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Houston Environmental News Update November 9, 2022
November 9, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update November 9, 2022

Teamwork, Silent Spring Revolution, Sustainability Stories Fest, TEDx Rice Countdown, Green Jobs, and more

Dear Friends,

All of us at the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition are thrilled to celebrate the Houston Astros’ amazing victory in the 2022 World Series! The one-time scrappy team has surely established itself as a baseball dynasty!

Of course, that didn’t come easily. And the most critical factor in the ‘Stros amazing trajectory has been teamwork. From veteran players who’ve been around since their first World Series win in 2017, to several fresh faces who played invaluable roles during the playoffs, the team’s ability to rally when it mattered most made us all proud.

At the CEC, we like to think we are part of another amazing team – the environmental community in the greater Houston-Galveston region. We are a highly diverse collection of organizations and individuals with a wide variety of missions. But we all care about the environment of our wonderful home, all striving to make it better for all of our residents.

And as an organization whose mission is “to foster dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region,” we couldn’t be more proud of the role we play.

Our top image, courtesy of the Galveston Bay Foundation, shows the sun, appropriately shining in Astros orange, setting over the Bay.

CEC NOTES

CEC Member Convening

At this gathering, we hope to bring together CEC members for a fun evening of connection and reflection. We will ask members to help us consider the future of CEC, give feedback on our work, and help us plan for a sustainable future! Aside from the chance to socialize, we’d love to have your input! Join us Thursday November 17 at 6 p.m. at True Anomaly Brewing to be part of the conversation.

Bellagreen fundraiser for CEC

On December 8, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Bellagreen, a fast casual American bistro, will hold a fundraising promotion for the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition at its Heights location, 748 E. 11th Street. Bellagreen will donate 20 percent of the profits of sales to patrons who mention CEC. Come out and enjoy some fine dining while supporting your favorite environmental nonprofit!

Kendra Gives Back Party for CEC

On December 13, from 1-3 p.m., Kendra Scott jewelry store, in the Heights Mercantile building, 714 Yale Street. Ste. 1D, will hold a fundraising event benefitting CEC. Twenty percent of the profits will benefit CEC. You can also use the online code: GIVEBACK-CZSVU from November 13-14. Again, 20 percent of those profits will benefit CEC.

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 November 11, 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 Listening Session: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 amended the Clean Air Act to create a new program, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which will deploy $27 billion in competitive grants to mobilize financing for clean energy and climate projects that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions, especially in disadvantaged communities. EPA will hold a listening session to allow members of the public and key stakeholder groups to provide insights to EPA staff on the implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund on November 9, from 6-8 p.m.

Community Forum: Coastal Barrier – Vulnerabilities Along the Port

On November 16, beginning at noon, Bayou City Waterkeeper and partners will host a virtual community forum related to the $31 billion Ike Dike project. Blake Eskew, a contractor to the Rice SSPEED Center who specializes in analysis of the energy and petrochemical industries, will share his work to understand how industrial facilities along the Port of Houston, and the communities beside them, are vulnerable to storm surge and other climate threats. To register for the forum, visit zoom.us.

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.

H-GAC seeks feedback, public comment on 2018 Hurricane Harvey Disaster Recovery Funds Reallocation

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is seeking input on an amendment to the 2018 Method of Distribution (MOD) for Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for local infrastructure projects in the H-GAC region (excluding Harris County and the City of Houston). The amendment would reallocate $2,305,505 in declined and/or de-obligated funds. Funded projects must directly address infrastructure damage from Hurricane Harvey and at least 70% of the funds must be used for persons of low-and moderate-income. H-GAC will also hold a public hearing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6. The hearing will be at 3555 Timmons Lane, Houston, and on Zoom. Registration is requested to attend the hearing in person, and registration is required to attend the hearing online. For more information, including additional ways to provide public comment, visit 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.

Climate change art exhibits at POST Houston

POST Houston, 401 Franklin Street, is currently exhibiting exhibits confronting the global warming crisis by artists Mel Chin Luis Berrios Negron and architect Juan Jose Castellon at the X Atrium. For more information, visit posthtx.com.

ACCEL accepting applications through December 23

Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space have joined forces to launch Advancing Climatech and Clean Energy Leaders (ACCEL), which combines startup acceleration with a curated curriculum, incubation at Greentown, and extensive mentorship from our networks of industry experts. The recurring, year-long program will focus on product and technology development, market development, fundraising, and management and team development. ACCEL is seeking applications from startups with founding and executive teams that are primarily made up of leaders who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color and are developing climate solutions for the electricity, transportation, buildings, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors. Applications are due by December 23. For more information and to apply, visit greentownlabs.com.

White Oak Bayou Association Annual Meeting

On November 9, from 6-8:30 p.m., the White Oak Bayou Association will hold its Annual Meeting at the Historic Heights Fire Station 107 West 12th Street. The meeting will feature a presentation by conservationist Liz Rebstad, who will give a detailed view of the Houston Parks Board’s Conservation Program’s prairie restoration along the White Oak Bayou Greenways trail at W. 11th St. and TC Jester Blvd. For more information, visit whiteoakbayou.org.

Douglas Brinkley: Silent Spring Revolution

On November 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m., The Progressive Forum will present Rice University history professor and CNN commentator Douglas Brinkley, who will discuss his upcoming book, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening. The book chronicles the rise of environmental activism during the “Long Sixties” (1960-1973), telling a highly charged story of an indomitable generation that quite literally saved the natural world under the leadership of three Presidents. The event will be held at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit progressiveforumhouston.org.

Air Quality, Climate Change and Local Control

On November 10, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Houston Sierra Cub chapter will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Harrison Humphreys, Climate Programs Manager with Air Alliance Houston, who will discuss air quality and climate change issues challenging our region today, and how we might be able to affect these challenges during the upcoming legislative session. The presentation and discussion will include quick analyses of how the elections will affect the legislative session, major issues being considered during this session, and top priorities for environmental advocates going into 2023. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

2nd Annual Sustainable Stories Film Fest

From November 10-11, the 2nd Annual Sustainable Stories Film Fest will be held on the campus of the University of Houston – Clear Lake. The festival will include film screenings and performances in the 500-seat UHCL Bayou Theater, and the official opening of a gallery exhibition in the UHCL Art Gallery, Participating pieces are about an aspect of sustainability. This does not only include environmental sustainability, such as sustainable water usage, sustainable energy usage, sustainable city planning, sustainable agriculture & gardening, resilience, etc., but also social sustainability and social justice, economic sustainability and educational sustainability. For more information, Events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit sustainable-stories.org.

CAST 2022

From Nov. 10-12, the the Science Teachers Association of Texas will present the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching, aka CAST, one of the nation’s premier science education conferences, at at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas. This professional learning event features hundreds of sessions, a massive exhibit hall, and connections, all showcasing innovative classroom strategies and resources. CAST attendees may represent each of science’s varied disciplines, but they are united by their passion for inspiring students to discover the world through science. For more information and to register, visit s6.goeshow.com.

Houston Urban Tree Conference

On November 11, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and partnering organizations will hold the 2002 Houston Urban Tree Conference at Houston Community College Katy Campus, 22910 Colonial Pkwy. Industry experts will discuss current tree pest problems and management, plant growth regulators, and large tree transplanting and care. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit haufc.org.

Galveston Bay Foundation’s Guardian Gala

On November 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Galveston Bay Foundation will hold its Guardian Gala at The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Road. The event will feature craft cocktails, a seated dinner, live entertainment, and auction items. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit galvbay.org.

Hurricane Destructiveness in the 21st Century

On November 11, beginning at 7 p.m., the Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas at Austin will present a “Hot Science” webinar featuring Dr Kerry Emanuel, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Science at MIT, who will share his research on hurricane prediction models and the long-term risk of hurricanes. For more information and to register, visit esi.utexas.edu.

TEDxRiceU Countdown

On November 12, from 5-8 p.m., TEDXRice U will host the TEDxRiceU Countdown at the Moody Center of the Arts on the Rice University campus. The event will feature some of the leading energy experts, climate scientists, student thinkers change-makers from the Energy Capital speaking on ways to address the climate crisis. For more information, including the full list of speakers, and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

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.

11th annual Walk for The Woods Project

On November 12, the 11th annual Walk for The Woods Project, a family-friendly walk through Houston’s historic East End and along the Buffalo Bayou, will be held. The Walk is a great opportunity to interact with The Woods Project’s students. Sign up for this fundraiser tto celebrate students and leaders and hear how TWP is changing the lives of Houston youth. For more information and to register, visit secure.qgiv.com.

3R Recycling Drive-Thru

On November 12, from 9 a.m.-noon, The Woodlands Townshp will celebrate America Recycles Day with the 3R Recycling Drive-thru. This event celebrates the importance of recycling in the community and offers a free opportunity to recycle select items that cannot be recycled in curbside carts. The event will be held in the parking lot of The Woodlands High School, 6101 Research Forest Drive. For more information, visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Bayou Land Conservancy’s Land Lover Gala

On November 12, from 6-8 p.m., Bayou Land Conservancy will hold its Land Lover Gala, themed “The Art of Conservation,” will be held at Glade Cultural Center, 2000 Woodlands Pkwy, The Woodlands. The event will honor a Conservation Champion, a Trailblazer and others who have supported BLC’s work. The gala raises vital funds to help BLC protect our iconic natural landscapes. For more information and to register, visit cechouston.org.

Sustainable Celebrations

On November 13, from 3-4:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will present a webinar featuring Lisa Brenskelle, who will draw from her decades of work in earthkeeping ministry in both Christian and interfaith settings to explain the key aspects to consider to make holiday celebrations sustainable. Time for interactive discussion with the speaker will be provided. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

America Recycles Day

November 15 is recognized as “America Recycles Day.” According to the EPA, the recycling rate has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages. The recycling efforts of communities and business throughout the United States have helped with this success and growth. To build on our progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on America Recycles Day, but all year long. To learn more, visit epa.gov.

Transportation-Air Quality Conformity and its Relation to the Air Quality State Implementation Plan

On November 15, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will host a luncheon meeting at the Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd Drive. The guest speaker will be Graciela Lubertino, Ph.D, principal data analyst, Houston-Galveston Area Council. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Power Tools for Nonprofits

On November 16, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., CenterPoint Energy, together with partners United Way of Greater Houston and UH Downtown, will host the 29th annual community conference, Power Tools for Nonprofits at NRG Reliant Park. This conference brings together experts from various fields to share their knowledge in fund development, best practices, human resources, management strategies, marketing/public relations, organizational effectiveness, leadership, professional/career development and more. For more information and to register, visit powertoolsnonprofitconference.com.

Houston Area GIS Day

On November 16, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Houston Area GIS Day, the largest showcase of its kind on how Geographic Information Systems are used in the City of Houston and surrounding areas, will be held at the University of Houston – Clear Lake. Business people, educators, students, and the general public will be given a free access pass to products and services that encompass the GIS program. Fore more information and to register, visit houstonareagisday.org.

Outdoor Power Reimagined: A Wireless Solar Solution

On November 16, beginning at noon, the Green Building Resource Center will hold a webinar featuring Jeremy Sigmon, formerly of the U.S. Green Building Council and now with Texas-based manufacturer PowerStack. He will provide an overview and update on solar power diffusion in the marketplace, discuss wireless and off-grid technologies, and illustrate the various industry challenges that the PowerStack is designed to overcome as a compelling option for enabling the deployment of outdoor services in smart cities and communities. For more information and to register, visit codegreenhouston.org.

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable Field Trip

On November 17, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable will host a field trip to Rick Rice Park in Katy. Participants will learn more about this award-winning park and future plans. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

Keep Pearland Beautiful 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner

On November 17, from 5-8 p.m., Keep Pearland Beautiful will hold its 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Knights of Columbus hall, 2320 Hatfield Road. The Annual Meeting will include ithe annual report and the Environmental Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant contribution to conserving and improving the environment in Pearland in the past year. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Going Green Lecture: The 2022 Galveston Bay Report Card

On November 17, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N will present a virtual lecture by Dr. Erin Kinney of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), who present the findings of the most recent annual Galveston Bay Report Card and how the Bay is connected to local creeks, rivers, and bayous. For more information, including the Zoom link, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Texas Society for Ecological Restoration 25th Annual Conference

The Texas Society for Ecological Restoration 25th Annual Conference will take place November 17-19 at St. Edward’s University, 3001 South Congress, Austin. Maria-Elena Giner, the United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, will be the keynote speaker. Off-site field trip and workday options will take place on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning. Poster presentations and a networking mixer will be held on Thursday evening. For more information and to register, visit ser.org.

Gulf Coast Connections 2022

From November 18-19, Rice university’s Center for Environmental Studies will hold its first Gulf Coast Convening. Scholars, non-profit leaders, artists, and architects representing both Houston and New Orleans will gather to learn from each other and foster new collaborations. The convening will offer conversations around pedagogy, arts engagement, architecture and design, and collaborative research. Throughout, there will be regular opportunities to connect with each other, including a workshop on how to build interdisciplinary projects. For more information, visit enst.rice.edu.

Climate Boot Camp

Through November 19, The Climate Reality Project and EcoActUs are offering a free showing of Climate Boot Camp, an interactive, solutions-driven 12-day program designed by The Climate Reality Project and Harvard Alumni for the Climate and Environment. The program is designed for climate leaders across the globe who want to address sustainability and climate gaps within their organization.The program is designed with maximum flexibility to fit your schedule and learning needs. You can take the sessions on your own schedule and select the presentations and tracks that are most useful to you. Pre-register by filling out the form on ecoactus.org/pre-register. You will receive further instructions and updates via email.

Rooted in Health, Nurtured by Nature

On November 19, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Family & Community Health, Texas A&M Forest Service, Lone Star Family Health Center, and Recovery Untamed will hold the first “Rooted in Health, Nurtured by Nature” health and wellness event at W.G. Jones State Forest. Attendees will learn about the proven, positive effects that time in nature and the outdoors has on our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being; talk with healthcare providers, natural resource professionals, and community education providers; and re-connect with nature and learn how to create individual and family memories outdoors. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Folks ‘N Oysters

On November 19, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Bayou City Waterkeeper will hold its 15th annual Folks ‘N Oysters fundraising event on the rooftop of the Sunset Coffee Building, 1019 Commerce Street. The event will feature delicious oysters, light bites, a wine pull, a silent auction, and music. Proceeds will BCW’s work of holding water polluters and those in power accountable, protecting wetlands and floodplains for generations to come, and developing tools for communities and leaders to advocate for water justice. Fore more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoucitywaterkeeper.org.

Houston Audubon Young Professional Advisory Council seeks 2023 applicants

The Houston Audubon Young Professional Advisory Council, a volunteer group whose mission is to connect the next generation of conservationists with Houston Audubon, is seeking applicants for its 2023 cohort. The YPAC is an opportunity to connect with other like-minded young professionals in Houston and contribute your skills and interests toward making our community a more welcoming place for birds. The due date for applications and references is November 22. To learn more and apply, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Call for art: Art x Climate: A Project of the Fifth National Climate Assessment

The U.S. Global Change Research Program, in collaboration with Smithsonian Institution, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, invites artists to engage in the development of the Fifth National Climate Assessment by creatively visualizing climate change in the United States: its causes, impacts, and manifestations; our shared vulnerabilities; and the strength of our collective response. Art x Climate seeks to strengthen partnerships between science and art and demonstrate the power of art to advance the national conversation around climate change. Selected art submissions will be featured in the Fifth National Climate Assessment as chapter covers and within the chapters. Selected artworks may also be used in case studies, in public events, or in communication materials. There are two calls, one for artists ages 13–17, and one for artists 18 and up. Artists who wish to submit their works must do so via the appropriate CaFÉ portal by 11:59 PM ET on January 27, 2023. For full information, visit globalchange.gov.

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. 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.

Senior Birding Bus Trip

On November 18, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Harris County Precinct 4 will host a birding bus trip beginning at the Kleb Woods Nature Center in Tomball for individuals 50 and older. Attendees will will most likely be looking for wintering birds on the Katy Prairie, and may visit ranches/farms that are not typically open to the public. 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

Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery Volunteer Work Day

On November 10, from 8:30-noon, Houston Audubon will host the first Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery volunteer workday at the High Island location. Join Natives Nursery manager Berri Moffett, Conservation Specialist Wyatt Egelhoff, and our field technicians to learn all about propagation of native plants. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Exploration Green Fall Tree Planting

On November 12, from 8 a.m.-noon, Exploration Green will hold a volunteer fall tree planting on Phase 4 (between Reseda Drive and Neptune Lane). The nearest street address is: 1718 Neptune Lane. There will be two additional plantings on November 19 and December 10. For more information, visit explorationgreen.org.

High Island Work Day

On November 12, from 8:30-noon, Houston Audubon will hold a volunteer work day at its High Island Sanctuaries (Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks), improving both the visitor infrastructure and wildlife habitat. Volunteers are treated to a delicious meal prepared by the lunch crew. Fore more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Putting Down Roots 2022 – Volunteer Prairie Planting

On November 12, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy will host a volunteer planting event at the Indiangrass Preserve in Waller. This free event is open to all ages. Planting tools, educational booths, and snacks will be provided. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle!For more information and to register, visit events.r20.constantcontact.com.

Houston Botanic Garden Cleanup

On November 9, from 9 a.m.-noon, SPLASh, Houston Botanic Garden and the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) at University of Houston Downtown will hold a volunteer cleanup even to remove trash from Sims Bayou. Houston Botanic Garden will be offering free tours at 9:30 am for all volunteers. For more information and to register, visit this form.

Trees For Houston 5th Ward Tree Planting and Giveaway

On November 12, from 10 a.m.-noon, Trees for Houston will hold a tree planting event and tree giveaway at Atherton Elementary School, 2011 Solo Street, and Hester House, 2020 Solo Street. For more information, visit treesforhouston.org.

TWRC Wildlife Center Volunteer Interest Meeting

On November 15, beginning at 6 p.m., the Houston Human Society 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. For more information and to register, visit twrcwildlifecenter.org.

Mercer Botanic Gardens Volunteer Orientation

On November 16, from 6-7 p.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens will hold an orientation for prospective volunteers. The orientation will detail the various volunteer opportunities, from helping maintain our gardens, to plant propagation and sales, to educational programs and the Mercer Ambassadors. This orientation will be off site at the Timber Lane Community Center, 1904 Naplechase Crest Drive in Spring. Participants must be 16 or older or 12-15 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Limited space is available, and registration is required. For more information and to register, see the Facebook event.

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

  • 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.
  • Texas Academy for Marine Policy 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. 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.
  • Faithful Resilience: A Study on Climate Resilience for Faith Communities. On Tuesdays through December 13, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is hosting a virtual study on how faith communities can become a force for climate resilience for the community. Whether a faith community has a large facility, land, social capital, or something else, those assets can be channeled into building climate resilience in preparation for the coming physical and spiritual storms of the climate crisis. 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.

  • Sharks are disappearing from the world’s oceans at an alarming rate and biologists are worried. Because of shark finning and unregulated fishing, these apex predators are in trouble. We take a look at what’s being done along the Texas coast to help save these wolves of the ocean
  • In the Canadian River breaks, north of Amarillo, the Mitchell family sustains a ranch as timeless as it is beautiful. In a large acreage of rolling hills and canyons, they operate the Indian Springs Cattle Company in a way that preserves the delicate grasslands and springs of the ranch, while also preserving a history of human occupation that spans thousands of years
  • Some folks visit state parks to escape technology, but a few folks like to bring some along so they can do a little broadcasting
  • Some invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but research into control methods, at the lab and in the field, offer hope for keeping these ants from wreaking havoc on our most sensitive habitats

Additional Upcoming Events

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

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