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Houston Environmental News Update October 5, 2022
October 5, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update October 5, 2022

Second Ward Healing Hours, Tour de BCycle, Plant Sales, Greens Bayou Regatta, Nature Festivals, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

Do you love the Second Ward? Do you have some time next week to come and talk to us about why?

This week we’re proud to announce that we’re partnering with Kam Franklin, the fabulous lead singer for Houston’s internationally beloved soul group The Suffers, in presenting “Second Ward Healing Hours” from 5-8 pm on October 10-14, 2022.

The week-long community market will be held at Wonky Power, a recording studio and live music venue at 3534 Navigation Blvd. The free, all-ages event will feature music, fashion, connection, healing, and environmental education. Kam’s company, Sequin Sanctuary, will be selling vintage pieces from her own closet to further promote sustainable fashion, and all money made from the closet during the week will be donated to support CEC. 

Wonky Power’s production studio will be set up for community members to tell their stories in a relaxed and comfortable setting. From these testimonials, Franklin will debut several new songs in 2023 focused on education and awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution, and plans to incorporate the video stories from the community as park of a Visual EP — to bring voices and faces from people directly impacted to the project.

About Houston Inspira

In February 2022, Mayor Turner, announced the Houston Inspires/Houston Inspira public health campaign at the Climate Justice Museum and Cultural Center. This EPA-funded project, headed by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, partners local artists and nonprofit organizations in five Complete Communities – Acres Homes, Alief/Westwood, Kashmere Gardens, Near Northside, and Second Ward.

The project focuses on risks communities face from elevated levels of environmental pollutants, primarily PM2.5 (strongly associated with concrete batch plants) and benzene both of which can increase and exacerbate the health risks associated with COVID-19.

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Art is a powerful way to help promote environmental awareness, and CEC member groups like Artist Boat, SPARK Park and others are helping do that in the greater Houston area. See notes about Artist Boat’s Marine Debris Art Contest and an author appearance at Houston Botanic Gardens below. 

NEWSLETTER SPONSOR: CENTRAL CITY CO-OP

We are excited to announce that Central City Co-Op is the sponsor for this week’s newsletter, a new feature. Central City-Op works enable widespread access to affordable, local, and organic produce within the community. Founded in 1998 by a group of eco-friendly, budget conscious Houstonians, the Co-Op had several locations before moving into a brick-and-mortar location at 2515 Harvard Street in the Houston Heights in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, where it could better serve a growing roster of organic farmers, ranchers, and makers and provide the community more access to them.

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the newsletter, please send an email to info@cechouston.org.

CEC NOTES

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

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.

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. Through October 27, 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.

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: Exxon’s Baytown facility finds new ways to break down plastic as consumers demand better recycling

“A stream of everyday plastics such as detergent containers, pill bottles and unsoiled diapers is already finding its way inside an ExxonMobil lab in Baytown, where the company readies to launch one of the continent’s largest advanced recycling facilities,” writes Amanda Drane for the Houston Chronicle. “The unit in Baytown is on the cutting edge of an emerging industry that is racing to create new ways to recycle plastic and keep pace with soaring consumer demand for sustainable packaging. Driving that demand is a new wave of pledges made by retail brands, which are promising their customers that more of their products will use recycled plastic instead of new plastic. More than 80 brands have made firm commitments to use at least 15 percent recycled plastic by 2025, according to a McKinsey report published in May.” Read the full story at houstonchronicle.com. (Photo: Michael Wyke/Contributor)

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.

Call for Participants: 1st Annual Port Houston Community Festival & Resource Fair

The  1st Annual Port Houston Community Festival & Resource Fair will be held on December 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Milby High School, 1601 Broadway St., Houston/ This year’s theme will be “Holiday Posada with the Port”. It will a fun and family-friendly event that will also connect families to resources such as healthcare, workforce, education, food access, and more. Organizations that are interested in participating are asked to provide a tangible service – such as healthcare enrollment, workforce training enrollment – or a giveaway such as coloring pages, fruit, snacks, pencils, etc. If your organization is interested in participating, please send an email to CommunityRelations@porthouston.com by Friday, October 7.

The People’s Ecochallenge 2022

From Oct. 5-26, the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston invites you to participate in the online People’s Ecochallenge. This event offers you the opportunity to care for the earth by taking on a challenge in: regenerating nature, nourishing food, balancing consumption, cultivating communities or enacting equity. You can learn about these topics, take action in your personal life, advocate or create a new environmental
justice/stewardship habit over the course of the challenge. Have questions? Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com. For more information and to sign up, visit peoples.ecochallenge.org.

Plant-Based Burger Bar/Potluck

On October 7, from 5:30-7 p.m., the Climate Action Team of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston will host a Plant-Based Burger Bar/Potluck to kick off a week long awareness campaign for animal rights and veganism. The event will feature animal activist/author Ed Winters, musical guest Strands of Compassion, and a sermon by D. Scott Cooper. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

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.

Surfside Nature Fest

On October 8, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Surfside Nature Fest will be held at the Surfside Bird and Butterfly Trail, 418 Parkview. The day will include games, giveaways, educational speakers, vendors and so much more. Great for kids of all ages, as well as for bird watchers during fall migration. For more information, see the Facebook event.

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.

Indigenous Peoples Forum: Climate Change

On October 10, from 10 a.m.-noon, the Houston Botanic Garden will host a storytelling experience and conversation about climate change and indigenous spiritual connection to the land. Through this forum, panelists and attendees will examine the impact the climate crisis is having on Indigenous Peoples and their communities, and propose ways to change current attitudes to reflect an understanding that we are a part of the land and should, therefore, be beneficial components of the environment. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hbg.org. 

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable

On October 10, beginning at 2 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold a Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable. The topic will be “Building a Park from Scratch,” and speakers representing small and larger parks, as well as planning for building a park, are invited to present information and answer questions. Confirmed speakers include Eric Heppen from Harris County Precinct 3 and Jed Aplaca from the City of Pasadena. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

How Milkweeds and Native Plants Help Monarchs

On October 10, beginning at 6:45 p.m., the Clear Lake chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Craig Hensley, a Texas Nature Trackers Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He will discuss the natural history of milkweeds and introduce attendees to native plants that provide important nectaring sources for Monarch butterfys as they migrate through Texas each fall. For more information and to register, visit npsot.org.

State of the Park 2022: Bridging Houston’s Past to its Potential

On October 12, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Memorial Park Conservancy will hold its State of the Park event, an annual moment to celebrate the previous year’s work and accomplishments and to share updates on the current and future projects in Memorial Park. Linda Lorelle, CEO of Lorelle Media, will interview Memorial Park Conservancy President & CEO Shellye Arnold and Thomas Woltz, principal and owner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects for a “Prairie-Side” chat. The event will be held at the Clay Family Eastern Glades Event Lawn. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit memorialparkconservancy.org.

STAR 2022 Texas Recycling Summit

From Oct. 12-14, the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) 24th Annual Texas Recycling Summit will be held at Tanglewood Resort, Lake Texoma. The in-person event will include speakers and workshop sessions, the Texas Environmental Leadership Awards dinner, networking, the STAR North Texas Annual Golf Tournament, fishing adventures, games and more. For more information and to register, visit recyclingstar.org.

Trees For Houston: A Resource for the Houston Region

On October 13, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Houston Sierra Club chapter will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Barry Ward, Executive Director of Trees For Houston. He will discuss their mission to plant, protect, and promote trees throughout the greater Houston area. He will provide an overview of the organization and collaborative partners, describe how environmental clubs can use TFH as a resource and vice versa, and review the benefits and struggles of trees in an urban environment. He will also cover current topics for trees such as recovery from drought, hurricanes, freezes, and more. For more information and to register, visit Meetup.com.

Climate Solutions 101

On Thursdays from Oct. 13-Nov. 17, the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston invites you to participate in Climate Solutions 101, a weekly online discussion. Rather than rehashing well-known climate challenges, these materials from Project Drawdown concentrate on game-changing climate action based on rigorous scientific research and analysis. This course, presented in video units and in-depth conversations, combines Project Drawdown’s trusted resources with the expertise of several inspiring voices from around the world. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Sunset Cinema: Deep in the Heart

On October 14, beginning at 7:30 p.m., The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department will present a free screening of the new Texas nature documentary Deep in the Heart at The Amphitheater at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. This all-ages event will give attendees the opportunity to interact with local partners related to outdoor education and conservation. For more information, visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Unplugged Adventure: Backpacking Basics

On October 15, from 10-11:30 a.m., Coastal Prairie Conservancy and REI will host a presentation on how to explore the great outdoors at a whole new level. They will take the mystery out of backpacking with an overview of planning, preparation and gear. Learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear. They’ll also provide important notes on trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. For more information and to register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com.

Bicycling with Butterflies

On October 15, from 2:30-5 p.m., the Houston Botanic Garden and Coastal Prairie Partnership will host a presentation by Bicycling with Butterflies author Sara Dykman. Combining travel memoir and popular science, the book recounts Dykman’s inspirational ride along entire route of the eastern population of migrating monarch butterflies. The National Outdoor Book Award winner is filled with optimism, energy, and hope. It is a compelling story, confirming the urgency of saving the threatened monarch migration—and the other threatened systems of nature that affect the survival of us all. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hbg.org.

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.

Texas Academy for Marine Policy launches with webinar series

Through December 6, Texas Sea Grant is holding 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.

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.

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.

Young Birders Club hike

On October 8, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Houston Audubon and the Nature Heritage Society invite middle- and high-school students to join in a birding hike The Hill at Sims. Participants will learn about the natural wonders in the area and get a chance to improve their briding skills. Participants will meet at Cloverland Park, 3801 Hickok Lane. Register at tinyurl.com/youngbirdersoct8.

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

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.

UHCL Spirit Week Habitat Work Day

On October 11, from 9-11 a.m., the UHCL Environmental Institute of Houston will host its weekly Habitat Work Day as part of Spirit Week. Volunteers will weed and mulch flower beds, plant native plants, maintain pathways, and trim trees and bushes. No experience is necessary. For more information, see the Facebook event.

TWRC Wildlife Center Volunteer Interest Meeting

On October 11, beginning at 6 p.m., the TWRC Wildlife Center, which promotes environmental conservation through public education and rehabilitation of Texas wildlife, will hold a meeting for prospective volunteers to learn more about the organization and how to get involved. Email volunteer@twrcwildlifecenter.org by 6 p.m. on October 10 to receive the Zoom link.

Sylvan Rodriguez Prairie Planting Event

On October 15, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Division will host a volunteer restoring urban prairie habitat at Sylvan Rodriguez Park, 1201 Clear Lake City Blvd. They will provide shovels. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle, along with shoes, gloves, and clothes that can get muddy. Pre-registration is required. Register by emailing Naturalresources@houstontx.gov to let us know you are planning to help.

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

Marine Debris Art Contest Judging and Awards Ceremony

On October 8, the Galveston Art League, 2117a Postoffice St., will host the judging and awards ceremony for Artist Boat’s Marine Debris Art Contest. 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. Visitors can cast their vote for their favorite piece to help determine the People’s Choice Award. The judging will be from 6-7:30 p.m., and awards will be given out at 8 p.m. The art will be on display for all to see from Oct. 8-30.

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.

  • A mother black bear is killed in Del Rio, making an orphan of her cub, while a second bear is rescued from other perils. Both bears are rehabilitated at a wildlife rescue facility in New Mexico and returned to Texas in a much safer spot to roam—Devils River State Natural Area
  • Monitoring wildlife is important to maintaining the health of an ecosystem. At Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Daniel Rios uses trail cameras to keep an eye on the park and the animals that live there. These cameras offer an amazing view of the wildlife and their habitats, as long as rangers can keep the raccoons from stealing them
  • We meet a trail building legend in El Paso. The Franklin Mountain range is the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, and it has some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. We’ll meet the man that has built many of those trails, and he’s doing it at the spry age of seventy nine
  • Hike the South Rim Trail of Big Bend National Park with some friends and enjoy some of the grandest vistas anywhere

Additional Upcoming Events

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