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March 9, 2016

Houston Environmental News Update March 9, 2016

In last week’s newsletter, we reported that the Houston City Council was going to be considering a new contract with Waste Management for curbside residential recycling services (e.g., the big green bins). Among other news coverage, today’s Houston Chronicle included this article by reporter Mike Morris: Contract impasse could force halt in city recycling program.

Coming up this week: Daylight saving time at 2:00 am on Sunday, FotoFest, and, for many of our readers, spring break.

While many of our readers associate daylight saving time with (questionable) reduction of energy use, it does have other ties to the environment. Who knew that one of the first proposals for daylight saving time was by an entomologist wanted more time outside of work to collect insects study insects in New Zealand? If you use DST to collect more insects, send pictures.

Changing Circumstances Looking at the future of the planet fotofest 2016 biennialWe’ve included tidbits about this year’s FotoFest 2016 Biennial in recent newsletters, but I’d like to encourage you to learn more about the festival and attend. This year’s festival is entitled, “Changing Circumstances: Looking at the Future of the Planet.” The opening night party is this Friday, March 11, 2016, and the festival will run through April 24, 2016. In addition to ongoing exhibitions, the festival features artist talks, curator tours, an environmental film series, a concert, and much more. CEC is working with festival organizers to provide a special guided tour of the main exhibit following the Greater Houston Environmental Summit on March 24, 2016. That evening, as part of the Marfa Dialogues, the festival is hosting  Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., the President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. As a minister and community activist, Rev Yearwood is one of the most prominent national figures working to involve communities of color in climate activism and green economy solutions–a topic that is of great interest to much of our environmental community. At the very least, visit fotofest.org and be awestruck by the amazing photos that are part of the festival.

And if you do have kids to entertain during the break, consider using CEC’s calendar to find out what’s happening in our environmental community next week. Another great resource is the Get Out Here Houston website.

CEC NOTES

  • CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit
    Our annual summit will be on Thursday, March 24, 2016, from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm. In addition to excellent networking opportunities, the event will feature a keynote address by Dr. John Crompton, a panel to discuss local impacts of the Paris climate conference, and opportunities to talk in a small group setting with experts on environmental issues and on ways to increase the capacity of our environmental community. If you haven’t seen Dr. Crompton speak, you are in for a treat–and if you have already seen him speak, you already know that! Registration is now available at https://cecsummit2016.eventbrite.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact info@cechouston.org.
  • New Subscribers Thank you to our new subscribers: George, Eraka, and Allen. We hope you enjoy our emails. Please consider liking us on facebook.
  • CEC is Hiring! Know a great college student looking for a meaningful summer internship? The CEC is hiring! In addition to providing an opportunity to connect our environmental community, get paid, and save the world, CEC offers flexible hours, bicycle-chic dress code, and chocolate (or organic raisins). Visit the green jobs page to learn about some of the paid and unpaid summer internships being offered by the CEC and its member groups.

COALITION NOTES

  1. 2016 LWV-TX Convention. The LWV-Texas convention comes to Houston for the first time since 1999! The 2016 Convention will be held March 11-13, 2016, in Houston at the Westin Houston, Memorial City. Come out in force to welcome fellow LWV members from 25 leagues across Texas as well as the LWVUS president Elisabeth Mac Namara. You can participate by being a delegate (limited to 20 LWV-HA members), an attendee, or a volunteer (work a 3-4 hour shift, no convention registration fee required). If you can’t attend the convention meetings, consider coming to the social and educational events- Friday workshops, Friday night Port of Houston cruise, Saturday lunch and dinner with special guest speakers. The cost is $140 until March 8th, and $150 until the event. Learn more at http://lwvhouston.org.
  2. 44th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta. The BBP Regatta presented by Gillman Subaru is Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race and one of the top five largest races in the nation! Whether you are entering competitively or paddling for pleasure, join over 500 participants (ages 12 and up) in the 15-mile American Canoe Association-sanctioned race along scenic Buffalo Bayou. The race will be held on March 12, 2016, at 8am. The price is $60 ($25 student or military ID). Learn more at http://buffalobayou.org.
  3. ABNC Gator Basking Day. Armand Bayou Nature Center will be hosting a Gator Basking Day on March 12, 2016, 2:30-5pm. The American alligator is the largest reptile in North America and occupies much of the southern United States. These animals have made a slow recovery after being listed on the endangered species list for twenty years. As apex predators they play an important role in Armand Bayou and their return has produced a number of unexpected ecological benefits. The afternoon will begin in the nature center auditorium where participants will learn about the biology of these fascinating relics from another era. Participants will also discuss how the return of the alligator has produced interesting predator-prey relationships, initiated the formation of nesting colonies of birds and offers unique wildlife watching opportunities for paddlers in the Armand Bayou Coastal Preserve. Everyone will get a hands on look at some of last year’s hatchling gators and discuss the unique reptilian relationship between hatchling and mother alligators. The day will end with a ride on-board the Bayou Ranger to see the animals in their natural habitat. The cost is $40 per person. www.abnc.org.
  4. HANC Pollinator Sale. Come visit HANC’s spring Pollinator Plant Sale! You can find beautiful species of plants native to the region that will attract birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. All flowers, plants and shrubs are sourced from local growers. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation and education efforts. Members receive discounts on all plant sale purchases! The sale will be held from March 12-13, 2016, 9am-4pm. http://houstonarboretum.org
  5. Kayak Training. Artist Boat is hosting American Canoe Association approved Kayak Instructor Certification Workshops. These courses are designed to teach participants how to instruct others to paddle correctly, perform rescues, maneuver kayaks and practice essential kayaking techniques. Upon successful completion, participants will receive an ACA Instructor Certification.  We also have Instructor Update Workshops available for kayak instructors who would like to update their paddling skills and certification. All workshops are held in Galveston, Texas. The workshops will be held March 12-14, 2016. Learn more at www.artistboat.org.
  6. Sunday Streets. Walk, Run, or bike along Navigation between Jensen and N. Sampson. For the first event of our 2016 season, Cigna Sunday Streets heads to East End! With no cars on the road, you’ll be able to walk, run, dance bike or play in the streets with friends, family and neighbors. Cigna Sunday Streets is not a street festival. It is a FREE family-friendly opportunity to be physically active and enjoy active transportation, as well as connect with neighbors in your community. For more information check out the website: http://www.gohealthyhouston.org/sundaystreetshtx
  7. HANC Spring Break Camp. Registration is now open for HANC’s Spring Break Camp, March 14-18, 2016, for children ages 5-12. The theme this year is “MicroWorld.” There are more microscopic organisms than all other living things combined. With “MicroWorld,” participants can tunnel down into the forest floor and take a look at the tiny creatures that live in the soil. Dive into a drop of water and find out what swims unseen. Students will learn about the world around us starting with the smallest of the small. Fees for Houston Arboretum members for the week are $145 for a half day (9am-noon) and $275 for a full day (9am-3pm). Non-members will pay $190 for a half day and $340 for a full day. http://houstonarboretum.org.
  8. Night Hike at Sheldon Lake State Park. Join park rangers on March 15, 2016, 7pm, to see what happens at night at Sheldon Lake State Park! Attendees will listen for bats, look at the stars, and even sniff for spiders! Spaces are limited, please register by calling: 281-456-2800 x230 or emailing Kelsey.Johnson@tpwd.texas.gov.
  9. 1 copy - LOH_Poster_2016_webEarth Hour & Lights Out Houston 2016. This year, Lights Out Houston, a voluntary, Houston-wide commitment to energy efficiency by commercial building owners and their tenants since 2008 is joining Earth Hour, a world-wide movement that started as a lights-off event in 2007. Make flipping the switch your first step in your journey towards energy efficiency. The goal is to establish a sustained reduction in the use of non-essential electricity in buildings by encouraging individuals, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and commit to reducing energy consumption. Lights Out Houston will run from March 17-20, 2016, with an Earth Hour spotlight on March 19, 2016, from 8:30-9:30pm. Learn more at www.greenhoustontx.gov.
  10. Mercer Botanic Garden March Mart. Friday & Saturday, March 18 & 19, 2016. March Mart is sponsored by The Mercer Society with plant sale proceeds going to support special projects and educational programs at Mercer. One of the Texas Gulf Coast area’s largest and most anticipated horticultural events, the sale attracts amateurs and experts alike. March Mart features a huge selection of more than 2,000 varieties of quality plants, many rarely found at local retail nurseries. Find out more at themercersociety.org.
  11. Galveston Tourism – Nature Is Our Business Brunch. Join 1% To Conserve Galveston Island and co-host the Galveston Restaurant Association for “Galveston Tourism – Nature Is Our Business” brunch. Galveston’s restaurant owners and chefs know how important fresh seafood is to their businesses. Keeping our Gulf and Bay waters clean and safe are vital in keeping their menus full of the choices their customers love. Sheridan Mitchell Lorenz, daughter of the late George Mitchell, and the inspiration for Galveston’s annual “Featherfest”, will be Master of Ceremonies. Story Clark, author of “A Field Guide to Conservation Finance” and Trent Rondot, Houston Parks Board, director of Houston’s $220 million Bayou Greenways program will be speaking on the business of nature. Want to learn more about the impact of nature of Galveston Island’s biggest industry? Come out 9:30-11am on March 23, 2016, at Moody Gardens Hotel, 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston. For more information contact and RSVP: director@toconservgalvestonisland.org, or visit http://www.toconservegalvestonisland.org/.
  12. 2nd Annual Bayou Greenway Day. Houston Parks Board is pleased to announce the second annual Bayou Greenway Day, an outdoor festival and celebration of the Bayou Greenways, which connect Houstonians to parks and greenspaces – and each other. All are invited to participate in this free, day-long community event presented by Noble Energy on March 26, 2016, 11am-4pm, along White Oak Bayou Greenway at T.C. Jester Park (4201 TC Jester Blvd). Families will be able to walk, bike, run, stroll, play and paddle along White Oak Bayou Greenway – the star of this year’s event – during the Bayou Greenway Day celebration. Attendees will enjoy free family activities while exploring the hike and bike trails along the bayou. Event programming, provided by a number of nonprofits and neighborhood organizations, will include bike rides; a marching band; coloring stations; interactive children’s activities; kayaking demonstrations and much more. http://houstonparksboard.org
  13. Memorial Park Conservancy’s Annual Brunch Run. Memorial Park Conservancy’s Annual Brunch Run will be held on March 26, 2016, at 7:30am. The registration fee is $35 for the 4-mile run/walk ($40 for same day registration), and $10 for the kids’ 1K. Register online at https://thedriven.net.
  14. Beyond the Bayou: Connecting Companies + Connecting Communities. Join the Greens Bayou Coalition on March 31, 2016, as they honor volunteers, report achievements and announce future events in the watershed with their seventh annual fundraiser and networking event. There will be a plated lunch, a silent auction and a keynote address. This year the silent auction has been expanded! Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available at GreensBayou.org. The Greens Bayou Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation, stewardship, and quality of life improvements in the Greens Bayou watershed, in Houston, TX. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @GreensBayou.
  15. 23rd Annual River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash! Every year, thousands of volunteers gather along Texas waterways to do their part in cleaning up the environment by participating in the largest single day waterway cleanup in the state of Texas, the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash®. The next event will be held on April 2, 2016. Learn more at www.trashbash.org.
  16. 4th Annual Sustainable Landscape Conference: Utilizing Trees to Transform the Houston Landscape. Discover ways to bring tree-lined streets and leafy greenery back to our cities during this one-day conference featuring local experts. The conference will be held on April 8, 2016, 8am-3:45pm at the Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park. While trees add natural beauty and shelter from the sun as well as reduce heat, buffer noise, and offset pollution, many cities weren’t built with trees in mind. Urban environments pose numerous challenges that plague trees including intense heat, soil compaction, restrictive root runs, wind tunnels, air pollution, and chemical contamination. Trees also compete for space with overhead and underground utilities, pedestrians, and vehicles. Despite these obstacles, it’s possible to transform our cities into leafy oases by choosing the proper planting site and following careful planting and maintenance techniques. Anyone interested in learning how to help trees thrive in Houston’s extreme municipal climate is invited to attend. Professional attendees qualify for a total of six CEU credits, approved by LA CESTM. http://themercersociety.org
  17. Pearland Earth Day. Keep Pearland Beautiful (a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit) and the City of Pearland Parks and Recreation Department are partnering to host Keep Pearland Beautiful’s Twentieth Annual Earth Day Celebration. The fair is scheduled for April 23, 2016, from 10am-2pm behind the Pearland Recreation Center (4141 Bailey Rd., Pearland, Texas 77584). There is no admission charge to attend this event and all of the family friendly activities at this event are free to the attendees. This year’s event will include educational booths, games, food trucks, a petting zoo, and entertainment. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to target their environmental messaging towards children and their families. Each booth or activity must have an environmental theme that fits into KPB’s mission to empower Pearland Citizens to take responsibility for their environment or our vision to make Pearland the cleanest most beautiful city in Texas. (This is an outdoor event) If you are interested in hosting a BOOTH, or an ACTIVITY contact Lenora Tollefson at ltollefson@mykpb. http://pearlandconnection.net
  18. TWA Outreach Summer Workshops. TWA has released all of the dates and locations for their Outreach Summer Workshops. These workshops are TEKS aligned for K-8 educators (formal and informal). You can expect workshops to cover conservation and land stewardship, characteristics of environments, structure/function and survival, basic needs, inherited traits and resemblance, ecosystems–biotic and abiotic, groundwater, surface water, watersheds, and populations and communities. This is a free training. It provides 6 hours which count as SBEC hours and qualify as TAGT hours for those needing GT certification. You get to take home over 250 pages of lessons on a flash drive. Register at www.texas-wildlife.org.
  19. Volunteer Stewardship Workdays at the Coastal Heritage Preserve. Artist Boat has many volunteer opportunities in the upcoming months. In each volunteer workday, Artist Boat staff train volunteers in a specific land management task, like identifying and removing invasive fire ants from the Preserve, cutting and spraying invasive McCartney rose bushes, growing native prairie grasses in our outdoor nursery, or just how to identify native plants and animals at the Preserve. Each day is about four hours long, which includes a private, hour-long guided tour of the Preserve and free breakfast or lunch. Also, the first 50 volunteers who attend these workdays will receive a free four hour guided kayak adventure at the Preserve in April! Learn more and sign up at www.artistboat.org.
  20. Stormwater Wetland Program Volunteers. The Texas Coastal Watershed Program holds weekly volunteer days for their stormwater wetland program, 9am-12pm on Thursdays. Volunteers help propagate plants in the wetland plant nursery at Exploration Green in Clear Lake City, or at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Lake Jackson. The stormwater wetland program is developing demonstration projects to show how wetlands can be designed into flood control basins to clean contaminants from surface runoff, protect our bayous and bays, and provide a refuge for wildlife. A schedule and more information is available by contacting Mcedwards@tamu.edu.

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Addicks and Barker Construction Update. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District will hold a public meeting March 9, 2016, from 6:30-8:30pm at Bear Creek Community Center, 16001 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084, to update area residents and business owners about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, the 2016 Addicks and Barker construction plans, and the proposed Section 216 Study. Learn more at www.swg.usace.army.mil.
  2. Texas Trails & Active Transportation Conference. Houston is one of the fastest-improving cities in the United States for trails and active transportation. The TTAT Conference will bring together those involved with bicycle, pedestrian, and other active transportation and recreation modes from around Texas and the world with the goals of sharing current information and examples, and sparking inspiration to continue striving to make things better in each of our communities. The conference will focus on issues of economic development, health, safety, and many other topics relevant to advancing active transportation and trails. This conference will be held March 9-11, 2016 at the Houston Marriott Medical Center. Learn more at http://texastrails.biketexas.org.
  3. Leading with Landscape II: The Houston Transformation Conference. How is the nation’s 4th largest city reshaping its identity through landscape architecture? What are the international implications of Houston’s bold planning and development strategy? What role can public-private partnerships play in urban park stewardship in the 21st-century? Houston—the country’s fourth largest city—is known for being car-centric and zoning-averse. Now, however, it is undergoing a monumental landscape architecture-led transformation whose scale and impact could fundamentally change the city and influence city-shaping around the globe. World-class projects by leading practitioners will be the focus of a daylong conference, accompanied by What’s Out There Weekend Houston, featuring two days of free, expert-led tours. Leading with Landscape II: The Houston Transformation, which features three consecutive moderated panel discussions, will tackle numerous issues, including those that deal with the city’s identity. The roster of speakers includes internationally significant private-sector practitioners working on current and proposed projects in Houston, as well as municipal leaders, academics, and leading critics and thinkers. March 11-13, 2016. Learn more at http://tclf.org.
  4. Virtual Conference: Climate Science in the Classroom. NSTA, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), would like to invite you to attend the virtual conference titled: Climate Science in the Classroom. This half-day virtual conference will feature climate scientists and education specialists who will share both their knowledge about climate science as well as classroom-ready resources that educators can use with their students. Explore the evidences for climate change and its impacts. Learn about specific education tools and strategies that educators can use to bring climate science in the classroom​. Ask questions of climate​ experts. Engage in dialogue with science educators from across the country and the world The online conference will be held March 12, 2016, 9am-2pm. The cost is $63 for members and $79 for nonmembers. For more information contact webseminars@nsta.org. http://learningcenter.nsta.org
  5. Final Four Electronics Recycling Drive. Bring your used electronics to the Final Four Electronic Waste Drive, Presented by LG, and receive ONE FREE Fan Fest ticket, Presented by Capital One. Items accepted: computers and computer components, home elctronics, small home and office electronics, and gaming equipment. Part of the Selection Sunday Celebration on March 13, 2016. Recycle from 1-6 pm, event from 3-7 pm at Discovery Green. http://www.discoverygreen.com/1184456.
  6. Kendra Gives Back Party – Houston Philanthropic Society. You are invited to a special event benefiting Houston Philanthropic Society. On March 14, 2016, from 5:30– 7:30pm Houston Philanthropic Society will be the featured charity at the Kendra Scott store in the Rice Village. 20% of all Sales will benefit HPS. Bubbles and bites will be served. This event is open to all, so please spread the word and RSVP at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
  7. Marsh Volunteers. Volunteers are needed in order to better understand the ecology of the salt marsh. There are two ways to get involved. The first way is to assist in the “Image Matching Game” where people are needed to help align thousands of overlapping photographs of a salt marsh. The website is http://129.7.249.177:85/index/signin. The second way to get involved is to help identify the plant and animal species present in the photographs. This helps provide detailed information that is needed to understand the distribution of each species. Help out at http://marshexplorer.cs.uh.edu.
  8. FotoFest: An Evening with National Geographic Artists. As part of its 2016 Biennial, “Changing Circumstances: Looking at the Future of the Planet,” FotoFest Inernational, Inc. presents three renowned photographers who have worked with National Geographic magazine — David Doubilet, David Littschwager and Joel Sartore. They will discuss their combined decades of work to foster public awareness of the dangers facing biodiversity around the globe. The discussion will include images taken by the artists, who are all featured in the Biennial. Audience members will be invited to ask questions after the artists’ presentations. The event, which is free and open to the public, is being presented in collaboration with National Geographic and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. The event will be held on March 16, 2016, 7-9pm. Learn more on Facebook.
  9. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge Palmer Bayou Boardwalk Dedication. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) will host a a public Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 17, 2016, at 11:00am to dedicate the Palmer Bayou Boardwalk, constructed by union volunteers, at Trinity River NWR. The Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will also be celebrating the work of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and other volunteers who helped make the boardwalk and trails possible. Please bring comfortable footwear if you would like to join in the ribbon-cutting, short hike, and dedication plaques unveiling. If you want to get fun with it, don’t forget to wear green! www.facebook.com
  10. The Poison in Our Food Supply. On March 29, 2016, renowned agriculture expert, Dr. Thierry Vrain, explains about the poison in our food supply and what we can do about it. Dr. Vrain (retired) spent the last 40 years a a soil biologist and genetic engineer for the Canada Department of Agriculture. He has seen and studied first-hand the damage done to us by the proliferation of Glyphosate (Round-Up) in our food supply. These dangers are well known an covered up by the manufacturer. Dr. Vrain will bring the latest in scientific studies in a compelling and mesmerizing lecture. The lecture will be held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science IMAX Theater from 6:30-8pm. The cost is $18 per person. Learn more at http://store.hmns.org.
  11. Spring 2016 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event. Calling people of all faiths, or no faith at all, to care for our shared environment on April 3, 2016, from 1:30-4:30pm. Participants will engage in hands-on environmental stewardship by mulching, performing trail maintenance, and conducting a trash bash on the waterways at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels, so bring the whole family, your neighbors and your friends. Meet at the park’s main gazebo at 5300 Dryad, Houston 77035 to sign in. Metro bus line 7 stops nearby. Tools/supplies will be provided (including two canoes!). This event is organized by Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church, Congregation Brith Shalom, and the Dialogue Institute of the Southwest, in partnership with the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. The conservancy requires signing of a waiver to participate. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information or to sign up to help (and receive a copy of the waiver form).
  12. Environmental Education Local Grants. The purpose of the
    Environmental Education Local Grants Program is to support locally-focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills that participants in its funded projects need to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment. Proposals are due by April 8, 2016. More at www.epa.gov.
  13. Houston Bike Plan.The Houston Bike Plan team has released the Draft Houston Bike Plan to receive community feedback. The Plan is a big part of the City’s efforts to help make Houston a safer, healthier, and more accessible bicycle-friendly city. The Plan sets out a Vision that by 2026, Houston will be a safer, more accessible, Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community. To help accomplish this vision, the Plan recommends short-term opportunities to double City’s safe, comfortable bikeway network. The Bike Plan integrates with the ongoing Bayou Greenways project and identifies additional bike facilities to safely access these attractive bikeway corridors from more neighborhoods. With the Draft Houston Bike Plan complete, the City is seeking your feedback. Visit the website at HoustonBikePlan.org for more information about the draft Plan and to let the City know what you think. The public comment period closes April 11, 2016. The City will then modify the draft Plan based on the feedback received from the community.
  14. The Soil First Academy. Conducted by Joel Simmons, owner of Soil First Consulting, The Soil First Academy covers principles of soil science, balanced chemistry and agronomic integrity. The seminar will offer you the opportunity to “get back to soil basics” and explore the strategies for amending soil based on consistent soil testing, identifying issues such as pH, longevity of fertility programs and efficacy of pesticides as they relate to your soils. All of the materials presented are compiled into a take-home guide for future reference. This half-day seminar is approved an interactive program devoted to the philosophies of Dr. William Albrecht, Mr. for 0.4 GCSAA credits. RSVP to Jason McConnell 1(979) 743-1350 or jasonmcconnell@bwicompanies.com.
  15. Save the Date! The Colorado – Film Premiere. On April 12, 2016, Da Camera is presenting the world premiere of The Colorado. The Colorado is a feature documentary that is both narrated and sung, a live performance, and a comprehensive educational resource. It explores the Colorado River Basin from a holistic perspective and places the ecological predicaments of the region in a rich social and historical context. Learn more at www.projectcolorado.com.
  16. Save the Date! SSPEED Center Conference. Save the date for the upcoming SSPEED Center Conference which will be held April 26-27, 2016, at Rice University. The topic is Avoiding Disaster Conference: How to Reduce Impacts from the Next Big Storm. The first day will be devoted to hurricane modeling, damage assessment and various proposed protection structures, and the second day will be about buying and selling ecological services and primarily about carbon transactions, something we have not talked about very much here in Houston. Registration for both days is $125, whereas registration for a single day is $75. Find out more at http://sspeed.rice.edu.
  17. Additional Dates of Note.
  18. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM 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.
    • Cave Explorers
    • Parks & Wildlife People: Cynthia Brandimarte
    • Producer’s Favorites: A Fuentes Family Fourth

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