Houston Environmental News Update November 4, 2020
Results from our scary poll (no waiting). Warblers: masked marvels, undercover, 64 box crayon, and more. Environmental Educators Meet-Ups, Climatetech Summit, CAST Reimagined, Texas Arbor Day, Folks ‘N Oysters, Green Jobs, and more
Last week, we asked you what was scariest: an evil pumpkin, the election, people who can but don’t vote, or 2020. “People who can but don’t vote” had the majority of votes on the day of, but mail-in ballots are still being considered.
In all of the election hype, you might have forgotten that today the U.S. has become the only country to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Scary.
In case you have seen enough red and blue, we bring you… yellow. Cute little warblers that you might be lucky enough to spot in Texas if you go looking. Does warbler identification trouble you? You are in luck, because volunteers from the White Oak Bayou Association have put together beautiful Warbler ‘Zines (mini-magazines), and have supplemented them with a warbler song cheat sheet, a two-sided warbler cheat sheet, and a series of seven sets of warbler flash cards:
- Warbler Flashcards #1: Yellow below with a light tail
- Warbler Flashcards #2: Yellow below with a dark tail
- Warbler Flashcards #3: Masked marvel warblers
- Warbler Flashcards #4: Black-throated warblers
- Warbler Flashcards #5: 64 box crayon warblers
- Warbler Flashcards #6: Undercover warblers
- Warbler Flashcards #7: Rare in Houston warblers
White Oak Bayou Association has resources for many birds, including sparrows, at whiteoakbayou.org. They are also hosting their annual meeting on Tue., Nov. 10, 2020.
Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.
CEC NOTES
Virtually Wild! Field Trips
CEC is excited to partner with Houston Community Partnerships & Engagement and the National Park Foundation to deliver Virtually WILD! Join Student Conservation Association intern Emma Wilson every Tuesday and Urban Ranger Felice Yarbough every Wednesday from a different regional location. Meet the wildlife that live there, and the people working to protect them. Corresponding activities and videos for students, as well as a full schedule, are available at hereinhouston.org. Here’s one example:
Wild About Houston Green Film Festival Night 2: Nov. 18, 2020
The CEC is proud to host the third annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival. The virtual festival will tell the story of local environmental issues, their champions and how you can make a difference. This year, the number and quality of film submissions was so great that CEC will host two nights of programming. The second night will be November 18, 2020, with a whole new lineup of films. A few of the best local films will be shown at the January 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour. Tune in to the live program to vote for your favorite film, or register to receive a link to watch the on-demand program later. And if you choose, you can purchase a Vegan Seasonal Sampler Meal for Four from Pat Greer’s Kitchen (see video) to accompany the festival. Register at eventbrite.com. If you are interested in sponsorship, visit cechouston.org.
Environmental Educators Virtual Meet-Ups
Environmental educators (EEvengers) are invited to connect, collaborate and share in these upcoming meet-ups: Nov. 6 with Kelly Martin (American Bird Conservancy) and Celeste Silling (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory); and Nov. 20 with Sarah Coles (Texas Children in Nature) and Jacey Tosh (Texas Forest Service). Join us from 9 – 9:30 a.m. with this Google Meet Link (or email Alicia Mein-Johnson to be added to the reoccurring Google Calendar invitation). This is a partnership with the Texas Association for Environmental Education and Texas Children in Nature.
Support the environment through workplace giving
If you work for employers such as the City of Houston, the State of Texas, or HISD, among many other public and private workplaces, remember that the fall is campaign season for most employee workplace giving programs. Employees are offered the chance to select from many charitable organizations to support through payroll contributions. You can give to CEC via EarthShare of Texas, as one of 60 local, regional and national environmental organizations supported by EarthShare of Texas. You can designate individual organizations or let EarthShare of Texas divide it equally among their participating organizations. A complete list of participating workplaces is available at www.earthshare-texas.org. For more information about EarthShare of Texas, including information about how your organization can offer workplace giving, please visit www.earthshare-texas.org or call 800-GREENTX. Look for the the CEC’s code number under the EarthShare of Texas heading in workplace giving campaign literature at all state agencies (035569), at HISD (0111) and at the City of Houston (1413). Please consider CEC in your workplace giving program!
Old CEC Newsletters?
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, CEC does not currently have access to our archive of old newsletters, which are maintained at the University of Houston and the Houston Public Library. Until we are able to access our archives, we are looking for copies of newsletters from 1970-1985, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006. Our records are incomplete in 1994, 1996, 2002-2004, 2007, 2008. If you have any newsletters from these years, please email rachel@cechouston.org.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Learn more about public participation opportunities at cechouston.org/public-participation-opportunities/.
Extended through Nov. 20, 2020: Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Feasibility Report
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, along with the Harris County Flood Control District, has released an Interim Feasibility Report for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study. The purpose of the study is to evaluate alternatives with the goal of helping to reduce flooding under a range of flood events. The deadline for public comment has been extended to Nov. 20, 2020. Learn more at usace.army.mil.
Extended to Dec. 9, 2020: North Houston Highway Improvement Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Comment Period
The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council is seeking feedback on the Memorandum of Understanding between the key cooperating entities on the proposed North Houston (I-45) Highway Improvement Project. For more information, visit ih45northandmore.com or h-gac.com. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 9, 2020.
COALITION & COMMUNITY NOTES
We have endeavored to confirm the opportunities listed below. Please consider confirming directly with the hosts, particularly in light of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lawsuit Challenges Federal Review of Endangered Species in Gulf of Mexico
Four conservation groups (including the Sierra Club and the Turtle Island Restoration Network) recently filed a lawsuit questioning the federal government’s compliance with the Endangered Species Act in its assessment of the harm the offshore oil industry inflicts on endangered and threatened marine wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. “The approval of a biological opinion that threatens the existence of sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico is unforgivable and cannot be allowed to stand,†said Joanie Steinhaus, Turtle Island Restoration Network’s Gulf of Mexico Director. “The Trump administration has chosen to ignore the devastating impacts of the 2010 BP oil spill which erased the nearly two decades of successful recovery efforts to protect and restore the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the most endangered sea turtle species on the planet.†For more, see this press release.
Environmental Groups File Federal Lawsuit Over Air Pollution from Industrial Flares
A coalition of ten environmental organizations (including Air Alliance Houston, Environment Texas, and the Texas Campaign for the Environment) and the recently sued the Trump Administration’s EPA, alleging failure reduce toxic air pollution from industrial flares at petrochemical plants, gas processing facilities, municipal solid waste landfills, and other large industrial sites. The groups say EPA has not updated two sets of air pollution control standards for industrial flares in decades—34 years and 26 years, respectively—even though the federal Clean Air Act requires the agency to review them at least once every eight years to make sure they adequately protect the public and incorporate improvements in technology. For more, see the press release.
Lake Jackson Earns Recognition in Keep Texas Beautiful Awards Program
The Lake Jackson Youth Advisory Committee recently received the Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Award for a Youth Organization from Keep Texas Beautiful’s 2020 Keep Texas Beautiful Awards – Youth and Educators Awards. This award recognizes the efforts and leadership of youth (as individuals and their collective efforts as a group or team) and youth-oriented organizations to beautify the community and create cleaner, greener campuses, parks and neighborhoods.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership Picnic
On Nov. 5, 2020, from 6-9 p.m., the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host a socially distanced picnic in place of its annual fundraising gala at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park, 105 Sabine Street. Alternatively, they will deliver a picnic for you to enjoy at home while tuning into the virtual program, which celebrates the fifth anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit buffalobayou.org.
Greentown Labs Climatetech Summit
From Nov. 5-6, 2020, Greentown Labs (which recently announced its new location in Houston), will hold its Climatetech Summit, a “a deep dive into scaling climate action.” The virtual summit will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, policymakers, startup support organizations, and other climate champions to chart a holistic approach to building a sustainable future for all. For more information and to register, visit greentownlabs.com.
CAST Reimagined 2020
From Nov. 5-7, 2020, the Texas Association for Environmental Education will hold its annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching virtually. “CAST Reimagined 2020” will be a fully virtual experience with 150 recorded sessions broadcast over three days, on-demand content available within minutes and access to all content for weeks after the event. For more information and to register, visit s6.goeshow.com.
Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group Annual Meeting
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will hold its annual public meeting via an interactive webinar on Nov. 5, 2020, from 11 a.m.-noon. During this meeting, the Group will present updates on the Open Ocean Restoration Area’s restoration and monitoring and adaptive management activities. The Group will also provide an opportunity for questions and answers after the updates are presented. For more information and to register, visit gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.
4.6 Million Native Trees by 2030 Kick-Off Event
On Nov. 6, 2020, a collaborative, volunteer large-scale native tree planting event will be held at the Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park (2300 S Sgt Macario Garcia Drive, Houston). Volunteers will gather (6 feet apart with masks) between 8:30- 9 a.m. and hear a brief explanation on process for planting the trees. Volunteers will be planting the native Super Trees with pre-dug holes and the trees laying next to each hole. Interested volunteers can sign-up via an online form at houstonwilderness.org (left hand side of home page), and at houstonwilderness.org/planttrees. For more information, see the Facebook event.
Community Outdoor Outreach Program grants available
Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program is now accepting applications for outdoor education programming. CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-represented populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education activities. Grant awards range between $5,000 – $30,000 for eligible activities that take place between March 1, 2021 – September 1, 2022. Applications are available now via the RGO 2020 system and the deadline is Nov. 6, 2020 at 5 p.m. For more information and to apply, please visit tpwd.texas.gov.
Texas Arbor Day at Mercer Aboretum
On Nov. 6, 2020, from 1-4 p.m., celebrate Texas Arbor Day among the trees at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum with a tree planting demonstration and receive a complimentary sapling while supplies last. Bring your tree questions and get expert advice from a certified arborist. Register online at hcp4.net/legacytrees to Foster Your Own Legacy Tree and we’ll have your tree ready to take home. Learn about the Legacy Tree Program, hike along the arboretum trails, and more. There’s outdoor fun for the entire family. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register or for more information, call 713-274-4160.
Volunteer Tree Planting at Sylvan Rodriguez Park
On Nov. 7, 2020, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program will host a volunteer tree planting event at Sylvan Rodriguez Park, 1201 Clear Lake City Blvd. We will provide shovels. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle, along with shoes, gloves, and clothes that can get muddy. Pre-registration is required. Register by emailing Naturalresources@houstontx.gov. For more information, visit volunteermatch.org.
Folks ‘N Oysters Virtual Happy Hour
On Nov. 7, 2020, from 5:30-7 p.m., Bayou City Waterkeeper will hold its Folks ‘N Oysters Happy Hour virtually. The annual fundraiser will celebrate the area’s watersheds and honor Sharron Stewart – a founding member of Bayou City Waterkeeper, current board chair, and renowned Texas activist. Local chefs, including Chef Matt Baum of Grace’s and Chef Jared Harvey of Downhouse, will prepare their specialty oyster dishes in a cooking demo for you to enjoy. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoucitywaterkeeper.org.
Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event
On Nov. 8, 2020, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston will host a hands-on environmental stewardship at the Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve, cleaning up rose garden beds, mulching around trees, and other tasks. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels and appropriate precautions to prevent spread of the novel Coronavirus will be taken. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
Unplugged Adventure: Foraging of the Katy Prairie
On Nov. 8, 2020, from 4-5 p.m., the Katy Prairie Conservancy will host a presentation by Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, forager, chemist, author, inventor, and rogue botanist, who will provide a virtual adventure on foraging of the Katy Prairie. Learn how the prairie’s plants can be used for medicinal or edible purposes, as well as which plants should be avoided. For more information and to register, visit katyprairie.org.
Call for Presentations: Region 4 Science Conference
The Region 4 Education Service Center invites science educators to submit presentation proposals for the 13th Annual Region 4 Science Conference that will occur virtually on December 2, 2020. The theme for this year’s conference is “The Future of Science in Texas”. Region 4 encourages educators to showcase content and strategies targeted to how science is transforming as we move forward in a hybrid environment that includes face-to-face and virtual. Presenter Applications should be submitted before Nov. 9, 2020. Registration fees will be waived for lead presenters. For more information about the conference and to submit a proposal, visit esc4.net.
Long-Term Environmental Trends in the Gulf of Mexico
From Nov. 9-10, 2020, the NASEM Gulf Research Program’s Committee on Long Term Environmental Trends in the Gulf of Mexico will be assessing various aspects of current U.S. Gulf of Mexico restoration efforts, including the cumulative effects of multiple restoration projects and the effects of acute events (such as hurricanes) and long-term physical changes (such as sea level rise). The committee will also evaluate existing resources for informing restoration decision making and recommend adaptive management strategies. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
THEA San Jacinto Community Meeting
On Nov. 10, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Texas Health and Environment Association, Inc. will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss the latest developments with the San Jacinto Waste pits. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.
USGBC Texas and IFMA Houston Game Night
On Nov. 10, 2020, from 5:30-7 p.m., join the U.S. Green Building Council Texas Gulf Coast Region and International Facility Management Association Houston for a fun virtual networking event and game night. Get to know some sustainability leaders and green builders in town, and share some laughs with our interactive bingo game and scavenger hunt. Suggested donation of $5 to support local green building efforts. For more information and to register, visit usgbctexas.org.
White Oak Bayou Association Annual Meeting
On Nov. 10, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m., the White Oak Bayou Association will hold its Annual Meeting virtually. The meeting will include a presentation by Stuart Nelson, MA – Vice President, Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, titled “Spiritual Nourishment in Urban Riparian Habitat”. The Business meeting will begin at 8 p.m. For more information, including how to connect to the meeting, visit whiteoakbayou.org.
Texas Energy Summit
On Nov. 10-12 and 17-18, 2020, the Texas Energy Summit will be held virtually. The Summit explores the intersection of energy systems, emissions reductions, and economic development. Attendees include policymakers and staff, public employees, NGOs, companies, trade associations, and academics. For more information and to register, visit texasenergysummit.com.
Kinder Institute Forum on Transportation Equity
On Nov. 11, 2020, beginning at 12:15 p.m., the Kinder Institute for Urban Research will host a webinar with transportation policy expert Tamika L. Butler, who will discuss institutional oppression, the importance of inclusive urban design, and how to make transportation and public spaces more equitable. For more information and to register, visit kinder.rice.edu.
How Houston Can Become A More Multi-Modal City
On Nov. 12, 2020, from 8:30-9:45 a.m., Scenic Houston will host a virtual breakfast discussion about how Houston can become a more multi-modal city and what impact that will have on the city’s economy, image and overall scenic profile. Panelists also discuss future plans for creating smart public spaces, the challenges faced while doing so and the opportunities that lie ahead. For more information and to register, visit scenichouston.org.
Life Cycle Assessment: A Key Component for Clean Energy Transition?
On Nov. 13, 2020, from 3-4 p.m., the Baker Institute for Public Policy will host a virtual panel discussion exploring how life cycle assessments can be an informative tool in achieving sustainability and circularity. As pressure rises to accelerate the energy transition, panelists will also touch on topics such as LCA approaches, interpretation and communication, international standardization, and application to the energy industry. For more information and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.
Land Lover Gala – Wild About Texas!
On Nov. 13, 2020, from 6-7 p.m., the Bayou Land Conservancy will hold its Land Lover Gala virtually, with the them “Wild About Texas!” The keynote speaker will be Austin-based filmmaker, writer and photographer Ben Masters, known for directing the Emmy-nominated documentary The River and the Wall. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bayoulandconservancy.org.
Galveston Bay Foundation’s Guardian Gala
On Nov. 13, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m., the Galveston Bay Foundation will hold its Guardian Gala virtually. The event will include an online auction, virtual live entertainment, and for those who feel comfortable doing so, a catered event in their homes with food and cocktails. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit galvbayevents.org.
Artist Boat’s Float the Boat
This year, Artist Boat’s Float the Boat fundraising event will move from a one evening event to a dinner series through Nov. 14, 2020. The theme this year is Under the Stars and On the Prairie. Attendees will be meeting under the stars, on the coastal prairie, at Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve over six dinner events honoring Joe and Becca Jaworski. The six evenings will be designed to be socially distanced and safe. The event also includes an online action. For full details and to purchase tables, visit artistboat.org.
Lights Out for Birds
Most North American migratory birds fly at night, and lights on buildings can disorient birds on their paths, resulting in fatal collisions. The Upper Texas Coast plays a key role on the Central Flyway, an important migratory path for birds. Birds that move along and across the Gulf of Mexico depend on safe passage through the Houston-Galveston area. Through Nov. 15, Houston Audubon is participating in “Lights Out for Birds,” an effort to reduce light pollution in the region. For more information and to make a pledge to help reduce light pollution, visit houstonaudubon.org.
The Path of Hope: A Study on Climate Action for Faith Communities
On Tuesdays through Nov. 17, 2020, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is presenting 15-minute videos featuring interviews with U.S. faith leaders, representatives of climate-impacted communities from the global South, and presentations by UN officials and other experts. The series focuses on how climate change is impacting the core ministries of faith communities around the world, how those impacts will increase in the future, and why these impacts create an imperative for people of faith to advocate for strong US climate action. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more information.
Power Tools For Nonprofits registration now open
From Nov. 17-18, 2020, the annual Power Tools for Nonprofits conference will be presented by CenterPoint Energy with community partners, United Way of Greater Houston, and the University of Houston Downtown as a full, high-quality conference all online and easily accessible. The conference will feature experts and insights across a variety of topics of most importance to nonprofit organizations working in these most unusual times. Topics will include Advocacy & Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Fundraising, Leadership, Management, and Personal Development. For more information and to register, visit eventsquid.com.
Take Care of Texas Student Video Contest
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) invites students in 6th through 12th grades to enter the annual Take Care of Texas Video Contest. Student videos should be 30 seconds long and portray positive ways Texans can help keep air and water clean, conserve water and energy, or reduce waste. The contest deadline is Dec. 4, 2020, and the public will have the opportunity to pick their favorite videos Jan. 18-29, 2021. There will be six winners. Waste Management of Texas, Inc. will provide prizes–GoPro cameras and scholarships. The middle and high school students who win first place will be recognized by the TCEQ Commissioners and representatives from Waste Management of Texas, Inc.
Submit your Ideas for Texas Restoration Area Planning
The Texas Trustee Implementation Group is beginning the process of considering restoration activities that will address injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Through Dec. 10, 2020, the Implementation Group is seeking restoration project ideas that benefit wetland, coastal, and nearshore habitats, and living coastal and marine resources, and restore water quality through nonpoint source nutrient reduction in the Texas Restoration Area. In our next restoration plan, a range of projects will be considered to address injuries to these restoration types: wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats; nutrient reduction (nonpoint source); oysters; sea turtles; and birds. Additional information on these restoration types is available in Chapter 5 of the Trustee Council’s Programmatic Restoration Plan, and the Strategic Frameworks for birds, oysters, and sea turtles.
New species of black coral discovered at Flower Garden Banks
Imagine being an undergraduate student on a research boat in the Gulf of Mexico and discovering what appears to be something new to science. That’s what happened to Nadia Alomari, a student at the NYC College of Technology a couple of years ago. The boat was R/V Manta, the research vessel for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, and the coral was found at Elvers Bank, one of the areas under consideration for sanctuary expansion. After the specimen was collected, it was sent to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History for evaluation. The results revealed that the collected specimen was in fact a new species. Read the full story at sanctuaries.noaa.gov.
Texas Environmental Literacy Series
The Children’s Environmental Literacy Program is offering its Texas Environmental Literacy Series, which explores sustainability through the lens of the environment, equity and economics. Guest teachers will share “bright spots†that model best practices to leverage these 3E’s into virtual and/or hybrid K-12 classrooms. Participants will walk away from each session with ready-to-use student activities focusing on the foundations of sustainability. Sessions will be held on Nov. 10 and Dec. 1, 2020, and Jan. 9, 2021. For more information and to register, visit celfeducation.org.
Social Change Scientists Video Competition
Enter the McMac Cx, Air Champions – Social Change Scientists Video Competition. Simply create a 30 to 90 second video about air quality using provided prompts, and enter using this Google form . A winner will be announced at the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition’s Green Film Series events on Nov. 18, 2020 and Jan. 29, 2021. The winner will receive a state-of-the-art Flow Personal Pollution Monitor (PPM) valued at $150.00 from McMac Cx. Questions? Want to be on the selection committee? Want to learn more about Air Champions? Contact David McLean at david.maclean@mcmaccx.net or read the details on the Google form.
NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest
The NOAA Marine Debris Program’s annual art contest, designed to reach K-8 students and help raise awareness about marine debris, is now open for entries. The resulting calendar, featuring the winning artwork, provides a daily reminder of how important it is for us to be responsible stewards of the ocean. All students in kindergarten through eighth grade from all U.S. states and territories in recognized public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 15, 2020. For more information, visit marinedebris.noaa.gov.
Citizen Science Program for Bird Observation
The Audubon Society’s Texas Estuarine Resource Network (TERN) and the Harris County Department of Education are collaborating to bring a community-based citizen science program to prepare teachers and students in grades 5-12 as field researchers for bird observations. Participation in the project comes with field guides, binoculars, and a birding expert to help you learn the observation protocol. If your school is within walking distance of a waterway (pond, bayou, creek, ditch) please contact Lisa Felske (lfelske@hcde-texas.org) to inquire about the program.
S.P.L.A.Sh Marine Debris Education Program
S.P.L.A.Sh.(Stopping Plastic Litter Along Shorelines) is creating and sharing educational programming about marine debris, the effects it has on our environment, and how we can help stop it. With its curriculum of lessons, data collection, and beach cleanups, it aims to clean up Texas shorelines while also teaching children about science and nature. They are now looking for teachers and schools who would be interested in teaming up to give these lessons and experiences to students. Contact Celeste Silling at csilling@gcbo.org for information.
Recurring Events with Changing Content
Virtually WILD! field trips
Virtually WILD! offers the community a chance to interact with conservationists and wildlife live every week. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, learn how foresters use the drones to gather real-time information that helps guide land management decisions.Corresponding activities and archived videos, as well as registration details, are available at hereinhouston.org.
ABNC “Nature as Nature†blog
The Armand Bayou Nature Center offers its “Nature as Normal†blog as a means to “remember that things are still happening as normal in the bigger picture, and that we’ll all be back to normal soon too.†Each entry features photographs by award-winning kayaking photographer Gary Seloff and ABNC Volunteer Photo Walk Leader Lyman Brown, with commentary by ABNC’s Conservation Director and Chief Naturalist, Mark Kramer. The latest entry is titled “Kingfishers“. Find all of the blog entries at abnc.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.
- The sounds of the waves, a breeze in your face, and the peeps of a scurrying shorebird, you are birding at the beach and you didn’t even know it
- In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert oasis’. From Presidio to Balmorhea, new man-made wetlands are attracting not only birds but some excited birders
- The Rio Grande Valley is a haven for birds and birders alike. For Father Tom Pincelli, this area is an earthly paradise
- See some coastal birds at Bolivar Flats, and at raucous rookery at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary
Additional Upcoming Events
- 11/15/20: America Recycles Day
- 11/16-20/20: Houston Parks Board’s Week of Thanks
- 11/17/20: Climate Change: Trade-Offs Between People and Planet
- 11/18/20: Improving the Environment through the USMCA
- 11/19/20: Bayou Preservation Association Virtual Gala
- 11/19/20: Going Green Lecture: USGS Annual Groundwater Table Data
- 11/21/20: Net Zero Home Tour (rescheduled)
- 11/21/20: Keep Houston Beautiful Fall Sweep
- 12/1/30: Greater 5th Ward Community Meeting
- 12/1/20: Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG) Annual Meeting
- 12/1-2/20: The Digital Now for Natural Resource Professionals
- 12/1-3/20: 2020 Bays and Bayous Symposium (virtual)
- 12/2/20: TCiN Summit: Birding in the Barrio
- 12/2/20: 2020 Prairie Stampede
- 12/4/20: 2020 Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit
- 12/12/20: Holiday with the Cranes
- 12/20/20: Texas Children in Nature Virtual Meet-Up
Check out the latest Green Jobs at cechouston.org/green-jobs/.