Community Notes 12-07-2011

1. Reading Towards Sustainability. This event provides attendees with a list of books on the subject of sustainability. The speaker, Steve Stelzer, will present converging ideas and contrasts from a cross section of the books to give the audience an idea of the community effect of authors concerned about the state of the human race and what we need to do to keep it on track with the planet. This event will be held on December 15th at the City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center from 6-7:30pm. Please RSVP at Steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or phone 832-394-9050. More at http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf.
   
2. Briefing on Charting Buffalo. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is hosting a briefing on Charting Buffalo. The aim of Charting Buffalo is to integrate flood damage reduction strategies and the need for streambank stabilization along Buffalo and lower White Oak bayous with opportunities for third parties to collaborate on community enhancements and environmental improvements. The briefing will be given on December 12th from 3-5pm at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. This will be a small presentation, so an RSVP to rsvp@elmorepr.com is encouraged. The briefing will provide an overview of the Charting Buffalo planning process and upcoming opportunities for public feedback. To learn more about Charting Buffalo, visit http://www.chartingbuffalo.org/.
   
3. Sandhill Cranes Galveston Island Event. On December 10th, there will be gathering to learn about cranes and to visit birding sites. The day will begin with a light breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Galveston Country Club, 14228 Stewart Road. Joan Garland of the International Crane Foundation will talk about cranes in Texas the organization’s worldwide crane studies and conservation efforts. Immediately after the presentation, cars will leave for the birding sites, returning around 11am. More than 100 cranes were sighted during last year’s event. More about the event at http://www.guidrynews.com/.
   
4. West Galveston Bay Project. The U.S. Department of Interior’s report, “America’s Great Outdoors,” outlines more than 100 of the country’s most promising projects to help preserve the natural environment, while promoting recreation and economic growth. The West Galveston Bay Project is featured as one of Texas’ projects. The West Galveston Bay Habitat Restoration Plan helped restore brown pelican nesting sites and will guide the construction of breakwaters to protect marsh and nursery habitats. View the report at http://www.doi.gov/news/.
   
5. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife.Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website. This week’s broadcast will include:
   • Following the Fires – Bastrop State Park
   • Big Bend Plants
   • Lone Star Land Steward: Trinity Bluff Wildlife Ranch
6. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
• December 8: Yellow–Moderate–Fine Particulate–Winds may be light enough for fine particulate to reach “Moderate” levels in the Houston area with highest concentrations in the morning and evening.
• December 9: Green–Good–Moderate winds, cool temperatures and/or low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• December 10: Green–Good–Moderate winds, cool temperatures and/or low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.