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Houston Environmental News Update September 28, 2022
September 28, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update September 28, 2022

World Rivers Day, Galveston Bay Report Card, Future of Urban Food, Autumn Plant Sale, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

Last week, we took note of National Estuaries Week. Moving up the water chain, last Sunday was World Rivers Day, which “highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.”

Here in Southeast Texas, of course, we have our share of river, including the Brazos, the Trinity, and the San Jacinto. All of them play an invaluable in our environment, commerce and recreation.

We also have our bayous, which some people think of as miniature rivers, although they are more accurately described as slow-moving streams that feed into the larger watersheds. In any event, they, too, are an important part of our region’s natural landscape.

Many CEC member organizations are active in protecting and promoting the region’s rivers and bayous, including: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Bayou Land Conservancy, Bayou Preservation Association, Brays Bayou Association, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund Texas, Greens Bayou Coalition, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Clean Rivers Program, White Oak Bayou Association, and more.

Top image: Armand Bayou Nature Center

CEC NOTES

Charlotte Cisneros named one of four Mujeres Legendarias

Last week, CEC Executive Director Charlotte Cisneros was recognized by Ford Corporation and Camara de Empresarios Latinos as one of four Mujeres Legendarias (“Legendary Women”) in the Greater Houston Area. Ford launched the Mujeres Legendarias Celebration 10 years ago to celebrate Hispanic women’s accomplishments and recognize those in our local Hispanic community. Each year, four Hispanic women are awarded this honor based on their work that represents a Ford value: Innovation, Leadership, Community, and Sustainability. You can congratulate Charlotte on this honor by supporting her and CEC’s work here.

Texas state employees asked to remember CEC, Earthshare of Texas in charitable campaign

Are you a state employee in Texas? The State Employee Charitable Campaign is underway! Please remember EarthShare of Texas (code 035500) and Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (code 035569) in your consideration of charitable choices in the campaign. Thank you!

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Join fellow environmental educators every other Friday morning for a quick check-in to collaborate. The next meeting is October 7, 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.

Texas Wildlife Association Discovery Trunks

All Texas schools, homeschool co-ops, and organizations with the desire to educate the youth of Texas can reserve a Discovery Trunk. Trunks are full of hands-on, natural resource materials and lessons and are free for groups of 40+ students in Texas. Trunks are reserved for 2-weeks and each location may reserve two per semester. Educators in Harris and surrounding Counties (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller) can sign up for a Fall 2022 trunk now at texas-wildlife.org. Spring 2023 trunks available in mid-December.

Region 4 Education Service Center partners with the Texas Wildlife Association to provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences related to Texas wildlife and conservation. Find the full listing of presentations and register at esc4.net.

Teacher Workshops are six (6) hour trainings that introduce attendees to the Texas Wildlife Association, in-class and outdoor lessons and activities, and how to incorporate natural resources into classrooms or programming. Lessons focus on teaching land stewardship, native wildlife, and water conservation and are Science TEKS-aligned for Grades K-8. Learn more about the workshops and register at texas-wildlife.org.

Other opportunities:

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

EPA seeks input on new environmental justice-focused pollution prevention grant opportunity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold two listening sessions to collect input on the development of a new grant opportunity made possible by the $100 million investment in the agency’s Pollution Prevention program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The new grant opportunity will encourage businesses that are working in, or working with, underserved or overburdened communities to adopt P2 practices in a way that advances the Biden-Harris Administration’s environmental agenda. A listening session on September 29 is for all potential applicants and stakeholders. For both listening sessions, EPA is interested in understanding how these grants can be most accessible and useful to applicants. EPA will also seek additional insight into how funded projects can help businesses adopt P2 approaches to address environmental problems in underserved/overburdened communities.

Comment on Draft Regional Flood Plan

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group submitted the DRAFT Regional Flood Plan to the Texas Water Development Board on Aug. 1, 2022. The public is invited to provide feedback on the DRAFT Regional Flood Plan and learn more about flood risk, stormwater management, and flood mitigation projects by visiting sanjacintofloodplanning.org. A virtual open house will be held September 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more about the open house at sanjacintofloodplanning.org. Public comment is being accepted through October 27.

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.

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.

San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group seeks Flood Districts voting member

The San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group is soliciting nominations for individuals
interested in becoming a voting-member to represent Flood Districts on the San Jacinto
Regional Flood Planning Group. Nominees who have strong affiliation or are endorsed by Flood Districts or Drainage Districts within Region 6 are encouraged to apply. Nominations will be accepted by mail and email to SanJacFldPG@eng.hctx.net until October 9. Mailing address: Claudia Garcia c/o SJRFPG Project Sponsor, Harris County Engineering Department, 1111 Fannin St., 12th Fl., Houston, TX 77002. Find the full solicitation at sanjacintofloodplanning.org.

Public meetings on Harris County bond propositions

On November 8, 2022, voters in Harris County will have the opportunity to vote on three propositions for the issuance of bonds totaling $1.2 billion. This bond package would provide funding for multiple categories, including public safety facilities, roads, drainage and transportation-related programs, and parks and trails. The County is collecting community input through meetings, online tools and comment submissions. This input will be shared with Harris County Precinct staff as they make decisions regarding future projects that could be funded through these bonds. A series of community engagement meetings is being held through October 20 to share information on the bond and gather input from the community. Find the full schedule of meetings and information about other ways to provide input at harriscounty2022bond.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.

Houston Chronicle: Brace for the Storm: The Ike Dike will transform Galveston. See how in a fly-through tour.

“The Ike Dike is nearing the finish line in Congress after years of debate. President Joe Biden is expected to sign legislation approving a $31 billion coastal barrier project designed to protect the Houston region. The plan was drawn from an idea that a Texas A&M at Galveston professor developed after catastrophic Hurricane Ike hit in 2008.” writes Emily Foxhall in a multlmedia story published in the Houston Chronicle. “About time, some say. The area is immensely vulnerable to storm surge from a hurricane, which could push a wave of water into homes on Galveston Island and up the Houston Ship Channel, dislodging chemical tanks and damaging refineries. Hang on a second, say others. We can’t beat nature with engineering. The project will dramatically alter the island and Galveston Bay, blocking views, killing plants and removing habitat. And it’s no guarantee of protection.” See the full story at houstonchronicle.com. (Photo: Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle)

Houston Chronicle: Cancer-causing dioxin found in 42 soil samples around Union Pacific Fifth Ward rail yard

“The city of Houston found dioxin in 42 soil samples from around the long-contaminated Union Pacific site near Kashmere Gardens and Fifth Ward, adding to concerns there could be ongoing risk for those who live nearby,” reports Emily Foxhall for the Houston Chronicle. “Experts consider dioxin highly toxic. It can harm human immune and endocrine systems, cause reproductive issues and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, cause cancer.” Read the full story at houstonchronicle.com. (Photo: Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle)

2022 Galveston Bay Report Card

Last week, the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) and the Galveston Bay Foundation released the 2022 Galveston Bay Report Card, which provides detailed information on the current state of the water quality and ecosystems of the Galveston Bay. The Report Card looks at the data and trends that describe the Bay and the surrounding watersheds, an area spanning over 7,000 square miles, and including communities in Galveston, Sugar Land, Conroe, and beyond. The areas highlighted this year include Water Quality, Health Risks for Humans, Pollution, and Wildlife; and there is good news in each of these categories. Find the full Report Card at galvbaygrade.org. See this video about the Report Card.

Call for Participants: “Rooted in Health, Nurtured by Nature” Health & Wellness event

The first “Rooted in Health, Nurtured by Nature” Health & Wellness Event, presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Lone Star Family Health Center, and Recovery Untamed, will be held November 19 at W.G. Jones State Forest in Conroe, Montgomery County. The organizers are looking for community partners to help engage the public. Does your non-profit, agency or organization specialize in: art therapy for nature art, outdoor first aid and safety, safe outdoor recreation skills, veterans services, adult, youth and family health services and/or mental health services, disability populations, senior/elder adult services, multi-lingual services? If your organization, agency, or non-profit like to be a part of this unique opportunity to outreach to the public about health and nature, visit this form.

Clear Creek Watershed Partnership meeting

On September 28, from 5:30-7:30 pm., the Clear Creek Watershed Partnership, a voluntary, locally-led effort is designed to address water quality issues in the Clear Creek Watershed of Fort Bend, Brazoria, Harris, and Galveston counties, will hold a virtual meeting. At this meeting, we will be discussing the causes and sources of fecal waste pollution in the watershed. To register, visit zoom.us.

Garden & Nature Series: Fabulous Figs!

On September 28, from 6-7 p.m., Hermann Park Conservancy will host a discussion celebrating regional fig culture with Galveston County AgriLife Extension Horticulture Agent Stephen Brueggerhoff. He will discuss the local and global history of figs, provide tips for tree management, and recommended varieties for home production. The event will be held at the Family Garden of McGovern Centennial Garden. For more information and to register. visit hermannpark.org.

Prairie Restoration and Preservation at Armand Bayou Nature Center

On September 28, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Tim Pylate of the helm of Armand Bayou Nature Center. He will discuss prairie restoration and reservation at the ABNC, one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States which contains 2,500 acres of the natural wetlands forest, prairie and marsh habitats once abundant in the Houston and Galveston area. ABNC is home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and strives to educate and inspire people of all ages to explore, respect, and protect nature and our vital local ecosystems. To register for the meeting. visit zoom.us.

The 19th Annual Bayou Preservation Association Symposium

From September 28-29, the Bayou Preservation Association will hold its 19th Annual Symposium virtually, with the theme “The Cost of Doing Nothing – Opting for Resilience.” As regional leaders focus on building a resilient, sustainable community, we want to inspire action to support these efforts and to discuss how we manage this new normal in the region. The symposium we will provide an update sustainable on solutions implementation in the area and present an ‘action agenda’ including ways attendees can help our region avoid the ‘cost’ of inaction. For more information and to register, visit bayoupreservation.org.

2022 Texas Tree Conference

From September 28-29, the Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture will hold its 2002 Texas Tree Conference at the Waco Convention Center. The conference will feature education programs featuring nationally known speakers in research, commercial, utility and municipal arboriculture, urban forestry, urban planning and landscape architecture, an expanded trade show, an awards luncheon, and numerous networking opportunities. For more information and to register, visit isatexas.com.

Annual Energy Summit — Risks and Opportunities: Energy Transitions Meet Energy Security

From September 28-29, the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies and Baker Botts L.L.P. will co-host their annual energy conference. This year’s event will tackle what is arguably the largest issue facing energy markets and the world today: the complexity of balancing energy security needs with energy transition goals. In particular, the conference will address how the energy industry is responding to recent geopolitical and market events, how these developments will impact the momentum of a meaningful energy transition and what this means for domestic and foreign energy and security policy. For more information and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.

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.

The Challenges of Communicating Climate Risk

On September 29, beginning at 4 p.m., the Rice University Fondren Library Green Team and the Leventhal Map & Education Center present a conversation about the challenges of communicating climate risks and impacts in two different geographic contexts. Rice professor and Houston-based author Lacy M. Johnson will discuss her new book, More City Than Water: A Houston Flood Atlas, and the process of working with graphic designers to produce maps that document Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Houston. Based in Boston, Zoe Davis works for the City of Boston as a Climate Resilience Project Manager on the Climate Ready Boston team, which informs local climate planning and helps residents visualize and prepare for the impacts of future climate risks. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

LINK Houston Celebration and Fundraiser

On September 29, from 6-8 p.m., LINK Houston will host a reception and fundraiser welcoming new Executive Director Gabe Casares. Proceeds will help support the organization’s advocacy for transportation equity and climate justice. The event will be held at LINK Houston’s offices at WeWork, 708 Main Street. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Evolve Houston eMobility micrgrants applications extended to Sept. 30

Evolve Houston, a nonprofit organization working to accelerate electric vehicle adoption withing the greater Houston area, is partnering with local nonprofits, community champions, and corporate catalysts to award funding to grassroots eMobility projects that address community mobility needs in Houston’s historically underserved neighborhoods. The deadline for applications has been extended to September 30. To learn more and apply, visit apply.evolvehouston.org.

The Future of Urban Food Systems Summit

On September 30, from 9 a.m.-noon, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will host The Future of Urban Food Systems Summit to provide a forum to delve into the opportunities and challenges for urban food systems in Harris County. Food deserts and food insecurity are critical issues for Harris and other urban counties across the state and country. The summit will help not only urban ag producers but also policymakers understand some of these challenges and how they can utilize new ideas and practices. The program will address topics that are relevant to the here and now and allow attendees to leave with a renewed motivation to help fix the problem. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

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 in October at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 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.

Tour de BCycle

Tour de BCycle is a month-long challenge throughout October to visit 153 neighborhood stations spanning 120 square miles across Houston to earn as many Neighborhood Badges as possible. Registration includes BCycle membership, an aluminum water bottle, beautiful custom-designed Badges, free group rides and best of all, the right to earn the title of a Tour Champion. For more information and to register, visit houstonbcycle.com.

Autumn In-Person Plant Sale

On October 1, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Friends of Mercer Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society will host the in-person Autumn Plant Sale. The weather is moderate and gives plants the opportunity to adjust and get established before they have to deal with the next summer’s heat. Plants that are larval host or nectar plants for pollinators, plants that provide shelter as well as plants with outstanding beauty will be available. A wonderful selection of trees, roses, gingers, shrubs, natives, perennials and annuals will be on offer. For more information and to make selections, visit friendsofmercer.com.

Central City Co-Op Grand Reopening

CEC member organization Central City Co-Op, 2515 Harvard Street, will celebrate its Grand Reopening on October 1 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Among the vendors will be Pat Greer’s Kitchen, a taco truck with vegan tacos, a coffee vendor, a new popsicle provider, Wonder Pops, and more. Some of the members will be playing music and the kid’s corner will be stocked with bubbles and chalk for them to play with. Learn more at centralcityco-op.com.

Laudato Si’

On October 1, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will host Laudato Si‘: Faith in Action for Our Common Home, a conference on environmental issues and the duty of the Church to respond. The event will be held at the auditorium of St. Dominic Village, 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Panel discussions will include “Fighting for the Future of Our Planet”, “Air, Land, and Water in Houston”, and “Faith in Action”. For full details, including speaker bios, and to register, visit archgh.cvent.com.

Texas Academy for Marine Policy launches with webinar series

Beginning October 4, Texas Sea Grant is launching the Texas Academy for Marine Policy with an aim of creating educational opportunities for Texas graduate to learn and engage in the field of science policy. This webinar series delivers an introduction to local and federal government, an overview on science policy, a discussion of tools for science communication, and provides exposure to potential fellowships and opportunities in science policy for the future. The webinar series is free, not-for-credit, and geared towards Texas graduate students who are interested in marine policy but may not have an opportunity or time to take a for-credit course in this field. To register for the series, visit tx.ag/MarinePolicy.

How Unprecedented Incentives and Funding in the Inflation Reduction Act Can Advance Local Climate Action

On October 4, beginning at noon Central, The City Renewables Accelerator, co-led by Rocky Mountain Institute and World Resources Institute, will host a webinar spotlighting the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act that will help communities better understand the latest federal funding opportunities and related changes, and highlight the most up-to-date tools and resources. To register, visit zoom.us.

Underserved Communities Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Funding Opportunity applications due October 5

Up to $10 million in funding from NOAA is available for habitat restoration and resilience awards for underserved communities, to provide capacity for these communities to more fully participate in developing future transformational habitat projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Applications are due October 5. Learn more about these funding opportunities at fisheries.noaa.gov.

Sustainable Blue-Green Infrastructure and the Urban Landscape

On October 7, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will hold a seminar outlining the best management practices and plant selection for blue-green infrastructure landscapes in the urban setting. The event will be held at the Houston Community College Katy Campus, 22910 Colonial Parkway. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Fall Plant Sale

On October 7-8, the Clear Lake chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold its Fall Plant Sale a the University of Houston-Clear Lake campus. Payment and pick up for pre-orders will be at the in-person plant sale. Inventory is subject to availability and not guaranteed. For more information and to place pre-orders, visit npsot.org.

 Greens Bayou Regatta

On October 8, from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the Greens Bayou Coalition will host the annual Greens Bayou Regatta, 7.7 mile race from Brock Park to Thomas Bell Foster Park. Racers receive a t-shirt, plus lunch, beverages, awards and music at the end-of-race party. Funds raised support the mission of Greens Bayou Coalition to improve the quality of life in the Greens Bayou watershed, including the development of the Greens Bayou Paddle Trail. For more information and to register, visit greensbayou.org.

Houston Arboretum Fall Plant Sale

On October 7-8, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center will host its Fall Plant Sale. A variety of Texas natives will be featured, including perennial and annual wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil, and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

Nurture Nature Festival

On October 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Baytown Nature Center will hold host the annual Nurture Nature Festival. This free, family event introduces visitors to the reptiles, birds, fish and native plants of the Baytown area through fun activities for all interests and levels. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Big Thicket Day

Big Thicket Association

On October 8, from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the Big Thicket Association will host Big Thicket Day at Collier’s Ferry Park, 5390 Pine Street, Beaumont. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary picnic lunch, live entertainment, free boat tours aboard the Ivory Bill, and other activities for the entire family. For more information, visit bigthicket.org.

Vegetarianism and the Environment

On October 8, from 5-7 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church Houston will present a talk by vegan activist Ed Winters about veganism and the environment. He will be available to answer questions for approximately 30 minutes following the talk. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Evening on the Bayou

On October 8, from 6-8 p.m., Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will be hosting a new fundraiser event, an art auction called Evening on the Bayou at the GCBO headquarters: 299 Hwy 332 West, Lake Jackson. The event will feature live and silent auctions wherein patrons will have the opportunity to see and buy beautiful nature-inspired artwork. Wine and charcuterie will be served and our grounds will be lit by torchlight. The funds raised during this event will go towards our work preserving habitats and helping birds. For those who love art, wine, and supporting conservation, this will be the perfect evening. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gcbo.org.

A Big Picture View of Protecting Houston’s 22 Bayous and Waterways

In the latest installment of the “Houston & Nature” podcast, host Nivien Saleh speaks with Brittani Flowers, president and CEO of the Bayou Preservation Association, who discusses why Houston’s bayous and waterways are such great assets and how we can leverage them to realize the promise of the bayou city. She also explains why she is so skeptical of the big tunnelization project that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to bring to Houston. To hear the podcast. visit houstonnature.com.

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 ending 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

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 continue through October and monitors can take as many or as few shifts as they like. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Smith Point Hawk Watch Celebration

On October 1, from 10 a.m.-1 pm., the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold its Smith Point Hawk Watch Celebration. There will be food, drinks, a raptor presentation, and some live raptors on display. And, as always plenty of raptors soaring through the sky. GCBO staff and volunteers will be manning the tower, monitoring the birds and pointing them out to guests. Visitors will be able to look through scopes and binoculars and see the migration up close. For more information, visit gcbo.org.

Birding Bus Trip: Fall Migrants on the Coast

On October 8, from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m, the John Paul Landing Park & Environmental Education Center will host a trip to the coast in search of fall migrant birds. Exact destination and lunch plans TBD. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Transportation is provided for individuals 50 and older through Harris County Precinct 4. The bus will pick up and drop off participants at the Environmental Education Center. Email johnpaullanding@hcp4.net or call 713-274-3131 for more information or to sign up.

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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Marsh Mania volunteer event

Galveston Bay Foundation is seeking volunteers for Fall Marsh Mania events on October 1 at the Sweetwater Preserve in Galveston and the Trinity Bay Discovery Center in Beach City. This volunteer event is appropriate for ages 7 and up. For more information and to register, visit signupgenius.com.

Trees for Houston seeks volunteer leaders

Trees For Houston is looking to train a core group of passionate Houstonians to volunteer in a leadership role. During the planting season, Saturdays are a popular day to host tree plantings and giveaways. In order to service a larger cross-section of our region, volunteers are needed to assist the Trees For Houston staff at distribution events, outreach events, and tree plantings. Building this group of dedicated lead volunteers is critical to the organization’s mission as it prepared prepare to open our new facility in 2023. Learn more about this role at one of two upcoming Zoom information sessions on October 6, one from noon to 12:30 p.m., and the second from 7-7:30 p.m.

High Island Work Day

On October 8, Houston Audubon will hold a volunteer planting day at its High Island Sanctuaries (Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks). Work will start around 8:30 a.m. and until about noon, followed by a lunch provided by Houston Audubon and prepared by the lunch crew. After lunch, volunteers will spend about an hour to tie up any loose ends and clean up. Please bring your own refillable water bottles and lots of ice water. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Texas Stream Team Training

On October 20, the Bayou Preservation Association will hold a training session for volunteers for the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Texas Stream Team. Volunteers will be a part of a local monitoring group for the Bayou Citizen Science Program. The training session will be held at the Sunset Coffee Building in downtown Houston. For more information and information on how to volunteer, visit bayoupreservation.org.

Keep Texas Beautiful Fall Sweep

Through November 20, Keep Texas Beautiful is coordinating the Fall Sweep for Texans who want to clean and beautify their local communities.The KTB Fall Sweep supports the efforts of KTB Affiliates, nonprofits, volunteers, corporations, scout groups and other community groups to organize fall cleanups and beautification projects. Registered participants will have access to an online event toolkit and receive trash bags and other cleanup supplies. KTB Fall Sweep events can take place in any public area such as parks, schools, main street/downtown, watershed areas and roadways. To participate, you can find a clean up in your community by searching the events calendar, contact a KTB affiliate, or organize your own community clean up. More information about starting your own clean up (or finding one near you) is available at ktb.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”.

CONTESTS

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.

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. Entries may be submitted through December 2. For full information and submission guidelines, visit takecareoftexas.org.

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • An Immense World book discussion group for the Season of Creation. On Thursdays 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. In the book, science writer Ed Yong pulls together recent research on other animals’ ways of perceiving and making sense of the world. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
  • Living the Change weekly discussion group. On Wednesdays through November 30, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is hosting 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, For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
  • Creation Care 101. 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 at creationcarecollective.org. Lisa Brenskelle will act as facilitator for the Lutherans Restoring Creation group, providing additional resources and insights. To join her group and get the additional resources, please indicate “Lutherans Restoring Creation” as your church/group when you register. Contact Lisa at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.

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.

  • Alligator snapping turtles, protected in Texas, are saved from out-of-state poachers. After being rehabilitated and prepared for scientific study, these trafficked turtles are returned to their natural habitats in Texas waters
  • At the unique landscape of Monahans Sandhills State Park, a sea of sand awaits, offering camping and recreation, hosting some interesting plant and animal life, and hiding a human history in what was at times both a barrier and a refuge
  • Who knows what darkness lurks deep in the heart of Texas? Cavers know! There are thousands of known caves in Texas and more yet to be discovered. Join some modern-day cave explorers as they duck, climb, crawl, and squeeze their way through the dark and mysterious world that exists beneath our feet
  • Take a flight over the woods and waters of Huntsville State Park

Additional Upcoming Events

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

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