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Houston Environmental News Update September 1, 2021
September 2, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update September 1, 2021

Nearby National Wilderness Areas, METRO’s more sustainable future, Commute Solutions Month, Faithful Resilience, Green Jobs and more

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), Sam Houston National Forest, Walker County, Texas, USA (September 2020). William L. Farr, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

NATIONAL WILDERNESS ACT, SEPTEMBER 3, 1964, BY PRESIDENT LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Texas is home to six federally designated wilderness areas, and five of them are in east Texas (Guadalupe Mountains wilderness area is much further west.) All five of these wilderness areas were created in 1984 and are under the purview of the USDA Forest Service, one of four agencies–along with the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management–that manage federal wilderness areas. The five ‘local’ wilderness areas are:

To meet the definition of a Wilderness Area, as defined in the Act, an area must have the following criteria:

  • Minimal human imprint
  • Opportunities for unconfined recreation
  • At least five thousand acres
  • Educational, scientific, or historical value

What are your favorite wilderness areas–federally designated or not–in the greater Houston region?

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors or virtually. 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

Waters of the United States public recommendations due Sept. 3

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. Learn more and submit comments at www.regulations.gov/document.

Public comment sought on Hurricane Harvey flood mitigation projects

The Texas General Land Office is seeking public comment on Amendment 1 to the Mitigation State Action Plan for $4.3 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) relating to Hurricane Harvey flood mitigation for a federally required 30-day public comment period. Additionally, the GLO will convene a virtual public hearing to solicit comments on the proposed amendment Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 6 p.m. Details on the virtual public hearing to be posted on this public notices webpage. All public comments submitted to cdr@recovery.texas.gov by 5 p.m. on September 22, 2021, will be considered. Per federal requirements, the GLO will respond to public comments before the amendment is sent to HUD for final approval. For information, including how to attend the public hearing and to submit comments, visit recovery.texas.gov.

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).

METRO board approves agency-wide commitment to a more sustainable future

The METRO Board of Directors last week approved the adoption of the Authority’s first Sustainability Vision Statement. The vision statement includes a series of environmentally sustainable initiatives and investments, including the adoption of a 100 percent zero-emission bus replacement goal by 2030 and the development of an agency-wide Climate Action Plan. Staff will present the Climate Action Plan for Board approval no later than January 2022. METRO has already moved forward with the purchase of 20 full-size electric buses and 10 paratransit vans and has applied for federal grants through the FTA Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program to fund the $25 million purchase of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure. The Authority will also explore the use of vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The move toward procuring more environmentally friendly vehicles also focuses on improving equity and accessibility. Initial routes will serve communities designated in the city of Houston’s Complete Communities program and disproportionately impacted by carbon emissions. Read the full press release.

Get ready for Commute Solutions Month in September

The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Commute Solutions program is turning 27 this year. Throughout the month of September, the program team will celebrate by highlighting commuters in the region. Mark your calendars for Commute Solutions Month in September and follow H-GAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to see how you can participate in a variety of fun, virtual events. For more information, visit the Commute Solutions website.

H-GAC seeks information on conservation projects in the region

As part of the Regional Conservation Initiative, H-GAC is collecting information on conservation projects from local governments and non-governmental organizations for inclusion on a priority project list. This list will help H-GAC allocate staff time to assist with funding applications, convene partners and stakeholders, and otherwise advance conservation projects across the region. There is no funding associated with this priority project list. Learn more about the priority project list here. Email conservation@h-gac.com to set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss your conservation projects and priorities. 

2022 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards applications open until Sept. 24

Each year, the Governor’s Office and commissioners from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality honor the state’s most outstanding environmental projects through the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Winners from across the state exemplify how Texans set the standard for ensuring clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste. The application period for the 2022 awards is now open. Applications already submitted for the previously suspended 2021 awards will also be considered. To see winners from 2013 to 2020, visit the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards webpage. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.

Texas Citizen Planner – Community Planning for Flood Mitigation

On Sept. 2, 2021, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a free training session featuring practitioners and experts who will discuss local trends in flood management and how to plan, fund, and implement activities including open space preservation, buyouts, building retrofits and elevations, and the Community Rating System. Five Continuing Education Credits for Certified Floodplain Managers and five Certification Maintenance credits for American Institute of Certified Planners professionals are available. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Faithful Resilience: A Study on Climate Resilience for Faith Communities

Beginning Sept. 2, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a six-part study on climate resilience for faith communities. The climate crisis has arrived. Faith communities must not only react, but also prepare. The communities who will be most threatened by climate change also have an opportunity to play a pivotal role in building resilience in their towns and cities. Whether a faith community has a large facility, land, social capital, or something else, those assets can be channeled into building climate resilience in preparation for the coming physical and spiritual storms of the climate crisis. The series continues through October 2. For more information and to regisgter, visit eventbrite.com.

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 launch 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.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On Sept. 4, 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.

“Get Into Your Sanctuary” photo contest

In celebration of national Get Into Your Sanctuary activities, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting its annual photo contest. Through Labor Day, September 6, 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.

Wild Hope: Book Discussion Group for the Season of Creation

Beginning Sept. 8, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston will hold a weekly virtual discussion of the book Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing by Gayle Boss. Wild Hope contains 25 beautifully-written, intimate portraits of the lives of endangered species, the hazards they face and how people are responding to save them. The book is inspiring and awakens deep empathy. Readers of all backgrounds will find this little book powerful. The discussion group will continue through October 8. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Houston Parks Board September Green Team

On Sept. 8, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks Board’s Green Team will hold its a volunteer event at Thomas Bell Foster Park, 12895 Greens Bayou St. Volunteers will work on removing invasive species ahead of a native planting we have planned for later on this fall. For more information and to register, visit houstonparksboard.volunteerhub.com.

Texas City Dike Cleanup

On Sept. 9, 2021, from 8 a.m.-noon., SPLASh (Stopping Plastics and Littering Along Shorelines) will host a volunteer event to pick up abandoned fishing liens at the Texas City Dike. For more information and to register, see this Google document.

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.

Neches River Rally

On Sept. 11, 2021, the Big Thicket Association will hold its 8th Annual Neches River Rally. This year’s route will take paddlers through the Big Thicket National Preserve via the 4-mile Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail. Paddlers will experience the open waters of the Neches River and the bald cypress/water tupelo swamp. Wading birds, songbirds and turtles are common wildlife observed in these backwaters. Canoes and kayaks (no paddleboards) will launch and return to the LNVA Saltwater Barrier location in Beaumont. Registration closes on Sept. 7. For more information and to register, visit bigthicket.org.

Katy Prairie Conservancy’s Stewardship Saturdays

On Sept. 11, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., Katy Prairie Conservancy will resume its Stewardship Saturday program, held the second Saturday of each month. Volunteers help combat invasive species, clear fences of vegetation, and restore prairie habitats. All are welcome to participate – no experience necessary. Stewardship Saturday volunteers occasionally get to visit some of the preserves that are closed to the public. For more information, visit katyprairie.org.

Kleb Woods Hummingbird Festival

On Sept 11, 2021, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Kleb Woods Nature Preserve in Tomball will hold its annual Hummingbird Festival, where visitors can witness hummingbirds in peak migration. Learn everything you want to know about them, including identifying, attracting and gardening for hummingbirds. Enjoy games and activities for the whole family. Take a guided nature walk, tour the 1896 Kleb house, and see blacksmith demonstrations throughout the day. Admission is free. For more information, visit pct3.com.

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.

  • From the brush country of South Texas to the mountains of West Texas, two women have outdoor pursuits as different as the landscapes. These two mothers, one a hunter, and the other a hiker, meet and share their interests, growing a friendship and deepening their appreciation of the outdoors
  • Massive floods in 2015 destroyed much of the natural habitat along the Blanco River. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have been working with landowners along the river to help re-establish trees and grasses, and by educating locals about the importance of managing healthy river ecosystems that are more resilient to the effects of flooding
  • Bonham State Park is small by Texas standards, but that’s what people like about it. It’s a great place to swim, hike, fish, and meet the neighbors

Additional Upcoming Events

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