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Houston Environmental News Update August 18, 2021
August 19, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update August 18, 2021

Post-Harvey flood planning, Call for Films, Rewilding of Mandell Park, Sandcastle Competition, Climate Change 360, advocacy, Sage-Grouse Study, Green Jobs and more

As we write this, Fred is a post-tropical cyclone, Grace is a dangerous hurricane headed toward the Yucatan Peninsula, and Henri is almost a hurricane threatening the northeastern U.S. In general, predictions for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season suggest above-average activity.

On this day four years ago, the National Hurricane Center had issued no coastal watches or warnings for Tropical Storm Harvey, suggesting “interests in the Caribbean Sea and the adjacent land areas of eastern Central America and northern South America should monitor the progress of Harvey.” On August 20, 2017, the Center advised, “This is the last forecast/advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on this system unless regeneration occurs….” So we got ready for the Great American Eclipse on the 21st, and then scrambled as Harvey not only regenerated, but rapidly and devastatingly strengthened.

A year later, in 2018, Harris County voters approved $2.5 billion in bonds to finance flood damage reduction projects in Harris County. On August 28, 2019, members of Harris County Commissioners Court narrowly approved a historic vote that these funds will be disbursed in a way that lifts up all residents, and especially those the county has historically left behind; HarrisThrives.org and the Community Flood Resilience Task Force are part of this initiative.

Also in 2019, the Texas Legislature passed legislation to create Texas’ first-ever regional and state flood planning process. In 2020, fifteen Regional Flood Planning Groups (RFPGs) were established by the Texas Water Development Board. Regions 3-Trinity, 5-Neches, 6-San Jacinto, 8-Lower Brazos, and 10-Lower Colorado-Lavaca each intersect with the 13-county Houston-Gulf Coast region. The RFPGs are responsible for developing their first regional flood plans by January 2023, which will culminate in the first-ever state flood plan for Texas.

The Region 6 San Jacinto RFPG area includes all or part of 11 counties and extends from Galveston in the south to Huntsville in the north. The SJRFPG is seeking input on the planning process, including input from the environmental community.

  • On Monday, August 23, 2021, the SJRFPG’s Technical Advisory Committee will be discussing Task 3B–Flood Mitigation and Floodplain Management Goals, and Task 4B –Identification and evaluation of potential flood management evaluations and potentially feasible flood management strategies and flood mitigation projects.
  • On August 31, 2021, the SJRFPG is hosting a public meeting to solicit input from the broader community. Input from the environmental community is strongly encouraged.

Learn more about the flood planning group, provide input, and sign up to attend the August 23 and 31, 2021, meetings at https://sanjacintofloodplanning.org/.

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.

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.

Call for submissions: Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC is proud to host the fourth annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival this fall. CEC hopes to use this festival to tell local environmental stories, highlight the work of CEC’s member organizations, and to inspire our residents and visitors to make a difference in the environment and our quality of life. The festival will be held virtually to protect the health and safety of our community in these times. We invite you to submit a film for consideration. Films should be specific to the environment in the Houston/Gulf Coast Region, should be no more than seven minutes long, and must be of suitable quality to be shown publicly. View the Submission Guidelines, and make submissions using this Google Form.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Oyster Creek Coordination Meeting

On Aug. 24, 2021, from 2-4 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a public meeting to discuss an implementation plan for improving water quality in the Oyster Creek watershed. The event will be online, and registration is required.

Chocolate Bay Stakeholder Meeting

On Aug. 24, 2021, from 5-7 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council invites residents, local governments, businesses, and non-profits within the watersheds that make up Chocolate Bay—Chocolate Bayou, Mustang Bayou, and Halls Bayou in Galveston and Brazoria counties—to attend a stakeholder meeting. Attendees will hear from H-GAC staff concerning the state of water quality in each bayou and actions being taken to improve them. H-GAC is forming a committee to develop an action plan to reduce fecal bacteria and will be asking for your assistance. The event will be online, and registration is required.

Inwood Recreation Plan Virtual Community Meeting

On Aug. 24, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m., the Houston Parks Board will host the first of three virtual public meetings seeking feedback on the first phase of the Inwood Forest Recreation Plan. Community members can provide virtual feedback and contact the project team at any point throughout the process using the project’s Social Pinpoint website. For more information and to register, visit houstonparksboard.org.

EPA Virtual Community Meeting

On Aug. 26, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding a second virtual public meeting to provide members of the community, community leaders, public officials, and leaders of community organizations near Shell Technology Center, 3333 Hwy 6 South, Houston, with information about ethylene oxide and its health effects. For more information and to register to ask questions during the meeting, visit epa.gov.

Waters of the United States Listening Sessions

On June 9, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States.” This process includes two rulemakings: A foundational rule to restore longstanding protections, and a second rulemaking process that builds on that regulatory foundation. The forthcoming foundational rule will propose to restore the regulations defining “waters of the United States” that were in place for decades until 2015, with updates to be consistent with relevant Supreme Court decisions. The agencies will also pursue a separate, second rulemaking process that further refines and builds upon that regulatory foundation.Written recommendations must be received on or before September 3, 2021. The agencies will hold public meetings on the following dates: August 23, August 25, August 26, and August 31, 2021. Learn more and submit comments at www.regulations.gov/document.

San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group: Existing Flood Risk Public Meeting Aug. 31, 2021

The San Jacinto RFPG invites you to help to develop the first-ever flood plan for the San Jacinto Region. The 2019 Texas Legislature passed legislation to create Texas’ first-ever regional and state flood planning process. The Region 6 San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group (RFPG) was established by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on October 1, 2020. The RFPG is responsible for developing the first regional flood plan by January 2023, which will culminate in the first-ever state flood plan for Texas. San Jacinto Region includes all or part of 11 counties and extends from Galveston in the south to Huntsville in the north.

Learn more about the flood planning group, provide input, and sign up to attend the August 31, 2021, public input meeting at https://sanjacintofloodplanning.org/.

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).

Update of Texas Conservation Lands Inventory completed

The Texas Land Trust Council has recently completed a major update of its Texas Conservation Lands Inventory. The updated data shows that Texas conservation lands have increased by 87,471 acres over the past two years,expanding our total lands protected to over 1.84 Million acres. This total includes more than one million acres in conservation easments protected in partnership with private landowners. Conservation easements are a flexible, voluntary tool that conserve private lands by perpetually restricting development rights. Check out the updated graphs, maps and data online at the Conservation Lands Inventory webpage.

Native Plant Society of Texas meeting: Rewilding of Mandell Park

On. Aug. 19, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Houston will hold a monthly meeting at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. The meeting will feature a presentation by Don Verser, who will describe how Mandell’s Pocket Prairie started and has evolved and how the park’s bioswales are now being converted to a complex landscape using native plants. Urban wildness, ecological gardens, the ever changing character of native plant systems and how to appreciate complex landscapes will be some underlying topics. Learn more at npsot.org.

San Luis Pass Cleanup

On Aug. 20, 2021, from 8-11 a.m., SPLASh (Stopping Plastics and Littering Along Shorelines) will host a volunteer trash cleanup at San Luis Pass, near the toll plaza on Bluewater Highway. All volunteers are required to sign waivers. For more information and to register, see this Google document.

34th Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition

The 34th Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition will take place Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, live and in person on East Beach in Galveston. The competition is a fundraising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation. Competing teams have their eyes and shovels set on winning the prestigious Gold Bucket Award. Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams – stretched along the beach front – meticulously sculpt their piles of sand and work non-stop for five hours. Learn more at the Facebook event.

Invasives Beware

On Aug. 21, 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.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On Aug. 22, 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.

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.

Climate Change 360 – A Virtual Lecture Series

In August, Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church is presenting a virtual lecture series about climate change — its causes, direct and indirect effects, policies that can impact its course, and actions we can take as individuals, households, businesses, schools, and faith communities to make a difference. The series continues on August 23, when the Houston Advanced Research Center’s Gavin Dillingham will discuss The Federal Policy Landscape for Climate Mitigation & Adaptation. The series concludes on August 25, when University of Washington professor Phoebe Barnard will discuss Climate Change Solutions Across Scales – from Personal Action to Global Transformation on Six Fronts. Each talk will be from 6-7 p.m. Find full information and register for the series at eventbrite.com.

Gaia Talk: Biomimicry Applications and Implications for Energy Companies

On Aug. 24, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m. CT, the Society of Petroleum Engineers will present a webinar exploring biomimicry and the applications and implications of this framework for energy and related companies. The event will include a case study review about the Jacobs Engineering realignment using biomimicry. For more information and to register, visit spe.elevate.commpartners.com.

Lighting Advocacy

On Aug. 25, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the Green Building Resource Center will hold a webinar about how lighting, with all its positive benefits, can be installed just plain wrong. It should have a clear purpose, directed where it is needed, no brighter than necessary, used only when it is useful, and we should use warmer colors where possible. You’ve heard about dark skies and light pollution, but did you know about the danger of excessive glare? Lighting consumes energy and costs money and is regulated by the energy code. Deborah Moran will discuss how lighting affects buildings with plenty of examples of lighting done right and done wrong. Steve Stelzer will give a quick overview of how exterior lighting is regulated in the energy codes. For more information and to register, visit codegreenhouston.org.

Mercer Botanic Gardens Volunteer Orientation

On Aug. 25, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold an orientation for prospective volunteers. The orientation will detail the various volunteer opportunities, from helping maintain our gardens, to plant propagation and sales, to educational programs and the Mercer Ambassadors. This orientation will be off site at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive in Spring. Participants must be 16 or older or 12-15 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Limited space is available, and registration is required. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Garden & Nature Series: Propagation Techniques and Barriers to Germination

On Aug. 25, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., the Hermann Park Conservancy will host a webinar by Dr. Jean Fefer, a retired professor and Harris County Master Gardener, on how gardeners can make new plants from the plants they already have using their seeds. Dr. Fefer will also cover solutions to germination and root rot in order to keep plants healthy and happy. For more information and to register, visit hermannpark.org.

Native Prairies Association of Texas: Sage-Grouse Study

On Aug. 25, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host a virtual public meeting featuring a presentation by Jenny McCarty, natural resources project manager for Colorado-based SWCA Environmental Consultants, who will discuss the latest scientific research revealing that sage-grouse use sagebrush habitat in ways that we can route development around. Will developers and policy makers respond to the science? Register for the meeting at zoom.us.

Solid Waste Workshop: Empowering People To Help Reduce Litter in Their Communities

On Aug. 26, 2021, from 9-11:30 a.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will a workshop featuring experts across the region and state who will discuss strategies, resources, and innovative ideas to empower people to help reduce litter in their communities. Register at zoom.us.

Clean Water Workshop: H-GAC’s Effort To Improve the Region’s Water Quality

On Aug. 26, 2021, from 1:30-4 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council invites residents, local governments, businesses, and non-profits within the H-GAC 13-county planning area to attend a virtual workshop about the water quality programs H-GAC is supporting to improve the region’s waters. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

OHBA Organic Gardening Workshop

On Aug. 26, 2021, from 2-6:15 p.m., the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance will host an Organic Gardening Workshop on how to have a successful fall planing season. For more information an to register, visit ohba.app.neoncrm.com.

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.

Houston Parks Board’s Agents of Discovery missions

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 is 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.

“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.

Call for Abstracts: Houston Audubon’s AviChat

During Houston Audubon’s Bird Week 2021 celebration Sept. 18-25, the organization will launch a new program called AviChat — a series of brief, informal, science talks about bird conservation and research hosted by the Houston Audubon YPAC. Held at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, the presentations will be followed by a networking happy hour with the purpose of starting conversations among people who could collaborate productively to further the mission of bird and wildlife conservation in our region. This is not your normal conference – they are keeping the slots short, with no time for questions until you can chat with the presenter over a drink. Houston Audubon is looking for submissions to present individual or organizational projects related to bird and/or land conservation on the Upper Texas Coast, including planned and completed research. The deadline for abstracts is September 10. For more information and to submit abstracts, visit houstonaudubon.org.

TAEE Conference

Environmental educators may register now for the 44th annual Texas Association for Environmental Education conference, themed Rooted in Environmental Education, to be held Sept. 24-25, 2021. With a mixture of in-person and virtual events, you’re sure to find something to grow your knowledge and network. On September 24, there will be a movie night at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and a seining field trip and movie night at Galveston Bay Foundation in Kemah. On September 25, join educators on a pocket prairie and school garden tour around Houston; learn from the experts how to start your own. Find full details on the conference website. 

Lights Out, Houston!

Through Nov. 30, 2021, Houston Audubon invites the public to participate in Lights Out, Houston for the fall migration season. Houston Audubon’s Lights Out for Birds Program started in 2017 after a large collision event in Galveston. In 2020, Houston Audubon partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Texan By Nature, and organizations across the state to expand the program into Lights Out Texas! This program encourages individuals, organizations, companies, building managers, and cities to turn their non-essential, exterior lights off from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. throughout spring and fall migrations, with extra emphasis on these lights being out during peak migration, Sept. 5-Oct. 29. Learn more at houstonaudublog.org.

Your Body Your Air exhibit at The Health Museum and Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library invites you to learn about types and sources of air pollution in Houston and the effect they have on our bodies and our communities in The Health Museum’s new exhibit Your Body Your Air. Created in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, Your Body Your Air can be seen at various Houston Public Library locations through February 2022. For additional information about this topic, visit the bilingual Your Body Your Air website at thehealthmuseum.org. While on the site, you can check out the exhibit’s current location, look up the air quality in your area, learn more about community efforts to improve air quality, and share your thoughts. Learn more about the HPL’s showings of the exhibition at houstonlibrary.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.

  • Wildlife biologists in West Texas are returning Desert Bighorn Sheep to their historic habitat after being extirpated in the mid 1900s. Trapping and relocation techniques have changed over the years, but it’s still a lot of hard work for everyone involved
  • With its 1,700 semi-tropical acres, Resaca de la Palma comprises the largest tract of native habitat in the World Birding Center network. Etched by the ancient curves of the Rio Grande River, this state park is a quiet birding retreat on the outskirts of the City of Brownsville.
  • Postcard from Texas: Hummingbirds feast at a feeder in suburban Austin.

Additional Upcoming Events

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