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April 23, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update April 23, 2013

CEC Logo

CEC NOTES

  1. 2013 Resource Guide
  2. Mark Your Calendar: CEC’s Environmental Summit on February 13, 2014
  3. EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC

COALITION NOTES

  1. 9 Natives Challenge
  2. Nature Story Time
  3. Healthy Ports Community Town Hall Meeting
  4. Green 6.2 Race
  5. HMNS Earth Day Celebration
  6. Quintana Spring Fling and Auction
  7. Spring Environmental Educators’ Exchange Meeting
  8. Recycling Economic Impact Study Presentation
  9. Anything That Floats 2013
  10. Basic Bird Watching for Beginners
  11. Deborah January-Bevers joins Houston Wilderness as new President and CEO

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
  2. Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
  3. Interpreting Nature Workshop Series
  4. Memorial Park Improvements and Post Oak Construction
  5. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
  6. Gulf Coast Green Symposium and Expo
  7. Zumbathon, Green Expo & Health Fair
  8. 2013 TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference (ETFC)
  9. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  10. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. $3 Million Federal Grant Fueling Texas A&M Chemist’s Dream for Cheaper Natural Gas Cars (Guidry News, 4/16/13)
  2. New polls: Most accept scientific view that Earth’s climate is changing (Bill Dawson – Texas Climate News, 4/17/13)
  3. EPA Announces U.S. Organizations Using the Most Green Power (EPA News, 4/17/13)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Houston Wilderness seeks Event Planning Intern
  2. NEW! Houston Wilderness seeks Website and Social Media Intern
  3. Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator
  4. Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist
  5. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
  6. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator
  7. The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant
  8. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions)
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator
  10. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
  11. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern
  12. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern
  13. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE with survey!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. 2103 Resource Guide. The CEC’s 2013 Environmental Resource Guide is now available online.This Environmental Resource Guide is designed as an environmental information resource for the citizens of the thirteen-county Houston region. People use the guide to find speakers for events, subject matter experts and media contacts, programs for teachers and children, environmental reporting hotlines, and much more.
  2. Mark Your Calendar: CEC’s Environmental Summit on February 13, 2014. Mark your calendars for the CEC’s third annual Environmental Summit on Thursday, February 13, 2014. The timely topics, expert discussion leaders, fabulous networking and conversation, and unparalleled opportunities to improve collaboration in our environmental community are not to be missed. If you would like to be an event sponsor or if you would like to be on the Summit Planning Task Force, please contact Rachel Powers (rachel@cechouston.org or 713-524-4232).
  3. EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC. CEC is pleased to announce that H-E-B, in recognition of Earth Day, has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the April beneficiary for its in-store coupon promotion. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill to support environmental work throughout the State of Texas for the entire month of April. Contributions made in the Houston area will be divided among EarthShare of Texas organizations with program work in the Houston region, including CEC and several of its member organizations. H-E-B supports many EarthShare of Texas organizations with corporate grants or in-kind contributions. The April tear-pad promotion is a bit different  as it enables H-E-B customers to bolster the diverse environmental program work of more than three dozen EarthShare of Texas’ organizations, including the CEC.  The customers’ dollars will go directly to these organizations, benefiting both the Texas environment and economy.  Throughout the month of April and into the first week of May, look for the EarthShare of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in any Texas H-E-B and Central Market stores.  Support EarthShare of Texas and the Texas environment!
    H-E-B Supports EarthShare Texas
  4. Happy Earth Month! Visit the CEC website for a calendar of local Earth Day events.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. 9 Natives Challenge. The goal of the 9 Natives Challenge is to get more people to plant pocket prairies at their homes, schools, businesses, and in other venues in the urban and suburban environments. One critical public education tool that we are missing is good, local models for prairie plantings. By participatinhelp us develop simple, effective garden plans for the general public. For the challenge, choose 9 coastal prairie natives out of a list of 10. Then design a flower bed for full sun using the given template. Designs will be judged and announced on May 22nd at the Association of Texas (HNPAT) Meeting. There will be an informational meeting about the challenge at the Bayland Community Center on April 24, 2013 at 6:30pm. Thomas Adams, Botanist at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, will speak on many of the 50 native plants in the Official 9 Natives list. Along with photos, he will be giving information on growing conditions and characteristics of these plants. More at http://cechouston.org/. The contest is sponsored by these non-profit organizations: Coastal Prairie Partnership, Houston Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas, and Katy Prairie Conservancy.
  2. Nature Story Time. Come join Nature Discovery on Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. for a special Nature Story Time. Each week, the group reads books on different nature topics and then partake in a fun craft or nature walk! Live animal demonstrations, specimens to observe and touch, nature walks and crafts bring nature themes to life for our Nature Story Time guests. *If you are coming with a group (Mom’s Group, Playdate, Day Care), please call 713.667.6550 to let the center know in advance to prepare enough materials for every child to participate. The next Nature Story Time will be April 24, 2013. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  3. Healthy Ports Community Town Hall Meeting. There will be a Town Hall meeting on April 25, 2013 at 7:30pm at Holland Middle School. The purpose of the meeting is to give a voice to portside community members in the decisions regarding the Port’s economic growth, routing of hazardous and heavy truck traffic, strategic positioning of pollution control devices, and disposal of hazardous wastes. Learn more at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  4. Green 6.2 Race. Come out to CITYCENTRE on April 27, 2013 for Houston’s Greenest Race, the 2013 Green 6.2. The race promotes Earth Day in Houston, with Pre/Post- Race day festivities. The focus during the 2013 Earth Week is to bring more environmental awareness to the running community, provide a high-quality event with the lowest possible net impact on the environment, and raise funds for the Houston Parks Board to construct running trails in Houston’s pocket parks. The Green 6.2 10K Race, will take runners/ walkers down Memorial Drive, Gessner Drive and through the scenic neighborhoods of Memorial. The Pre/Post-Race activities will include a pre-race warm-up led by CrossFit Memorial Houston, an awards ceremony for the 5K and 10K races, along with music, food and sponsor expo in the plaza area of CITYCENTRE. For more information and to register, visit thegreen2green.com.
  5. HMNS Earth Day Celebration. Celebrate Earth Day at the museum with the HMNS Energy Conservation Club. This year’s Earth Day at Houston Museum of Natural Science will focus on water conservation. For this family celebration, HMNS is partnering with Keep Houston Beautiful, which has just launched the new Urban Runoff Challenge website that was jointly developed by the City of Houston Streets and Drainage Division. The celebration will be held on April 27, 2013 from 10am-2pm. Learn more about this FREE event at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Quintana Spring Fling and Auction. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is currently holding their Annual Quintana Spring Fling and Auction. All proceeds raised from this auction will go toward GCBO’s coastal conservation programs. This year the auction contains original artwork, weekend trips, books and nature related items. Take a look! The auction opened on April 1, 2013 and will close at 3pm on April 30th. Also, during the month of April, stop by GCBO’s stopover habitat at Quintana, just 10 miles south of the Lake Jackson headquarters. A stopover habitat is where birds stop to refuel during migration. At Quintana, GCBO staff and volunteers assist with bird identification, provide local information and bird checklists, sell snacks and field guides, and post a daily bird list.
  7. Spring Environmental Educators’ Exchange Meeting. The Spring Environmental Educators’ Exchange Meeting will take place on May 1, 2013, 4:30-6:30pm, at The Last Organic Outpost. Get a guided tour of the Last Organic Outpost, and meet people with similar interests! The last part of the meeting is the traditional EEE Round-table Forum where members and attendees introduce themselves, their programs, make announcements and discuss challenges and successes in environmental education. The refreshments are pot-luck….bring something to share with one another. But, don’t let the fact that it is pot-luck deter you from attending! The meeting will be held outdoors, so dress according to weather. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  8. Recycling Economic Impact Study Presentation. H-GAC’s Recycling Economic Impact Study Presentation of Results will happen on May 2, 2013, 9am-12pm, at Houston-Galveston Area Council, Conference Room A, 2nd floor. Did you know that the recycling industry is responsible for 10,259 jobs and over $3.4 billion in industrial output in the 13-county Houston-Galveston region? H-GAC recently commissioned a study to look at the economic impact of the recycling industry in the region, including the collection, processing, and end use of recycled materials; reuse and remanufacturing; and energy recovery/beneficial use. The study is now complete and results will be presented on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Join H-GAC to learn about the recycling industry as it is now, what it could be in the future for our region, and what this means to your community. This is a free event. Registration is required. For more information or to RSVP please contact Erin Livingston at 832-681-2525 or erin.livingston@h-gac.com.
  9. Anything That Floats 2013. Rice Design Alliance is holding the Anything That Floats 2013 Competition on May 4, 2013 at 8am at Sesquicentennial Park along Buffalo Bayou. Anything That Floats challenges participants to build a device to float a short distance along Buffalo Bayou with discarded building materials provided the day-of by RDA. The competition is open to all! You don’t have to be a designer. This year will be derby-themed, so if you’re coming to watch wear your best derby gear. As a team member, you may also participate this year in a jockey costume contest for extra points! Learn more and register at http://ricedesignalliance.org/.
  10. Basic Bird Watching for Beginners. Basic Bird Watching for Beginners at Willow Waterhole will be held on Saturday May 4, 2013. It will be conducted by one of the Audubon Society’s best Willow Waterhole experts. The tour will begin at 8 AM from the parking lot of the Gathering Place 5310 South Willow 77035. Willow Waterhole has become one of Houston’s best bird watching venues because the three existing lakes with their islands provide extensive shorelines bordered by wetlands that contain habitat for shore, wading and diving birds. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  11. Deborah January-Bevers joins Houston Wilderness as new President and CEO. Deborah January-Bevers was recently elected by the Houston Wilderness Board of Directors to be its President and CEO. Deborah brings 25 years of public policy experience to Houston Wilderness as the organization’s third President and CEO, following founder Rosie Zamora and most recently Johnny Cronin. A native Houstonian, Deborah has been involved with public policy and civic projects in and around Houston and the State of Texas on issues ranging from urban streetscape design to water quality and land conservation. From 2001 – 2010, she served as a policy director at the Greater Houston Partnership, the Quality of Life Coalition, Scenic Houston and the Center for Houston’s Future. As an environmental and regulatory lawyer, she more recently served as policy advisor to various civic non-profits in the Houston Region – concentrating on economic development, environmental conservation and recycling, land use, health care and urban infrastructure. Over the years, she has helped create, develop and implement a variety of policy initiatives to improve the Houston Region’s quality of life, including: TxDOT’s Freeway Forestation Initiative, the Stop Trashing Houston Campaign, the Million Trees+Houston Campaign, Houston Streetscape Guide and Bayou Greenway Initiative. More in the Houston Wilderness Press Release.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Americans use more than 150 trillion gallons of fresh water a year. With more people and more demands on water than ever, water conservation is one of the best solutions to this growing issue. The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation started last week and lasts through April 30, 2013! The challenge is a friendly competition between cities across the U.S. to see who can be the most “water-wise.” Pledge to conserve water and reduce pollution! Visit http://www.wylandfoundation.org/ and enter your city to start the challenge. It’s free, easy, and brings together friends and neighbors in cities across America to see who can be the most water wise. Best of all, participants from winning cities can win hundreds of prizes, including a Toyota Prius c Hybrid.
  2. Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug-Take Back Day from 10am-2pm on April 27, 2013. This is a great opportunity for those who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs to safely dispose of those medications. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. Visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ to learn more and find a drop-off site near you.
  3. Interpreting Nature Workshop Series. The Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center holds an in-field workshop for those who wish to lead nature walks every 4th Saturday of the month. Conversations to help provide talking points on a wide variety of topics. Call for each month’s topic or for more details or to sign up for monthly e-mail notices. Send your request to nature.center@mctx.org. 281-364-4225. Bring a notebook, writing instruments, folding stool, or chair–or a plastic bag to sit on, snacks. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  4. Memorial Park Improvements and Post Oak Construction. Mayor Annise Parker has announced details for a plan that will provide funding for Memorial Park improvements and construction of a mass transit corridor on Post Oak Boulevard. The plan relies on City Council approval of the extension of the boundaries of the Uptown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #16, which currently encompasses the Galleria and surrounding area. The Memorial Park improvements project is expected to include site remediation, erosion control, removal of invasive non-native plants, the reestablishment of native grasslands and forests and facility needs. The transit improvements include the widening of Post Oak Boulevard to allow for construction of bus rapid transit lanes within the median while still preserving six lanes of automobile traffic. More at http://www.ridemetro.org/.
  5. Texas Watershed Steward Workshop. A Texas Watershed Steward workshop addressing water quality issues in Galveston County bayous will be held from 8am-4pm on April 30, 2013 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Galveston County, 4102 Main Street in La Marque. The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in Dickinson Bayou and surrounding areas. Participants are encouraged to preregister at http://tws.tamu.edu. The training provides a discussion of watershed systems, types and sources of water pollution, and ways to improve and protect water quality. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Gulf Coast Green Symposium and Expo. After 8 successful years, Gulf Coast Green Symposium and Expo has proven to be the leading green building conference in the Gulf Coast region. This year the symposium will again be a jam-packed single day focused on sustainable strategies for building reuse and renovations. GCG 2013 offers an intimate, fully integrated professional expo featuring certified green building products, materials and service providers. This collaborative effort will raise the bar for professional interaction leading to improving performance across all the metrics that matter in the region’s built environment. The conference will be held on May 2, 2013 at the Julia Ideson Building of the Houston Public Library. More at https://aiahouston.org/.
  7. Zumba, Green Expo & Health Fair. Lantrip Elementary, Jackson Middle School and Austin High School GreenSchools! in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Friends of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas – Latino Legacy and many others, will host a Zumbathon to support area students in creating a more healthy Houston through campus and community greening projects. The “Let’s Zumba Outside for GreenSchools!” event will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 9 am -1 pm at Stephen F. Austin High School, located at 1700 Dumble, Houston TX. Primary components of the event will center upon getting children and their families outside, campus and community greening, site planning for outdoor spaces, and promoting the important connections between health and nature. Bring a bag of clothes to enter into a CASH prize drawing. Tickets are $10 Adult and $5 student. More at http://www.friendsnfgt.org/.
  8. 2013 TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference (ETFC). The Environmental Trade Fair and Conference (ETFC) is Texas’ premier environmental educational forum featuring topics such as the drought crisis, oil & gas, air quality, waste management, and many more. The ETFC is scheduled for April 30 – May 1, 2013, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Learn more at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/.
  9. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
    • Hueco Tanks, Rock Art Reborn
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Cook’s Branch Conservancy
    • Wild Game Cooking: Grilled Venison
    • Oasis of the Kingfisher
  10. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
      • April 23: Green–Good. Moderate winds and decreasing background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
      • April 24: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
      • April 25: Green–Good. Moderate winds and sufficiently low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.

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ECONOTES Featured News Articles–For dozens of additional headlines, visit the CEC website. (You can let us know about articles, too. E-mail news@cechouston.org).

  1. $3 Million Federal Grant Fueling Texas A&M Chemist’s Dream for Cheaper Natural Gas Cars (Guidry News, 4/16/13)
    When it comes to American consumers’ vehicular preferences, Texas A&M University chemist Hongcai Joe Zhou says the choice often boils down to simple economics more so than availability, environment or altruism. Zhou says a more cost-efficient system will be necessary to drive a nationwide shift from petroleum to cleaner-burning fuels. Zhou’s goal is to solve the technical hurdles related to natural gas storage — answers that bode well for sectors ranging from energy and economics to global relations and preservation. http://www.guidrynews.com/
  2. New polls: Most accept scientific view that Earth’s climate is changing (Bill Dawson – Texas Climate News, 4/17/13)
    Recent opinion surveys continue to find broad public acceptance of the mainstream scientific view that the climate is changing. Those new polls revealed majorities taking climate change seriously and favoring responses to mitigate and adapt to it. There was also some ambiguity, however, in the combined picture that emerged from the surveys regarding views on the seriousness of the threats that climate change poses and what should be done about it. http://texasclimatenews.org/
  3. EPA Announces U.S. Organizations Using the Most Green Power (EPA News, 4/17/13)
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Green Power Partnership released an updated list of the Top 50 organizations that are choosing to use electricity from clean, renewable sources. These organizations help reduce carbon pollution and spur growth of clean, American-made energy sources by increasing their use of renewable energy. The City of Houston is #13 on the list. The Monarch School was recognized for long-term purchases of green energy. Four companies in the region were recognized as 100% green energy users: Accredo Packaging, Jacob White Construction Co., Discovery Green Conservancy, and Nicholas Earth Printing. http://yosemite.epa.gov/

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s Green Jobs page.New

  1. NEW! Houston Wilderness seeks Event Planning Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic and creative individual to assist with the planning and implementation of a Houston Wilderness summer environmental adventure challenge and fundraising event. The event will highlight the Wilderness Passport which features regional parks, preserves, and nature centers in the 10 major ecoregions surrounding Houston and provide an action event for interested donors and their families. The Event Planning Intern will be able to list development and completion of the project on their resume. The Event Planning Intern will assist in planning, implementing, and promoting the event. Responsibilities include: working within event timeline; assisting with designing digital invitations; managing multiple lists of donors, supporters, and invitees; working with proprietary information; interfacing with staff, Houston Wilderness board members and participants; promoting summer event through various written and social media outlets; and managing event set up and breakdown. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, writing sample (no longer than one page, double-spaced), and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org.
  2. NEW! Houston Wilderness seeks Website and Social Media Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic, tech savvy, creative individual to coordinate website and social media to support regional conservation efforts. Houston Wilderness is embarking on two different website development projects – one involving its existing website and one involving a dynamic, multi-partner website with key environmental organizations around the Houston region. Working on these website projects will provide an intern with an opportunity to work on challenging web design and function as well as become involved at the ground floor with the new Get Outdoors Houston! Initiative. The intern will also have an opportunity to network with partner organizations, such as Texas Parks & Wildlife Service, Cornell lab of Ornithology, the Houston Zoo, Houston Audubon, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Website and Social Media Intern will create and distribute digital media and content through a variety of channels to engage diverse audiences. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, writing sample (no longer than one page-double spaced), and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org.
  3. Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. The Community Outreach Coordinator will work independently and in conjunction with Air Alliance staff on ongoing programs and new initiatives. The existing programs require skillful program management, attendance at stakeholder and community meetings, support of educational and outreach activities, leading community based participatory research initiatives such as community air monitoring, public speaking, written advocacy, and grassroots organizing. New initiatives will require the Community Outreach Coordinator to identify a community’s health and environmental issues, raise awareness about them within the community and beyond, and develop strategies to address them. The Community Outreach Coordinator will also be expected to assist Air Alliance staff with major program events and ably represent the organization at other public functions, events, and meetings. This position will encompass a broad range of issues including public health, quality of life, community relations, grassroots outreach, education, written and oral advocacy, organizing, public policy, and fundraising. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working with diverse stakeholders including community members, local business and industry, academic partners, regulatory agencies, government and elected officials, and the media. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org. View the full job posting here: http://airalliancehouston.org/.
  4. Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist. Based at Sheldon Lake State Park, Houston, TX. Responsibilities include: Under the direction of the Outdoor Education and Outreach Coordinator for Texas State Parks, this position serves as lead instructor for overnight camping workshops, and outdoor activity program delivery to promote the use of State Parks to non-traditional visitors. Responsible for organizing, conducting and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family workshops within the Houston-area State Parks. Serves as a community liaison between State Parks and Houston-area organizations. Develops relationships with community partners who serve diverse audiences, conduct outdoor leadership trainings to prepare group leaders and volunteers to lead overnight camping and outdoor education experiences. View the full details of the position and learn how to apply at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/.
  5. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns. The Wildlife Education interns will assist with Summer Wildlife Camp, conduct outreach and on-site education programming, assist in the Baby Bird Feeding Program and work with other TWRC Wildlife Center interns on a Summer Internship Action Team to develop and analyze education programming, complete individual service projects and address challenges presented by the Education Coordinator. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  6. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator. TWRC Wildlife Center is seeking a Junior Counselor Coordinator for its Summer Wildlife Camp. The paid intern will recruit, train, schedule, and supervise teenage summer camp counselors in education animal care, wildlife summer camps, birthday parties, outreach programs, summer wildlife workshops, and in-center baby bird rehabilitation. The Junior Counselor Coordinator will implement, analyze and improve the Junior Counselor program while working hands-on with native and exotic wildlife. As a vital team member of an active non-profit, the Junior Counselor Coordinator will be called upon to develop and coordinate marketing, fundraising, or community awareness materials and events in relation to the new Junior Counselor Program. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
  7. The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant. This person will assist the director with expanding the Service’s geospatial capabilities, developing fee-for-service resources, and supporting research and community outreach projects that utilize geospatial modeling and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience with ESRI ArcGIS software, as well as experience producing effective visual communications, managing data, and using basic biostatistical tools. The candidate should also have good writing skills and a demonstrated interest in environmental health. The hours are flexible, with the possibility of a full-time position if funding permits. The BCM-EHS is located in the Texas Medical Center. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified students who would like to satisfy practicum or independent study requirements will also be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and work samples to Dr. Winifred Hamilton (hamilton@bcm.edu), director of the Environmental Health Service. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Hamilton (713-798-1052).
  8. Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions). The interns will serve as a member of a team to conduct investigative water sampling in Houston-area bayous upstream of locations with identified high fecal indicator bacteria. For more information see: http://www.bayoupreservation.org/employment. Contact: Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director;  shupp@bayoupreservation.org;  713-529-6443.
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator. The Bayou Greenways 2020 (BG2020) project aims to create a united urban park system like no other in the nation. By developing linear parks and trails along all the major bayous that flow throughout Houston, BG2020 will add nearly 1,500 acres of additional park land to Houston’s inventory. The Grassroots and Digital Coordinator will be responsible for developing online and web strategies, creating and executing email campaigns, maintaining and managing multiple websites, and organizing and coordinating online and offline community outreach and grassroots outreach efforts. Responsibilities also include managing the organization’s relationship with online community influencers, including reaching out to external blogs and online communities. To Apply: Cover letter, resume and three references should be emailed to: Jen Powis, Advocacy Director at jen@houstonparksboard.org.
  10. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator. The Nature Discovery Center is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to manage all areas related to volunteer work at the Center. The ideal candidate will be adept at working with a variety of personalities and styles, technologically savvy, and goal-oriented. Additional requirements include sense of humor and love of nature. A background in science, education, or conservation is helpful though not required. Responsibilities include: recruit, interview and place applicants for volunteer work at the Nature Discovery Center; conduct and arrange volunteer orientation and training, including the Teen Volunteer Summer Program and most special events; create and maintain a volunteer database and a system for reporting volunteer statistics; and coordinate all volunteer activity with staff. For more information about the Volunteer Coordinator position, or to apply contact: Sarah Flournoy, Executive Director at sflournoy@naturediscoverycenter.org or 713.667.6550.
  11. ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern. The intern will participate in research and administrative work in preparation for the upcoming exhibition to be held at the Julia Ideson Library related to Hermann Park’s centennial celebration in 2014. Primary responsibilities include carrying out research related to Hermann Park, including historical materials, publications, documents, photographs, master plan(s), sketches, artworks, etc.; archiving, cataloguing and chronology; correspondence and communications (writing letters, e-mails, phone contacts, etc.); organizing and filing of documents and research materials; maintaining database of objects and materials; preparing exhibition materials’ bibliography including materials, sources, references; and report writing. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  12. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning (90%) and Volunteer Programs (10%) Intern. Primary areas of responsibility include: assisting Hermann Park Conservancy’s (HPC) Conservation Director with aspects of the continuing development of a reforestation plan in Hermann Park, and assisting the HPC volunteer coordinator with volunteer project facilitation with regard to tree plantings, tree care, park maintenance and other Hermann Park improvement projects. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
  13. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders. SCA seeks two qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire high school students for the Houston Summer Crew program. Co-lead, mentor and coach a crew of 12 students, ages 14-19, while completing various conservation service projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental stewardship. Projects include a range of activities such as trail and park maintenance, habitat restoration, revitalization of abandoned urban properties or to urban agriculture. In addition, leaders will facilitate pre- and post- program planning which includes crew training, environmental education and reporting. Training is June 3-12 and program start date is June 20. To Apply: Please visit the www.thesca.org/employment for a detailed description including information on how to apply. For questions contact SCA Houston staff at SCAHouston@theSCA.org or call: (713) 520-1835.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Texas Capitol StarCEC is sharing information during the session about what bills our member groups and readers are tracking. More information is available at cechouston.org/category/texas-legislature/.

The last day to file most bills was March 8, 2013. April 15, 2013, was first day a Senator might place five bills or resolutions on the Intent Calendar. The last day of the regular session is Monday, May 27, 2013. Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Let us know what you think about the senate bills that have been filed! Take a quick survey to let us know which senate bills are important to you–and why! We’ll let you know what our readers think. Click here to take survey.

The following is information from our readers:

  • The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, Houston Regional Group has identified HJR 135 and HJR 60 as important. These  bills have to do with donations from the public through the purchase of specialty license plates. The donation support the work of many non-profit organizations, either directly or indirectly though grants. The funds are held in dedicated accounts, but are not necessarily spent or appropriated in a manner consistent with the dedicated revenue accounts. These bills would disallow the use of dedicated revenue sourced by voluntary contributions to be used to certify the state government.
  • Keep Texas Parks Open is following six bills which would impact how much of the dedicated funds in the account from the sporting goods tax would actually be allocated or spent on state park programs. More information at http://www.keeptexasparksopen.com/.
  • The Texas League of Environmental Voters has the following bills on its watch list. You can learn more at http://www.tlcv.org/news/.
    • SB 1239 / HB 3701: Net metering
    • SB 342 / HB 178: Water Conservation
    • SB 645 / HB 1473: Beverage Container Recycling
    • HB 2026: Renewable Portfolio Standard Repeal
    • HB 2416: Bag Ban Ban
    • HB 824: Spill Reporting
    • HB 1496: Hydraulic Fracturing
  • The Austin Heritage Tree Foundation has let us know about legislation that could impact, and possibly void all tree protection ordinances in Texas. More information at http://www.austinheritagetreefoundation.com/BILL_ALERTS.html.

Other websites with updates on environmental legislation:

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UPCOMING EVENTS If you attend one of these events, please let them know you heard about it here! Visit the new calendar at cechouston.org.

Tuesday, April 22, 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC on line at cechouston.org. Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments? Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org. If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date.

Donate Now!

CEC and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll contribution plans at many Texas workplaces through Earth Share of Texas. Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org.

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CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com for more information about the program.

Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org

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