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Houston Environmental News Update December 29, 2021
December 29, 2021

Houston Environmental News Update December 29, 2021

First Day Hikes, Wildlife By Design presentations, Holiday Recycling, Rain Barrel Workshop, Christmas Bird Counts, Agents of Discovery, Green Jobs and more

Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center–First Day Hike. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center, located in northeastern Harris County is one of several local state parks that are hosting First Day Hikes, part of the national First Day Hikes initiative. Learn more and reserve your socially distanced spot at:

Curved wooden boardwalk extending into tidal marsh at sunset
Sea Rim State Park, Gambusia Trail. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Year in Review: Let us know what you think!

We like asking our readers to tell us what they might put on a list of the most significant environmental accomplishments, controversies, issues, news, and events in the greater Houston region impacting the environment for the year. A lot has changed in the past six months!

Now that are approaching the end of 2021, what do you, our readers, believe have been the most significant environmental accomplishments, controversies, issues, news, and events in the greater Houston region so far this year? Please suggest additions to our list using this survey.

2021 Year In Review

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Engage your students with lessons outdoors or virtually. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group seeks Small Business member

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group is seeking a new Small Business voting member representative. If you know anyone who may be interested in this position, please feel free to forward the notice. They will be accepting applications by mail to ATTN: SJRFPG –Fatima Berrios, 10555 Northwest Fwy, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77092; and email to SanJacFldPG@eng.hctx.net until Jan. 3, 2022.

Lone Star Hiking Trail Master Plan Public Meetings

A series of public meetings (some in-person and some virtual) for a revised Lone Star Hiking Trail Master Plan are scheduled on January 6, 10, and 13, 2021. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in Texas. The LSHT is a unique wilderness footpath that is available to all who want to walk, hike, or run and enjoy solitude, spiritual contemplation, and other low impact and nature compatible uses in the back country of Sam Houston National Forest. For more information and to sign up for the meetings, visit signupgenius.com.

Community Flood Resilience Task Force seeks member

The Harris County Community Flood Resilience Task Force is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat. The Task Force is especially interested in candidates from the Greenspoint and Aldine areas, but all Harris County residents are invited to apply. These members will join the first inaugural membership in working to further equitable flood resilience efforts across Harris County. If you are interested in serving on this Task Force, please submit an application to cfrtf.harriscountytx.gov by 11;59 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2022.

Revised Definition of “Waters of the United States”

On Dec. 7, 2021, EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published in the Federal Register a proposed new “Waters of the United States” definition. Find the proposed Revised Definition at federalregister.gov. The public comment period for the proposed rule continues through Feb. 7, 2022. Learn more and submit comments at federalregister.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).

Texas Climate News: As climate-linked crisis of plastic pollution grows, we keep cranking out plastic

“Scientists have documented plastics in nearly every part of the natural world. A growing body of research also documents a variety of harmful effects, from entanglement of marine life in “ghost” fishing nets to microplastics (small particles created by breakdown of larger pieces of plastic) accumulating in digestive tracts of animals and serving as vectors for chemical contaminants and microbes,” Melissa Gaskill reports in Texas Climate News. “Now, a paper from Rice University in Houston reports another problem: free-floating genetic materials that create antibiotic resistance in bacteria also catch a ride on bits of plastic debris in the ocean.” Read the full story at texasclimatenews.org. (Image via Creative Commons)

Wildlife by Design Classroom Presentations

During Spring 2002, Texas Wildlife Association will offer its free, TEKS-aligned Wildlife by Design classroom presentations for grades K-8. Presentations are available virtually and in person – scheduling is dependent on educator availability and current ISD and regional guidelines. Schools in the Greater Houston area may receive the presentations in person from a TWA Educator. For full information and to register, visit texas-wildlife.org.

How to Have a Holiday Without Harming the Bay

The Galveston Bay Foundation reminds us that litter and trash impact Galveston Bay throughout the year and we tend to create even more trash during the holiday season. According to the EPA, “Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, American household waste increases by more than 25 percent. Trash cans full of holiday food waste, shopping bags, bows and ribbons, packaging, and wrapping paper contribute an additional 1 million tons a week to our landfills.” The GBF offers its Sustainable Gift Guide to help you reduce your household’s impact on the Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. You can learn more from the NOAA Marine Debris Program at noaa.gov.

Experts sought: Managed Retreat in the U.S. Gulf Coast Region

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will convene an ad hoc committee to conduct a study on the movement and relocation of people, infrastructure, and communities away from environmentally high-risk areas, sometimes referred to as managed retreat, in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. In particular, the study will focus on understanding and responding to the unique challenges in the face of a changing climate along the Gulf Coast (e.g., coastal flooding due to sea level rise, subsidence, land loss). The study will make findings and recommendations based on information gathered about the challenges, needs, and opportunities associated with managed retreat in the Gulf Coast region. The study will be carried out by a committee of approximately 5-8 volunteer experts in the fields of: Social and behavioral sciences with expertise on migration, managed retreat, coastal management, relocation planning, disasters (flooding), and environmental change impacts and societal responses. Nominations for committee members and/or reviewers for this study can be submitted by Jan. 3, 2022. More information about this project at nationalacademies.org.

Rain Barrel Workshop

On Jan. 4, 2022, the Galveston Bay Foundation will hold a Rain Barrel Workshop in Angleton, a community near its newly acquired 4,714 acres of precious wetland habitat at Chocolate Bay. This workshop will consist of a drive-thru barrel pickup and a virtual presentation via Zoom on the environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation, installation instructions and tips. The $35 cost includes one barrel and connection kit and admission to the virtual workshop for yourself and one guest. For more information and to register, visit galvbay.org.

Tree-rific Volunteers

On Jan. 5, 2022, from 9-10:30 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. For more information and to register, visit hcp4.net.

A Policy Scan of Children in Nature

On Jan. 5, 2022, Texas Children in Nature will present a webinar with Rosa Yin, a student of public policy at University of Texas at Austin, who will present a review of the City of Austin’s municipal policies and programs to assess whether nature is equitable and accessible for children throughout the city. This session will discuss methods and results of the Austin policy scan to provide participants with a helpful guide to conducting their own policy scans that can evaluate access to nature.The webinar will be presented at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Christmas Bird Counts

The 122nd annual Christmas Bird Count continues through January 5, 2022. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this all-volunteer effort takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a database that is shared with federal, state, and private authorities. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. Discover new areas to bird which may not be normally accessible and take advantage of this great opportunity to bird with some of our foremost birding experts. There is no fee to participate in Christmas Bird Counts. Learn more about the counts–including a few dozen within a two-hour drive of downtown Houston–at HoustonAudubon.org. 

First Saturday Bird Walk at Jesse Jones Park

On Jan. 8, 2022, from 7:45-10 a.m., Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center invites birders age 10 and older to join a staff naturalist or volunteer for an early morning glimpse of the park’s bird life. Bring your binoculars and (optionally) a field guide. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Recycling & Sustainability Day at Biosphere

On Jan. 8, 2022, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m, the Galveston Bay Foundation will host a holiday recyclable collection event at the Texas City Biosphere, where attendees can learn about the best ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Save money and reduce litter and trash with creative tips, demonstrations, and prizes from Galveston Bay Foundation’s Sustainable Sasha. Christmas trees, wrapping paper, shipping boxes and more will be accepted. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Lazy Gardener & Friends Houston Garden Newsletter

The  “Lazy Gardner & Friends Houston Garden Newsletter”, produced by Brenda Beust Smith, John Ferguson, and Mark Bowen (along with a supporting cast of contributing writers and technical specialists), offers gardening tips, spotlights on local experts, and a calendar of events and announcements. To sign up for this free newsletter, visit constantcontact.com. Find back issues at natureswayresource.com.

H-GAC offers assistance with conservation projects

As part of its Regional Conservation Initiative, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will actively assist with preparing grant applications, convening stakeholders, and otherwise supporting implementation of select conservation projects across the 13-county H-GAC region. To guide its efforts, H-GAC is collecting information about planned conservation projects from local government and non-governmental organizations and categorizing the projects in a priority list. There is no funding associated with this project priority list but selected projects will be eligible to receive H-GAC staff assistance. See the current priority project list and learn more about H-GAC’s work at h-gac.com.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Meets A Changing State Population (session 3 of 3)

In the latest Houston & Nature podcast, Nivien Salah speaks with Ted Hollingsworth, director of the Land Conservation Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He explains how his agency addresses the increasing diversity of Texans, and how the demographic trends affect both its ranks and its bottom line. He also discusses the secret behind the Department’s overall popularity. Listen to the episode at houstonnature.com.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • International Fund for Animal Welfare International Youth Art Contest. In celebration of World Wildlife Day 2022 on March 3, the International Fund for Animal Welfare is hosting its fourth annual international youth art contest in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the United Nations Development Programme. The CITES-designated theme for 2022 is “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration.” Interested youth artists ages of 4- 18 can submit their artwork electronically through IFAW’s art contest webpage through 11:59 p.m. GMT on Jan. 16, 2022. 
  • EPA Healthy Environmental Living Program. This program identifies and funds projects that: assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risk; increase collaboration through community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems; build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems; achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits; reduce pollution at the source; and advance emergency preparedness and resilience. Applications are due Jan 28, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov.
  • 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.
  • Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students. EPA and partners have launched this challenge to enhance communities’ capacity to address environmental and public health inequities. College and university students are encouraged to learn more about the challenge and how to participate at epa.gov. Submissions are due April 1, 2022.
  • Agents of Discovery: Sims Bayou at S. Post Oak Road. Through Feb. 4, 2022, the Houston Parks Board is hosting an Agents of Discovery mission where players will investigate a new prairie and bioswale area along Sims Bayou. Players will discover the purpose behind a bioswale and why native plants are important to our bats and birds! They will also get a chance to see the newest mural on Sims Bayou, a project of UP Art Studio made possible by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum of District K, 5 Corners District, and TIRZ 9. For more information, visit houstonparksboard.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.

  • Biologists continue their battle against giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant that threatens Texas lakes and fisheries. To protect Caddo Lake from devastation, they are enlisting the help of local conservation groups and a horde of tiny insects
  • Willard Franklin III is a fisherman and volunteer from Houston whose passion is sharing his love for the outdoors with urban kids. By taking children fishing, Willard hopes to give them the kinds of experiences and memories that could spark an interest in the outdoors later in life
  • Hit the trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area, with hiking, biking, and birding. And see what makes this 12,000 acre wild urban escape unique

Additional Upcoming Events

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