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Houston Environmental News Update December 2, 2020
December 3, 2020

Houston Environmental News Update December 2, 2020

Christmas Bird Counts, Women and Girls STEM Summit, Sampling the City Bike Rides, Trees for Houston Giveaway, Wild Texas Film Tour, Green Jobs, and more

Roseate Spoonbill, Photo 82067018, (c) Thaddeus Charles Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

In last week’s newsletter, which featured the Turkey Vulture, we mentioned that protections for the Vulture and other birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act might be in danger as a result of midnight regulations being pushed through before the end of the year. As reported by the Associated Press, the Trump administration proceeded on Friday to try to gut the MBTA, issuing a final Environmental Impact Statement, which is available for public review.

Read more:

If you need some cleansing breeze, check out the Turkey Vulture Rap by Joe Reilly on YouTube. 

We also told you that this week we’d be sharing information about Christmas Bird Counts. 

The 121st annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for December 14, 2020, through January 5, 2021. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this all-volunteer effort takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a database that is shared with federal, state, and private authorities. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. Discover new areas to bird which may not be normally accessible and take advantage of this great opportunity to bird with some of our foremost birding experts. There is NO FEE to participate in Christmas Bird Counts. We encourage you to learn more about the counts–including a few dozen within a two-hour drive of downtown Houston–at HoustonAudubon.org. 

Unsurprisingly, adjustments are being made to the count to try reduce the risk of transferring the coronavirus. You can also participate from your yard or neighborhood as a feeder watcher. Regardless, be sure to coordinate with the compiler to find out how to participate.

You might also be interested in Houston Audubon “Bird-Vent” calendar.

The bird photos are all local iNaturalist observations made in December or January, and licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0:

Please scroll down to read about public engagement opportunities and notes from our member organizations and the community.

CEC NOTES

Houston Climate Action Plan Educational Outreach Partners Workshop

On Dec. 11, 2020, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., join CEC and the City of Houston to leverage community resources and create strategic opportunities for Houston-area youth to engage in civic conversations and actions around climate resilience. This virtual, collaborative planning workshop is for all Houston informal educators and community engagement coordinators. Details and free registration via eventbrite.com.

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.

Wild About Houston Green Film Festival

The CEC was proud to host the third annual Wild About Houston Green Film Festival. You can watch all the films again, and then vote for the Fan Favorite! Watch the 2020 October and November programs on the CEC YouTube page. Tickets will be on sale soon for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour on January 29, 2021.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Learn more about public participation opportunities at cechouston.org/public-participation-opportunities/.

Public Meetings on Coastal Texas Study

The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office recently released plans for the Draft Feasibility Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, also known as the Coastal Texas Study. Public meetings are scheduled on Dec. 3, and Dec. 8, 2020 (beginning at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day). The 45-day public review period continues through Dec. 14, 2020. Find the documents and information on how to access the public meetings at swg.usace.army.mil. NOTE: Several area environmental groups have created a petition to extend the public comment period. Find the petition at seaturtles.org. Watch a recent discussion on the study by those organizations here.

Through Dec. 9, 2020: North Houston (I-45) Highway Improvement Project MOU

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).

Galveston Bay Park Park film released

The Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association and the Bayou City Initiative recently released an educational video about the proposed Galveston Bay Park Plan (GBPP). The GBPP was conceived by the Severe Storm Prediction Education & Evacuation from Disaster (SSPEED) Center at Rice University and designed by Rogers Partners of New York and Houston. The Plan is designed as a complement to the coastal barrier currently proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was recently chosen as one of the top designs in the Houston 2020 Visions competition, which sought creative ideas focused on making Houston more resilient. View the film at bcinitiative.org.

2020 Bays and Bayous Symposium

The 2020 Bays and Bayous Symposium continues through Dec. 3, 2020. The theme for the virtual event is “Sound Science, Sound Policy: A 2020 Vision for the Future,” focusing on (but not limited to) coastal science research, education and outreach in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Scientists from universities, NGOs and government agencies share their research findings at the event, and leaders from coastal municipalities showcase their resilience and conservation efforts. Educators and extension professionals also present their research and successful outreach efforts. For more information and to register, visit baysandbayous.org.

H-GAC Public Meeting on Regional Transportation Issues

H-GAC will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss amendments to the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan, updates to the Congestion Management Process, updates to the agency’s process to mitigate congestion and the Public Participation Plan. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2020. H-GAC experts will present on the meeting topics, after which attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and make public comments. Find more information, including how to access the meeting, at h-gac.com.

2020 Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit 

On Dec. 4, 2020, the Texas Girls Collaborative Project will hold the 2020 Texas Women and Girls STEM Summit. The summit is designed to share best practices, connect organizations and individuals, and showcase outstanding efforts to increase the number of girls in STEM and support the retention of women in STEM careers. STEM professionals and all who are engaged in education, outreach, recruitment, and/or retention of women and girls in STEM are invited to participate. For more information and to register, visit txgcp.org.

Houston Audubon Young Professionals Advisory Council applications due Dec. 4

Houston Audubon is seeking young professionals who are natural leaders, hard workers, and passionate about conservation for its 2021 Young Professionals Advisory Council. The goal of the YPAC is to engage the next generation of conservationists and to build awareness of Houston Audubon’s mission among young professionals. Applicants do not necessarily need to be birders or knowledgeable about birds. For more information and to apply, visit houstonaudubon.org. Applicants may also send an email to ypac@houstonaudubon.org. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 4, 2020.

Wild Texas Film Tour available virtually in December

The Wild Texas Film Tour, which normally hosts screening events in cities throughout the state, has gone virtual this year for the entire month of December. Hosted by filmmaker and conservationist Ben Masters, the films showcase “wildlife, adventure, and conservation stories from across the state.” All of this year’s films will be available free of charge with a suggested donation to help cover the festival’s streaming costs and fund the next Wild Texas Short Film Grant. Among this year’s selections is Bayou City, a short film produced by Olivia Haun (Schmidt), the 2018 Wild Texas Film Tour Grant recipient and outreach specialist for the TPWD Wildlife Diversity Program. Bayou City was made to “shed light on the issues the bayou ecosystem have faced over the past century, and to share the successes that provide an alternative vision and relationship between Houston and its bayous.” The film features Mark Kramer of Armand Bayou Nature Center, Susan Chadwick and Tom Helm of Save Buffalo Bayou, Suzanne Simpson of Bayou Land Conservancy, Kelli Ondracek of Houston Parks & Recreation Department, and Diana Foss of TPWD Urban Wildlife Program.

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.

West U Composting

The City of West University Place is hosting its first Food Waste Drop-Off event this Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at the Public Works Maintenance Yard from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. West U residents can bring food waste/scraps in any container from which they can easily discard their food waste. For more information visit, www.westutx.gov/specialevents. Note: For West U Residents only.

THEA Petition: San Jacinto River Waste Pits

The Texas Health and Environment Alliance (THEA) invites you to learn about their concerns regarding the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site. While progress has been made, THEA is urging the EPA to ensure that the toxic material is handled safely at every phase of the process. This includes safety measures for the workers handling the waste, best management practices to protect the environment, a careful plan for transporting the waste on our roadways, and proper disposal of the waste such that it will not negatively affect public health at its new location. THEA has organized a petition to demonstrate community support.

Glenbrook Park Volunteer Tree Planting

On Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program will host a volunteer tree planting event at Glenbrook Park, 8201 N Bayou Drive. Shovels will be provide. 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.

Insectary Gardens: Nature’s Pest Control

On Dec. 5, 2020, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Urban Harvest will present an online class in which participants can learn to create pocket insectaries at home or school gardens to attract beneficial insects that help control pests. Network with other participants during lunch, then watch a seasonal recipe demonstration by Chef Kellie. For more information and to register, visit urbanharvest.org.

Sampling the City Social Bike Rides

On Dec. 5, 2020, beginning at 10 a.m., Air Alliance Houston will host a series of social bicycle rides all around the city. These small groups (limited to 12 riders) will cruise along as the route captain uses a personal air monitor to collect air quality data which will be mapped and aggregated for future analysis. Registration is limited due to COVID, requires either a minimum donation of $50 or a pledge to fundraise at least $150 for the campaign, and includes an AAH-branded aluminum water bottle. For more information and to register, visit airalliancehouston.org.

SPOT: What’s at Stake for the Gulf?

On Dec. 5, 2020, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., STOP SPOT and Save the Gulf will host a webinar meeting that will outline the group’s environmental concerns about the proposed Sea Port Oil Terminal’s potential environmental and social impacts to the Texas Gulf Coast community. The meeting will will feature guest speaker Diane Wilson, a shrimp boat captain and environmental activist, along with elected officials, experts, and local residents sharing what they know about the impacts this project will have on the community, landowners, wildlife, and economy. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Trees for Houston Tree Giveaway

On Dec. 5, 2020, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Trees for Houston will hold a tree giveaway at their future home at 2001 W. 34th St. where community members are invited to pick up a free tree from a variety of species. This giveaway will be outdoors, socially distanced and contact-free. For more information, visit treesforhouston.org.

THEA Jones Road Community Meeting

On Dec. 8, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Texas Health and Environment Association, Inc. will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss the latest developments in the Jones Road area. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.

Virtual Lunch Bunch: Native Trees for Your Backyard

On Dec. 9, 2020, beginning at noon, Mercer Botanic Gardens will host a virtual lunch discussion featuring Harris County Precinct 4 Arborist Laura Medick, who will share how to select native trees, properly plant them, and how to care for them. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Gen:Thrive – Texas 2020

On Dec. 9, 2020, from noon-1 p.m., ecoRise will present a webinar describing Gen:Thrive,  a collaborative initiative to accelerate sustainability and environmental education programs in K–12 schools. The presentation will share the results of its latest Texas landscape analysis representing 400 programs serving students, educators and families. It will also share new technology tools for public use, including interactive directories, data visualization tools and GIS maps illustrating environmental programs alongside equity, health and climate risk data. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

RAQPAC meeting: State of the Air Report

On Dec. 10, 2020, from 10 a.m.-noon, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Regional Air Quality Planning Advisory Committee will host a virtual meeting. The meeting will include a presentation by Charlie Gagen of the American Lung Association on its latest “State of the Air Report.” The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams by clicking here or by calling +1 346-262-0196,,916185352# ID: 916 185 352#. For the full agenda, visit h-gac.com.

Texas Children in Nature Virtual Meet-Up

On Dec. 10, 2020, from 5-6:30 p.m., Texas Children in Nature will hold a Virtual Meet-Up to discuss what the next year holds for Texas Children in Nature and what its partners across the state have been up to. This is a great chance for everyone to share and ask questions of the partners. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

What’s Next for the Circular Economy?

On Dec. 11, 2020, from 3-4 p.m., the Baker Institute at Rice University will hold the final webinar of a series dedicated to the discussion of circular economy and sustainability goals. Rachel A. Meidl, fellow in energy and environment, and Emily Tipaldo, executive director of U.S. Plastics Pact, will consider how to achieve a circular economy for plastics and answer many of the questions received from the audience over the course of the webinar season. For more information and to register, visit bakerinstitute.org.

Celebrate the Holidays along Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou Partnership offer several ways to celebrate the season while staying safe:

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 event on 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.

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.

Application for Harris County Community Flood Resilience Task Force

On behalf of the first five members of the Community Flood Resilience Task Force (CFRTF), Harris County is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the remaining task force positions. The CFRTF is looking for multi-disciplinary members who are committed to serving the community and represent the geographic, gender, age, racial, and ethnic diversity of Harris County. These members will join the first five nominees—Bill Callegari, Iris Gonzalez, Lisa Gonzalez, Dr. Earthea Nance, and Bob Rehak—in furthering effective flood resiliency efforts across the County. If you are interested in serving on this Task Force, please submit an application at CFRTF.harriscountytx.gov, by Dec. 11, 2020.

Victoria Gardens Park Volunteer Tree Planting

On Dec. 12, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Houston Parks & Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program will host a volunteer tree planting event at Victoria Gardens Park, 4900 Werner. Shovels will be provide. 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.

Holiday with the Cranes

On Dec. 12, 2020, from 10-11 a.m., the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council will hold its annual Holiday with the Cranes event virtually. The event will feature a presentation by Glenn Olsen of GOBirding Ecotours, who will discuss the annual migration during the winter months to Galveston of Sandhill Cranes. He will discuss the history of this important species and some amusing and interesting aspects of its behavior and connection with humans. For more information and to register, visit galvestonnaturetourism.org.

CCL Meeting: Greentown Labs and Texas Resolution Project

On Dec. 12, 2020, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Houston chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby will host a meeting featuring a presentation by a Greentown Labs, a green tech incubator that will be opening a new facility in Houston in the Spring of 2021, and a discussion of Texas Resolution Project. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

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.

Harris County Master Gardeners plant sales

Harris County Master Gardeners is offering contactless plant sales through the rest of this year and in 2021. All sales will be 100% online / pickup only. Products can be picked up from two locations. When checking out, patrons will be asked to choose your desired pick up location. For full details, visit hcmga-online.company.site.

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.

SFA Sustainability Degree Program

Stephen F. Austin State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in sustainability, designed to accommodate community college transfers or other students wanting to stay in their hometown location. The degree builds core competencies in sustainability, including local field experiences/internships in community development, grant writing, renewable energy, or sustainability assessment and monitoring. The degree offers flexibility to choose courses that fit students’ interests and schedules, merging environmental studies with economic, social and technical themes. For more information, please visit sfasu.edu or email Dr. Bill Forbes at forbesw@sfasu.edu. Additionally, the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies now has a fully online option to combine graduate courses in sustainability with those in business, geographic information systems, public administration, and social work or social science. A certificate in nonprofit management may be obtained within that program. For more information, visit sfasu.edu.

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 Dec. 9 and 16, learn about cool snakes from the Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center. 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.” 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 “Pelican Outpost“. 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.

  • Meet some Game Wardens of the past as we open the vaults to an old film that showcases the history of the agency. Sit around the campfire with some longtime Game Wardens, and hear some tall tales
  • Kathleen Stuman has been a warden since 2000. Helping those with disabilities catch their first fish is all in a day’s work for this Texas Game Warden
  • Game Wardens do a lot of varied tasks with a wide variety of tools. One of their tools has a fuzzy face and four legs. Meet the Texas Game Warden K-9’s
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet of an early morning at Goliad State Park & Historic Site

Additional Upcoming Events

Check out the latest Green Jobs at cechouston.org/green-jobs/.

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