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May 7, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update May 7, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update May 7, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Welcome New Member Group Houston Wilderness
  2. Mark Your Calendar: Recycling Unconference, May 22, 2013

COALITION NOTES

  1. ‘Houston’s Environmental Past.’
  2. Reconnecting People with Nature
  3. Katy Prairie Field Day
  4. Hula in Hermann Park
  5. GCBO Birds and Bottomlands Blitz
  6. Plant a Butterfly Feeder Hanging Basket
  7. American Lung Association Plains Gulf Region releases State of the Air report
  8. Bike to Work Day
  9. Techs & Trainers – Closing Announcement

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. RFP for Galveston County Parks to improve McAllis Point
  2. Houston Green Film Series: Eating Alabama
  3. Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership meeting
  4. Mind on Water Symposium
  5. Got tires?
  6. 16th Annual Texas Recycling and Sustainability Summit
  7. Houston Area Water Quality Public Comment Opportunity
  8. TCEQ Announces Texas Environmental Excellence Awards
  9. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  10. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Guide to Houston’s best farmers markets (Syd Kearney – Houston Chronicle, 4/24/2013)
  2. Memorial Park’s new steward is in for the long haul (The Leader – Betsy Denson, 4/26/2013)
  3. CarShare Program Offers Options For Those Using Alternative Transportation (Ed Mayberry – KUHF News, 4/29/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! HARC seeks Intern for Website Content Development and Social Media Integration
  2. NEW! Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator
  3. NEW! Hermann Park Conservancy is currently seeking a full-time office manager/bookkeeper
  4. NEW! Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust seeks Executive Director (Seguin, TX)
  5. The Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Wetland Permit Review Specialist
  6. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Director
  7. Recipe for Success seeks Garden Educator Summer Interns
  8. Houston Wilderness seeks Event Planning Intern
  9. Houston Wilderness seeks Website and Social Media Intern
  10. Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator
  11. Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist
  12. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
  13. TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator
  14. Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator
  15. Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
  16. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Welcome New Member Group Houston Wilderness. Please help CEC welcome back Houston Wilderness to the coalition! Houston Wilderness is a broad-based alliance of business, environmental, and government interests that act in concert to protect, preserve, and promote the unique biodiveristy of the region’s precious remaining ecological capital from bottomland hardwoods and prairie grasslands to pine forests and wetlands. The Houston Wilderness mission is accomplished through convening, problem solving, and educating. More information can be found on the Houston Wilderness website.
  2. Mark Your Calendar: Recycling Unconference, May 22, 2013. Mark your calendars for the Recycling Unconference on May 22, 2013, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Geared towards property managers, attendees will learn how to improve or create a recycling program in your building, save money by managing waste streams, and move tenants to action and participation. Organized by the USGBC-Texas Gulf Coast, in partnership with the City of Houston, the Gulf Coast Recycling Council, and the CEC.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. ‘Houston’s Environmental Past.’ Houston History Archives announces an exhibit reflecting archival collections preserving ‘Houston’s Environmental Past.’ Historical materials reveal conservation and environmental action by the Outdoor Nature Club, Sarah and Army Emmott, Bayou Preservation Association, Terry Tarlton Hershey, Hana Ginzbarg, The Park People, Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Scenic Houston, Keep Houston Beautiful, and This is Our Home . . . . Exhibit is located on the first floor of the M.D. Anderson Library (main library) at the University of Houston and runs from March 25-September 20, 2013. See http://info.lib.uh.edu/about/hours to confirm library hours during summer and http://info.lib.uh.edu/about/maps-directions/special-collections for directions to the UH campus. For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact Dr. Terry Tomkins-Walsh (tomkinswalsh@uh.edu).
  2. Reconnecting People with Nature. Join Houston Audubon and naturalists Gary and Kathy Adams Clark for an inspirational program on the importance of connecting our fellow citizens to the vital relationship they have with nature. With over 30 years of birding experience, Gary uses poetry and literature to show that the fate of nature is our own. The program will be held on May 9, 2013 at 7pm at the United Way Center. This is a free event! First-Come-First-Served; seating is available for 125 attendees. Learn more at http://cechouston.org/.
  3. Katy Prairie Field Day. Dig the Katy Prairie by helping in the Native Seed Nursery! The second Thursday of each month, from 8 am to 3 pm, KPC hosts Field Days, generally at the Indiangrass Preserve. The next field day is on May 9, 2013. Volunteers will work in KPC’s Coastal Prairie Native Seed Nursery watering, weeding, and potting seedlings. Email info@katyprairie.org for more details.
  4. Hula in Hermann Park. Come hula in Hermann Park with Urban Green! Urban Green, Hermann Park Conservancy’s young professionals group, invites Houston’s hula girls and hang ten-ers to Lake Plaza for Urban Green’s signature spring event featuring tropical cocktails and libations, delicious bites from local restaurants, pedal boats, a photo booth, and a fabulous silent auction. Bidders at the event can choose from a weeklong surf experience in Spain, Astros tickets, a bowling party, and more. All proceeds benefit Hermann Park Conservancy. Thursday, May 9, 2013, from 7-10 pm. Tickets are $25 for Urban Green members; $35 for non-members; and $65 for a ticket and membership. For questions, call 713-524-5876 ext. 334. Tickets can be purchased at http://hermannpark.org/urban_green_event.php.
  5. GCBO Birds and Bottomlands Blitz. Wildflowers of the Prairie and Bottomlands; leader is Flo Hannah Flo is a native plant expert, is the proprietor of Hannah Native Grasses and is a die-hard advocate protecting our native coastal prairies. She is also the Urban Sanctuaries Manager for Houston Audubon Society. Learn from the expert to identify native flowers that will still be in bloom, some lasting all summer and into fall. The importance of the plants and grasses in the Bottomlands ecosystem will become obvious. May 11, 2013, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the GCBO. More information is available at www.gcbo.org.
  6. Plant a Butterfly Feeder Hanging Basket. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is holding butterfly feeder classes on May 12, 2013. The first class will be held from 1-3 pm, and the second class will be from 3-5pm. With the recent extremes of winter freezes and prolonged droughts, many of the flowering plants that butterflies use as nectar sources no longer exist. In this hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to over two dozen different native plants whose flowers provide nectar for butterflies, including the Monarch. Plants profiled by the instructor will include several species appropriate for a hanging basket. Every participant will prepare and take home a butterfly feeder hanging basket. This workshop is family friendly. One child age 10 and up welcome with each paid adult. Cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. More at http://www.houstonarboretum.org/.
  7. American Lung Association Plains Gulf Region releases State of the Air report.  For 14 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make our air cleaner and healthier. Most of the counties in the region that are included in the report received a grade of “F” for ozone pollution, and earning the region the number 7 spot on the list of metropolitan areas with the worst ozone problems. The region did not make the lists for particulates. To check out your county and to download the report, visit  www.stateoftheair.org.
  8. Bike to Work Day. May is National Bike Month! Biking is a fun, healthy, and green method of transportation! There are many opportunities to ride around Houston. More at http://www.h-gac.com/.
  9. Techs & Trainers – Closing Announcement. Techs & Trainers announced that they are closing on May 7, 2013, after a hard year. Techs & Trainers is an organization that provides a basic computer service to the disabled community of greater Houston. A computer donation provides needed computer training and skills development for someone with barriers to employment. Although the organization is closing, supporters are working to keep Barbara Rosen’s vision of helping people with disabilities alive. With enough support, there is a chance that they will re-open in June with volunteers (front desk and technician staff). If you are interested in volunteering to keep Techs & Trainers going, please contact techsandtrainers@gmail.com.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. RFP for Galveston County Parks to improve McAllis Point. Galveston County Parks Department is accepting proposals to develop a conservation plan for McAllis Point. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Galveston County Parks Administration Office, (Carbide Park), located at 4102 Main Street (FM 519), LaMarque, Texas 77568. The property was conserved over the last decade in large part due to efforts of environmental groups such as the Trust for Public land and many other partners. More information about McAllis Point is availble at www.tpl.org. More information about the project is available at www.galvestondailynews.com. Conservation organizations are encouraged to apply.
  2. Houston Green Film Series: Eating Alabama. Discovery Green and Chipotle Mexican Grill present films to educate and challenge us all to care for the earth. On May 10, 2013, there will be a showing of “Eating Alabama” at Discovery Green. A thoughtful and often funny essay on community, the South and sustainability, “Eating Alabama” is a story about why food matters. Activities begin at 8pm, and the film begins at 8:30pm. This is a free event. More at https://www.facebook.com/.
  3. Armand Bayou Watershed Partnership meeting. The subject of this Partnership meeting is outdoor recreation opportunities in the watershed. Speakers will share about their resources and experiences in local paddling, hiking, biking, and birding. Author Natalie Wiest, one of the presenters, will focus on her new book, Canoeing and Kayaking in Houston Waterways. The book will be available for purchase and for author signature. Area providers of trips, rentals, and other outdoor recreation resources will also be available. Tuesday, May 14, 2013, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Clear Lake Park. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP by May 10 to ensure that we have sufficient refreshments for attendees. To RSVP please contact Linda Shead at linda.shead@sheadconservation.com or call 713-703-1123.
  4. Mind on Water Symposium. St. Catherine’s Montessori is proud to present the 2013 Symposium “Mind On Water,” bringing our community a wealth of knowledge about water-related issues. Our Adolescent Community will be presenting topics that affect not just the local Houston area, but also locations all over the globe. This event has a lot to offer to families, students, and environmentalists of all ages, featuring a panel of experts discussing current issues, individual student presentations and interactive activities. More information about the May 15, 2013, event is available at http://www.stcathmonth2o.blogspot.com/.
  5. Got tires? The Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) has funds to pay for disposal of abandoned tires collected during clean-ups.  Collected tires, debris, and waste will be properly transported to and disposed at an authorized disposal site. Abandoned tires can pose risks relating to fire hazards, mosquito breeding and disease transmission, vermin, air quality, and water quality, in addition to unsightliness. If you know of tire dumps in Harris County, please contact Cathy Rogers-McCoy of the HCSWCD. Visit harriscoswcd.org for contact info.
  6. 16th Annual Texas Recycling and Sustainability Summit. 16th Annual Texas Recycling and Sustainability Summit will take place October 13-16, 2013, at the Houston Hyatt Regency. The theme is “Implementation Methods and Best Practices: Your People. Your Program. Your Story.” Registration for this year’s exhibit hall is now open – and is 25% full already, so get your registration form in quick! Contact the STAR office know if you have any questions by calling 512-828-6409 or emailing info@recyclingstar.org. More at http://www.recyclingstar.org/summit.
  7. Houston Area Water Quality Public Comment Opportunity. New TMDLs within several of the Houston Area watersheds and within the BIG project area have been proposed for adoption through TCEQ’s regular update to the Water Quality Management Plan. The following watersheds/segments have TMDL addenda being released:
    • Brays Bayou Watershed (1 TMDL, 3 segments));
    • East Houston Watersheds (1 TMDl, 1 segment);
    • Sims Bayou Watersheds (1 TMDL, 1 segment); and
    • Buffalo and Whiteoak Bayous Watershed (1 TMDL, 1 segment).

    The invitation to comment will be published in the Texas Register on May 10, 2013 and the comment period will close on June 10, 2013. The draft document is available on the TCEQ’s WQMP Update website  and as backup material for the Commissioners’ Agenda. The technical documents upon which the new TMDLs are based can be found on the TCEQ’s TMDL website for Houston Area TMDLs.

  8. TCEQ Announces Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. The May 2013 edition of Natural Outlook, a monthly online publication of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), features information about winners of the TEEA, including two in the greater Houston region.More information about the projects are available at www.tceq.texas.gov.
    • The Lake Conroe Habitat Improvement Project Coalition has worked since 2006  to promote a variety of restoration projects, including a native-plant nursery below the dam. These “founder colonies” began to provide food and protection for juvenile fish—a big step toward restoration. Since 2010, five miles of shoreline have been restored, resulting in significant increases in fish and other wildlife.
    • The Dow Chemical Company’s Texas Operations, at its Freeport Plant, has worked to identify and implement water conservation strategies. The company needs considerable amounts of both fresh and salt water to operate. Strategies include water recycling, a seawater cooling system, reservoir improvements, and reusing treated wastewater from the City of Lake Jackson.
  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:
    • Final Port of Call
    • Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bats
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Wexford Ranches
    • Tracing a Texas River
  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.
    • May 7: Orange–Unhealthy Sensitive–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels on the north and northeast side of the Houston area and “Moderate” or possibly higher levels in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area, with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • May 8: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” levels on the north and northwest sides of the Houston.
    • May 9: Green–Good. Moderate winds and lower 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. Guide to Houston’s best farmers markets (Syd Kearney – Houston Chronicle, 4/24/2013)
    In recent years, the number of farmers markets has mushroomed. Some are small humble operations; others boast a festive atmosphere complete with live music, cooking demonstrations and food trucks. All share a tasty notion: to nurture a better-educated consumer by facilitating conversations with food producers.
    http://www.chron.com/
  2. Memorial Park’s new steward is in for the long haul (The Leader – Betsy Denson, 4/26/2013)
    Garden Oaks resident Shellye Arnold is the new executive director of the Memorial Park Conservancy. This is a pivotal moment for the park as it was decimated by the drought of 2011, Memorial Park lost thousands of trees. The conservancy – whose stated mission is to “restore, preserve and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow” – has a lot of work to do. Arnold brings an exceptional skill set to the task.
    http://www.theleadernews.com/
  3. CarShare Program Offers Options For Those Using Alternative Transportation (Ed Mayberry – KUHF News, 4/29/2013)
    The new CarShare Program in the Energy Corridor provides vehicles at work that can be used for errands. This program is meant for those who get to work by other means than their own car. This also provides back-up transportation for those who can’t ride their bikes because of the weather, or whose schedules don’t match up with the carpool.
    http://app1.kuhf.org/

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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! HARC seeks Intern for Website Content Development and Social Media Integration. HARC is looking for a tech savvy and creative student pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with experience using Drupal, WordPress or similar online content management system. Advanced CSS and HTML knowledge, basic Photoshop skills,  PHP, MySQL, Drupal module development experience is  a plus but not a requirement of the position. We are looking for a candidate with strong communications skills and an ability to perform in a team environment. Duties will include, but not be limited to: organizing and publishing content to a Drupal website; maintaining a consistent look and feel throughout all web components as defined by graphic designer; copying, editing and proofreading all web content; and assisting in the creation of a custom Drupal theme. For more information about the position and to upload a resume, please visit http://mitchell.harc.edu/About/Jobs/Job?jobID=125. HARC is a non-profit research hub located in The Woodlands, TX that provides independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues to people seeking scientific answers.
  2. NEW! Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator. Responsibilities include coordinating volunteer conservation programs and events (Adopt-a-Spot, Green Team, Trash Bash, Eagle Scouts, etc.) and leading activities on-site; coordinating volunteers for BBP special events (Regatta, Kids Day, etc.) and supervising on-site; developing and implementing new and innovative initiatives to expand the volunteer base with an emphasis on corporate volunteers (team building program, communication, recognition, etc.); developing and implementing initiatives to increase awareness of Buffalo Bayou Partnership (includes but not limited to scheduling presentations, representing Buffalo Bayou Partnership at city-wide events such as Earth Day at Discovery Green Park, outreach to residents living along the bayou, speakers’ bureau, etc.); and more. If interested, please send resume and cover letter to Ann Olsen, President, Buffalo Bayou Partnership/ 1113 Vine St, Suite 200/ Houston, TX 77002, or info@buffalobayou.org (No phone calls please).
  3. NEW! Hermann Park Conservancy is currently seeking a full-time office manager/bookkeeper. The office manager/bookkeeper is responsible for overseeing the financial management of the organization and for maintaining all financial records, from day-to-day data input to monthly closing journal entries to preparing financial statements. This position is also responsible for the day-to-day office management, including ordering and maintaining office supplies, office equipment, and payroll. This position reports to the executive director. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.hermannpark.org.
  4. NEW! Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust seeks Executive Director (Seguin, TX). Position is responsible for implementing & managing a multi-faceted development program of land & water conservation projects including: finances; fundraising; administration; marketing, project development, implementation & monitoring; conservation easements; establishing landowner contacts; developing project partners; education & outreach; & board development. For details see http://www.gbra.org/documents/hr/ExecDirectorTrust.pdf.
  5. The Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Wetland Permit Review Specialist. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) in Webster, TX, seeks a part-time (10-15 hrs/wk) Wetland Permit Review Specialist. The Wetland Permit Review Specialist works under the supervision of GBF’s Director of Advocacy and in coordination with GBF’s Wetland Permit Review (WPR) committee and state and federal agency staff to encourage the proper use, development, improvement, and protection of the Galveston Bay estuarine system and its tributaries by reviewing, evaluating, and developing comments on projects proposed through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ public notice system. For a full list of duties and qualifications, please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html. To apply, please email resumes to sjones@galvbay.org by May 28, 2013.
  6. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Director. Buffalo Bayou Park’s Park Director will report to the BBP President and will be responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and overseeing day-to-day maintenance, operations and limited programming. Additional responsibilities will include coordination with other BBP staff in the areas of accounting, public relations and events. The Park Director also will be responsible for administrative duties, including short and long-term planning, annual budgets, purchasing procedures, contract negotiations (with the President), and reporting procedures for park maintenance and operations functions. Besides reporting regularly to the BBP President, the Park Director will interact extensively with the BBP Board, HPARD and other city departments, Downtown TIRZ #3, park users, park advocacy groups, volunteers and outside vendors. A Park Standards Committee will meet regularly to review maintenance and operations activities and annual costs. The Park Director will be involved in annual budget negotiations with Downtown TIRZ #3. Buffalo Bayou Park and related BBP staff will be small and entrepreneurial. The Park Director will oversee the work of 12 or more full-time staff plus several more part-time and seasonal crews. The staff will build over time as improved areas of the park reopen. The park will be fully staffed by early 2015. More information is available at www.buffalobayou.org.
  7. Recipe for Success seeks Garden Educator Summer Interns. Recipe for Success is looking for two Garden Educator Summer Interns. The candidate will be knowledgeable and experienced in the various realms of urban agriculture, school and community garden programs, organic horticulture, food systems and youth education. For more information, visit http://recipe4success.org/get-involved/internships.html or contact Justin Myers at Justin@Recipe4Success.org.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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/.
  11. 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/.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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/.

House Bills must be debated on the floor by May 9, 2013, in order to be considered; otherwise they must be added as amendments to other bills. The last day of the regular session is Monday, May 27, 2013.  Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.

Already, over 2,500 bills have been passed by the legislature, although many are tributes of various types. For a complete list, visit http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=83R&ID=passed. The following may be of interest:

  • HB 200: Relating to liability of certain electric utilities that allow certain uses of land that the electric utility owns, occupies, or leases.
  • HCR 31: Designating the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle as the official State Sea Turtle of Texas.
  • SB 174: Relating to the control of stray bison and other estrays.
  • SB 276: Relating to the authority of certain transportation authorities to create a local government corporation.
  • SB 595: Relating to the power of the North Fort Bend Water Authority to impose a charge on certain wells or classes of wells.
  • SB 655: Relating to the exercise of the power of eminent domain by certain authorized entities.
  • SB 902: Relating to the operation, powers, and duties of certain water districts.

Scenic Texas calls our attention to HB 2244 and SB 1383, which override local control to give billboard companies special treatment. In recent decades many Texas cities have made huge strides towards improving their environments by limiting the number and location of billboards.  Now, two bills in the state legislature, SB 1383 by Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) and HB 2244 by Linda Harper-Brown (R-Irving) are companion bills that would tell cities to give preferential treatment to billion-dollar billboard companies over every other property owner.  Learn more on Scenic America’s website.

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, May 7, 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Monday, May 13, 2013

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Wednesday, May 15, 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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