Coalition Notes 12-07-2011

1. GCBO Mini Christmas Bird Count. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host a bird count at their Sanctuary on Buffalo Camp Bayou on December 10th from 9-11am. This event is for anybody interested in learning what a Christmas Count is all about. You do not have to be knowledgeable about birds, as there will be volunteers to help you identify the birds seen. A list of the wintering birds to be expected will be given to all participants. To learn more, visit http://www.gcbo.org/.
   
2. Houston Green Film Series – Pipe Dreams. Another part of the Houston Green Film Series, Pipe Dreams will be shown on December 13th from 6:30-9:30pm at the Rice University Office of Student Media. Pipe Dreams is a film about farmers and landowners are fighting to protect their land, their water, and their livelihood in what has become the most controversial environmental battle in the US today: the Keystone XL Pipeline. Following the movie, ther will be a discussion moderated by Sierra Club’s Kat Herrera. To learn more and to RSVP, visit http://www.facebook.com/events/.
   
3. 2011 Winter Holiday Native Tree & Shrub Sale. The Houston Arboretum will be holding a native tree and shrub sale from December 10th to the 18th. This year, 16 different Texas native trees and shrubs will be available for sale, and quantities of each species are limited to less than 24 specimens each. Most of the plants are in 5 to 10-gallon sizes, ranging in price $30-$90. More at http://www.houstonarboretum.org/.
   
4. 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.
   
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. 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.