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Houston Environmental News Update August 31, 2022
August 31, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update August 31, 2022

Houston Climate Summit, Commute Solutions Month, An Immense World, HARC 40th Anniversary Celebration, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

All of us at CEC and our partner organizations are getting really excited about the Houston Community Climate Summit, which will be held on Saturday, September 10 at the Rice University Glasscock School for Continuing Studies Anderson-Clarke Center. The Summit is the culmination of our Summer of Action, coordinated with the Houston Climate Movement with support from the Environmental Defense Fund.

A full list of speakers and participants will be available soon, but just to whet your appetite, we’d like to share the titles of the Summit sessions:

  • Intersectional Advocacy and the Climate Crisis
  • Introduction to Restorative Justice
  • Gentrification
  • Racial Healing
  • Climate Grief and Transformation
  • Climate Action in Houston: Where Are We Now?
  • Introduction to Climate Change and Environmental Justice
  • Federal Investments for Climate Resilience, From Knowledge to Advocacy
  • Industry and Government Accountability
  • Youth Movements for Climate Action
  • Journey to Justice: A CEER Ambassador’s Story
  • Community Reports and Visioning
  • Where Do We Go From Here?

Please see “CEC Notes” below for more information about the Summit and the link to register. We can’t wait to see you there!

CEC NOTES

Summer of Action 2022

Please join Citizens’ Environmental Coalition and Houston Climate Movement for the first annual Houston Community Climate Summit!

  • When: September 10th, 9am – 4pm, with a networking hour 4pm – 5pm
  • Where: Anderson-Clarke Center, Rice University Glasscock School for Continuing Studies
  • What: A gathering of frontline community members, community leaders, organizers, activists, and environmental advocacy professionals to share resources, learn about neighborhood-specific issues, collaboratively strategize, and support each other’s existing initiatives toward intersectional climate justice in the Greater Houston Area.

Lunch will be provided, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available. Transportation subsidies and hourly stipends are also available for community members in need (within limited funding).

RSVP and find more information at https://tinyurl.com/HoustonClimateSummit

Member Organization Spotlight: Houston-Galveston Area Council

This week, we acknowledge the close of National Water Quality Month by featuring CEC member organization the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Our region’s Council of Governments, H-GAC spearheads much of the Houston-Galveston area’s water quality efforts. You can learn more by visiting h-gac.com, and clicking on the “Environment” tab. .

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Join fellow environmental educators every other Friday morning for a quick check-in to collaborate. The next meeting is September 9, 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.Mein@pct3.hctx.net or cwilems@galvbay.org 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.

Deep in the Heart Learning Resources

Deep in the Heart Learning Resources, using videos from the recent full-length documentary, are now available to connect students to Texas’s unique environments, inspire awe in the natural beauty of our state, and lead to actions that support conservation. Each video includes 4 TEKS and NGSS-aligned lessons for K-12 teachers and students. Lessons include directions for the teacher, student documents in English and Spanish, and English and Spanish PowerPoint files. The lessons are aligned with the 2020/2021 revised Science TEKS. Learn more and download the resources at deepintheheartwildlife.com.

Other opportunities:

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Listening Session on New Pollution Prevention Grant Opportunity under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

On September 8, beginning at noon Central Time, EPA will host a virtual listening session on new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for a Pollution Prevention grant opportunity focused on increasing supply and demand for safer, environmentally preferable products, such as those certified by EPA’s Safer Choice program or identified by EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program. EPA wants to hear your thoughts to help inform the development of this grant opportunity. In the listening session, EPA will provide background on the grant opportunity and then lead a discussion to get feedback. To register, visit zoomgov.com.

Comment on Environmental Justice Scorecard

The White House Council on Environmental Quality is taking a next step in the development of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Environmental Justice Scorecard, a first-of-its-kind tool that will assess progress Federal agencies are making to advance environmental justice, including through the Justice40 Initiative. The draft framework for the Environmental Justice Scorecard, on which CEQ and the Office of Management and Budget are inviting feedback and comment, would assess the efforts that Federal agencies are taking toward reducing burdens and harms in communities; delivering benefits to communities; and centering justice in decision making. The public can submit comments on the Scorecard until Sunday, October 2, via the Federal Register.

Harris County flood risk reduction funds surveys

The Harris County Community Services Department is collecting feedback from communities on how to prioritize the $750 million in promised CDBG-MIT funds. The Committees recently submitted this letter to request that the Method of Distribution strongly prioritize flood risk reduction projects. You can find out more at HarrisRecovery.org, and the surveys, in English and Spanish, are open throughout the summer.

Public Comment on Harris County Storm Conveyance Tunnels proposal

The Harris County Flood Control District is seeking public comment on the recently released Feasibility Study on the Countywide Large Diameter Tunnels for Stormwater Conveyance, a $30 billion, 133-mile system of 8 large underground tunnels to drain stormwater out of the county’s bayous and streams. Public comment will be accepted through September 30. The next phase of the project will include community meetings. Find more information, including the presentation slides and video of a public meeting held in June, at hcfcd.org.

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.

Commute Solutions Month

In September, the Houston-Galveston Area Council marks Commute Solutions Month, a region-wide celebration that will highlight companies, agencies, universities, and others in the eight-county transportation management area who are doing great work to improve travel for their commuters as well as decrease congestion and improve air quality in the region. H-GAC will also celebrate the launch of ConnectSmart, a partnership project of the Texas Department of Transportation, H-GAC’s Commute Solutions program, Tow and Go, TranStar, and many others. ConnectSmart is the region’s first mobility tool that integrates trip planning and navigation amongst a variety of commuting options. They invite you to download ConnectSmart in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Houston Audubon AviChat abstracts due September 1

Houston Audubon’s AviChat, held on September 24 during Houston Bird Week, is a series of brief, informal, science talks about bird conservation and research in our region, followed by networking. This is not your normal conference – we’re keeping the slots short, with no time for questions until you can chat with the presenter over a drink! If you have a project related to bird and/or land conservation on the Upper Texas coast, including planned and completed research, they want to hear from you. Abstract submissions for AviChat are due September 1. Learn more and submit your abstract at houstonaudubon.org.

Houston ToolBank’s Tool Trot

The Houston ToolBank, which serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals, is holding its inagural Tool Tort fundraiser from September 1-12. Participants in the Tool Trot will compete to get the most steps, with the chance to win one of six prizes. This event promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging participants to get outdoors and be active towards a collective goal of completing 2500 miles over 12 days. If you’re local to Houston, they invite you to swing by the ToolBank for a trash grabber and cleanup supplies so you can also cleanup your community while getting in your steps. For more information and to register, visit dash.atlasgo.org.

TWRC Willdlife Center Wise Owl volunteers needed

TWRC Wildife Center is seeking Wise Owl volunteers work at the animal admissions desk. Wise Owl volunteers are responsible for admitting injured and orphaned wildlife brought in by rescuers and inputting them into our internal database. Wise Owl volunteers are the heart of TWRC, and are the first friendly face the public will encounter at the Center. The Center will provide the training and learning opportunities necessary to ensure your success in this volunteering position. Wise Owl volunteers have the opportunity to grow into the Wise Owl Hotline position to help callers who have found an injured or orphaned animal. The Wise Owl Hotline volunteer position requires a weekly commitment and would best suit someone that is friendly, has a passion for helping wildlife and is eager to learn. For more information, please visit  twrcwildlifecenter.org. Any questions can be directed to volunteer@twrcwildlifecenter.org.

Our Future Is Science Mentorship Program

High school students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply to be mentees in the Our Future Is Science Mentorship Program, which matches high school students with science graduate students in near-peer mentorship teams to develop leaders who will make a difference in the world through social justice, science, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) more broadly. Through an academic year-long journey of mentorship, scientific learning, and career exploration, we will develop leaders who will make a difference. The deadline to apply is September 15. Learn more about the program here and apply here.

Parks and Natural Areas Awards nominations open

The nomination period for the 2022 Parks and Natural Areas Awards,  honoring parks and natural areas demonstrating outstanding practices in the Houston-Galveston region. opens Thursday, September 1. You are invited to submit your eligible park or natural area project(s) for recognition in one of the following categories: Planning Process and Policy Tools; On-the-Ground Projects Over $500K; On-the-Ground Projects Under $500K; Programming. Applications are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, September 29.  For more information about the awards process, visit h-gac.com.

Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program

The Clear Lake Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas awards grants to nature centers, schools, educational groups and others to help fund development and maintenance of pollinator habitats using native plants, shrubs or trees on public sites in Brazoria, Galveston or Harris Counties of Texas. Priority is given to projects located in Brazoria County., Galveston County, and the southeast quadrant of Harris County. The application deadline is September 1. For more information, visit npsot.org.

Policy Hacking: Housing & Transportation Are Climate issues

On September 1, beginning at 4 p.m., Farm&City will hold a hybrid discussion (in-person in Austin) about how transportation and housing policies affect emissions and how Texas can grow smarter, more equitable, sustainable, and resilient. Speakers will include representatives of Air Alliance Houston, Environment Texas, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Farm&City. To register for the virtual event, visit zoom.us.

An Immense World book discussion group for the Season of Creation

On Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. from September 1 through October 6, Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church will mark the Season of Creation by hosting a virtual discussion group of the book An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms, by science writer Ed Young. In the book, Young pulls together recent research on other animals’ ways of perceiving and making sense of the world to provide a scientifically based glimpse into how animals experience the world. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

GCBO Volunteer Work Day

On September 2, from 8 a.m.-noon, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host a volunteer work day in advance of its Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza later in September. They are looking for volunteers to help weed, work in the nursery, and work in the flower beds. If you’re interested in joining us please email Martin or Celeste at mhagne@gcbo.org and csilling@gcbo.org. 

Educational Event Volunteers – Houston Audubon Raptor Education Center

Houston Audubon is seeking volunteers to help at its Educational Events scheduled for September 3, 4, and 10 at the Raptor Education Center. Volunteers will help with educational activities, games, and live bird demonstrations. This is a great opportunity to engage folks interested in Raptors and apply your education skills as a naturalist. For more info and to register, send an email to Gabriel Durham, volunteer coordinator, at gdurham@houstonaudubon.org.

Native Nurseries Open House

On September 3, from 8-11 a.m., Houston Audubon will host a Fall Open House at the Houston Audubon Natives Nursery at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Visitors will be able to pick the brains of expert nursery volunteers about their specific needs and go home with the perfect plants for their space. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

HARC’s 40th Anniversary Virtual Celebration

On September 7, from 5-6 p.m., the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) will hold a virtual celebration of its 40th anniversary of providing leadership and science-backed research on issues related to water, air, energy, and resilience. The keynote speaker will be world-renowned atmospheric scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, whose research focuses on understanding what climate change means for people and the places in which they live. For more information and to register, visit harcresearch.networkforgood.com.

Living the Change weekly discussion group

On Wednesdays from September 7 through November 30, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host a virtual discussion group developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism and to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Creation Care 101

Beginning September 8 and running through April 13, members of the Christian faith are invited to take part in a free online course, Creation Care 101, and begin a journey of restoring faith, justice, and creation. Each session will feature talks from leading theologians and scientists, inspiring stories from churches, facilitated heart-led conversation, and tools for practical implementation. Register creationcarecollective.org. Lisa Brenskelle will act as facilitator for the Lutherans Restoring Creation group, providing additional resources and insights from her decades of earthkeeping ministry. To join her group and get the additional resources, please indicate “Lutherans Restoring Creation” as your church/group when you register. Note that all Christians are welcome to join the Lutherans Restoring Creation group, not just Lutherans. Contact Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

Texas Stream Team Standard Core Water Quality Citizen Scientist Training

On September 9, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council, in partnership with The Woodlands Township Environmental Services, will host a Texas Stream Team Standard Core Water Quality Citizen Scientist Training for new volunteers at Bear Branch Park, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. This training is limited to 10 participants, so register here to reserve your spot. On October 9, the Bayou Preservation Association will offer a similar training at its headquarters at the Sunset Coffee Building at Allen’s Landing in downtown Houston. Learn more and register here.

 Neches River Rally

On September 10, the Big Thicket Association will hold the the 9th Annual Neches River Rally, which will take paddlers through the Big Thicket National Preserve via the 4-mile Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail. This is a rain or shine event. Canoes and kayaks (no paddleboards) will launch and return to the LNVA Saltwater Barrier location in Beaumont. Bring your personal boat or reserve a boat before September 3 with Big Thicket Outfitters. Each adult registered participant will receive a complimentary Big Thicket Association 2022-2023 membership. For more information and to register, visit bigthicket.org.

Houston Hawks Volunteer Day

On September 10, from 8-11 a.m., Houston Audubon will hold a volunteer event to remove invasive species like arrow root and air potato from the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary to maintain habitat for the sanctuary’s beneficial natives. All training will be given as part of the work day so there is no orientation required. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Houston Arboretum Volunteer Open House

On September 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will hold an Open House for prospective volunteers, ages 16 and up, to  learn how to become part of the team in promoting its dual mission of nature education and conservation. Whether you want to dig in some dirt, engage with visitors from around the world, or provide education for our youngest program. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

Vote for Seaborne Creek Nature Park in the Niagara Perk Your Park Contest

Seaborne Creek Nature Park is one of 10 parks selected for the Niagara Perk Your Parks Contest. They are asking for your help to win; the three parks with the most votes at the end of the contest will win $𝟕𝟓,000. Seaborne is run as a partnership between the Texas Master Naturalists Coastal Prairie Chapter and the City of Rosenberg. The TMN chapter is in the midst of year 12 of its 20-year plan for this beautiful 160 acre nature park. The hope is to build a 6-acre Arboretum for everyone to enjoy. This space will feature crushed granite paths shaded by native trees and picnic tables for park visitors – the perfect combination to spend time outdoors and connect with nature at Seabourne Creek. Residents can vote for the new project once per day until the polls close September 12. Learn more and vote at niagaraperkyourpark.com.

Vote for The Woodlands’ George Mitchell Nature Preserve in the 2022 Niagara Perk Your Park Contest

The Woodlands Township has an opportunity to receive financial support in constructing a dual-purpose bird blind (a structure that allows for viewing birds without being noticed by the birds) through the Perk Your Park Contest by Niagara Water. Residents interested in helping with this effort are encouraged to vote daily online, as the three winning parks will receive $75,000 toward the upgrade. If awarded funding, the new structure will be located at the Creekside West Trailhead of George Mitchell Nature Preserve in The Woodlands. This blind has been selected as one of 10 projects in the 2022 Niagara Perk Your Park Contest from Niagara Bottling through its charitable program, Niagara Cares, and in partnership with National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as an initiative that focuses on park and community space revitalization across the country. Residents can vote for the new project once per day until the polls close September 12. Learn more at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Power-Up: A Climate Reality Training on Advocacy in Action

From October 27-28, the Climate Reality Project and former Vice President Al Gore will host the first Power-Up: A Climate Reality Training on Advocacy in Action for climate activists across the US Gulf Coast in Houston. This free two-day training provides those ready to make a difference with the tools, knowledge, and networks to mobilize their communities and drive real action for climate justice solutions. The training gives attendees an opportunity to learn about the current state of the climate crisis in the Gulf South, to hear directly from organizations leading on the frontlines of a just and equitable transition, and to build local power to advance climate solutions. The training will also highlight the work of inspiring local leaders from regional civil rights and environmental justice groups who are mobilizing their communities to fight against polluting industries and racial injustice. Application are being accepted through September 12 at 11:59 PM (ET). For more information and to apply, visit climaterealityproject.org.

2023 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards applications open until September 23 

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 2023 awards is now open. To see winners from 2013 to 2022, visit the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards webpage. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 23.

Clear Lake chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas offers students grants for attending Texas Coastal Prairie Conference

The Texas Coastal Prairie Conference: Preserving Lands and Legacies will be held at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in October. The conference will include a full day of workshops and presentations on Friday, October 28, followed by field trips to remnant and restored prairies as well as working ranches and farms on Saturday, October 29. The Clear Lake Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is offering conference registration fee grants to currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students to enhance their understanding of native prairies and connections with like-minded conservationists. To apply visit this form. The deadline for applications is September 30. Questions about this opportunity may be sent to clear-lake-chapter@npsot.org.

FALL BIRD MIGRATION

Lights Out, Texas!

Audubon Texas encourages all Texans to join us in participating in Lights Out Texas to protect migrating birds by turning off non-essential lights at night from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. during the fall migration period through November 30. Where conflicts apply, prioritize lights out during the critical peak fall migration period from September 5 – October 29. Each night and each light turned out helps save migrating birds. As an added bonus, turning off non-essential lights also saves money and conserves energy for cities, local businesses, and homeowners. The Lights Out Texas initiative is supported by a coalition that includes conservation non-profits, local Audubon chapters, universities, museums, governmental organizations, businesses, and individual Texans dedicated to the conservation of birds. We Learn more about how you can help migrating birds along their migration journey by visiting tx.audubon.org.

Fall Collision Monitoring with Houston Audubon

Beginning September 6, Houston Audubon invites members of the public to join a community science project where you can make a difference by collecting data that will help determine how we can protect migrating birds from window strike deaths. Collision monitoring will take place in the early mornings. Monitors will work in teams of 2-3, patrolling a 2-mile predetermined route around 10 buildings in downtown. Monitoring will go from =through October and monitors can take as many or as few shifts as they like. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Purple Martin Migration Watch Party

On September 4, 18, and 24, Houston Audubon is hosting Purple Martin Migration Watch Parties. Purple Martins migrate from South America beginning in late January to nest across North America. Before heading back south for the winter, Purple Martins gather in larger numbers and feed on flying insects to fuel up for their long journey. At dusk, groups of up to 500,000 come together to roost. Grab your friends and family, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy a unique experience. Learn more at houstonaudubon.org.

14th Annual Hummingbird Festival

On September 10, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve & Center in Tomball will host the 14th Annual Hummingbird Festival. Experience the thrill of as many as 100 ruby-throated hummingbirds at the peak of migration. Learn how to identify and attract these feathered jewels your garden. Enjoy games and activities for the whole family, including: Hummingbird Banding – Raptor Presentations with Houston Audubon – Nature & History Talks – Kids Activities – Nature Walks – Blacksmith Demonstrations. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Autumn Birding at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

On September 10, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Houston chapter of Sierra Club will visit Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge to bird and enjoy this wetland and coastal prairie wonderland. The over 44,000-acre BNWR is in southeastern Brazoria County. Attendees will look for ducks, geese, wading birds, songbirds, shorebirds, and other native wildlife. No experience is necessary. For more information and to register, visit Meetup.com.

Smith Point Hawk Watch

One of the great spectacles in nature is a sky full of swirling raptors soaring their way to central and South America for winter. Smith Point on the eastern shore of Galveston Bay, a natural concentration point for southwardly moving raptors in fall migration. The Smith Point Hawk Watch, a project of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in partnership with Hawk Watch International and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, is an annual census of the raptors migrating through Smith Point each fall. Through November 30, the Hawk Watch is held daily at the Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area where GCBO has a 30-foot observation tower. The hawk watch is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You are invited to come out any day during the season. Learn more at gcbo.org.

CONTESTS

Youth Innovation Challenge 2022

The Youth Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Global Environmental Education Partnership, gives young people (aged 15–30) around the world a chance to come up with innovative solutions to the pressing environmental issue of marine debris, using EE as a key strategy. They are looking for solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Winning solutions will receive global recognition and a $1,000 prize. Proposals must be submitted before September 1 at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time. For more information and to register, visit thegeep.org.

Marine Debris Art Contest

Registration is open through September 1 for Artist Boat’s Marine Debris Art Contest. Artists and ocean-lovers of all ages can submit pieces to display at the art gallery. Art pieces are comprised primarily of marine debris and demonstrate the effects aquatic trash can have on our oceans and the life that depends on them. Art pieces must be brought to Artist Boat (13330 Settegast Road, Galveston) by September 23. The judging and viewing of the art pieces will be held October 8 at the Galveston Art League. For full rules and submission guidelines, visit artistboat.org.

2022 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest

The National Marine Sanctuaries 2022 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest is underway through September 5. All photographers, regardless of skill level or experience, are invited to participate. Each photographer may submit up to 10 photos (minimum of 1200 pixels wide) that tell the stories of the National Marine Sanctuaries, including Texas’s own Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Winning photographs will be announced in October 2022 as the Sanctuaries celebrate their 50th anniversary. For full contest rules and submission information, visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov.

Take Care of Texas Video Contest

The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people in grades 6–12 to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students create a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. Contest sponsor Waste Management of Texas, Inc. will award prizes to the creators of the best videos. The contest starts September 12 and ends December 2. For full information and submission guidelines, visit takecareoftexas.org.

2022 Wild “InSight” Photo Contest

TWRC Wildlife Center is holding its 4th Wild “InSight” Photo Contest, which raises funds for the Wildlife Center operations and Animal Care Program. Submissions will be accepted through September 26. TWRC Wildlife Center is also seeking sponsors for its 2023 WildInSight Calendar. Contact Anna Saxton for more information. For more information, visit twrcwildlifecenter.org.

Houston Pubic Works Imagine a Day Without Water TikTok Contest

As part of the national education campaign “Imagine a Day Without Water”, Houston Public Works is hosting a TikTok contest all about water with a $1000 prize. Show your love for WATER! Sing a song, read a poem, play your instrument, create a dance, act out a skit, or show your best water conservation tip. The judges are looking for creative entries. Let the value of water inspire you! To enter the contest post a TikTok video inspired by water and hashtag #ValueWaterHouston. Submissions are being accepted through October 3. For full information and submission guidelines, visit givewaterabreak.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • Texas Master Naturalistâ„¢ chapter seeking fall volunteers. The Coastal Prairie chapter of the Texas Master Naturalistâ„¢ program – a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities – is seeking volunteers for the fall 2022 training season. The deadline to apply is September 6. Learn more at txmn.tamu.edu.
  • H-GAC seeks volunteers for Plogging, Plalking, and Pladdling Pilot Group, The Houston-Galveston Area Council is seeking volunteers to help pilot and provide feedback on newly created resources designed to engage residents and recreationists in the activities of plogging, plalking, pliking and pladdling. The project team is looking for local governments, Keep Texas Beautiful affiliates, and recreation groups willing to pilot all or specific portions of the resources and provide their feedback upon completion. The pilot period is open through September with feedback collected via a survey. If you are interested in participating, contact Crysta Guzman or Kendall Guidroz at any time during the pilot period.
  • Blackwood Skyfarm tours. The Blackwood Skyfarm, the rooftop farm at POST Houston, is now available for educational tours to groups, schools, businesses, and more each week by appointment. During this introductory tour, visitors will walk the current crops and learn how Skyfarm blends both ancestral, regenerative food production practices and 21st century technologies to produce organic food with less food miles and a lower carbon footprint. Learn more and schedule tours at blackwoodland.org.
  • Volunteer Houston offers opportunities. Volunteer Houston, an initiative of Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, connects individuals, groups, and companies with nonprofit agencies to transform the Greater Houston community for good through volunteerism. For opportunities to volunteer on environmental projects, visit VolunteerHouston and sort the opportunities by “environmental”.

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.

  • Meet a traveling photographer at home on the road, chasing her dream to the most awe-inspiring places a teardrop trailer camper can be towed
  • Meet a biologist that studies aquatic invertebrates. He’s Dr. Archis Grubh, and he loves bugs. Check out some of the two-thousand different types of aquatic invertebrates living in the rivers, streams, and creeks of Texas
  • Thirty minutes south of Austin, the Central Texas town of Lockhart may be best known as a destination for bar-b-que lovers. But Lockhart is also home to a small state park, popular with campers, picnickers, and even golfers

Additional Upcoming Events

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