Houston Environmental News Update March 21, 2018

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.

Houston Green Film Series: “Disobedience” – April 18, 2018
Climate change is real, and it’s up to the will of the people to reverse its adverse effects. This is the argument that drives Disobedience, produced by the activist organization 350.org. Disobedience introduces us to inspiring groups of people who are advocating for a better way of life for their families, their communities and their planet. For a closer look, watch the trailer. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local activists who will talk about whether, when, and how civil disobedience relating to environmental issues is appropriate for Houston. April 18, 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.

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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Thursday, 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.
4. H-GAC 2045 Regional Transportation Plan Public Meetings
   Our economy depends on a safe and reliable transportation system. Are we taking the right steps today to ensure a better tomorrow? Join us for a public meeting. We are eager to hear your thoughts about how to improve our current system and prepare for the years ahead. What are your transportation priorities? Get involved with the RTP today, and share your ideas about the future of transportation. Meetings are scheduled throughout the region through April 26, 2018. For more information, visit 2045rtp.com. Upcoming meetings:
   • 3/22/18 – Harris County Public Meeting, Alief Community Center
   • 3/28/18 – Fort Bend County Public Meeting, Sugar Land City Hall
   • 3/29/18 – Harris County Public Meeting, Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center
5. Citizens’ Transportation Coalition March Meeting and Board Elections
   On Thursday, March 22, 2018, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Citizens’ Transportation Coalition will will discuss mass transit Issues and the Greater Houston Regional Transportation Plan and members will elect the 2018 CTC Board. The meeting will be held at Central Market, 3815 Westheimer Rd. For more information, visit ctchouston.org.
6. 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.
7. 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 Saturday, 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.
8. 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 Saturday, March 24, 2018, Trash Bash will celebrate its 25th consecutive cleanup. For more information on how to volunteer, visit trashbash.org.
9. Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo
   Bring your family out on Saturday, March 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.
10. Exploration Green Nature Park wetland planting events
    Wetland planting events are coming up at Exploration Green Nature Park in Clear Lake City on five Saturdays this spring: March 24, April 14 and 21, and May 5 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The wetland we are planting in the newest portion of the lake at Exploration Green will cleanse stormwater and provide habitat for birds and aquatic animals. All are welcome to take part in expanding the wetland we’ve been growing and planting with community, going on the third year. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and muddy. Tools will be provided. Children are welcome to participate with family members. Parking is at 16203 Diana Ln, Houston 77062. Have fun while helping to improve water quality and create habitat! For more information, visit explorationgreen.org.
11. 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.
12. Fifth Annual Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival
    Experience the fifth annual Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival on Sunday, March 25, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On this day, thousands of Houstonians from every part of the city converge on Miller Hill to fly kites of all shapes and colors. This free festival offers entertainment, interactive activities and crafts in the H-E-B Kids’ Zone, friendly kite flying, face painting, food trucks, and much more. Kite Festival is rain or shine. Visit bikehouston.org to volunteer as a bike valet. For other ways to get involved, visit hermannpark.org.
    
13. Texas Campaign for the Environment Annual Meeting and Toxic Tour
    The Texas Campaign for the Environment invites all to attend its Annual Meeting, a potluck lunch, on Sunday, March 25, 2018, beginning at 1 p.m. at the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington Ave. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about TCE’s victories, discuss environmental advocacy in the Houston region, and meet TCE staff in the Houston office, as well as staff from our Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth offices. The event will feature speakers Dr. Robert Bullard, professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University, and Yvette Arellano, research and policy advocate with Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.). Prior to the meeting, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., t.e.j.a.s. is offering a tour of local communities affected by polluting facilities and toxic sites. Participates will meet at the GBRC at 8:30 a.m. For more information and to RSVP for the tour, visit texasenvironment.org.
14.  League of Women Voters – Houston Annual Repast
    Since 2002, the League has honored distinguished individuals at its annual Repast luncheon. The honorees for Repast 2018 are Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, Council Member Karla Cisneros, Council Member Amanda Edwards, and Council Member Brenda Stardig. Repast 2018 will take place on Monday, March 26, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Junior League of Houston. The luncheon will feature an illuminating conversation between remarkable women, hosted by Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
15. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. presents HARC’s Lisa Gonzalez
    On March 27, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m. at HARC, 8801 Gosling Road, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will present HARC President/CEO Lisa Gonzalez in a talk entitled “After the Storm: Infrastructure Resilience Needs a Modern Touch.” Gonzalez will discuss how adoption of resilience and adaptation strategies requires a new way of thinking, regional coordination on a number of levels, and development of new funding mechanisms. Attendees will also learn about the many “green” features of HARC’s new building, currently the only LEED Platinum facility in the Woodlands, with energy saving solar and geothermal systems along with many other extensive low impact development features.This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.
16. Green Materials: How Do You Know What’s Good?
    Materials really do matter to the health of occupants and the environment, but the ingredients are not easy to discern. With tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals in building products, how many are toxic? How much data is available regarding life-cycle assessments and embodied energy, and the manufacturing process regarding byproducts, pollution, and transportation? On March 28, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., panelists Josh Jacobs and Donna Kacmar, FAIA, will discuss gathering information for the building industry in an attempt to facilitate intelligent deployment for a better-built environment. This educational seminar is free and open to the public. For more information, visit codegreenhouston.org.
17. “Happening” screening and panel discussion
    On March 28, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., UH Energy hosts a free screening of the documentary “Happening,” in which filmmaker James Redford explores the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the U.S. Reaching well beyond a story of technology and innovation, “Happening” explores issues of human resilience, social justice, embracing the future, and finding hope for our survival. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the film’s contributors. For more information and to RSVP, visit eventbrite.com.
18. Greens Bayou Coalition 2018 Annual “Beyond the Bayou” Luncheon
    Please join us as we honor volunteers, report on Greens Bayou watershed activities of 2017 and celebrate all of last year’s accomplishments! There will be a plated lunch, annual report, and a keynote address by Russ Poppe, Executive Director of Harris County Flood Control District. The event will be held March 29, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greer and Lowdermilk Conference Center, 4225 Interwood North Parkway. For more information and to register, visit greensbayou.org.
19. Texas Women in Conservation Luncheon and Terry Hershey Awards
    On Thursday, March 29, 2018. from noon to 1:30 p.m., Audubon Texas will host the Texas Women in Conversation Luncheon and Terry Hershey Awards at the Junior League of Houston. This year’s award recipients are Maxine Johnston, Claire Caudill and Linda Shead. For more information and registration, visit Audubon Texas.
20. Future of Leadership Luncheon
    Join Center for Houston’s Future in honoring civic leadership across the Houston region on March 29, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Hilton Americas for the 2018 Future of Leadership Luncheon! We’ll also be exploring resilience in the arts community with Dean Gladden, Managing Director of the Alley Theatre; Perryn Leech, Managing Director of Houston Grand Opera; and Hillary Hart, Executive Director of TUTS. These leaders of three eminent arts institutions were significantly impacted by Hurricane Harvey and will discuss the challenges they’re overcoming as they build for the future. The Center’s 15th annual Eugene H. Vaughan Civic Leadership Award will be presented to Andrea and Bill White, for their long-term legacy of open-handed, open-hearted, leadership. For more information and to RSVP, visit centerforhoustonsfuturedev.org.
21. Deadline: Scenic City Certification Program
    The mission of the Scenic City Certification Program is to support and recognize Texas municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces. The Scenic City Certification Program provides a proven, highly-regarded tool to Texas cities for assessment, evaluation and recognition of infrastructure standards.  Any Texas city may apply to the program for an objective, points based review of existing municipal infrastructure ordinances.  Every application receives a score sheet evaluation; cities that score at the upper level and demonstrate  a landscaping/tree planting program, on-premise sign regulations and prohibition of new billboards may earn Certified Scenic City designation. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information and to apply, visit sceniccitycertification.org.
22. Deadline: Lionfish Invitational Application
    In recent years, lionfish derbies have served to raise awareness of the invasive lionfish problem and remove large quantities of lionfish throughout the tropical western Atlantic. Unfortunately, a one-day dive/snorkel event is not practical for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary due to the remote location and the depth of the reefs. As an alternative, the sanctuary hosts the Lionfish Invitational, a four-day event. The sanctuary has scheduled two trips for the 2018 season: June 24-28 and Aug. 26-30, 2018. Applications for these trips are now available and must be submitted by Mar. 31, 2018. For more information, visit flowergarden.noaa.gov.
23. Deadline: Great Texas Birding Classic Registration
    Join this fun, friendly, bird-watching competition. There are tournament categories for all ages and skill levels, so select the one that works best for you. With the new month-long format (April 15 – May 15 each year), participants may participate in more than one category and/or in the same category for multiple regions. The registration deadline is April 1, 2018. For more information, visit tpwd.texas.gov.
24. Open Enrollment for Solarize Houston
    Solarize Houston is a grassroots, volunteer, nonprofit 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.
25. Volunteers Needed: Restoration of the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve
    Artist Boat is looking for local volunteer groups (classes of students, scouting troops, corporate team building groups, and more) to help restore Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve. Over the next year, Artist Boat will be giving an ecological tune-up to their 600-acre Preserve by preparing and planting eight acres of native prairie grasses throughout sections of the land. They will also be removing invasive species from the Preserve and installing an eco-friendly fence line around the property. These are great service learning opportunities for any groups passionate about environmental stewardship or who are just looking to get outside for a few hours and do some good for the community. For more information, please contact their Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager, Mary Warwick, at stewardship@artistboat.org or at (409) 770-0722, or visit artistboat.org.
    
26. 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.
27. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary’s Research and Monitoring Report 2017
    The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary’s research team was involved in 19 research cruises and expeditions during the 2017 field season, including the use of R/V MANTA for 51 days. During the course of these expeditions, 28 NOAA divers, scientists and reciprocity divers completed 665 dives. Research activities included biological surveys and sample collection, response to Hurricane Harvey, continued response to the 2016 mortality and bleaching event, removal of invasive species, image collection, guardian mask training, hydraulic drilling training, and dive safety training. Twelve sanctuary permits were processed, and an additional nine are ongoing. Learn more about what the sanctuary accomplished at flowergarden.noaa.gov.
28. Let Recipe for Success Help You Promote Wellness at Work
    Recipe for Success offers a range of fun, effective Worksite Wellness programs for companies and organizations interested in supporting their colleagues’ health goals. Their professional chefs can come to you, or your team (up to 24) can visit their RecipeHouse. Recipe for Success customizes each program to offer simple, healthy and flavorful alternatives for everything from desk lunches to fast family meals, along with tips on how to “healthify” eating habits. For more information, visit recipe4success.org.
29. 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.
    • Successful efforts to restore the Eastern Wild Turkey to Texas
    • Bats make their seasonal home in Old Tunnel State Park
    • Biologists help return the Guadalupe Bass to the South Llano River

Additional Upcoming Events

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