CEC NOTES

At the end of 2017, we asked you, our readers, to let us know what you see as issues or events of importance to the greater Houston region’s environmental community for 2018. This is what you told us:

• Resiliency
• Flood mitigation and management
• Air quality
• Toxic chemical storage and flooding
• Improved public transport
• Land conservation as preserves, esp. prairies
• Stopping new fossil fuel infrastructure from being built
• Putting a price on carbon pollution.
• Regulations reducing the use and disposal of plastics
• Earth Day
• Emerson UU Renewable Congregations Campaign

As a community, are we making progress on these items? Have other environmental accomplishments, controversies, issues, news, or events emerged as significant for the greater Houston region? Let us know what you think

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.

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.

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. Mayor Sylvester Turner on the “State of Mobility”
   On May 24, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Transportation Advocacy Group – Houston Region will host Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in his annual “State of Mobility” address at The Houstonian Hotel, 111 N. Post Oak Lane. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
2. Gong Green Lecture:  Regional Water Planning
   On May 24, 2018, beginning at 7 p.m., The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will host a free Going Green Sustainability Lecture titled “Regional Water Planning; What Is It And Why Is It Important To Me?” at the offices of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), 8801 Gosling Road. Jason Afinowicz, P.E., an associate and project manager with the engineering firm Freese and Nichols, who is managing the development of the Region H long-range water plan, will be the guest speaker. For more information, visit thewoodlandsgreen.org.
3. Artist Boat offers free Bucket Brigade tours through July
   Beginning Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the end of July, Artist Boat is offering free Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours at Galveston’s Stewart Beach. Participants will explore the creatures and features that make Galveston beaches unique. Several tours, which are limited to 20 people each, will be held each day. For more information and to register, visit artistboat.org.
4. SPARK Park dedications
   The SPARK School Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds throughout the Houston/Harris County area. In the coming days, there are several openings planned for new Spark Parks around the area. For more information, visit sparkpark.org.
   • Dunn Elementary, Aldine ISD, May 29
   • Ashford Elementary, HISD, May 31
   • Woodview Elementary, Spring Branch ISD, May 31
   • Raul Yzaguirre School for Success, June 1. .
5. “Gulf TREE” webinar
   On May 30, 2018, beginning at 2 p.m., the Gulf of Mexico Alliance is offering a free webinar on Gulf TREE (www.gulftree.org), a new decision support search engine designed to help stakeholders confidently identify the best resilience tool for their individual needs. For more information and to register, visit gulfofmexicoalliance.org.
6. Pearland Youth Environmental Council accepting applications through May 31
   Students entering their sophomore, junior and senior year of high school at one of the four Pearland area high schools are invited to apply to be a part of Pearland’s Youth Environmental Council. YEC members will work with Keep Pearland Beautiful staff to prepare and lead presentations for scouts, elementary, and middle school students. They may also volunteer at exhibits and outreach events or work behind the scenes with KPB event preparation. Field trips may also be arranged to teach YEC members about water surface treatment plants, recycling, litter prevention, clean water, sustainability, reforestation, and other “green” programs. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2018. For more information, visit keeppearlandbeautiful.org.
7. Gulf Coast Green
   On June 1, 2018, the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will host the Gulf Coast Green 2018 Symposium and EXPOnential at the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University, bringing like-minded green building professionals together to experience next-generation sustainable and resilient building solutions. This year’s theme is “RESILIENCE: Beyond Recovery.” For more information (including a full list of speakers) and to register, visit aiahouston.org.
8. Spring Creek Nature Trail Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
   On June 1, 2018, from 9-10 a.m., the Bayou Land Conservancy will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, 13-mile Spring Creek Nature Trail, at 1118 Pruitt Road, The Woodlands. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP to cwilson@bayouland.org. For more information, visit bayoulandconservancy.org.
9. “Long-Term Economic Recovery and Resilience” workshop
   On June 1, 2018, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will host a workshop on “Long-Term Economic Recovery and Resilience,” designed to connect local governments and communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey with resource agencies. Representatives from numerous federal and state agencies will be on hand at the workshop, which will be held at the H-GAC offices, 3555 Timmons Lane. Lunch will be provided. For more information and to register, visit constantcontact.com.
10. “Exploring the Deep Ocean with NOAA” educators workshop
    Educators for grades 6-12 are invited to join National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) staff to learn more about the importance of ocean exploration, current exploration technologies, and recent deep-sea discoveries during a day-long workshop on June 23, 2018 at the Texas State Aquarium in San Antonio. Registration (deadline June 1) is required and space is limited. For more information, see the flyer or visit oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.
11. Public Meeting for Coastal Heritage Preserve
    On June 2, 2018, from 9-10:30 a.m., Artist Boat will share the full vision for the Coastal Heritage Preserve and the Gulf Coast Educational Center.  Artist Boat will present the public education and access plan, habitat management plan, and accomplishments to date of the Coastal Heritage Preserve.  Learn more about the status of the remaining acreage of Marquette and Anchor Bay still at stake for future development. The meeting will take place at Galveston Country Club, 14228 Stewart Road. A light breakfast will be served. RSVP to Candace Jones, executiveassistant@artistboat.org or 409-770-0722.
12. Free Family Fishing Day at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge
    On June 2, 2018, from 9-11 a.m., Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Trinity River Refuge will host the annual “Free Family Fishing Day”  at the Champion Lake Public Use Area.  It is the one day in the state of Texas that anyone can fish or crab without a license on public waters.  Fishing poles and bait will be provided for those who need it along with experienced fishermen who can help children with baiting hooks and casting techniques. All ages are invited to this free event. Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County. This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton from Highway 90 or about 6 miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565). Call the Refuge office at 936/336-9786 for more information. 
13. “Flooding in Southeast Texas: The Science Behind the Floods” conference
    From June 6-7, 2018, the Houston Geological Society is coordinating an in-depth workshop on flooding in Southeast Texas, an opportunity for stakeholders including homeowners, environmental professionals, businesses, and citizen groups to learn technical background on key issues such as storms, climate, hydrology, flooding, and flood mitigation techniques. The conference will include speakers from area governments, academia, and industry. The $200 cost includes registration, meals and coffee, and 16 professional development hours. For more information (including a full schedule) and to register, visit. hgs.org.
14. Texas Wildlife Association offers summer programs
    The Texas Wildlife Association is a statewide membership organization that serves Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources. It offers several summer programs, including youth educational programs, educator workshops, interpretive wildlife presentations, distance learning opportunities, and more. For more information, visit texas-wildlife.org.
15. Woodlands Park named a 2018 Lone Star Legacy Park
    The Texas Recreation and Parks Society recently named Woodland Park in the Woodland Heights as a 2018 Lone Star Legacy Park. According to the Society, “A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. These parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played, and rested on their grounds. A designation as a Lone Star Legacy is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park.”
16. Houston ranks 77th in ParkScore rankings of U.S. cities
    In The Trust for Public Land’s just-released ParkScore 2018 rankings of the 100 largest U.S. cities, Houston ranked 77th with a score of 37.5. According to the site, Houston has 66,848 acres of park acreage, serving 35 people per acre. Other Texas cities’ rankings/scores: Austin (42nd, 53.4), Dallas (49th, 48.9), Corpus Christi (61st, 44.3), Arlington (63rd, 43.1), San Antonio (67th, 42.0), Garland (72nd, 39.7), El Paso (78th, 37.2), Fort Worth (82nd, 35.2), Irving (82nd, 35.2), Lubbock (89th, 33.5), Laredo (93rd, 31.5). See the site’s methodology.
17. Air Alliance Houston invites you to sign the One Breath Partnership petition
    Hurricane Harvey unleashed a second storm of air pollution in Texas. By industry’s own estimates, millions of pounds of harmful chemicals escaped into the air during and after the storm. Air Alliance Houston and the other members of the One Breath Partnership invite you to call on Gov. Greg Abbott to protect Texans from unhealthy air pollution. Find the petition here.
18. Turtle Island Restoration Network seeks to protect deep-sea coral
    The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering protection of deep-sea coral at 15 spots from Texas to Florida. Areas once inaccessible to scientists have proven to have numerous fragile deep-sea coral communities in the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous marine species utilize the deep-sea coral for shelter, feeding grounds and nurseries. The Turtle Island Restoration Network asks you to sign its petition supporting “Coral Amendment 9” and other protections. See the petition here.
19. 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.
    • Sinking structures and seeding plants for better fishing
    • Restoring lost coastal dunes
    • Returning wild turkey to Harris Ranch

Additional Upcoming Events

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