Coalition Notes 11-30-2011

1. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens welcomed their new director, Darrin Duling over the summer. In a recent media breakfast and garden tour event, Darrin Duling revealed the organization’s exciting plans for the future. These include redesigning the Daylily Garden into a classic European-style garden called “The Formal Garden”, redeveloping the tropical and ginger gardens, installing a butterfly garden, and expanding the Endangered Species and Native Plant Garden. They will also be hosting a Chrysanthemum Society Show and Sale on December 3rd and 4th. To learn more about Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, visit http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/.
   
2. Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership Meeting. The Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership is a group of local stakeholders from the communities surrounding Cedar Bayou whose purpose is to seek voluntary ways to restore and protect the local waterway. They will be holding a meeting on December 1st at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center from 5:30-8pm. The upcoming meeting will cover water quality goals and locating potential sources that cause water quality impairments in the Cedar Bayou watershed. Stop by the meeting to make your voice heard! More at http://www.cedarbayouwatershed.com/.
3. Unplugged Adventures: Biking & Birding. Katy Prairie Conservancy is holding a biking and birding adventure on December 3rd from 10am-1pm at Warren Ranch. KPC bird experts will lead the 6-mile expedition across the sprawling, wildlife-rich ranch. Call 713.523.6135 or email info@katyprairie.org for more information and to RSVP. More at http://www.katyprairie.org/.
4. Gator Tales. Gator Tales is a free one-hour preschool program for children and parents at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center in Baytown that immerses participants in nature through stories with puppets, live animals and unique nature activities. The program begins on December 7, and is held from 10-11am every Wednesday through February. For more information, visit http://www.baytown.org/.
   
5. H-GAC Solid Waste Grants. H-GAC will be accepting applications for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Solid Waste Implementation Pass-Through Grants from November 14th to December 22nd. This deadline is for applications for grants for both 2012 and 2013. Eligible project categories include citizens’ collection stations and “small” registered transfer stations, education and training, household hazardous waste management, litter and illegal dumping cleanup and community collection events, local enforcement, local solid waste management plans/technical studies, and source reduction and recycling. More about the grants and the workshop at http://www.h-gac.com/community/waste/grant/default.aspx.
6. Central City Co-op Memberships. 2011 Memberships Are Now On Sale! Give the gift of community and health. Membership with the Central City Co-op is a thoughtful and lasting gift for anyone in your life. Starting at just $48, there is a membership level to fit your budget. More at http://www.centralcityco-op.com/membership.html.
7. Buffalo Bayou Christmas Cruises. Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership in celebrating the holiday season with 30-minute pontoon boat rides along Buffalo Bayou served up with plenty of decorations, music and cheer! Capacity is 21 per ride. $7 adults and $5 children (4-12). Cash only. No reservations. Meet at Allen’s Landing, 901 Commerce Street, 77002; 713.752.0314 ext. 4. We recommend parking at Spaghetti Warehouse for a $5 fee or street parking, which is free after 6pm. http://www.buffalobayou.org/boattours.html.
8. Save the date: Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale. Mark your calendar for this once a year fruit-tree-fest. The 12th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, at the University of Houston Robertson Football Stadium. This sale brings together far more types and varieties of fruit trees than can be found anywhere else in the greater Houston area. Best fruit trees are available only during the winter at this sale.
9. Bill Coats Bike Bridge Construction Now Underway. Driven along Brays Bayou lately? If so, then you’ve probably noticed the Bill Coats Bike Bridge going up! This bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists will cross Brays Bayou, which cuts through Hermann Park, and will link the trails on both sides. The Hermann Park Conservancy reports that the bridge is scheduled to open in early 2012.