• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org
Houston Environmental News Update September 8, 2021
September 8, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update September 8, 2021

9/11 National Day of Remembrance and Service, West University Master Recycler Class, Hummingbird Festival, Neches River Rally, Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable, Green Jobs and more

The morning of September 11, 2001, a little before 8:00 am, I was getting ready to spend the day with teachers, at Hermann Park, showing them how to use the outdoors as a classroom. I was looking forward to rolling logs to see what crawled beneath, sweeping nets through brushy bluestem and other to catch and examine insects, and watching for tadpoles in small wetlands. As I “drove” to work in the stop-and-go traffic (is it actually driving?) along the I-45 Pierce Elevated through downtown Houston, I listened as a KUHF reporter interviewed the founder of a local environmental education and conservation organization. The discussion of how art could be combined with science and observation was interrupted by an announcement that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. Needless to say, neither the interview nor the workshop went as planned.

Now, September 11 is a National Day of Remembrance and Service. Volunteer Houston is collaborating with the national 9/11 Day organization to turn the anniversary of 9/11 into a worldwide day of doing good. Bringing our community together is even more important to us on this momentous Day of Service. Volunteer Houston is on a mission to connect even more volunteers with the local organizations that are doing good on Saturday, September 11th. 

Is your organization hosting a 9/11 Day event this year? Volunteer Houston would like to help you 1) promote it to the greater Houston community, and 2) recruit volunteers to support your event. It’s simple, it’s free, and we’re here to answer your questions along the way. Click here to get started.

Are you a volunteer in search of an 9/11 Day event or volunteer opportunity? Browse this centralized list of volunteer opportunities happening on Saturday, September 11, 2021. You can also find volunteer opportunities related to Hurricane Ida recovery, Afghanistan refugees, and a whole section of environmental volunteering opportunities.

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

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.

Public Meeting for proposed Municipal Solid Waste Permit No. 2406 in San Jacinto County

PC-II, LLC, of Madison County, Mississippi, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a permit to authorize a new Municipal Solid Waste Type I Landfill. The facility is proposed to be located approximately six miles northwest of the intersection of US 59 and Business SH 105, in San Jacinto County, Texas. This proposed landfill affects Peach Creek, Lake Houston, Sam Houston Forest. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined that the application is administratively complete and is conducting a technical review of the application. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Members of the public who would like to ask questions or provide comments during the meeting may access the meeting via webcast by following this GoToMeeting link. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments anytime during the public meeting or by mail before the close of the public comment period to the Office of the Chief Clerk, TCEQ, Mail Code MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or electronically at tceq.texas.gov. The public comment and meeting notice–along with information about the proposed permit–may be viewed at tceq.texas.gov.

Input Requested: San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group

The San Jacinto RFPG seeks input from the public regarding the development of a regional flood plan, part of a statewide flood plan. Learn more, submit input, and sign up for updates 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).

HARC develops Resilience Science Information Network

Over the last 20 years, the Upper Texas Gulf Coast has experienced a growing number of extreme weather events driven by climate variability. Stakeholders in these communities urgently seek solutions to reduce impacts on public health, critical infrastructure, and natural habitats from a changing and more variable climate. Actionable data are required to support planning efforts and implementation of adaptation measures that promote resilience. Thanks to support provided by the Global Giving Foundation, the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) developed the Resilience Science Information Network (RESIN) Portal of the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. The purpose of the RESIN Portal is to promote a resilient Upper Texas Gulf Coast by helping communities create performance-focused plans to prepare for and adapt to future climate conditions. Learn more and access at RESIN Portal at harcresearch.org.

H-GAC celebrates Commute Solutions Month

September is Commute Solutions Month, and the Houston-Galveston Area Council challenges you to attend one of its virtual fairs to learn more about alternate forms of commuting, such as biking, walking, public transportation, carpooling, or vanpooling. These alternate modes of transportation have been proven to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, reduce overall energy consumption, and save money. Register for one of the free virtual transportation fairs on Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.), where you can play games, speak one-on-one with experts, watch short videos, and grab additional information about transportation options. Also, check out our website at yourcommutesolution.org for more virtual activities and to learn about alternative commuting options available near you.

West University Place offers Master Recycler Course

The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board of West University Place is offering a seven-week course for area residents to fine tune their recycling and waste reduction skills. The course will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p. m., beginning September 9 and ending October 21, and will include a Saturday field trip on October 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the West University Place Recreation Center, 4210 Bellaire Blvd. Participants who complete certain requirements will receive a Master Recycler Certificate. Registration costs $35 for West U residents and $45 for non-residents. This fee will cover a course T-shirt, badge, refreshments, and transportation for the field trip. To enroll in the course visit the Recreation Center at 4210 Bellaire Blvd., or visit westutx.gov/parks. Course #3061102. For more information about the Master Recycler Course visit, westutx.gov/publicworks.

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.

Hummingbirds: A Life Far from Ordinary

On Sept 9, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will present a free, online “Walk in The Woods” class with Mike Williams about one of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating birds. He will explore their evolution and global distribution before diving into the amazing biology and behavior of our local species. You also learn how you can support these winged jewels in your very own backyard. For more information and to register, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Restoration Efforts

On Sept. 9, 2021, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Bill Rodney, coastal ecologist at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, about the Galveston Bay oyster reef restoration projects undertaken in recent years. The oyster reefs in the Bay are subject to a variety of stressors, and were greatly impacted by sediment deposits from Hurricane Ike, and then by massive freshwater inflows from Hurricane Harvey which decreased the salinity of the Bay. For more information and to register, visit Meetup.com.

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 virtually, the presentations will be followed by a networking opportunity with the purpose of starting conversations among people who could collaborate productively to further the mission of bird and wildlife conservation in our region. 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.

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

On Sept. 11, 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.

Going Renewable at Houses of Worship

On Sept. 12, 2021, from 3-4:30 p.m, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will present a webinar about the options for attractive and attainable houses of worship to go renewable for power. Attendees will learn about community solar projects, solar co-ops, pricing discounts available to put solar on your building’s roof, a new renewable energy power aggregation for houses of worship in the Centerpoint service area, and renewable power plans from area providers. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Take Care of Texas Video Contest

The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is back for 2021! Texas students in grades 6 – 12 are invited to create a 30-second video about how they take care of the environment, using data from our website. The sky is the creative limit, so the most original, entertaining, and thought-provoking young filmmakers will receive prizes and scholarships. The contest begins September 13, Participating students must upload their entry on or before 4 p.m. CST Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 CST, with the required documents. For some inspiration, see previous winning entries here. Find the full contest rules and other important information at takecareoftexas.org.

French American Innovation Days – Physics and Environment

The Consulate of France in Houston and the Office for Science & Technology of the French Embassy in the USA is holding a series of discussions on energy and the environment. On Monday, Sept 13, the focus will be on “Innovations in Energy” – Wind, solar and alternative energy sources and meeting the challenges of efficiency, environment and economics. On Wednesday, Sept. 15, the focus will be on “Water and the Environment” – Innovations and challenges in water management, waste management, and recycling in balance with the health and productivity of the waters that surround us. On Friday, Sept. 17, the focus will be on “Resilience in the Built Environment” – How do we balance population growth, economic development and the environment in the face of climate change? For full descriptions of the programs and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable

On Sept. 13, 2021, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold a Park and Natural Areas Roundtable. Attendees will learn more about the Trust for Public Land’s ParkServe tool, including a new equity component, and will hear about the Willow Waterhole, a stormwater and flood control amenity in Houston.The event will be online, and registration is required. Find meeting materials and other information at h-gac.com.

Early registration for SSPEED’s 10th Conference ends Sept. 15

The Severe Storm Prediction, Education, & Evacuation from Disasters Center (SSPEED) at will hold its 10th conference, titled “Post-Harvey Climate & Flood Impacts on the Built Environment,” from Jan. 27-28, 2022 at the Anderson-Clarke Center at Rice University. Early registration ends September 15. Learn more and register at sspeed.rice.edu.

Tree-rific Volunteers

On Sept. 15, 2021, beginning at 8 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens invites volunteers to care for nursery trees by giving them some tender love and care. The work is outdoors, so come prepared to get your hands dirty. Bring gloves and a refillable water bottle. Meet at The Mercer Society’s Horticultural Propagation Center, approximately one mile from Mercer at 3602 Hirschfield Road in Spring. Register online at hcp4.net/mercer/events. For more information, call 281-353-8100 or email legacytrees@hcp4.net.

COTE Lecture Series: Heat Mapping

On Sept. 15, 2021, noon-1 p.m., AIA Houston will present a webinar featuring Meredith Jennis and Carlos Gamarra of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), who will discuss a new ability to map the Urban Heat Island Effect at a granular level to determine if parts of town are more vulnerable than others. The Resilience Officer of the City of Houston undertook this study with HARC as its contract provider, and they will present how this project was implemented, the data captured, and give some recommendations for building strategies to cope with this environmental variation.

Bay Area Sierra Club Meeting: Pollinator Gardens & Plants; Eco Friendly Yards

On Sept. 15, 2021, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Bay Area chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Kelly Langston, owner of Blue Mist Landscaping, on pollinator gardens and plants. Kelly currently works full time with the Houston Parks & Recreation Dept., focusing on restoring native landscapes by growing, planting, managing and maintaining designated parks throughout Houston. Sandy Anderson, a local leader among Bay Area Sierrans, will speak on eco friendly yards. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Understanding Houston 2.0 Visioning Lab

On Sept. 16, 2021, from 9-10:30 a.m., Understanding Houston, an initiative of Greater Houston Community Foundation, invites you to attend a virtual interactive Visioning Lab. in this Visioning Lab, they will seek your feedback on our vision of Understanding Houston 2.0 â€” its first major website update — and your input on what you’d like to see from the updated and enhanced site, which is set to launch late-Spring 2022. To register, visit understandinghouston.org.

International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management

On Sept. 16, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m., Engineering With Nature will hold a launch event for its International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management. The international NNBF Guidelines provide practitioners with the best available information concerning the conceptualization, planning, design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of NNBF to support resilience and flood risk reduction for coastlines, bays, and estuaries, as well as river and freshwater lake systems. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube – integrating a live host with recorded guest speakers, imagery from the document, a keynote address, and a live web-ex panel. For more information, visit ewn.erdc.dren.mil.

Regulating Shellfish Growing Areas: Texas Coastal Water Quality and Oyster Harvest

On Sept. 16, 2021, from 11 a.m.-noon, Clean Coast Texas â€” a new GLO initiative that supports sustainable stormwater management in coastal communities — will present a webinar featuring Andrew Myers, environmental protection specialist with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Seafood and Aquatic Life Branch, about the agency’s role in regulating marine shellfish growing areas to ensure they are safe to eat. He will discuss how the DSHS conducts water quality studies and utilizes water quality data to classify shellfish growing areas, develop sanitary surveys, take regulatory action, and work cooperatively with other state and federal agencies. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

USACE Galveston District Flood Risk Management and Coastal Resiliency Efforts

On Sept. 16, 2021 from noon-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will hold a virtual luncheon featuring a presentation by Lisa Mairs, Project Manager, on the U.S. Corps of Engineers Galveston District’s flood risk management and coastal resiliency efforts. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Recreation Grant Opportunities

On Sept. 16, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will host a webinar featuring staff of the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Recreation Branch, who will provide an overview of grant programs available to help to build new parks, conserve natural resources, provide access to water bodies, develop outdoor programs for youth, and more. Grant opportunities include Boating Access & Infrastructure, Local Parks, Recreational Trails, Target Range, and Community Outdoor Outreach Program grants. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

The Evolution of Residential Solar

On Sept. 16, 2021, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Houston Renewable Energy Group will host a virtual discussion featuring dverse panelists working in the solar industry in Houston who will describe how residential power has evolved in the city. To register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Urban Wild Breakfast and Volunteering

On Sept. 17, 2021, from 8 a.m.-noon, Memorial Park Conservancy and its Urban Wild group invites the public join its Horticulture team for a morning of volunteering in the field and getting your hands dirty at Clay Family Eastern Glades. Breakfast treats and drinks will be provided. Wear your Urban Wild t-shirt if you’d like! Need one? Email Makenzie at mhrabik@memorialparkconservancy.org. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Parks for Pollinators 2021: Sylvan Rodriguez Park

From Sept. 17-20, 2021, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department will participate in a challenge with parks across the country to see how many pollinator species can be documented this September. It is easy to participate by joining an event or making observations on your own, using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, you simply take a picture of a pollinator (bee, butterfly, bat, etc.) or plant, and the online community will help identify the species. Sylvan Rodriguez Park is one of HPARD’s biggest habitat restoration projects where are working to restore over 70 acres of prairie and riparian habitat at this site. We expect to see significant increases in pollinator activity as we restore the natural habitat function of this urban natural area. For more information on how to participate, visit inaturalist.org.

Houston Audubon’s Bird Week 2021

From Sept. 18-25, 2021, Houston Audubon will celebrate Bird Week 2021, a celebration of the important role Houston plays in the journey of billions of migratory birds and the everyday lives of our resident birds. In addition to Houston’s vital location along the Gulf of Mexico, the growing popularity of planting native plants, restoring prairies, bird-friendly education programs, and Houston’s Lights Out for Birds program were among the many efforts and programs that gained Houston the Bird City designation in 2020. Houston Audubon and local conservation partners arrange a week of virtual and in-person events centered around our region’s birds and wildlife – from birding opportunities and watch parties to trivia, movie night, and more, there’s something for all Houstonians to enjoy. A Kick-Off & Beer Launch Party will be held September 17 from 6-9 p.m. at Bakfish Brewing Co. in Pearland. For the full listing of events and other details, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza

On Sept. 18 and 25, 2021, from 8 a.m.-noon, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold its annual Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza, Taking place at the peak of hummingbird migration, XHX is a once-a-year opportunity to see these amazing birds up close. Watch as we carefully catch and band these tiny travelers and sign up to symbolically adopt one. XHX will also include guest speakers, live animals, kids’ activities, door prizes exhibitor booths, snacks, GCBO garage sale and our native plant nursery. The event will be held live in person, and there will be livestream version on Facebook on Sept 24 from 9-10. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Adopt-A-Beach Fall Coastal Cleanup

On Sept. 18, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Texas General Land Office is hosting the 35th annual Fall Coastal Cleanup at beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast, including several in the greater Houston-Galveston region. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of drinking water. Adopt-A-Beach will provide all necessary cleanup materials.Advance reservations are preferred but onsite registration will be available. Online registration will remain open until the end of the cleanup. For more information and to register, visit glo.texas.gov.

Galveston Bay Foundation, in partnership with Port Houston, is hosting a cleanup at Morgan’s Point from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Come help clean the Galveston Bay shoreline and enjoy lunch and opportunities to win prizes afterward. This event takes place during National Estuaries Week, a celebration of estuaries like Galveston Bay.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On Sept. 19, 2021, Houston Audubon will host watch parties 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, including location, visit houstonaudubon.org.

TRI Webinar: Introduction to Using the RSEI Model

On Sept. 21, 2021, beginning at 1 p.m. CDT, the U.S. EPA will present a webinar about how is Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) model can provide important information about the potential health-related impacts of toxic chemical releases from facilities in local communites that report to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The RSEI model helps policy makers, researchers, and communities explore data on releases of toxic substances from industrial and federal facilities. For more information and to register, visit abtassociates.webex.com.

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.

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, which continues through October 29. Learn more at houstonaudublog.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Wild Hope Book Discussion Group. Through Oct. 8, 2021, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is holding a weekly virtual discussion of the book Wild Hope: Stories for Lent from the Vanishing by Gayle Boss. Learn more and register at eventbrite.com.
  • Your Body Your Air. 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 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. Learn more at houstonlibrary.org.
  • H-GAC Conservation Project List. As part of its 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. Learn more about the project priority list here. Email conservation@h-gac.com to set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss your conservation projects and priorities.

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.

  • The restoration of Bastrop State Park after it was devastated by fire has the park returning to its very roots. In the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the forest and built the roads, trails and buildings that made up the park. Now a new crew is helping with restoration and erosion control, supplying the park with the kind of labor and energy that only a corps of young people can
  • Postcard from Texas: Sunrise at the Texas City Dike brings out several coastal birds to enjoy the morning

Additional Upcoming Events

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