• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org
Houston Environmental News Update May 25, 2022
May 25, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update May 25, 2022

Stewardship Summer, Foraging Workshop, Going Green lecture, Tributary, Bees, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

Last week, we told you about our new commitment this summer to reaching out to our members, both individual and organizational, in what we’re calling “Stewardship Summer.” In the weeks ahead, we’ll be telling you more, including opportunities such as as appearances on KPFT-FM’s “Open Journal” program and profiles of member organizations in this newsletter. Please stay tuned for a member survey and more.

In the meantime, we wanted to tell you a little about member organization Artist Boat’s recent event, called “Why Did Artist Boat Cross The Road?”. Artist Boat invited the public to see first-hand the newest and the next land conservation purchase. With the most recent purchase of 125 acres, the Coastal Heritage Preserve crossed the coastal prairie all the way to 3005. Visitors were able experience a shuttle ride through its preserve on Settegast Road to a street party.

In case you weren’t aware, Artist Boat is “striving to preserve and restore 1,400 contiguous acres from beach to bay, growing the Coastal Heritage Preserve to the scale of Galveston Island State Park, with just over 2,000 acres. Through kayaking and other programs at the preserve and other locations, Artist Boat promotes awareness and preservation of coastal habitats and the marine environment through science and art.” Learn more at artistboat.org. You can help by contributing to the One in a Million campaign, which aims to raise $10 million in two years to protect and finish the purchase of 1,400 acres of precious wetlands and endangered coastal prairies. To learn more, including how to contribute, visit here.

Another member organization, Blackwood Educational Land Institute, has been getting rave reviews for its new Skyfarm, the largest rooftop garden in Texas, atop the POST Houston building (the recently redeveloped former central post office) on the outskirts of downtown. Good Morning America recently shot a piece there (find the link in “Coalition & Community Notes” below).

On June 2, from 5-8 p.m., CEC and Blackwood are co-hosting a Pop-Up on the Plaza event at the Skyfarm. This free event is open to all and will feature a pop-up farmer’s market, a quick tour of our first plantings at the Skyfarm, and a mixer. Shop, taste, and learn with fellow Texans working toward a greener, healthier future.

Houston-area farmers, growers, ranchers, and food-focused makers are invited to participate for free as vendors at the site of the future POST Houston Farmer’s Market. CEC Members and environmental educators/non-profits are also invited to host a booth or activity. For more information, visit blackwoodland.org.

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Join fellow environmental educators every other Friday morning for a quick check-in to collaborate. The next meeting is May 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Bring your coffee (or tea) and ideas for things that are working in your programs (or questions about things that are not). The Zoom call is hosted by regional board members from the Texas Association for Environmental Education. Email Alicia at Alicia.Mein@pct3.hctx.net for Zoom link and any questions.

Virtually Wild! Texas Student Learning Programs

Region 4 Education Service Center partners with the Virtually Wild! Texas team to provide students with engaging and interactive TEKS-aligned virtual environmental education field trips that highlight careers in conservation. These free 45-minute programs are live, and teachers and students are encouraged to engage with natural resources professionals by asking questions. Topics vary by program and have included endangered species, animal adaptations, habitat exploration, wildlife crime investigations, and more! Public, private, homeschool, hospitals, and education sites are welcome to view. See program listings and register at esc4.net.

Guidelines of Excellence Workshop

Texas Association for Environmental Education has an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about national standards in teaching environmental education. The North American Association for Environmental Education has created a variety of “Guidelines of Excellence” to teach best practices to nonformal/informal/formal educators. TAEE has an opportunity to host the following in the Houston region this August for FREE: Guidelines training on 1 or more topics; and Train-the-trainer training so more of us can train others in Texas to amplify these best practices. The target audience for this training is nonformal/informal educators, but formal educators are welcome. If you’d be interested in attending/learning more, please fill out this form. Please complete by Thursday May 26. For any questions, email Cindy Wilems at cwilems@galvbay.org,

CAST22 Call for Proposals

The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) has announced the CAST22 Call for Proposals is now open. The annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas, traditionally features hundreds of breakout sessions presented by educators who generously share their best strategies for inspiring discovery of the world through science. STAT invites you to turn your innovative teaching strategies and lesson plans into proposals for sessions that could benefit educators and students across Texas and beyond. Submit your proposal by Tuesday, May 31 to share your expertise at CAST22, November 10–12 in Dallas.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group will be hold a series of open houses in late May. On May 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., there will be a virtual open house. On May 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m, there will be an in-person open house at the Clear Lake Shores Clubhouse. Find the public notices and other meeting materials at sanjacintofloodplanning.org.

Policy Assessment for the Reconsideration of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency is making available to the public a draft document titled, Policy Assessment for the Reconsideration of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards, External Review Draft (Draft PA). This draft document was prepared as a part of the current reconsideration of the 2020 final decision on the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. When final, the PA is intended to ‘‘bridge the gap’’ between the scientific and technical information assessed in the 2020 Integrated Science Assessment for Ozone and Related Photochemical Oxidants (2020 ISA), as well as any air quality, exposure and risk analyses available in the reconsideration, and the judgments required of the Administrator. The primary and secondary ozone NAAQS are set to protect the public health and the public welfare from ozone and other photochemical oxidants in ambient air. Visit the April 29, 2022, Federal Register announcement for information on how to submit comments. Comments must be received on or before May 31.

Cotton Bayou Watershed Public Meeting

On May 31, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold a public meeting at the Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library, 1 John Hall Dr., Mont Belvieu. At this meeting, H-GAC will provide updates to the Technical Support Document and Total Maximum Daily Load calculations for bacteria in Cotton Bayou. H-GAC will also discuss the development of an Implementation Plan and how stakeholders can take action to improve water quality in the watershed. To register, visit constantcontact.com.

2045 Regional Transportation Plan public meetings, survey

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is planning for the region’s next 20 years and wants to forge a new vision that prioritizes safety, convenience, accessibility, and sustainability for the entire Gulf Coast region. It is asking the public to participating in its 2045 regional transportation plan update. You can take the digital survey or register to attend one or more public meetings through June 2.

Air Quality Conformity

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is accepting public comments through June 3 on the proposed air quality conformity determination in the the long-term regional transportation plan (RTP). To submit a public comment, you can: email public comments to: PublicComments@h-gac.com or make public comments by phone at 1-855-363-2516. For more details, visit h-gac.com.

RESTORE Council Invites Public Comment on Comprehensive Plan Update

On April 21, 2022, RESTORE Council Executive Director, Mary Walker announced the update to the Comprehensive Plan for Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy. Gulf Coast stakeholders are invited to review and comment on the draft plan update during a formal comment period which ends at 11:59 MT on June 6, 2022. To learn more about the Council’s investments, and how to comment on the draft 2022 Comprehensive Plan Update, visit restorethegulf.gov.

Learn about additional public comment opportunities at cechouston.org.

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

The Texas Tribune seeks help in showing how climate change is impacting Texas

The Texas Tribune, the nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization, is seeking help from the public in documenting where the effects of climate change are being felt in Texas. Reporters María Méndez and Erin Douglas want to know what Texans think the federal, state and local government can and should do to help — and what families and neighborhoods are already doing. The Texas Tribune won’t publish any personal information about sources without first contacting them. Learn more and submit comments at texastribune.org. (Photo: A firefighter with Nueces County Fire Rescue surveys burnt brush in March. Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune)

GMA shines spotlight on Skyfarm at POST Houston

Good Morning America correspondent Kaylee Hartung recently visited Houston for a piece showcasing Blackwood Educational Land Institute’s Skyfarm on the rooftop of the POST Houston in downtown. Featured in the piece are Blackwood’s Cath Conlon and her son, Cade Conlon. See the full segment at goodmorningamerica.com.

Texas Climate News: Texas could have foreseen 2021 cold-wave disaster, new study concludes

“The catastrophic cold blast that enveloped Texas and neighboring states in February 2021 was unprecedented in its sheer longevity in some spots, a new study confirms. By several other measures, though, it wasn’t the worst cold Texas has ever seen.” writes Bob Henson in Texas Climate News. “The cold, snow, and ice of mid-February 2021 now rank as the nation’s most expensive winter weather disaster on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has pegged the cost at $24 billion, or more than twice the inflation-adjusted damage wreaked by the March 1993 ‘Storm of the Century,’ which dumped snow from Florida to Maine.” Read the full story at texasclimatenews.org. (Photo: Downtown Denton, Texas, February 2021. Andy Jacobsohn / Deep Indigo Collective for Texas Climate News)

New bird rookery island completed in Galveston Bay

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group expanded important colonial bird nesting bird habitat in Galveston Bay with the recent completion of the construction phase of Dickinson Bay Island II. This island is one of the four rookery islands included in the Phase IV Early Restoration Texas Rookery Islands project: Dickinson Bay Bird Island II, Rollover Bay Island and Smith Point Island in the Galveston Bay system, and Dressing Point Island in East Matagorda Bay. A similar project for birds, Dickinson Bay Island I, was completed in 2006 and has hosted nesting birds every year since then. Based on observations of birds using that project, large numbers of many different colonial bird species are expteced to flock to Dickinson Bay Island II. Species likely to be seen include great blue heron, little blue heron, snowy egret, roseate spoonbill, black-crowned night heron, white ibis, laughing bull, brown pelican, and Forster’s tern. Learn more at gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.

Foraging Workshop with Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen

On May 26, from 8 a.m.-noon, Blackwood Educational Land Institute will present a foraging class with Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen, founder of the popular foragingtexas.com blog and the Medicine Man Plant Co. plant medicine line. Participants will learn what hidden forageable bounties exist around the 33-acre property, which encompasses three different biomes each possessing their own trove of native edible and medicinal flora. With Dr. Vorderbruggen guiding a small group setting, participants will learn how to identify, harvest, and use the native Texas plants which surround us. For more information and to register, visit blackwoodland.org.

Going Green lecture: San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group

On May 26, beginning at 6 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will host a Going Green lecture featuring Neil Gaynor, a voting member of the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning
Group who represents the Upper Watershed and is secretary of the Technical Committee of SJRFPG. Gaynor will provide background on the SJRFPG, its approaches to flood planning, and the outlook for flood potential in the Woodlands area. Some examples of flood events, models and forecasts will also be discussed. For more information and to register, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Bayou City Riverkeeper presents “Tributary”

On May 28, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Bayou City Riverkeeper will host “Tributary,” a community event connecting to and honoring the region’s waterways and communities, at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Attendees can explore the Center’s wetlands, bayou, and prairie habitats through guided hikes, kayaking, and pontoon tours. Attendees will also learn of the histories of the Akokisa people who previously inhabited this watershed. On Tuesday, May 24, beginning at noon, there will be a kickoff virtual event honoring three community leaders working around water advocacy and water justice — Doris Brown, Danielle Goschen, and Yudith Nieto. Learn more about and register for the Tributary event at bayoucitywaterkeeper.salsalabs.org. To register for the kickoff event, visit zoom.us.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership 2022 Summer Species: Bees

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is pleased to announce its second annual Summer Species – BEES! Summer Species is a celebration of bayou-adjacent flora and fauna. Commencing in June and continuing through August, BBP will take the Houston community on a deep dive into these busy little bees.  At locations ranging from Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park to Buffalo Bayou Park, experts will lead workshops, walks, talks, and experiential activities for participants of all ages. The festivities begin June 4, from 9-11 a.m. with bee-themed crafts led by Laura Hernandez with Laurenzo Early Childhood Center at Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park (2300 S Sgt Macario Garcia Dr.). For the full listing of events, visit buffalobayou.org.

2022 Houston Oyster & SeaFest

On June 4, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Galveston Bay Foundation will hold the 2022 Houston Oyster & SeaFest at Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park. The festival will feature a variety of acclaimed restaurants from throughout the greater Houston area and will also include live music, libations, educational exhibits and more. Event proceeds benefit the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program and habitat restoration efforts. For more information, visit galvbayevents.org.

World Ocean Day Festival

On June 4, from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Artist Boat will host its World Ocean Day Festival at R.A. Apffel East Beach Park, 1923 Boddeker Rd., Galveston. On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor the ocean, which connects us all. This year is the first hybrid celebration of this annual event, being hosted both in-person and broadcast live. The festival will include Eco-Art workshops for kids, judging and awards for the annual Beautiful the Bucket Contest, live entertainment, and more, The festival is free. However, East Beach parking fees will apply. For more information, visit artistboat.org.

Cheers to 30 Years!

On June 4, from 3-6 p.m., the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will host a celebration of its 30 years in existence at BAKFISH Brewing Company in Pearland. The event will be a relaxing afternoon of games and giveaways where attendees can learn more about this national ocean treasure just off the Texas/Louisiana coast. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Clean Water Action Meet and Greet

On June 7, from 5-7 p.m., new CEC member organization Clean Water Action will host a meet-and-greet event with outgoing and incoming Texas Directors David Foster and Becky Smith in the front patio of Mo’ Better Brews, 1201 Southmore Blvd., Houston. The event will include free hors d’ oeuvres and soft drinks. Happy hour drinks for purchase by guests. Please RSVP to bsmith@cleanwater.org by June 4.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary recruiting Advisory Council members

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for five seats on its advisory council, a community-based group of individuals established to provide advice for sanctuary management. The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following five council seats: Education, Oil & Gas Industry, Recreational Diving, Recreational Fishing, and Research. The application and associated information can be found at flowergarden.noaa.gov. Applications are due by Wednesday, June 8.

Lights Out, Texas!

Lights Out, Texas!, a campaign of education, awareness, and action that focuses on turning out lights at night during the spring and fall migrations to help protect the billions of migratory birds that fly over Texas, is under way. The full Spring Migration period runs through June 15. Texan by Nature and Audubon Texas lead Lights Out, Texas! efforts across the state. For more information on how to participate, visit texanbynature.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Ocean Awareness Contest. The 11th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. The deadline for submissions is June 13. For more information, visit bowseat.org.
  • Feral Atlas Summer Intensive Program at Rice University. The Houston Climate Justice Museum will host a week-long summer study intensive on the campus of Rice University from July 18-22, based on the digital humanities project Feral Atlas and led by Rice students and museum staff. Participating students will have the opportunity to be involved in workshops led by local artists and conservationists, travel to nearby museums and collections to meet with museum professionals, and get hands-on experience with disaster recovery. Interested students should fill out this form.
  • The Architecture of Bees. Through August 26, Architecture Center Houston offers the exhibition The Architecture of Bees in the gallery of its headquarters at 902 Commerce St. Curated by architect and beekeeper Wendy Heger, AIA, The Architecture of Bees is an immersive educational visual arts exhibition that brings together designers, architects, naturalists, and beekeepers to illustrate the importance and influence of bees on human design and construction. The exhibit is accompanied by several public programs including bee-keeping courses and pollinator walks in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership; a Biophilia and Bees lecture; and a beehive-inspired architectural workshop for kids. For more information, visit aiahouston.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.

  • The San Antonio Zoo breeds threatened Texas horned lizards with the hope of restoring them to landscapes that may once again support them. See some captive lizards take their first steps of freedom in this bold experiment
  • In an urbanizing state with limited public lands, accessing the outdoors can be a tough task. But a new program, in partnership with participating landowners, is helping paddlers and anglers access rivers like never before
  • Alex Ahrens loves to explore trails throughout Texas, but when he is not hiking, Alex enjoys woodworking. So he has found a way to combine his passions and bring his love of the outdoors into his woodshop—preserving the places he loves to hike as wooden map mementos
  • Armed with a smartphone and a savvy for social media, one Austin urbanite’s outdoor experience might be a little different than his grandfather’s, but getting outside can still fit with a modern, urban lifestyle

Additional Upcoming Events

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

Skip to content