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Houston Environmental News Update March 9, 2022
March 9, 2022

Houston Environmental News Update March 9, 2022

Earth Day Houston, The Future of Food, Witness: Hiking Through History, Destination: High Island, Fix-A-Leak Workshops, Green Jobs and more

Dear Friends,

It’s been a long two years. On March 11, 2020, Houston and Harris County officials closed RodeoHouston when it became clear that the SARS 2 coronavirus had reached community spread. Five days later, the City of Houston implemented a city-wide shutdown.

At that time, many of us believed it might be a short-term event. Almost no one anticipated that, with new variants, the massive upheaval of all of our lives would last this long. Of course, we must remember the tragic loss of lives, those who fell ill with long-lasting effects, and the livelihoods reduced by the economic downtown created by the pandemic.

The nonprofit sector hasn’t been insulated from those effects, including the environmental community here in the greater Houston region. Like many of our member organizations, CEC has felt the pinch.

But now, as it seems the Omicron wave is waning and public health officials are anticipating that the spring and summer will be relatively mild (with the caveat that that could of course change), it’s a perfect time for the Houston environmental community to reconnect and renew.

On April 10, from noon to 5 p.m., CEC will again host Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green. As a gesture of goodwill, we are offering to waive annual CEC membership dues for nonprofit and government organizations who register as exhibitors, either Early Bird registration, which runs through midnight Thursday, March 10, or regular registration. Register here.

We hope to see you all at the event and, in the coming months, look forward to continuing the conversation about what CEC membership means to your organization as well as how we can help advance your campaigns. Thank you for your continued support of and engagement in the local environmental community.

CEC NOTES

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Join fellow environmental educators every other Friday morning for a quick check-in to collaborate. The next meeting is March 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Bring your coffee (or tea) and ideas for things that are working in your programs (or questions about things that are not). The Zoom call is hosted by regional board members from the Texas Association for Environmental Education. Email Alicia at amein@hcp4.net for Zoom link and any questions.

Virtually Wild! Texas Student Learning Programs

Region 4 Education Service Center partners with the Virtually Wild! Texas team to provide students with engaging and interactive TEKS-aligned virtual environmental education field trips that highlight careers in conservation. These free 45-minute programs are live, and teachers and students are encouraged to engage with natural resources professionals by asking questions. Topics vary by program and have included endangered species, animal adaptations, habitat exploration, wildlife crime investigations, and more! Public, private, homeschool, hospitals, and education sites are welcome to view. See program listings and register at esc4.net.

Call for Artists: Houston Inspira public health storytelling campaign

Citizen’s Environmental Coalition is proud to be an Environmental Partner with the City of Houston in the just-launched the Houston Inspira project.  Houston Inspira, an EPA-funded project, seeks artists, musicians, playwrights, dancers, writers, and all creatives to engage with communities to educate, inform and activate via storytelling in all forms/disciplines. The project, headed by Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, will occur in five Complete Communities – Acres Homes, Alief/Westwood, Kashmere Gardens, Near Northside, and Second Ward. This project will focus on risks communities face from elevated levels of environmental pollutants, primarily PM2.5 (strongly associated with concrete batch plants) and benzene both of which can increase and exacerbate the health risks associated with COVID-19. The selected storyteller will work with the City of Houston, environmental and community stakeholders over a six-month period in a selected community. The deadline for artists’ submissions is March 31, 2022. Houston artists/creatives can learn more about the project and apply at moca.submittable.com.

Earth Day Houston: April 10, 2022 from 12-5 p.m.

Presented in partnership with the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Discovery Green’s citywide Earth Day celebration is designed to educate, inspire and encourage action. Learn more about attending, exhibiting, and volunteering at Earthdayhouston.org.

Exhibitor spaces are available starting at $150 for nonprofit organizations, government entities, and small, local businesses. Register here. Early bird fees end and fees increase after March 10! Exhibitor Deadline: 3/31/22

Call for Presenters: Are you an educator with a 20-minute presentation that you would like to share with the Earth Day Houston crowd? Sign up to join us on the “infotainment” stage at Green Mountain Energy Earth Day Houston Festival 2022. For more information, email earthday@cechouston.org.

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Advancing Considerations of Traditional Knowledge into Federal Decision Making

The federal government is seeking ways to advance the consideration of Traditional Knowledge (TK) in federal decision-making processes, in coordination and collaboration with federally recognized tribes and indigenous peoples. On March 23, 2022, beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT, the U.S. EPA will hold a webinar about the importance of considering TK, including ethics, values, etc., in decision-making, and recent developments and actions of the federal government to further consider TK, including plans to develop guidance for federal agencies, for which the government is seeking input. For more information and to register, visit zoom.us.

Texas Trustee Implementation Group Releases Second Restoration Plan For Public Comment

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group has released its Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #2. This plan includes restoration projects to partially compensate for the injury to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Public comments are being accepted on the plan through March 28, 2022. Information translated into Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) and Spanish (Español) is also available. The total estimated cost for the 13 proposed projects is approximately $39 million. Read the plan and learn more about how to submit public comments or attend the March 9 webinar at gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.

Learn about additional public comment opportunities at cechouston.org.

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).

Now Available: Latest Update to the TSCA Inventory

The latest TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) Chemical Substance Inventory is now available on EPA’s website. The TSCA Inventory is a list of all existing chemical substances manufactured, processed, or imported in the U.S. The Inventory contains 86,631 chemicals of which 42,039 are active in U.S commerce. Other updates to the TSCA Inventory include new chemical substance additions, commercial activity data and regulatory flags, such as polymer exemptions, TSCA section 4 test orders and TSCA section 5 significant new use rules (SNURs). Learn how to access the Inventory at epa.gov.

Volunteer Engagement Training Program

Through March 10, 2022, United Way of Greater Houston is offering a six-module course (developed by Points of Light, facilitated by Volunteer Houston) to empower volunteer managers and coordinators – both formal and informal – to return to their organization and to their team with ready-to-use tools, best practices, and innovative ideas that, when fully adopted, will boost volunteer engagement in a way that naturally fosters long-term volunteers. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Surfrider Foundation Galveston meeting

On March 10, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m., Surfrider Foundation Galveston will hold a membership meeting featuring a presentation by Kelly Martin, Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator at American Bird Conservancy. The meeting will be held at Texas Tail Distillery, 2416 Postoffice St. Light bites will be provided.

The Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR and Update on Prairie Chicken Reintroduction

On March 10, 2022, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Houston chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Meredith Stroud of the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). She will provide an update on the current status of the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie Chicken and the Wildlife Refuge itself. For more information and to register, visit meetup.com.

Texas Business Sustainability Challenge

The Texas Business Sustainability Challenge is directed towards organizations, and provides employee engagement during Earth Month. Any size organization can participate, and organizations (teams) will compete against other teams across the state. The challenge enables employees to track points for different sustainable actions, as well as help the company track metrics for carbon footprint, water conservation, and diverted waste. Join to play against companies like Reliant Energy, BAE Systems, Canva, Tokio Marine HCC and others. Registration is through March 11, 2022 and costs $500. Organizations can learn more and register at earthshare-texas.org.

The Future of Food at SXSW 2022 

From March 11-18, 2022, SXSW, Huston-Tillotson University, Food Tank, The James Beard Foundation, Little Herds, The Cook’s Nook and others are offering a series of activations, discussion and interactive experiences all curated around building more sustainable food systems. All events are free and open to the public with registration, both in-person in Austin and virtually through livestream. Find the full listing at eventbrite.com.

Witness: Hiking Through History

On March 12, 2022, from 9-11 a.m., the Houston Coalition Against Hate and the Nature Heritage Society will host the second of a four-part series designed to bring communities together through dialogue. Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. Hiking Through History will educate participants on the historical significance of public lands, unearth long-omitted perspectives, and celebrate the Hill at Sims. Meet and registration on-site starting at 8:30 a.m. at Cloverland Community Center Building, 11800 Scott St. For more information, visit houstonagainsthate.org.

The Role of Natural Ecosystems in Removing CO2 From the Atmosphere

On March 12, 2022, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, the Houston chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by environmental attorney and professor Jim Blackburn, who will discuss “The Role of Natural Ecosystems In Removing CO2 From the Atmosphere”. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable

On March 12, 2022, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Houston-Galveston Area Council will hold a virtual Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable. Participants will learn about inclusive playground design from PlayWell Group; and strategic planning and funding opportunities for accessible design of parks and natural areas from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For more information and to register, visit h-gac.com.

Destination: High Island

From March 12 through May 22, 2022, Houston Audubon invites the public to High Island and Bolivar Peninsula for the unrivaled spectacle of bird migration on the Upper Texas Coast. Among the vantage points, visitors can use the new Kathrine G. McGovern Canoopy Walkway. High Island sanctuaries are open every day from dawn to dusk. Free admission for children, students, and High Island residents. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Wilderness Medicine Advanced First Aid Training

From March 13 – 16, 2022, Blackwood Educational Land Institute is offering a hosting Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Course taught by Tim Graham. WAFA is a comprehensive training course that teaches students how to handle medical emergencies when they are in remote areas and miles from help, or when contacting emergency services is not possible (such as natural disaster). Students leave prepared for situations that involve severe environments, prolonged patient care, and improvised equipment. For more information and to register, visit blackwoodland.org.

Pokébon Spring Break Camp

From March 14-18, 2022, Houston Audubon is offering Pokébon (Pokémon and Audubon) Camp, which explores the unique ecology of our world and the Pokémon world. Campers ages 6-11 will create Pokémon crafts, play games, and earn badges asthey explore the amazing adaptations of wildlife and Pokélife at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. For more information and to register, visit houstonaudubon.org.

Fix-a-Leak Week Workshops

Houston Public Works, Dallas Water Utilities, Fort Worth Water, Round Rock Water Utilities and Tarrant Regional Water District are bringing together a virtual class line-up featuring leaders in the leak repair industry, providing comprehensive information about repairing simple water leaks inside and outside the home. Part 1, Indoor Leak Repair, will be held March 15, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. Part 2, Outdoor Irrigation Leak Repair, will be held March 17, from 6-7:30 p.m. Click on the links to register.

Bay Area Sierra Club Meeting: Spring Gardening

On March 16, 2022, from 7-8:30 p.m., the Bay Area chapter of the Sierra Club will hold a virtual meeting featuring a presentation by Doug Tallamy, a noted entomologist and professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.The program will emphasize choosing plants not only for beauty but for what pollinators and other insects have evolved to need, that is, native plants. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

The Right to a Healthy Environment

On March 17, 2022, from 9-10., the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Center at the University of Houston Law Center will present a webinar featuring Daniel Magraw, law professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, in a talk titled “The Right to a Healthy Environment.” To register, visit zoom.us.

Responding To Rising Waters – Dealing With Sea Level Rise in Miami-Dade County

On March 17, 2022, from 11 a.m.-noon, the Texas General Land Office and the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will present a webinar featuring Katherine Hagemann, resilience program manager for adaption at Miami-Dade County. She will describe how Florida’s Miami-Dade County has dealt with sea level rise and sea water inundation. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

Air Alliance Houston’s Work in Our Region

On March 17, 2022, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals will have a luncheon meeting featuring a presentation by Leticia Gutierrez, Government Relations Director/Community Outreach, Air Alliance Houston. This in-person event will be held at the Cadillac Bar, 1802 Shepherd Drive. For more information and to register, visit taep.memberclicks.net.

Unplugged Adventure: Kite Flying on the Prairie

On March 18, 2022, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Katy Prairie Conservancy invites the public to celebrate spring on the prairie. You can bring your own kite to enjoy the unmatched prairie breezes or get creative at the docent-led Kite Making Station. Bring a picnic to enjoy the wide open spaces. Additional activities will include: Insect and Pond Netting, Birding 101, and Prairie Bingo. No reservation required. For more information, visit katyprairie.org.

Bird Banding at GCBO

On March 19, 2022, from 8 a.m.-noon, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host its monthly bird banding demonstration. Birds are captured for banding in very fine nylon nets and then weighed and measured and their species, sex, and age are recorded. Each is fitted with an aluminum leg band with a unique number and released unharmed. If the bird is captured again, the band provides the link to retrieve this history, which then provides important information on the routes used by migrating birds, their longevity, and general physical condition. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Native Landscapes for Birds – Houston Area

On March 19, 2022, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Native Plant Society of Texas will offer a virtual class on he benefits of native plants, desirable plants for the Houston area, and design considerations for your landscape. The class will address, among other topics, the importance of birds and Texas’ role in bird migration; threats to birds and steps to reduce them; the relationship between birds and native plants; and how to create and maintain bird-friendly native plant landscapes. For more information and to register, visit nativeplantsocietyoftexas.app.neoncrm.com.

Lights Out, Texas!

Lights Out, Texas!, a campaign of education, awareness, and action that focuses on turning out lights at night during the spring and fall migrations to help protect the billions of migratory birds that fly over Texas, is under way. The full Spring Migration period runs through June 15, and the critical Spring Peak Migration period runs April 22 – May 12. Texan by Nature and Audubon Texas lead Lights Out, Texas! efforts across the state. For more information on how to participate, visit texanbynature.org.

Reclaiming Space and Place in Nature

In the latest Houston & Nature podcast, Nivien Saleh speaks with Kristi Rangel, an educator, public health official, and artist whose passion is exploring African-American connections to the land in Houston. She tells her own story and shares her thoughts on property ownership, the conflicted history that connects black Americans to the land, and the need to find healing in nature. To hear the podcast, visit houstonnature.com.

CONTESTS

Junior Duck Stamp Contest

The Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is the culmination of the Junior Duck Stamp educational program, opens to students Grades K-12. After studying waterfowl anatomy and habitat, students may express their newfound knowledge by drawing, painting or sketching a picture of an eligible North American waterfowl species. Original works done in the following styles will be accepted: hyper-realism, impressions, cartoon, caricatures, comics, pop whimsical, fantasy, cubism, folk, ethnic and tribal. Only 2-dimensional entries will be accepted. The Texas Contest entry deadline is March 15, 2022. Entries should be sent to Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. 601 FM 1011 (PO Box 10015) Liberty, TX 77575. If you have any questions/concerns, contact Felice Yarbough at felice_yarbough@fws.gov. (Image: Selina Yuan)

Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students

EPA and partners have launched the Environmental Justice (EJ) Video Challenge for Students to enhance communities’ capacity to address environmental and public health inequities. The goals of the challenge are to 1) inspire students at accredited colleges and universities in the United States and its territories to work directly with communities in the identification and characterization of EJ challenges using data and publicly available tools, and 2) help communities (including residents and other stakeholders) address EJ challenges and/or vulnerabilities to environmental and public health hazards using data and publicly available tools. Submissions are due April 1, 2022. Learn more about the challenge and how to participate at epa.gov.

Houston Teens Care About Clean Air Video Contest

Environmental Defense Fund and Environmental Youth Council are hosting the 5th annual Houston Teens Care About Clean Air student video contest. High school students in Houston and the surrounding areas are challenged to create a 1-2 minute video about air pollution, climate change, or environmental justice. First prize is a $2,500 Visa gift card. Teachers also have the opportunity to earn their own Visa gift card. For more information, visit enviroyouthcouncil.org. Teachers can find information and sign up your school to participate by completing the form HERE on the contest website or email Shannon Thomas at sthomas@edf.org. Submissions are due April 22, 2022.

Ocean Awareness Contest

The 11th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. The 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest—THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE—challenges students to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean, and to explore new ways to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis.The deadline for submissions is June 13, 2022. For more information, visit bowseat.org. (Image: Student artist Luyi Song)

Reminders About Ongoing Opportunities

  • The Face of God film discussion. Through April 7, 2022, Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church is holding a weekly online Lenten discussion on faith and climate change leveraging The Face of God, a film about God and nature, faith and climate change, and the experience of communities around the world facing and experiencing changes in their lives now. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.
  • Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities Request for Applications. U.S. EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. The application period closes April 28, 2022. Learn more at epa.gov.
  • Living the Change. On Tuesdays through May 17, 2022, the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston hosts an online course developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. For more information and to register, visit eventbrite.com.

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.

  • New awareness is being brought to a centuries-old pathway, the Camino Real de los Tejas. Meet a man on a mission to highlight its history, and the places and cultures it connects, as we trace a National Historic Trail through Texas
  • Texas leads in the country in wind energy production, and with this new energy source there are new questions. What will wind farms do to the already fragmented habitat here in Texas? We look at the Panhandle wind farms and their effects on the threatened lesser prairie chicken
  • Visitors to the Davis Mountains of far West Texas are rewarded with boundless vistas in all directions

Additional Upcoming Events

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