Houston Environmental News Update March 14, 2018

Happy Pi Day and happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’m sure that many of you, while enjoying spring break, are also looking forward to the International Day of Forests and World Water Day (more next week).

• Houston Audubon Birdathon, through May 15, 2018.
• In April, the Galveston Nature Tourism Council hosts one of the world’s premier birding events: Galveston FeatherFest. Many of these event sell out early, so sign up soon.
• Bird banding with Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (the next monthly event is on Saturday–look for me there!). GCBO also has extensive research programs, educational programs, and an upcoming spring experience auction.
• In addition to regular kayak art adventures and volunteer conservation opportunities, Artist Boat‘s founder, Karla Klay, offers occasional but excellent birding tours in Galveston and Bolivar.
• Texas Wildlife Association offers many bird-themed programs for educators.
• TWRC Wildlife Center rehabs native birds at their facility, then the birds graduate to home rehabber to get them ready for release.
• Wildlife Center of Houston also rehabs birds and native wildlife and periodically offers an oiled wildlife response program.
• Katy Prairie Conservancy has great wildlife viewing opportunities, and check out their bird checklist). This week, for St. Patrick’s Day, they’ll be offering green drinks at their star viewing party.
• The motherlode of birding opportunities might be the listing on the Ornithology Group’s website. The Ornithology Group of the Outdoor Nature Club–which has been around so long that it makes CEC (at 46 years) look like a spring chicken–has monthly meetings and great outings this spring.
• Speaking of spring chickens… The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge hosts monthly van tours of the refuge (next on April 7) and the annual Booming N Blooming (spring) Prairie Chicken Festival on April 14 and 15, 2018. Unfortunately, only a few birds at the preserve survived Harvey, making the chicken perhaps the most endangered bird species in North America.
• Of course, you can always observe birds in you own neighborhood. At this time of year, warblers are fun to find, but hard to identify. One of my neighbors in the White Oak Bayou watershed, is supplementing her Bayou City Birding ‘Zines with a series of warbler identification flashcards. In addition to her warbler flashcards, Wendy Wright recently captured–on film–a bald eagle hanging out near the intersection of I-10 and I-45 near Woodland Park.
• Curious about birds in your backyard? Check out eBird.com.

Banner Credits: Images in the banner are from events and programs or the organizations listed above. Special credit goes to Wendy Wright at White Oak Bayou Association, whose Blackburnian Warbler (BLBW), Magnolia Warbler (MAWA), Black-throated Green Warbler (BTNW), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (YRWA)–and her eagle photo–were the inspirations for this week’s bird theme.

CEC NOTES

Earth Day Houston: Call for Exhibitors and Volunteer Groups

Please mark your calendars for Earth Day Houston on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from noon to 6 p.m. at Discovery Green! Hosted in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration–presented by Green Mountain Energy–is designed to inspire, educate, and encourage action. The event features displays, exhibits and booths on topics ranging from alternative energy to recycling methods, a foodie farmers market, Canned Acoustica, recycling, and more.

The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition is currently accepting applications for exhibitors for the Earth Day festival. If you are interested in being a sponsor or corporate volunteering, please email earthday@cechouston.org.

If you could know the truth about the threat of climate change — would you want to know? Before the Flood, presented by National Geographic, features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand. He goes on expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change and meets with political leaders fighting against inaction. He also discovers a calculated disinformation campaign orchestrated by powerful special interests working to confuse the public about the urgency of the growing climate crisis. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news. March 21, 2018, at Rice Media Center. 6:30 p.m. conversation, networking, and a light meal; 7 p.m. screening. Free to the public, although donations are kindly appreciated. Learn more on the Facebook event page.

We have tried to confirm the events listed below, but not all organizations have updated their websites. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

1. Jared McNabb Presents “Improving Soil Function with Native Vegetation”
   Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) – Houston Chapter welcomes Jared McNabb, president/co-founder of Restoration Organics-Soil Health Management, to speak about soil health, issues, and solutions on March 15, 2018 from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. By assessing the current soil health and identifying the end goals of a project, successional measures can be taken to improve drainage, retention, nutrient storage, and filtration for proper soil function and the establishment of desired vegetation. Jared will discuss five soil functions, the inhabitants beneath our feet, and ways to use local plants as tools to address common landscape dilemmas. For more information, visit npsot.org.
2. Houston Arboretum Spring Plant Sale
   Join the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for our Spring Plant Sale! We will be offering native grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation and education efforts.
   Plants are priced as follows:
   – $4.50 – 4 inch
   – $9 – 1 gallon
   – $30 – 3-5 gallon
   Members receive a 10-25% discount (depending on Membership level) on all plant sale purchases.
   This year’s Spring Plant Sale will be located just inside the new 610 Entrance gate on the south side of the entrance road. Shoppers are asked to park along the 610 Parking Loop and then walk over to the sale. There will be a small pull in area at the Plant Sale for people to load their plant purchases. For more information, visit houtonarboretum.org.
3. Mercer Arboretum’s March Mart
   Due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey to Mercer Botanic Gardens, the NorthSide Growing Compound and The Mercer Society Gift and Plant Shoppe, the 2018 March Mart will be abbreviated to a one-day event with a special VIP Membership Level Reception and Pre-Sale event on the evening prior to the sale.The following dates have been set for the March Mart Plant Sale and Fundraising event: Friday, March 16, 2018 – VIP Membership Level Reception and Pre-Sale 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, 2018 – All Membership Level Sale – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. – General Public – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit themercersociety.org.
   
4. Tree Planting Opportunity at Exploration Green
   Join the many volunteers on March 17, 2018 from 8 a.m. to noon, helping to plant a total of 1,000 trees in each section of Exploration Green. Snacks, water, and tools will be provided as well as planting training. Bring gloves, wear sturdy shoes/boots, and plan to get dirty! Keep yourself updated by following the event on Facebook. For more information, contact Jerry Hamby at jhamby4@comcast.net.
5. Tour de Houston
   Tour de Houston, presented by Apache Corporation, is a fundraising bike ride that benefits Houston’s Reforestation Program. The ride will take place Sunday, March 18, 2018, beginning at 7 a.m. This annual event offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with bike routes winding through Houston’s historic neighborhoods, scenic districts and parks. With three ride length options, the Tour de Houston is the perfect event for leisure riders or cycling enthusiasts. In addition, it is a BP MS 150 recommended training ride. To register, visit www.houstontx.gov.
6. HMNS Lecture: Designing Gardens for Children – Inspired by The Hundred Acre Wood
   Designing an interactive and engaging garden where children can play and learn doesn’t mean losing style and elegance–innovative family gardens can be well-designed for the whole family. This illustrated workshop on March 20, 2018, at 6 p.m. looks at key elements of flow, color, planting, refuge, seating, games, and wildlife. It also considers concepts of child development, design adaptability and creating opportunities for children to explore their senses, take risks and keep safe. Landscape historian and garden designer Kathryn Aalto is an American writer, designer, historian and lecturer living in Exeter, England. Following the presentation, Aalto will sign copies of her New York Times bestseller “The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh: A Walk Through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood.” Members $12, Tickets $18 at hmns.org, or call 713-639-4629 and mention Lec$5off for discounted tickets.
7. H-GAC Now Accepting Applications for Solid Waste Grants
   Each year, H-GAC receives pass-through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to fund solid waste grant projects throughout the 13-county region. Funds for this program come from a portion of the money collected as tipping fees at Texas landfills. H-GAC will award $516,157 for solid waste grant projects during the fiscal year 2019. The application period begins on Mar. 7, 2018, and closes on Apr. 19, 2018, at 5 p.m. On Mar. 19, 2018, H-GAC will host a grant application workshop/webinar from 9 a.m. to noon to provide information about the application process, including how to complete the application and what information the scoring committee might be looking for. For more information about the grant program, visit h-gac.com or contact Erin Livingston at erin.livingston@h-gac.com or 832-681-2525.
8. Brews for Big Bend 
   What could be better than celebrating Big Bend National Park with a cold Saint Arnold’s beer? Join the Big Bend Conservancy for an enjoyable evening on Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2018, from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Your $35 admission gets you two hours beer, snacks, opportunities to win valuable prizes, and great company! There are limited tickets available, and no tickets will be sold onsite. For more information, visit bigbendfriends.org.
9. City of Houston to Consider Floodplain Ordinance–input deadlines extended
   The City of Houston is considering revisions to Chapter 19 to ensure new dwellings are built high enough to save lives and property in the event of flooding. Learn more about the proposed changes at houstonrecovers.org. The ordinance will be presented to Council on March 21, 2018.
10. 7th Annual Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium
    The Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium “Conservation’s Potential and Promise in Changing Times” will be held at the United Way Community Resource Center on March 22, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Symposium provides water professionals with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. Learn from state and national experts about the latest approaches, what is coming next and best practices for maximum efficiency gains. Registration is $45 and includes conference materials, continental breakfast, and lunch. For more information, contact Jennifer Walker at jennifer.walker@sierraclub.org or visit eventbrite.com.
11. Lecture in Gender, Health, and Well-being by Bridget Burns
    The Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality presents a Gray/Wawro Lecture in Gender, Health, and Well-being entitled “Politics at the Intersection: Women’s Rights and Environmental Justice.” Bridget Burns, co-director of the Women’s Environment and Development Organization, will give the free, public lecture at Rice University on March 22, 2018. The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information, visit events.rice.edu.
12. Bayou Greenway Day
    Get to know your bayou at Bayou Greenway Day, a FREE outdoor festival with games, music, giveaways and more. Experience the beauty of the Bayou Greenways while enjoying free activities, hosted by Houston Parks Board and other community organizations. Saturday, Mar. 24, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tidwell Park along Halls Bayou Greenway. Learn more at houstonparksboard.org.
13. American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb
    When you participate in a Fight For Air Climb, you are stepping up to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by lung disease. Participants raise funds to support the mission of the American Lung Association while training to climb the stairs of a skyscraper. Join the American Lung Association on March 24, 2018, beginning at 8 a.m. at 1001 Fannin Building to help moves us forward in our fight for healthy lungs and clean air. For more information, visit lung.org.
14. 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, the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash®. On March 24, 2018, Trash Bash will celebrate its 25th consecutive cleanup. For more information on how to volunteer, visit trashbash.org.
15. Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo
    Bring your family out on Mar. 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to “learn, explore, and discover from the experts.” Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo and Spring Fling – a free, how-to event – affords families, youth and adults, a chance to get outdoors – learn about the natural environment – recognize the significance healthy forests, trees, wildlife, and pollinators have on clean air, clean water and our overall health. This event is designed to bring experts from the natural resource professions to one location for you to ask questions and learn through live demonstrations and hands-on application. The adventure area allows little ones to participate in archery, kayaking, fishing, digging in the dirt with earthworms, make a birdhouse and more. To register for a booth space at no charge, to sign up to volunteer, or for more information, visit lonestar.edu.
16. Earth Hour
    Every year, millions of people around the world join the Earth Hour movement and switch off their lights for one hour to show support for protecting our planet and stopping climate change. This year in Southeast Texas, Earth Hour is 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Show your commitment to the planet by joining in an historic lights-out display by turning off all non-essential lights and recommit to the fight against climate change. Together, we can tackle climate change and create a future where people and nature thrive. For more information, visit earthhour.org.
17. Toothbrush Recycling at the Houston Zoo
    You can now recycle toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers and toothbrush packaging at the Houston Zoo’s Naturally Wild Swap Shop. Colgate has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a program to turn these objects into school supplies for the Kids in Need Foundation! The items they collect are used to make bags, folders and other supplies. Furthermore, if you bring your items to the Swap Shop, you will get points to spend in the shop. Please note that electric toothbrushes and battery toothbrushes are not accepted with this program. For more information, visit houstonzoo.org or call 713-533-6500.
18. Open Enrollment for Solarize Houston
    Solarize Houston is a grassroots, volunteer, non-profit group organizing Houstonians in a group purchase of solar panels and installation for residents and businesses in Houston. Solarize Houston’s mission is to increase awareness and accelerate the use of solar energy for electricity generation in Houston. Enrollment for Solarize Houston ends on April 1, 2018. Once you’re enrolled, you will be contacted by Solarize Houston volunteers with further details about the project. For more information, visit houstonrenewableenergy.org.
19. Help Scenic Texas Oppose the New TxDOT Rule
    On Feb. 22, 2018, the Texas Transportation Commission voted unanimously to double the height of approximately 20,000 existing billboards along Texas’ federally-funded roadways, effective as of Sept. 9, 2019. However, this new rule goes against thousands of Texans and their support for more scenic and safer roads. Help Scenic Texas persuade Texas State House and Senate members to support maintaining the existing billboard height of 42.5 feet. To tell your Senator and Representative about how you feel about TxDOT’s new rule, or for more information, visit scenic.org.
20. EPA Environmental Education Grants
    Under the 2018 EE Local Grant Program, 10 Requests for Proposals were issued nationally, one in each of EPA’s ten Regions.  EPA expects to award three or four grants from each of the EPA’s 10 Regional Offices for a total of approximately 30 to 35 grants nationwide. All RFPs are available on www.grants.gov, where applications must be submitted. To provide applicants with time to modify their proposals in light of the new amendments, EPA has extended the deadline until April 11, 2018.
21. Exploration Green Seeking Volunteers
    Exploration Green is in need of volunteers to help raise funds, communicate to the community about events, manage the ExplorationGreen.org website, coordinate with news media with press releases, and much more. Please contact Mike Pryor at MikePryor@gmail.com or by texting or calling (713) 480-8111 for more information.
22. Save the Date: Exploration Green Grand Opening
    Exploration Green’s Phase 1, the first section to have detention lake excavated; trees, scrubs, and grasses planted and hike and bike trails completed, is just about to be officially opened. Save the date for Exploration Green’s Grand Opening “Spring into the Green,” which will be held on April 28, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, there will be multiple shifts available to help with set-up/break-down, handing out information about the Green, guided tours, kids activities, and more. For more information, visit explorationgreen.org.
23. Bayou City Birding’s Warbler Flashcards
    Spring migration is getting underway, and with it, the passage of millions of brightly colored warblers that make the Texas Gulf Coast a prime destination for birders. Because warblers are very small and very active, it pays to study their color patterns and markings before going out into the field. The Warbler Flashcards of Bayou City Birding provide an easy method for becoming acquainted with warblers, using simple, stylized diagrams to highlight key characteristics. An introduction and four sets of Warbler Flashcards are available for download free of charge on the website of the White Oak Bayou Association at WhiteOakBayou.org. Once two more sets are added, the Warbler Flashcards will feature more than 30 species, covering all of the warblers typically spotted in Houston from March through May.
24. Beer Bottles for chemical engineering students
    Do you have pop-top glass bottles and want to recycle them? The Chemical Engineering Brew Club, affiliated with the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers – South Texas Section – at UH is looking for bottle donations. The club brews 2-3 times a semester. In addition to utilizing their technical knowledge, the club is currently preparing for a competition and other professional events, but needs bottles for their bubbles. Your donations can be dropped off at the CEC office (call first–713-524-4232) or call Hannah (CEC’s fabulous intern) at (713) 853-9474 for an off-site pickup. #cheersfortheplanet #everydayisEarthDay
25. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3 p.m. 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.
    • Goliad Experience: Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its rich cultural history. What is lesser known is the park’s vast recreational opportunities.
    • El Paso Owls: Get a bird’s-eye view of some owls that make their home in El Paso’s underground.
    • The Marine Identifier: Meet a woman who has created a massive database of marine animals. It’s all about genus, species and perseverance.

Additional Upcoming Events

http://cechouston.org/category/green-jobs/