Houston Environmental News Update April 18, 2018

Please join us at Earth Day Houston on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from noon-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.

• Over eighty exhibitors and a foodie farmers market with dozens of vendors.
• Earth Talks: Short, engaging talks from local experts about compelling environmental issues. Speakers include Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, tropical disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez, plastic pollution youth advocates Caolin and Lila, sustainable clothing design house Magpies & Peacocks, NASA, HARC’s Lisa Gonzalez, and more.
• Compost, recyclables, and trash: Volunteer recycling ambassadors will help visitors make wise disposal choices. While Earth Day Houston 2018 won’t be a zero-waste event, we are setting a baseline for future events by tracking and weighing all garbage destined for the landfill–and measuring waste being diverted for recycling and composting.
• Make a difference: You will be challenged to make commitments to protecting and improving our environment. And if doing good isn’t enough, we’ll have prizes.
• Acoustic music and pop-up activities: live animal and plant demonstrations, story time, an electric car petting zoo, recycling superheroes, and functioning solar panels.
• Alternative transportation: bike rides, a bike valet, and Metro passes will be available.

Please email earthday@cechouston.org with any questions. We’ll send a special email on Friday with event more information.

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CEC NOTES

Paid & Volunteer Internships with CEC Houston
CEC hopes to hire several volunteer interns this summer, with meaningful work, a mentorship program, field trips, flexible hours, and a constant supply of chocolate. If you or someone you know is interested, please send a resume to rachel@cechouston.org, and await a response after Earth Day. We’ve also been notified that we will be able to hire paid interns through the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth Program; Houston youth can apply at http://hirehoustonyouth.org/.

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Support Earthshare of Texas, CEC, others at H-E-B
Throughout April, remember to give $1, $3, or $5 to EarthShare of Texas when you shop at any H-E-B or Central Market. 100% of those funds go to the 42 environmental charities-including CEC and many of our member organizations-that belong to EarthShare of Texas. Through this partnership H-E-B and its customers have donated almost $1 million to EarthShare of Texas. Help us make that $1 million mark this year.

CEC is a big fan of H-E-B’s environmental initiatives relating to transportation emission reductions; green building; seafood sustainability; recycling, composting, and waste reduction; and ongoing support for environmental partners.

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Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a green job listing.

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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. 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. Meetings are scheduled throughout the region through April 26, 2018. For more information, visit 2045rtp.com. Upcoming meetings:

• 4/19/18 – Harris County Public Meeting, Houston METRO
• 4/24/18 – Galveston County Public Meeting, Helen Hall Public Library
• 4/26/18 –  Harris County Public Meeting, H-GAC
• 5/1/18 – Harris County Public Meeting, Baytown Community Center
• “My Water Pledge” Challenge
  The 7th Annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is underway. Do your part this Earth Month by going to MyWaterPledge.com and make your pledge to conserve water and energy on behalf of your city. The Wyland Foundation is giving away more than $50,000 in prizes to a deserving charity and $5,000 toward home utilities
• Sims Bayou Greenway Groundbreaking Celebration
  On April 19, 2018 at 10 a.m., join us as we celebrate the next phase of Sims Bayou Greenway. When complete, Sims Bayou Greenway will be about 20 miles long and will connect communities to parks and nature along the way. Sims Bayou is one of eight bayous being transformed through Bayou Greenways 2020, a city-wide project to complete a 150-mile network of parks and trails along Houston’s major bayous. For more information, visit houstonparksboard.org.
• “Pongos Helping Pongos” at Houston Zoo
  “Pongo” is the genus name for the orangutan we all know and love. Pongos Helping Pongos, an art event dedicated to saving animals in the wild, will be held April 19, 2018, from 6-9 p.m. View and bid on original artwork created by orangutans, elephants, clouded leopards and more. All proceeds go toward helping save wild pongos and other animals in their natural habitats.  For more information and to register, visit houstonzoo.org.
• Climate Change and Polar Science Lecture
  The Columbia Alumni Association of Houston and the University of Houston Law Center will present Dr. Marco Tedesco of the Cryopheric Processes Laboratory at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in a talk entitled “Melting Ice Sheets and Sea Level Rise: Processes, Estimates and Future Projections” on April 19, 2018 beginning at 6 p.m. at the UH Law Center, 4604 Calhoun Road. The event is free but RSVP’s are encouraged at houston.alumni.columbia.edu.
• “Chasing Choral” screening and panel discussion
  On April 19, 2018, from 6-9 p.m., the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will host a free screening of the documentary “Chasing Coral,” followed by a discussion of coral bleaching, at College of the Mainland’s Learning Resources Auditorium, 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City. For more information, call 409-933-8575.
• “Unstable Ground: Climate Change, Conflict, and Genocide”
  Join Holocaust Museum Houston for the fourth lecture of the Spring 2018 Public Lecture Series, by Dr. Alex Alvarez, professor of criminology and criminal justice at Northern Arizona University, on April 19, 2018, from 6:30-8 p.m. at HMH’s temporary location at 9220 Kirby Drive, Ste. 100. The talk will examine risk factors for violent conflict brought by climate-induced stress, especially around resources, population displacement and borders. The lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and advance registration is requested. To RSVP online, visit hmh.org.
• “Deep Resilience” lecture at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
  On April 19, 2018, beginning at 6:45 p.m., the Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston Chapter will host its monthly meeting, including a presentation by Texas A&M Prof. John Jacob, Ph.D., director of Texas Community Watershed Partners, called “Deep Resilience: Learning the Song of Our Land,” at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. For more information (including new parking directions to the Arboretum) visit npsot.org.
• “Saving Wildlife: From Houston to Borneo” with Houston Zoo on KPRC-TV
  On April 19, 2018, at 7 p.m. KPRC-TV Channel 2 will air a one-hour special, “Saving Wildlife: From Houston to Borneo,” documenting the work of Houston Zoo conservation associates in protecting elephants, orangutans, pangolins and other species on the Southeast Asian island from extinction. For more information about the program, visit houstonzoo.org.
• The Progressive Forum presents climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe
  The Progressive Forum presents Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, in a talk entitled “Mitigate and Adapt – Or Suffer: Planning for Climate Resilience in Houston’s Post-Harvey World” on April 19, 2018 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation El Emanuel, 1500 Sunset Blvd. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit progressiveforumhouston.org.
• Galveston FeatherFest
  The 16th Annual Galveston Feather Fest runs April 19-22. The event offers four days of excellent birding and nature photography workshops and field trips, topped off with evening social events. It also includes opportunities to meet some of the top naturalists in the country. The festival headquarters is on the campus of UTMB’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in the Island Community Center, 4700 Broadway. For more information and to register, visit galvestonfeatherfest.com.
• “Party for the Planet” at Houston Zoo
  On April 20-21, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., join Houston Zoo for a “Party for the Planet” to celebrate the Earth and its wonderful inhabitants. We will have plenty of activities, crafts, music and more to make this Earth Day memorable and teach you how to protect animals big and small. For more information, visit houstonzoo.org.
• Beautify the Bucket competition
  The Beautify the Bucket Competition allows participants to take an active role in beautifying Galveston beaches and improving stewardship behaviors. Participants in the competition paint a blue trash barrel destined for Galveston beaches based on a theme: ocean organisms, marine debris, coastal and marine ecosystems, or Galveston recreational activities. Judging for this year’s competition will take place on April 21, 2018, from 8 a.m.-noon at the Spring Adopt-A-Beach event at Galveston’s Menard Park. For more information, visit artistboat.org.
• Texas Adopt-A-Beach 2018
  The Texas General Land Office is hosting the Texas Adopt-A-Beach 2018 Coastwide Spring Cleanup on April 21, 2018, from 9 a.m.-noon, at beaches throughout the Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, including a listing of participating beaches, visit glo.texas.gov.
• Jones Park BioBlitz
  Join park staff and volunteers on April 21, 2018, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., for a day of surveying the park to document as many plants and animals as we can in one day. The event is geared for ages 10 and up. Reservation are required by calling 281-446-8588. For more information, visit the Facebook event.
• Bay Day Festival at Kemah Boardwalk
  The Galveston Bay Foundation hosts Bay Day 2018 on April 21, 2018, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Kemah Boardwalk. The free event includes bay-themed arts and crafts, live animal demonstrations and touch tanks, a scavenger hunt, science and marine exhibits, live music, and more. For more information, visit galvbay.org.
• Earth Day at Kleb Woods Nature Center
  Celebrate Earth Day at Kleb Woods Nature Center in Tomball on April 21, 2018 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with DIY Earth-friendly activities like growing seedlings in egg cartons, making eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and creating t-shirt tote bags. Learn about rainwater catchment systems, and hear a talk about wiggler worms and make a mini-vermicompost bin! There will also be native plant walks, blacksmith demonstrations, and tours of the Kleb farm house.For more information, call 281-357-5324 or visit pct3.com.
• Texas Game Wardens’ Spring Outdoor Celebration
  On April 21, 2018, from noon-5 p.m., Texas Game Wardens will host their third annual Spring Outdoor Celebration at Mont Belvieu City Park, 10900 Eagle Drive. Participation in all activities is free. Activities include archery, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, door prizes, and more. For more information, see the Facebook event.
• Armand Bayou Nature Center’s “Party for the Planet” Dinner
  On April 21, 2018 beginning at 6 p.m., join the Armand Bayou Nature Center‘s Board of Trustees for its annual fundraising dinner and celebration, “Party for the Planet,” at the Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd. The event includes a catered dinner, live music, dancing, charitable auctions and games. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit abnc.auctionperfect.org.
• Migration Celebration at San Bernard National Widlife Refuge
  The San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in Brazoria County is hosting its annual Migration Celebration, a family nature festival, on April 21-22. The festival includes a full array of activities, tours, a photo contest, exhibitors, a marketplace, a kick-off dinner and more. For more information, visit migrationcelebration.org.
• Willow Waterhole MusicFEST 2018
  The Willow Waterhole Greenway hosts its sixth annul MusicFest, featuring a diverse line-up of professional musicians and school bands, an Artists Village and more, on April 21-22. For more information, including the full roster of acts, please visit willowwaterhole.org.
• Green Building Resource Center hosts “Zero Waste: Really?”
  On April 25, 2018, from 6-8 p.m., the City of Houston’s Green Building Resource Center will host a discussion called “Zero Waste: Really?” featuring a panel of local experts on various aspects of reducing waste. The discussion is free and open to the public. For more information, visit codegreenhouston.org.
• Rice Design Alliance Civic Forum 2018: What’s the Plan?
  On April 25, 2018, from 6-8 p.m., Rice Design Alliance’s Civic Forum 2018 will host leading national and international figures in a discussion of Houston’s post-Harvey urban future. What’s the Plan? will address the current situation from a multidisciplinary perspective and analyze the importance of looking at the challenges ahead through the lens of design-oriented solutions. For more information and to register, visit ricedesignalliance.org.
• Buffalo Bayou Partnership East Sector Community Meeting
  Buffalo Bayou Partnership is developing plans to transform the 5-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin. On April 25, 2018, from 6-8:30 p.m., BPP will host a second community meeting to present the first draft of Buffalo Bayou’s East Sector Area-wide Plan. For more information and to RSVP, visit buffalobayou.org.
• Turtles on the Prairie
  On April 25, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., the Houston Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas hosts research ecologist Eric C. Munscher, research ecologist with SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA), who will discuss the important role turtles play in the region’s prairie ecosytem. For more information, visit houstonprairie.org.
• iNaturalist City Nature Challenge 2018: Houston
  Join Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and many others in a fun challenge to see which city can document the most species April 27-30, 2018. With the iNaturalist app, you just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the community will help identify which species it is. Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of Houston will count during the challenge. For more information and to download the app, visit inaturalist.org.
• Hermann Park Conservancy’s “Evening in the Park”
  The Hermann Park Conservancy’s annual gala, “Evening in the Park”, will be held April 27, 2018, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This annual spring fundraising event helps the Conservancy continue to improve and maintain Hermann Park through daily volunteer and stewardship programs. For more information, please visit hermannpark.org.
• World Migratory Bird Day at Armand Bayou Nature Center
  Please visit the Armand Bayou Nature Center on April 28, 2018, from 7-9 a.m., as we join forces with Environment for the Americas, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Houston Zoo for a celebration of one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird – its journey between breeding and non-breeding grounds. A separate day of family activities will be held on April 29 from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit abnc.org.
• Exploration Green Grand Opening
  Clear Lake City’s Exploration Green’s Phase 1 will host its official grand opening, “Spring into the Green,” 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 on upcoming orientations, visit explorationgreen.org.
• Pearland Earth Day Celebration
  On April 28, 2018, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the City of Pearland in partnership with Keep Pearland Beautiful will host the city’s 22nd annual Earth Day Celebration at Southdown Park, 2150 Countryplace Parkway. The event provides families with the opportunity to participate in educational activities teaching them about recycling, conservation, and environmental citizenship. For more information, visit pearlandtx.gov.
• Spring Fling at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary
  Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s Spring Fling is an opportunity to see and celebrate the return of migratory songbirds as they arrive at stopover habitat along the Teas Gulf Coast. Spring Fling is taking place at the Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary daily through May 6 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit gcbo.org.
• Audubon Texas Honors Three Area Women with 2018 Terry Hershey Awards
  During Audubon Texas’ annual Texas Women in Conservation Luncheon On March 29, three area women were honored with 2018 Terry Hershey Awards. The awardees, who were recognized for their years of dedicated service in the cause of conservation, are Claire Caudill (Memorial Park Conservancy), Maxine Johnston (Big Thicket National Preserve), and Linda Shead (Shead Conservation Solutions).  Read more about the award and this year’s recipients at tx.audubon.org.
• 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.
  • Invertebrate biologist
  • Bird calls on the radio
  • Preparing for hunting season

Additional Upcoming Events

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