a virtual monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Matt Lanza, managing editor of the Space City Weather website, titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Houston.” Newcomers are welcome to join the discussion. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Funding Opportunity: Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice

The National Academies’ Gulf Research Program is developing new programming around health and community resilience that prioritizes the needs and challenges of at-risk communities that disproportionately live in unsafe and unhealthy environments. This funding opportunity seeks to build the future leaders needed to confront the complex challenges to human health and the environment in the 21st Century. The GRP expects to award up to six proposals under this funding opportunity. Applicants may request up to $250,000 per year for up to five years. The deadline for submissions of full proposals due by 4 p.m. Central Time, Aug. 23, 2021. Find full details at nationalacademies.org.

Houston Audubon’s Flock Together Photo Contest

Houston Audubon seeks photos in its Flock Together Photo Contest that best illustrate the following categories: Bird-Friendly Communities, Small-in-Frame, Bird of Houston, Bird Fails and Funnies, Birds in Flight, and Birds of All Feathers. The submission period runs through Aug. 29, 2021. Judging will be based on content, creativity, uniqueness, and overall impression within its submitted category. All entries are eligible for the People’s Choice Award and will automatically be entered.Winners will be announced during Houston Bird Week on Sept. 25. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program

The Clear Lake chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is accepting applications for the second year of the Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program. This is an opportunity for nature centers, schools, educational groups, student groups, youth organizations and others in Brazoria, Galveston and Harris Counties needing funds for new or existing pollinator habitats in a public space. Priority is given to projects located in Brazoria County, Galveston County, and the southeast quadrant of Harris County. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2021. Watch an overview of last year’s projects on the chapter’s YouTube channel here. Find full details at npsot.org.

“Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest

In celebration of national Get Into Your Sanctuary activities from Aug. 2-8, 2021, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting its annual photo contest. Through Labor Day, ONMS is accepting the public’s best photos of the National Marine Sanctuary System to help celebrate the beauty and importance of these special places, including Texas’s own Flower Garden Banks NMS. For more information, including how to submit photos, visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov.

You’ve Got Your Own Private Zoo – It’s Called Your Microbiota

In the latest “Houston and Nature” podcast, Nivien Saleh talks with molecular biologist Dr. Laura Bridgewater, who discusses how our microbiota – an ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria that inhabit the surfaces and crevices of our bodies and especially the insides of our large intestine – influences our weight, our health, and even our personality. 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.

  • Several species of colonial water birds are on the decline in Texas and now work is underway to help them. In Nueces Bay, biologists are working to save eroding bird nesting islands
  • Coastal state parks need durable, versatile structures, and design students need projects. See what the Gulf Coast DesignLab at the University of Texas at Austin is building in parks along the coast, including in Galveston*
  • Postcard from Texas: Balmorhea State Park is an unexpected desert oasis with its relaxing Cienega

Additional Upcoming Events

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

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