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Houston Environmental News Update October 19, 2022
October 19, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update October 19, 2022

Greater Houston Environment, Galas, KBR Kids Day, Bike Around the Bay, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

This week, we’d like to reintroduce you to the Greater Houston Environment website (formerly known as HERE in Houston), a regional Environmental Education resource and initiative of the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.

This website is a one-stop shop for formal and informal educators, parents, Texas Master Naturalists, Scout leaders, outdoors enthusiasts, and anyone else who wants to teach about the Houston and Greater Gulf Coast environment. It features curriculum, field trips, educational videos, professional development opportunities and more to connect students to local environmental topics.

Greater Houston Environment grew out of a year-long collaborative scoping process spearheaded by Coastal Prairie Partnership with Houston Zoo, Houston Audubon Society, Galveston Bay Foundation, Environmental Educators’ Exchange, teachers from Houston ISD, and others to determine how best to share environmental educational resources virtually, as well as which trainings, workshops, and experiences could foster greater use of locally-crafted environmental education materials.

The first version of the website launched in 2016 and was transferred to CEC in 2018. We’re proud to be able to offer this resource to all of the educators who want to share knowledge about our region’s diverse ecosystem. If you would like to add anything, please send a note to info@cechouston.org.

As a reminder, we also facilitate (in partnership with the Texas Association for Environmental Education) the biweekly Environmental Educators Exchange – virtual meetups held every other Friday at 8:30 a.m. See Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers below for details.

Top photo: Students explore the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Indiangrass Preserve

CEC NOTES

HISD, City of Houston, and State of Texas employees asked to remember CEC, Earthshare of Texas in charitable campaign

Support the environment through workplace giving! Look for Citizens’ Environmental Coalition under the EarthShare Texas heading in workplace giving for all state employees (code 035569), at HISD (0111), and at the City of Houston (code 1413).

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.

Texas Trustee Implementation Group Open House Public Meeting

On November 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the Texas Trustee Implementation Group will hold a public meeting at the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston. The agenda includes an update on Texas Restoration Area plans, projects, and activities. There will be a Q&A session following the presentation. Additionally, there will be an open house before the meeting where attendees will have the opportunity to speak with members of the Trustee Implementation Group, who are responsible for planning and implementing restoration projects for the natural resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. For more information, visit gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.

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.

ABC-13: Houston City Council passes nature preserve ordinance protecting over 7,000 acres of natural habitat

“Houston City Council approved an ordinance designed to protect 7,423 acres of natural habitat in City of Houston parks on Wednesday,” reports ABC-13. “The Nature Preserve Ordinance will preserve land within 26 parks with a focus on habitat protection and passive recreation. The ordinance will work to preserve the habitat for native wildlife and for the ecosystem services they provide to the citizens of Houston.” See the full story at abc13.com. (Photo: Memorial Park Conservancy)

Houston Regional Monitoring releases 2021 Air Quality Trends report

Houston Regional Monitoring (HRM), a privately sponsored ambient air monitored network in the United States which has been monitoring air quality in the Houston area for over 30 years to better understand the extent, causes, effects, and abatement of air pollution recently released their Houston Regional Monitoring 2021 Air Quality Trends report. The report covers data on ozone, particulate matter, highly reactive volatile organic compounds, benzene, and 1-3, butadiene from samples of outdoor air taken in 2021 and also shows trends over a number of years and at specific air monitors. Find the full report at aecom.com.

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.

A Celebration of Clean Air Advocates

On October 20, from 4-6 p.m., Air Alliance Houston will hold an Open House at its headquarters, 2520 Caroline St, Ste 100. No RSVP is required. Just stop by to enjoy snacks and drinks while meeting and mingling with staff, board, and other advocates. Make sure to arrive early to catch a sneak preview of our new Community Air Monitoring Program video. 

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.

Pollinator Conservation and Native Plants of the Texas Gulf Coast

On October 20, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold a meeting at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center featuring a presentation by Ross Winton, invertebrate biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife. He will discuss some of the conservation priority pollinators of the Texas Gulf Coast and the native plants on which they rely while also exploring what you can do to help their populations. For more information, visit npsot.org.

Environmental Issues and 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.

Trees for Houston Tree Giveaway

On October 22, from 9 a.m.-noon, Trees for Houston will hold a tree giveaway at Waltrip High School, 1900 West 34th Street, Houston. For more information, visit treesforhouston.org.

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.

Celebrate RDA: Texas is Urban

On October 23, beginning at 6 p.m., the Rice Design Alliance will hold its 50th anniversary celebration on the lawn of Rice University’s Founders Court. The event will also kick off RDA”s annual programming theme, “Texas Is Urban,” celebrating the urbanity, diversity, and dynamism of Houston and other cities in the Texas region. All event proceeds support RDA’s programs and operations. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ricedesignalliance.org.

Garden & Nature Series: What’s in the Water?

On Oct. 26, from 6-7 p.m., Hermann Park Conservancy will host a talk by Diane Kerr, HPC’s Director of Grounds and Natural Areas and a certified Texas Master Naturalist, who will discuss aquatic invertebrates and the role they play in the ecosystem. In this family-friendly, hands–on presentation, participants will discover through dip-netting, how the presence or absence of specific macroinvertebrates can help determine fresh water quality. For more information and to register, visit hermannpark.org.

It’s Not Just Trees – Coastal Prairie at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

On October 26, beginning at 7 p.m., the Houston Chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Stephen Benign, conservation director for the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. He will discuss the history and management of The Meadow, a decades-old prairie restoration and management site located in the middle of the Arboretum. He will also discuss some of the data crunching using ecological monitoring and models to guide the future of this unique site. To register for the meeting, visit zoom.us.

Scenic Houston 2022 Dinner

On October 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Scenic Houston will hold its annual fundraising dinner at the River Oaks Country Club. The event will honor Sheila Condon for her significant impact on Houston’s outdoor experiences. For more than 35 years, Sheila has supported the creation of beautiful and functional spaces that enhance the character of our city. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit scenichouston.org.

Going Green Sustainability Lecture: S.T.O.P. Litter – Study, Track, remOve and Prevent 

On October 27, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N will present a virtual lecture by Amanda Hackney, a principal/consultant of Black Cat GIS and Biological Services. She will discuss the new Texas Litter Database created in partnership by Keep Texas Beautiful, HARC, and BlackCat GIS with funding from the Garver Black Hilyard Family Foundation. Hackney will review the results from the first two years of surveys showing where (and what) litter is a problem, and why targeted messaging based on the data can help reduce littering. Access the lecture by visiting zoom.us.

18th Annual Plant Thyme Fall Luncheon & Plant Sale

On October 28, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Keep Pearland Beautiful will hots the 18th Annual Plant Thyme Fall Luncheon & Plant Sale at First Church, 1850 Broadway Street. Randy Lemmon, host of the popular radio program “GardenLine”, will give a brand new presentation about gardening in the extremes. Fore more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Women in Coastal Science Series

On October 28, beginning at 9 a.m., Visit Galveston will host a Women in Coastal Science talk. Light refreshments provided. Breakfast cocktails and small bites available for purchase.The talk will be held at The Pavilion at East Beach Park, 1923 Boddeker Rd., Galveston. For more information and to register, visit visitgalveston.com.

Texas Coastal Prairie Conference: Preserving Lands and Legacies

From October 28-29, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy and partners will present the Texas Coastal Prairie Conference: Preserving Lands and Legacies. The conference will include a full day of workshops and presentations on Friday, October 28 at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, followed by field trips to remnant and restored prairies as well as working ranches and farms on Saturday, October 29. Landowners with land eligible to participate in NRCS/TCPI programs can attend the conference for free. For more information and to register, visit prairiepartner.org.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Oct. 29, 2021, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Find a drop-off location near you and other details at deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

2022 Walk for Water

On October 29, from 10 a.m.-noon, Grundfos and Houston Public Works will host the 2022 Walk for Water, beginning at Buffalo Bayou at Allen Landing. The event will raise funds and awareness to fight the global water crisis by building safe water solutions for people in need around the world. For more information and to register, visit watermission.org.

Town Hall: Transitioning to a Green Economy

On November 3, from noon-2 p.m., Houston Community College South, 1900 Airport Blvd., will host a luncheon and community town hall on the transition to a green economy. The event will focus on overcoming energy inequality in Houston and provide a preview of the campus’s enhanced solar energy program. A hot lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by sending an email to Joseph.sam@hccs.edu.

Workgroup Continues Focusing on Single-Use Plastic Reduction Toolkit

The Trash Free Texas team from the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Houston-Galveston Area Council invites cities, restaurants, third-party delivery providers, chambers of commerce, and restaurant patrons to participate in the next meeting of the Trash Free Texas Single-Use Plastic Reduction Workgroup on from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, November 7, on Teams. The purpose of this meeting is to provide feedback on two draft toolkits–one for cities and one for restaurants– that include resources, templates, and strategies for voluntarily reducing the use of single-use plastics in restaurants. If you plan to attend the meeting, please register to attend the meeting to receive details, and later, the two draft toolkits for your review. If you can’t attend the meeting but still wish to receive the toolkits for review, please click here to receive toolkits only. For this option, the instructions for providing feedback will come in the email with the two draft toolkits.

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 abstracts: Urban Riparian Symposium

Abstracts are being sought for oral presentations, discussion topics (new format), and posters for the Urban Riparian Symposium on Feb. 8-10, 2023.  The theme is “Down by the River: Managing for Resilient Riparian Corridors”. The symposium will be held in-person only at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in San Marcos. Please submit abstracts using this electronic form (or email to texasriparian@gmail.com) on or before November 15. Email Blake Alldredge balldredge@utrwd.com with any questions.

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.

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.

4th Saturday Volunteer Workday at Deer Park Prairie

The Houston chapter of the Native Prairie Association of Texas invites you to volunteer at the Lawther Deer Park Prairie on October 22 from 9 a.m. to approximately noon. The address and additional information will be provided once you register, which is required. To register, send an email to Della_Barbato@TexasPrairie.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.

NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest and Calendar

The NOAA Marine Debris Program holds an annual art contest to reach K-8 students and help raise awareness about marine debris. All students in kindergarten through eighth grade from all U.S. states and territories in recognized public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate. Students may submit entries on their own or as part of a classroom but must work individually. The resulting calendar, featuring the winning artwork, provides a daily reminder of how important it is for us to be responsible stewards of the ocean. The contest will close on December 16. For full contest requirements and submission guidelines. visit marinedebris.noaa.gov.

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.
  • Climate Solutions 101. On Thursdays through November 17, the Interfaith Environmental Alliance of Houston invites you to participate in Climate Solutions 101, a weekly online discussion. 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.
  • 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.

TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.

  • Meet a veterinarian who takes care of animals while also looking after the land. By restoring grasslands and safeguarding playa wetlands, Chris Grotegut and his family help sustain water supplies and a hopeful future for wildlife and agriculture on the High Plains
  • The Texas Clipper had previous lives as a military ship, an ocean liner, and a teaching vessel. Now she rests on the ocean floor off the Texas coast as an artificial reef and a scuba diving adventure destination
  • Stop for a walk, rest, or picnic, and see why travelers have long enjoyed this birds-eye view of Big Spring
  • Spring bird migration is a magic time to visit the Warbler Woods, and the flowers and butterflies are almost as pretty as the birds

Additional Upcoming Events

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