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Houston Environmental News Update October 12, 2022
October 12, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update October 12, 2022

National Wildlife Refuge Week, Climate Solutions 101, Energy Day, Bicycling with Butterflies, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

We are in the midst of National Wildlife Refuge Week, which this year runs October 9-15 (the second full week in October). Sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the event “celebrates the great network of lands and waters that conserves and protects Americans’ precious wildlife heritage.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 568 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts covering 95 million acres of land.

This year, the Refuge System is partnering with the Public Lands Alliance to celebrate their commitments to deepening human connections with nature. As part of Refuge Week, the Service is encouraging people to get out in nature for good health and to help wildlife thrive. Over 30, free, self-guided 5K “Walk for the Wild” events around the country will highlight national wildlife refuges.

Within a day’s drive from Houston, we have a wealth of refuges to choose from: Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Moody National Wildlife Refuge, McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, and Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge. Find an interactive map of National Wildlife Refuges in Texas here.

On Monday, we marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Indigenous cultures throughout history have been intimately connected to the environment. We honor those cultures’ past and continuing commitment to championing the planet.

Top photo: Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

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!

Second Ward Healing Hours

Through October 14, from 5-8 p.m. each day, join CEC and The Suffers’ Kam Franklin at Wonky Power (3534 Navigation Blvd.) for a week-long event of music, fashion, connection, healing, and environmental education. This FREE, all-ages event is part of the Houston Inspira public health storytelling campaign. There will be local DJ’s, a food and arts market, and an open recording studio for community members to tell their stories.

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 21, 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.

Houston Environmental Resources for Teachers

Greater Houston Environment is an initiative of the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition with support from the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy. The website is a one-stop shop for formal and informal educators, parents, Texas Master Naturalists, Scout leaders, boating & wildlife enthusiasts, and child care providers that want to teach about the Houston and Greater Gulf Coast environment. Find all of these resources at greaterhoustonenvironment.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

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.

H-GAC holds meetings on 2045 Regional Transportation Plan

Residents and stakeholders have another opportunity to share their thoughts on how to make getting around the Houston-Galveston region safer and better for years to come. The Houston-Galveston Area Council is hosting a second round of public meetings mid-October through early December to decide the top transportation priorities and strategies for its 2045 Regional Transportation Plan – which is being updated – and how they will drive the plan’s vision moving forward. To find a meeting near you, visit engage.h-gac.com.

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.

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary investigating recent coral disease

“NOAA is working to determine whether an unusual coral mortality event observed at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is linked to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), which had not been previously reported in the sanctuary. During a collaborative monitoring cruise from August 30-September 2, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and National Coral Reef Monitoring Program divers observed brain and star corals at East and West Flower Garden Banks that appeared to show SCTLD-like symptoms, including lesions and tissue loss. SCTLD is highly lethal and can result in the death of entire colonies. First discovered near Miami in 2014, the outbreak spread across Florida’s Coral Reef. The disease is presumed to spread by water movement. Investigation is ongoing to identify the cause of SCTLD.” Read the full story at flowergarden.noaa.gov. (Photo: Kelly O’Connell/CPC, Inc.)

Texas Climate News: Hurricane Ian’s climate change connections: A reading (and viewing) list

“As the days go by since Hurricane Ian dealt a mammoth blow to the southwest Florida coast last week, news coverage has largely focused on the growing death toll and increasing understanding of the scope of devastation,” writes Bill Dawson for Texas Climate News. “In the lead-up to landfall, especially, numerous news organizations also reported on the storm’s climate-change connections. Here’s a sampling of some of that coverage – a reading (and viewing) list, offered to enhance understanding of Ian’s climate context.” Read the full story at texasclimatenews.org. (Image: Max Olson Chasing via YouTube)

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.

Renewables on the Rise

On October 13, from 3-4 p.m., Environment Texas will host a webinar about how the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act could supercharge the growth of renewable energy in Texas. Congressman Joaquin Castro and Texas energy experts are among the panelists. To RSVP and get log in details, email Environment Texas Clean Energy Associate Gracie Coates at gcoates@environmenttexas.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.

Prairie Teacher Workshop

On October 15, the Native Prairie Association of Texas will hold a Prairie Teacher Workshop at the Deer Park Prairie. The goal is to teach prairie education to teachers in order to preserve and restore Texas Prairies for future generations by sharing knowledge about the importance of remnant prairies and native plants. Each teacher will walk away with prairie field activities for their students in the areas of, among others, the rich ecosystem biodiversity and creating a connection to their prairie. For more information and to register, visit texasprairie.org.

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.

Energy Day

On October 15, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the 10th Anniversary Energy Day, a free family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), will be held at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. Energy Day will feature exciting exhibits and interactive demonstrations that will teach students and their families about various forms of energy and how through STEM education, they can find an exciting career in the energy industry. For more information, visit energydayfestival.org.

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.

Fall 2022 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event

On October 16, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston and Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church invite people of all faiths or no faith at all in Houston to care for our shared environment. Participants will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve, getting the park spruced up for MusicFest on Oct. 29. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Houston Parks Board’s Annual Luncheon

On October 18, from 11 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks Board will hold its Annual Luncheon in an outdoor tent on Avenida de las Americas Plaza outside the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will celebrate the greenspaces that bring us closer to our families and our neighbors, to the city we love, and the things that matter most. The featured speaker will be Pulitzer Prize winning critic and author Blair Kamin. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit houstonparksboard.org.

Texas Coastal Zone and the Integrated Report

On October 20, from 11 a.m.-noon, the Texas General Land Office will hold a Clean Coast Texas webinar featuring Andrew Sullivan, Surface Water Quality Monitoring Team Leader at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, who will provide an overview of the findings from the 2022 Texas Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality. The report describes the condition and quality of the streams, rivers, lakes, and bays throughout the state, including concerns for public health, fitness for use by aquatic species and other wildlife, and specific pollutants and their possible sources. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

TAEP Luncheon Meeting with Dr. Earthea Nance, EPA Region 6

On October 20, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will hold a monthly luncheon meeting featuring a remote presentation by Dr. Earthea Nance, Administrator of EPA Region 6. Previously, Nance was an associate professor in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, where she held joint faculty appointments in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and the Department of Political Science. The luncheon will be held at the Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd. There is a virtual option to attend. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Hammers & Ales 2022

On October 20, beginning at 6 p.m., the Houston ToolBank will hold its annual fundraiser happy hour at the Memorial Trail Ice House, 6202 Washington Ave. Enjoy an evening of mingling with other ToolBankers as you play tool-themed games, bid in our silent auction, participate in our wine pull and join our raffle. Cocktails, beer and wine will be served alongside heavy bites. For more information and to purchase tickets, see the Facebook event.

Skyfarm Family Fest

On October 20, beginning at 6 p.m., Blackwood Educational Land Institute will hold the first Skyfarm Family Fest at the rooftop skyfarm at POST Houston in downtown. The event will help promote the important message that each and every food decision we make can help us to address the most pressing health and environmental justice issues of our time: chronic disease, climate change, and food inequity. This is the promise of a regenerative agricultural future in Houston and throughout Texas. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit blackwoodland.org.

Avian Affair

On October 20, beginning at 6 p.m., Houston Audubon will hold its 2022 Avian Affair gala at The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Road. The event will feature a silent auction, a “Meet the Birds” opportunity with education raptors, and more. The featured speaker will be nationally acclaimed artist Dixie Friend Gay. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit houstonaudubon.org.

The Future of Nuclear in the Energy Transition

On October 20, from 6-7:30 p.m., UH Energy will hold the first installment of its 2022-23 Energy Symposium Series with a discussion about if and how headways in advanced nuclear reactors, fusion, and waste management can overcome the challenges of economic feasibility, efficient and safe waste disposal, and build public and regulatory support for the increased deployment of nuclear energy in the U.S. as part of achieving carbon-free electricity by 2035. For more information and to register, visit uh.edu.

Environmental Issues the Role of the Federal Government

On October 20, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Clear Lake chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Jon Haire, a Bay Area resident and retired Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientist, who will discuss some of the region’s most significant environmental issues and the role that the federal government plays in addressing them. For more information and to register, visit meetup.com.

23rd Texas Master Naturalist Program Annual Meeting

From Oct. 20-23, the Texas Master Naturalist Program will hold its annual meeting at the  Omni Houston. This year’s agenda includes more than 100 concurrent technical sessions lined up with a huge variety of topics – from laws and ethics to native pollinators, from fungi to bird conservation issues and from youth programming to water quality community science. For more information and to register, visit txmn.tamu.edu.

Clean Waters Initiative Workshop: Clean Rivers Program Monitoring Demonstration

On October 21, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold an in-person Clean Waters Initiative Workshop.  The workshop will include a live demonstration of techniques used by the Clean Rivers Program regional monitoring team to assess water quality. It will also provide information on where to access the data collected by the program and discuss the ways water quality data is used throughout the region. The workshop will be held at Clark W. Henry Park Pavilion, 7804 Equador St., Jersey Village. Drinking water and light snacks will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs for extra seating close to the demonstrations as well as any other preferred outdoor supplies including sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, bug spray, and closed-toed shoes. To register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com.

2022 KBR Kids Day

On October 22, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will hold the 2022 KBR Kids Day, a free family fun at Tony Marron Park. Activity stations will include numerous hands-on activities from over 20 Houston partners, local entertainment, and performances on the stage, Dia de los Muertos face painters, balloon artists, a rock climbing wall, and more. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, visit buffalobayou.org.

Texas Conservation Association Annual Meeting

On October 22, from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., the Texas Conservation Association will hold its Annual Meeting at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. The event will feature a free buffet launch, a silent auction, and an (optional) tram tour of the Fisheries Center. A virtual option is available. For more information and to register, visit tcatexas.org.

Bike Around the Bay

From Oct. 22-23, the Galveston Bay Foundation will host its annual Bike Around the Bay bicycle ride fundraiser. There are one- and two-day options available. For more information and to register, visit donate.galvbay.org.

2022 Cadence Bank Houston Open Community Green Team Program

Blue Strike Environmental, in partnership with the Cadence Bank Houston Open, has created The Community Green Team (CGT). The CGT program will offer groups in Houston the opportunity to be a part of the Cadence Bank Houston Open, Nov. 10-13 at the Memorial Park Golf Course, and raise funds for their organization, all while helping the environment. BSE is seeking people to sort through all trash and recycling material from the event and separate the items into the correct stream. The goal of the tournament is to be as environmentally conscious as possible, and the team will ensure that only necessary items go to the landfill. The hours are from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, and 12-16 people are needed per day. The pay is $15 per hour, and BSE will make a donation based on hours worked to participating organizations after the event. Interested organizations should send an email to Matt Fedorko, Blue Strike Environmental, at Matt@bluestrikeenvironmental.com. Tell them you heard about this opportunity through CEC and they will make a donation to us for your time!

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

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.

Senior Birding Bus Trip

On October 21, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m, Harris County Precinct 4. and the Kleb Wood Nature Preserve will host a birding bus trip to Brazos Bend State Park for individuals 50 and older. The bus will pick up and drop off participants at the parking lot on Draper Road. For more information and to register, visit apps.hcp4.net.

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

WaterSmart NativeScape Workdays

Artist Boat and Oppe Elementary Coastal Studies in Galveston are teaming up to create a WaterSmart NativeScape and need your help. Every Saturday through November 5, from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., adult volunteers are being sought to help with transporting rocks and soil with a wheelbarrow, planting native plants into the ground, installing irrigation systems, and more. For more information and to register, visit fareharbor.com.

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.

Edith L Moore Sanctuary + Habitat Hawks October Work Day

On October 15, from 9 a.m.-noon, Houston Audubon will host a volunteer work day at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary for a morning of sanctuary maintenance. Activities can include trail maintenance, litter pick-up, native gardening, and invasive species removal.  Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and work or gardening gloves. 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

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

  • The People’s Ecochallenge 2022. Through October 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. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com. For more information and to sign up, visit peoples.ecochallenge.org.
  • 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.

  • Some fish tank friends have become an ecological enemy. See how introduced suckermouth armored catfish are affecting the pristine San Marcos River, and meet those working to control this invasion
  • The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom. Here kids can journey through a unique wetland ecosystem. But it’s much more than a place to explore, this wetland also works to clean water naturally, filtering millions of gallons of Trinity River water each day to help provide clean drinking water to a growing Texas
  • Grab your bike and enjoy some of the best mountain biking East Texas has to offer. We hit the hills and tackle the miles of single-track trails at Tyler State Park

Additional Upcoming Events

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