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Houston Environmental News Update September 22, 2021
September 23, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update September 22, 2021

Galveston Bay Estuary, Kayak Tours, Public Lands, Houston Audubon Bird Week continues, Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza, Party for the Prairie, Wildscape Workshop and Plant Sale, Green Jobs and more

The environmental community in Houston hasn’t had a slow season for many years–more events happen each week (even during a pandemic) than might have happened in a month a decade or so ago. However, the environmental community goes into high gear just as the temperature starts to cool off (hooray!), and this year is no exception. This week, we are highlighting some events that are part of national observances: National Estuaries Week & National Public Lands Day.

National Estuaries Week is a nationwide celebration of our bays and estuaries and the many benefits they provide to local communities. Galveston Bay is our largest local estuary. Local estuary events:

  • Virtual lunchtime launch of the 2021 Galveston Bay Report Card. In collaboration with researchers from HARC, Galveston Bay Foundation will premiere three short videos about this annual, community-driven report on the health of the Bay and answer your questions. See event page on Facebook for schedule and details. #LoveYourBay #galvbaygrade
  • Buy One Get One Free Eco-Art Kayak Adventures: Artist Boat is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE event for Eco-Art Kayak Adventures! This event is through Sept. 26, 2021, so sign up before all the adventures are full. 
  • Artist Boat is working to save 1,400 acres of precious estuarine ecosystems and has already saved 775 acres as part of the Coastal Heritage Preserve. For National Estuaries Week, Artist Boat has been challenged to raise $20,000 in 14 days–it will be matched by $20,000 in memory of Neil Huddleston. This week every $10 turns into $20!  (You can also purchase tickets for Float the Boat 2021–it’s almost sold out.)
  • In its 22 years, Galveston Bay Foundation’s Marsh Mania has involved over 8,000 community volunteers in the restoration of over 215 acres of vital salt marsh habitat at 99 sites around Galveston Bay. Registration for this year’s event is now closed, but you can sign up for their mailing list for future community volunteering events.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. The nearest participating NPL is Padre Island National Seashore; closer to home, you can participate in National Public Lands Day at Lake Houston Park.

  • On Sept. 25, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Bayou Land Conservancy will host the largest nationwide celebration of our public lands. Hosted at Lake Houston Wilderness Park and in partnership with REI, volunteers will spruce up the park and get a guided tour from park naturalists. Wear close-toed shoes and outdoor clothing, including work gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a water bottle and snack; refills will be provided. For more information and to register, visit bayoulandconservancy.org.

Banner photo courtesy of Gene Fisseler.

This coming Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day. If you have not yet registered to vote, please do so. If you cannot register to vote–because you already have registered or you are ineligible to do so–you can still encourage other people to register to vote. 60% of eligible voters are never asked to register. You don’t have that excuse. Register now! votetexas.gov #voteready

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.

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.

Air Champion Social Change Scientists Global Video Contest

McMac Cx Air Champions Social Change Scientists are passionate community influencers, teachers, parents, student innovators, and activists who believe that we have a right to live, learn, work and play in places where we are allowed to know the quality of the air we breathe. Make a 30-90 minute video about healthy air, and enter the Air Champions Global Video Contest for a chance to win a state-of-the-art Flow Personal Air Monitor, the chance to have your film shown at the Wild About Houston Film Festival, AND the chance to receive a $1,000 cash prize. Learn more at McMacCx.com/globalvideocontest.

Imagine a Day Without Water Video Contest

The City of Houston Public Works department invites Houston residents to participate in Imagine a Day Without Water Video Contest! This contest is designed to engage all Houstonians in the nation-wide event “Imagine a Day Without Water,” hosted by the Value of Water Campaign. The purpose of Imagine a Day Without Water is to bring attention to the neglected water systems in America. Entrants should create a video–not to exceed 1-minute–exploring or depicting various aspects of what daily life might look like/be affected by an entire day without any water. This can showcase a day without water in its relation to infrastructure, the environment, consumption, or conservation. The nature of the video can range from fun and light-hearted to more serious depictions of a day without water. Enter for the chance to win cash prizes AND the opportunity to have your films shown about the 2021 Wild About Houston Green Film Festival! View the flyer and visit houstontx.gov for more information. Submit videos by Sunday, October 17, 2021, to waterconservation@houstontx.gov.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

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; committee meeting September 29, 2021.

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 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).

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 the free virtual transportation fair on 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.

Houston Audubon’s Bird Week 2021

Houston Audubon’s Bird Week 2021 continues through Saturday, September 23. The event is 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. For the full listing of events and other details, visit houstonaudubon.org.

SEPTEMBER 23, THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 24, FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 25, SATURDAY

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, part of Lights Out Texas. Turn your non-essential, exterior lights off from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. throughout spring and fall migrations, especially during peak migration, which continues through October 29. Learn more at houstonaudublog.org.

Civic Leaders on Houston’s Post-Pandemic Future: Ann Stern and Scott McClelland

On Sept. 23, 2021, the Center for Houston’s Future will host a webinar conversation with Ann Stern, president and CEO of Houston Endowment. Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Food/Drug Stores, will moderate the discussion. Stern and McClelland will discuss how COVID-19 has changed philanthropy, what charitable giving could like look in a post-pandemic world and the foundation’s priorities. For more information and to register, visit centerforhoustonsfuture.org.

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Healthy Outdoor Communities

On Sept. 23, 2021, from noon-1 p.m., the Houston Parks Board will present a program featuring Activation and Volunteer Manager Kelly Burnett, who will discuss HPB’s participation in the Healthy Outdoor Communities, a collaborative approach to improve mental well-being and combat health disparities in areas of need in Houston. Over the course of five years, HPB is working with Nature and Eclectic Outdoors (NEO), Texas A&M School of Public Health, local outdoor and health nonprofits, and community members, on programmatic solutions to systemic barriers to park access and health inequities. For more information and to register, visit houstonparksboard.org.

Career Fronties: The Green and Sustainability Movement

On Sept. 23, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., Houston Public Media will present an episode of its Career Frontier series that looks at jobs in the green and sustainability movement. How are the non-financial factors of environmental, social and corporate governance driving change? What about your own sustainability? For more information, visit houstonpublicmedia.org.

Mercer Botanic Gardens Volunteer Orientation

On Sept. 23, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold an orientation for prospective volunteers. Mercer Botanic Gardens offers a variety of volunteer opportunities at three facilities. The orientation will provide an overview of these opportunities, from helping maintain 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. Registration is required, as space is limited. Register online at hcp4.net.

USGS Annual Groundwater Table Data: How Are We Doing?

On Sept. 23, 2021, from 7-8:30 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N will present a Going Green Lecture featuring Jason Ramage of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), who will discuss 2021 regional water-level altitudes in the Gulf Coast Aquifer system for the Houston-Galveston region, including Montgomery County. In addition, Ramage will discuss short- and longterm changes in water-levels as well as subsidence, as measured by extensometers across the region. For more information and to register, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

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

From Sept. 24-25, 2021 the Texas Association for Environmental Educators will hold its annual conference, themed Rooted in Environmental Education. With a mixture of in-person and virtual events, educator will be sure to find something to grow their knowledge and networks. 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. 

Unplugged Adventure: Birding the Katy Prairie

On Sept. 25, 2021, from 7-11 a.m., the Katy Prairie Conservancy will host a walking birding tour will be led by local birding expert, John Berner, who has birded all 254 Texas counties and completed over 10,000 ebird lists over 17 years. Much of this excursion will be off trail, so make sure to dress accordingly and bring binoculars. For more information and to register, visit katyprairie.org.

Fall Marsh Mania

On Sept 25, 2021, from 8-11 a.m., the Galveston Bay Foundation will hold its Fall Marsh Mania volunteer event. Volunteers will help restore vital marsh habitat by planting smooth cord grass in Kemah or Galveston. The Fall Marsh Mania event takes place during National Estuaries Week, a celebration of estuaries like Galveston Bay. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza

On Sept. 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 a.m. For more information, see the Facebook event.

The Akokisa: Lifeways & Native Plants of Early Inhabitants of the Houston Area

On Sept. 25, 2021, from 10-11:30 a.m., Houston Botanic Garden will host a presentation by Dan Worrall, Ph.D., author of A Prehistory of Houston and Southeast Texas: Landscape and Culture. He will describe how the Akokisa, Native Americans who lived in the Houston area in the 18th & 19th centuries, adapted to conditions along the Gulf Coast. Following the lecture, Michael Godoy, education coordinator at Houston Botanic Garden, will lead attendees on a 30-minute tour of the Garden, highlighting plants the Akokisa used in their daily lives, as well as those used by neighboring tribes, such as the Caddo and Karankawa. The lecture/tour is free with paid admission. For more information, visit hbg.org.

Houston Botanic Gardens Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Houston Botanic Garden is also celebrating its one-year anniversary with live performances of “Still We Tend” , presented by Open Dance Project and Musiqa. Born out of the loneliness and longing of pandemic isolation, “Still We Tend” leaned into the collective desire to keep making new artistic work, or tending to one’s creative garden, during the shutdown. The piece was originally commissioned by Musiqa and conceived as a site-specific dance performance, filmed at the Garden in January 2021 and released for viewing online in February 2021. The live performances will replicate the film’s journey through five different locations throughout the Garden and include the original score by Malian musician Hawa Kassé Mady Diabaté. Purchase tickets at hbg.org.

BioArt Bayou-torium

On Sept. 25, 2021, from 4-9 p.m., Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host artist Henry G. Sanchez’s BioArt Bayou-torium, a social, mobile, bilingual bio-art project housed in a shipping container. The Bayou-torium’s mission is to bring art and natural science activities to cultivate stewardship of the nature of Houston’s bayous to the bilingual and Spanish-speaking communities of the East End. Open to all ages, the BioArt Bayou-torium’s life science and art making activities are inspired by the ecosystem of Buffalo Bayou. The event takes place at Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bayou Nature Park, 2300 S/Sgt. Macario Garcia Dr. This is a recurring event through Oct. 17.

Bugstock

On Sept. 25, 2021, from 4-9 p.m., Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host Bugstock, an evening of bug-inspired activities, music, and plant giveaways, at Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park. The event will also feature the Love Motel for Insects, an interactive sculpture by Brandon Ballengée created during the artist’s residency with the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. For more information, visit buffalobayou.org.

ROCO In Concert: Bursting at the Seams

On Sept. 25, 2021, beginning at 5 p.m., the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) will hold a concert called “Bursting at the Seams,” featuring two works inspired by climate change: the world premiere of the first movement of Maxime Goulet’s Ice Storm Symphony, Turmoil, telling the story of Canada’s historic, devastating 1998 ice storm; and the world premiere of Marcus Moroney’s OK, Goodbye, inspired by the melting of the Icelandic Okjökull glacier, They pay-as-you-wish concert will be held at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard. It will also be livestreamed for free at ROCO.org, and its Facebook and YouTube channels. For more details, visit roco.org.

Party for the Prairie

On Sept. 25, 2021, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas will host the second annual Party for the Prairie, a virtual celebration to raise funds for the Lawther-Deer Park Prairie Education Program. The event will include a tribute to the late Charlie Lundquist, a dedicated Lawther-Deer Park Prairie volunteer, as well as a raffle, live and silent auctions, and stories about how you are helping save our native prairies by educating our youth and the general public. Sponsorships continue to be welcome. For more information and to register, visit texasprairie.org.

Rachel Carson and Glimpses of God

On Sept. 26, 2021, beginning at 9:45 a.m., the Church & Society class at St. Philip Presbyterian Church will present a Zoom discussion with educator and author Bruce Yaeger. He will discuss how Rachel Carson, author of the seminal environmental book Silent Spring, integrated religious, spiritual, and literary influences with scientific knowledge in her life and work. Connect to the meeting through zoom.us.

Clean Energy: A Healthy, Affordable Solution for Texas

On Sept. 26, 2021, from 6-7 p.m., Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will present a webinar featuring Adrian Shelley, Texas Director for Public Citizen, on how renewable energy is good for the Texans & the Texas economy. He will discuss the relationship between public health, air pollution, and the energy industry. This includes what Texas is doing in response to the energy disaster that occurred during Winter Storm Uri, and how the fossil fuel economy is impacted by the clean energy transition. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Water for Texas 2021

From Sept. 27-29, 2021, the Texas Water Development Board will hold the Water for Texas 2021 conference a the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin. The conference brings together industry experts, visionaries, and innovators from around the state and country. Panels, keynote speakers, networking, and conversations that will help map the future. Those in the water industry, including utilities, engineers, river authorities, bond counsels, financial advisors, scientists, and floodplain administrators, as well as local and regional representatives and elected officials and staff are invited to attend. For more information and to register online by September 24. visit waterfortexas.twdb.texas.gov.

Wildscapes Workshop and Plant Sale

Beginning Sept. 28, 2021, the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Houston will hold its Wildlife Workshop and Plant Sale virtually. The event will include online speaker presentations on Sept 28 and 30 and Oct. 5 and 7. Plants and books will go on sale October 9 for Wildscapes ticket holders, and October 10 for everyone.  Purchases will be picked up on Saturday, October 16 near downtown. For the full listing of speakers and other details and to purchase tickets, visit npsot.org.

Living the Change weekly discussion group

Beginning Sept. 28, 2021, the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston will host a weekly, virtual discussion group in which participants can consider how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to energy, transportation and food, based on the Walk on Earth Gently principles. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. The series continues through December 14. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Momentum in the Energy Transition: Progress, Obstacles, and Opportunities

On Sept. 29, 2021, from 2-3 p.m., Renewable Energy Alliance Houston will host a webinar in which energy thought leaders discuss progress, obstacles, and opportunities in the energy transition. Panelists include Michael Skelly, CEO of recently launched Grid United, a transmission developer; Deborah Merril, President of Retail at EDF Services; and Timothy Latimer, CEO of geothermal company Fervo Energy. To register, visit zoom.us.

Webinar: Introduction to EPA Grants

On Sept. 29, 2021, from 2-3:30 p.m., in preparation for the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced air monitoring competitive grant competition, EPA is hosting a general grants training for community organizations, tribes, and air agencies. Register on Eventbrite. Learn more at epa.gov. This webinar will cover:

  • Available EPA Grant Resources and Trainings
  • Applying to Opportunities using Grants.gov
  • Preparing Grant Applications
  • The Competitive Grant Process
  • Audience Questions & Answers

Equity in Green Jobs

On Sept. 29, 2021, from 4-5 p.m., Greentown Labs Houston and AmFam Institute will present a hybrid event featuring an expert panel discussing how we can build toward a resilient, low-carbon future while simultaneously and rapidly expanding opportunities for women and people of color to economically benefit from and help drive the climatetech revolution. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Annual Energy Summit —  Electrification and Decarbonization: Pathways to a New Energy Future

From Sept. 29-30, 2021, the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University will host its annual Energy Summit virtually. The summit will explore current issues affecting global energy markets, oil and gas, electricity, renewables and the environment. In particular, this year’s summit will address the energy industry’s continued response to recent events and how new developments are shaping the industry. For full details and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.

Southwest Community Crossing: Liquid Propane facility with CenterPoint Energy

Southwest Crossing Community invites you to a public meeting to discuss the Lantana Point Reserve Peak Shaving Facility, which is being built by CenterPoint Energy, in the SCC neighborhood. The facility will store 300,000 gallons of liquid propane gas located at 13617 Hillcroft, Houston. After concerns were raised by members of the surrounding community, CenterPoint has agreed to a public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at The Power Center, 12401 S Post Oak Rd, Houston to discuss the facility location and plans to keep communities safe. Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum will facilitate the meeting. For more information, email Brittney Stredic at bestredic.swchtx@gmail.com or visit change.org.

 Children & Nature Network Conference Call for Presentations

The Children & Nature Network will hold its 2022 International Conference in May in Atlanta, Georgia. The Children & Nature Network is committed to breaking down systems of inequity that prevent children and families from having regular access to the benefits of nature. now accepting proposals for conference breakout sessions and its poster session. Submit proposals by Sept. 30, 2021. For more information, visit childrenandnature.org.

State of the Park: Return to Our Roots

On Sept. 30, 2021, beginning at noon, the Memorial Park Conservancy will virtually hold the third annual State of the Park. The theme, “Return to our Roots: Planting the Prairie for Future Generations”, will speak to this vital ecosystem and the increasingly important role that parks play in people’s daily lives. Attendees will learn about and celebrate Houston’s largest urban wilderness park and a space for all Houstonians. A special evening reception will be held on Wednesday, September 29 on the Living Bridge in Memorial Park that includes an in-depth look at the Land Bridge and Prairie. Tickets to the evening reception are included with certain table and sponsorship purchases as outlined. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit memorialparkconservancy.org.

Foraging for Food and Knowledge

On Sept. 30, 2021, from 5-7 p.m., the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance will present an event at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center featuring Mark Merriwhether Vorderbruggen, Ph.D., who will discuss edible weeds and what they can tell you about the soil. For more information and to register, visit ohba.app.neoncrm.com.

Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador program orientation

On Sept. 30, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Bayou Land Conservancy will hold an orientation session for its Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Program, a free adult environmental education program. The program takes place twice a year with five classes held on weeknights and weekends. Ambassadors learn about the unique features of the local ecology and all the exciting work that BLC does. After completing the program, Ambassadors will have a better understanding of what’s in their backyards, how to protect and preserve the greenway, and how to get involved in the amazing work that BLC does. For more information and to register, visit bayoulandconservancy.org. 

Southeast Texas Ag Summit: State of SE Texas Agriculture

From Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2021, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Harris County Ag & Natural Resources will hold the annual Southeast Texas Agricultural Summit at the Baytown Community Center. Continuing education topics include beef cattle production and management, pasture and range management, conservation of natural resources, and farm safety and management. Five continuing education unit (CEU) credits are pending Texas Department of Agriculture approval. For more information and to register, visit harris.agrilife.org

49th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

Oct. 2, 2021, .from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host its 49th annual regatta, Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race! Participants, ages 12 and up, are invited to take part in this 15-mile race along scenic Buffalo Bayou. Whether you’re entering competitively or paddling for fun, don’t miss out on this longstanding tradition in support of Houston’s historic waterway. For more information and to register, visit buffalobayou.org.

Exploration Green Planting Day

On Oct. 2,, 2021, from 9 a.m.-noon, USGBC Texas and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Stormwater Wetland Program invite the public to join them at Exploration Green for some fun wetland plantings. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.

Pollinator Festival and Plant Sale

On Oct. 2, 2021, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold its annual Pollinator Festival and Plant Sale. Find great plant choices for a stunning pollinator garden, including plenty of Texas native plants such as zizotes milkweed, fragrant mistflower, maypop, Hercules’ club, and spicebush, that will be available for purchase with proceeds benefitting Mercer Botanic Gardens. Visit welcoming local exhibitors and vendors and engage in pollinator-themed activities and conversation. Challenge family and friends to lawn games, vote for your favorite scarecrow, enjoy live musical entertainment, and visit the Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library display and Friends of the Library book sale. For more information, visit Facebook.com.

Walk on the Wild Side

On Oct. 2, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m., the Nature Discovery Center will host a socially distanced walk through the park to see lizards, peer into the trees for looks at birds, discover the latest blooms and their pollinators in our Pocket Prairie, spy on the secret life of animals that hide under logs, and investigate more seasonal nature surprises! Learn some tips to explore nature with your family in your own backyard or on your travels. This event is a family event for kids 4 and up with their parents or adult caregivers. For more information and to register, visit naturediscoverycenter.org.

Smith Point Hawk Watch 25th Anniversary Celebration

On Oct. 2, 2021, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold its Smith Point Hawk Watch 25th Anniversary Celebration. The hawk watch, located in Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area, is situated on a natural concentration point for southwardly moving raptors in fall migration. There will be food, drinks, a raptor presentation, and hopefully some live raptors on display. And, as always, plenty of raptors soaring through the sky. For more information, visit Facebok.

Native Plant Society of Texas Fall 2021 Symposium

From Oct. 2-10, 2021, The Native Plant Society of Texas will host its annual fall symposium around the theme of “Celebrating Conservation and Community”. The symposium will be a hybrid event with some outdoor, in-person sessions and some virtual sessions conducted over Zoom. For more information and to register, visit npsot.org.

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. 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.

  • 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.

  • Zach Stevenson’s mom didn’t know the first thing about hunting, until she enrolled her son in Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Youth Hunting programs. Little did she know, Zach’s hunting experiences would lead to the game warden cadet school and a career in the outdoors
  • A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee
  • A father and son, armed with a video camera, fight city litter, and raise awareness about the impacts of urban trash on water, fish, and wildlife

Additional Upcoming Events

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