Coalition Notes 02-11-2013

1. Houston Green Film Series: American Meat with director Graham Meriwether. The Houston Green Film Series will continue on February 13, 2013, at 7pm at the Rice Media Center, Rice University Campus. American Meat is a documentary that takes a pro-farmer look at chicken, hog and cattle production in America. Beginning with a history of our current industrial system, the feedlots and confinement operations are unveiled, not through hidden cameras, but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. From there, the story shifts to Polyface Farms, where the Salatin family has developed an alternative agricultural model based on rotational grazing and local distribution. Nationwide, a local-food movement of farmers, chefs, and everyday people has taken root… But could it ever feed us all? Learn more about the documentary at http://www.americanmeatfilm.com/.
2. H-GAC Environmental Awareness Roundtable: Water Quality. Many groups are working on education and involvement initiatives dealing with the same water quality problems in the region, but there is not currently much coordination amongst the groups for consistent messaging. Learn about regional efforts to address water quality, and provide input into common water quality issues and regional solutions. Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Register on H-GAC’s CWI website.
3. Valentine’s Day Dinner and a Cruise at Hermann Park. Take in a beautiful sunset on the patio overlooking McGovern Lake at a special Valentine’s Day dinner in Hermann Park. A casual three-course meal will be catered by Pinewood Café. After the al fresco dinner, continue the celebration with a romantic 30-minute cruise around the lake on Hermann Park’s beloved pedal boats. The evening also includes chocolates and a flower for each couple to take home. Flamenco guitarist Lalo de Pilar will play throughout the evening. The dinner is $40 per couple. Learn more and make reservations at www.hermannpark.org.
4. Green Building Tour Invitation: Downtown YMCA. Green buildings provide greater energy efficiency and save money for owners and users, and the reuse of materials is better for the environment. The Downtown YMCA is a certified green building (LEED for New Construction- Gold level) and will holding a series of tours on February 15, 2013, 11am-2pm. These small group guided tours will take approximately 25 minutes each. They are free and open to the public. For additional information and a map, visit www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf.
5. Texas Climate Issues. Did climate change help bring about the devastating Texas heat wave of 2011? In February, Texas State Climatologist John Neilsen-Gammon will walk through some of the science behind what has happening with our climate, particularly the 2011 heat wave that continues to impact The Woodlands vegetation and water resources. He will illustrate how researchers use computer models to better understand our climate and its changes. His lecture is part of the Going Green Sustainability Series organized and sponsored by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. In cooperation with The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. The lecture will be held at 7:00 pm, February 19, 2013, at the South Montgomery County Library. For more information, contact Cinda Hitchcock at (281) 363-2723 or http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org.
6. Healthy Communities Indicators Symposium 2013. After a year of deep-dive research on the indicators that measure the health of our region, Center for Houston’s Future will present its findings on February 22 at the 2013 Healthy Communities Indicator Symposium, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, hosted by Honorary Chair Dr. John Mendelsohn, along with prominent national and regional experts. Join policy makers, national experts, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community leaders as we examine how the intersection of People and Place creates sustainable and healthy communities. Learn more at http://www.futurehouston.com/.
7. Houston Audubon Birdathon is back! Like birds, beer, and bikes? Just three ways to join the fun! Bird for conservation! Register online beginning March 1. Birdathon can be divided into two parts: “bird” and “athon.” The “bird” bit is a scavenger hunt challenge in which teams compete to see how many different bird species they can identify in 24 hours or less. The “athon” is the competitive fundraising portion in which each team competes to see how much money they can raise for Houston Audubon’s mission. Start a team or join one of our guided groups and have a blast while making a difference. Birding can be done anywhere in the state of Texas within the time period of March 17-May 5, as long as it is in a continuous 24-hour period or shorter. Learn more at www.houstonaudubon.org.
8. Artist Boat – Coastal Heritage Preserve. Artist Boat is establishing a Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island and is looking for teachers interested in exploring by kayak with their students. The grant to acquire land (the Coastal Heritage Preserve) will be providing the financial resources to launch three years of educational programming. Any teacher that schedules an Eco-Art Workshop for $150 will be able to have an Eco-Art Kayak Adventure to the Coastal Heritage Preserve for $150. Space is limited to 50 classes of 25 students and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Artist Boat would love to schedule your workshop in your classroom during February or March and then schedule your kayak trip during March, April, or May. Book the kayak adventure in advance as only one adventure can happen a day. Contact LuAnne Ashley (lashley@artistboat.org or 409-770-0722) if you have any questions or to book the dates and times you want.
9. Kayak Certification Courses. Kayak Certification Courses are finally coming back to Galveston Island! Artist Boat is hosting an ACA Level 1 – 3 Coastal Kayaking Course (IDW/ICE) March 9-13, 2013. These courses are designed to teach participants how to paddle correctly, perform rescues, maneuver kayaks and learn essential kayaking techniques. Upon successful completion participants will have an ACA Instructor Certification and professional kayak training. This is a great opportunity to get your staff, yourself and your friends up to date with the latest certifications and rules. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Kelly Cloughly at kcloughly@artistboat.org or by phone at (409) 770-0722.
10. 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (2040 RTP). The Houston-Galveston Area Council and its planning partners are in the early stages of developing the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (2040 RTP) and are seeking public input. A website and survey are available to find out which transportation issues are important to you. The Regional Transportation Plan is the blueprint for the transportation system in the eight counties of the Houston region and is developed every four years. The 2040 RTP describes how we respond to population and economic growth as well as changing commute patterns through the policies, programs and projects it embraces. Bold planning efforts taken now will create more economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for our residents. To learn more about the 2040 RTP and participate in its development, visit 2040plan.org. A survey and comment box are provided for your input. Want to stay involved? Sign up for emails and newsletters at www.h-gac.com/taq.
11. The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter testafies on Texas Budget. The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter on Wednesday testified before the Senate Finance Committee of the Texas Legislature, pressing for a more transparent budget that ensures dedicated fees are used for their intended purposes; to help clean up the air, keep state parks open, help low-income Texans lower their utility bills by repairing older homes, and ensuring the oil and gas pipelines criss-crossing the state’s cities and farms are safe. More at http://guidrynews.com/.
12. Birdies for the Birds – GCBO Golf Tournament. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will hold a golf tournament “Birdies for the Birds” on Friday, March 22 at the Wilderness Golf Course in Lake Jackson. Individuals and teams encouraged. For details, go to website www.gcbo.org.