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Houston Environmental News Update February 27, 2019
February 27, 2019

Houston Environmental News Update February 27, 2019

Toward a Better Future symposium, Earth Day Houston, Gulf Coast Water Symposium, and much more

Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis

Beginning Thursday, February 28, 2019, and continuing through March 2, Houston’s internationally renowned nondenominational Rothko Chapel and the University of St. Thomas are presenting “Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis.” The symposium will explore the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally. A central focus will be on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.

Thursday evening’s keynote address by New York Times international climate reporter Somini Sengupta is already sold out (although additional seats may open up), but Friday and Saturday offer a wide array of panel discussions, including:

  • Navigating Climate Change: An Interfaith Conversation
  • Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Mind, Body, and Spirit 
  • Exploring the Impact on  Frontline, Indigenous, and Vulnerable Communities
  • The Science, Policy, Technology, and Economics of Climate Change: Past, Present and Future
  • Young Activists Speak Out
  • Communicating Climate Change
  • Legislation and Public Policy Strategies

Mayor Sylvester Turner will give remarks on Saturday. Additionally, there will be a screening of the 2018 documentary Not Ok: A Little Movie About a  Small Glacier at the End of the World, followed by a panel discussion with professors Dominic Boyer and Cymene Howe of the Center for Energy and Environmental Research at Rice University.

To see the full schedule and to register, please visit rothkochapel.org.

CEC NOTES

Earth Day returns to Discovery Green in 2019! Sponsor Deadline March 1

Presented by Green Mountain Energy in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. The event features displays, exhibits and booths on topics ranging from alternative energy to recycling methods, a foodie farmers market, unplugged – a live music acoustic mini-festival, EarthTalks and more, all in a zero-waste footprint. This year’s event will be held on April 14 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Featuring exhibits, bands, food, speakers, and more, the 2019 celebration promises to inspire, educate, and motivate. And it supports Discovery Green’s mission of providing free events that promote a healthy environment and sustainable operations.
Haw can you be involved?

  • Exhibit! Register by March 14 to be an exhibitor at earthdayhouston.org/exhibit/. Opportunities are available for nonprofits and government agencies; small, local businesses; and corporations with a commitment to the environment. Early registration discounts through February 14, 2019.
  • Sponsor! Our sponsors range value the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and our community.Benefits include unique access to the green family market, exposure of you organization to over 10,000 festival attendees, and community stewardship and volunteer opportunities.The sponsorship deadline to be included in all promotion materials is March 1, 2019.
  • Volunteer! Opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Sign up at earthdayhouston.org/volunteer.
  • Plan to Attend! Save the date on Sunday, April 14, 2019.
Image result for a fierce green fire

Houston Green Film Series: A Fierce Green Fire
Please join CEC, the Houston Green Film Series, the Rice Media Center, and additional partners on March 20, 2019, for A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet,
the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement – grassroots and global activism spanning fifty years from conservation to climate change. Inspired by the book of the same name, the film chronicles the largest movement of the 20th century and one of the keys to the 21st. It focuses on activism, people fighting to save their homes, their lives, the future – and succeeding against all odds. (See the trailer.)

6:30 p.m. conversation, networking, and a light meal, followed by the screening at 7 p.m.. Free to the public, though donations are kindly appreciated. For more information, see the Facebook event. Sign up for information about this event and other green film news at constantcontact.com.

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

COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES

We have endeavored to confirm the events listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts.

2019 Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium

On Feb. 28, 2019, the Gulf Coast Water Efficiency Network will host its 2019 symposium, which provides water utilities with the information needed to implement successful water conservation programs, effectively engage customers, and plan for the future. The symposium will be held at the United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Flower Garden Banks Advisory Council meeting

On Feb. 28, 2019, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., a public meeting of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will take place at the sanctuary offices, 4700 Avenue U, Building 216, Galveston. Renewal of the Advisory Council Charter is a potential action item on the agenda. A public comment period will begin at 1 p.m. To join the meeting remotely by webinar, visit gotowebinar.com  For more information, visit flowergarden.noaa.gov.

Preservation Houston’s Cornerstone Dinner

On March 1, 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Preservation Houston will hold its annual Cornerstone Dinner, celebrating the talented people who are using historic preservation to make Houston a better, more interesting place to live during The Dinner will be held at the River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit preservationhouston.org.

Milby Park Cleanup

On Mar. 2, 2019, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department will host it’s monthly park cleanup at the Milby Park riparian restoration area. Come volunteer to plant trees and help clean up litter. The cleanup will be at Charles H Milby Park, 2001 Central Street. If you are planning on helping, please email Naturalresources@houstontx.gov.

Greater Houston Area STEM Conference

On March 2, 2019, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s College of Education will hold its annual STEM conference, “New Horizons and Innovations in STEM,” which brings together leading experts and researchers from around the greater Houston Area to focus on topics that impact K–12 STEM education. Educators will present what they are doing including hands-on activities, research, and programs as each relates to STEM. For more information and to register, visit uhcl.edu.


Jesse H. Jones Park NatureFest

On Mar. 2, 2019, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center will host it’s 15th annual NatureFest. Come discover local environmental organizations, outdoor activities, native plants and wildlife in this free family event. NatureFest will be held at Jesse H. Jones Park, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble. For more information, visit NatureFest.

Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo

On March 2, 2019, from 10 a.m., 4 p.m., the Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo and Spring Fling will be held at Lone Star College-Montgomery, 3200 College Park Drive, The Woodlands. This free, how-to event affords families, youth and adults a chance to get outdoors, learn about the natural environment, and recognize the significance healthy forests, trees, wildlife, and pollinators have on clean air, clean water and our overall health. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, visit lonestar.edu.

Do-it-Yourself Energy Audits for Houses of Worship

On Mar. 3, 2019, from 2-3:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host a lecture on how to administer a DIY energy audit at your house or house of worship to help lower energy costs. The lecture will be at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Dr. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

A Garden Party at Hope Farms

On March 3, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., Recipe for Success will host “A Garden Party at Hope Farms,” 10401 Scott Street, to celebrate the new Recipe for Success S.P.I.C.E. Guild. For more information and to register, visit constantcontact.com.

Registration ends for Surface Water Quality Monitoring training

On Mar. 4, 2019, registration closes for the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Course at the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The two-part course focuses on surface water quality monitoring techniques.The partial course (March 18) will cover fundamental techniques for water quality and hydrological monitoring. The full course (March 18-21) will cover additional techniques and protocols. For more information and to register, visit uhcl.edu. 

“Reflecting on Practice” coaching workshop

Reflecting on PracticeTM is a professional learning program that immerses novice and experienced science educators in informal environments in discussions about, reflections on, and applications of research and theory in learning and teaching science. The ideas and tasks in the program create and strengthen a shared knowledge base and professional language among educators within an institution. It makes public the practices of all educators through greater understanding of, and reflections on, their beliefs, goals, and actions. The workshop will be held from Mar. 5-7, 2019, at the Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive. For more information, visit missionaransas.org.

Bay Area Storm Surge Food Forum

On March 7, 2019, from 7-8 p.m., a Bay Area Storm Surge Flood Forum will be held at the Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park, 5002 NASA Parkway. The forum will discuss the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers $32 billion coastal dike and gate plans, schedules, issues and alternatives. Speakers will include include a Corps of Engineers representative, Jim Blackburn of Rice University’s SSPEED Center, Galveston Bay Foundation executive director Bob Stokes and other organizations making presentations and answering questions. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act information session

On March 8, 2019, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Texas Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host an information session on the proposed
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act at the United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive. The session will cover the need for, and benefits of this bipartisan legislation, specific benefits to the Greater Houston area, 2018 Texas successes, and ways the public can get involved. Space is limited, so please RSVP by sending an email to info@txwildlifealliance.org.

47th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

On March 9, 2019, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., the 47th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta will be held. starting at 7700 San Felipe (west of Voss Road) and ending up at downtown’s Allen’s Landing. The awards ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. For more information, visit buffalobayou.org.

High Island Volunteering with Houston Audubon

On March 9, 2019, from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Houston Audubon will host a volunteer coastal restoration workday at High Island in Chambers County. A lunch will be provided. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Delores Fenwick Nature Center Grand Opening

On March 9, 2019, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., the City of Pearland Parks & Recreation Department and Keep Pearland Beautiful will hold the Grand Opening of the Delores Fenwick Nature Center, a hands-on setting for environmental education and training programs. The event will feature the Jamison Middle School Nature Art Show, “Birds of Prey” presented by Wild Bird Unlimited, and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event. There will also be a paid “Sneak Peek” on Friday, March 9, 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit constantcontact.com.

Reinventing Cities Open House

On March 9, 2019, from 3-4 p.m., the City of Houston’s Sustainability Office will host an open house to inform the public about the two sites – Sunnyside’s Holmes Road Landfill and East Buffalo Bayou’s Velasco Street Incinerator Site – chosen for C40’s Reinventing Cities competition. The event will be held in the Legacy Room of Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby Street. For more information and to RSVP, visit greenhoustontx.gov.

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.

  • An Austin man passes on hunting, fishing traditions to his sons
  • Take a dog hike at Franklin Mountains State Park
  • Unexpected birding “hotspots”

Additional Upcoming Events

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