• 713-524-4CEC (4232)
  • info@cechouston.org
May 21, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update May 21, 2013

Donate Now through Network for Good

Citizens' Environmental Coalition Logo

Houston Environmental News Update May 21, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Recycling Unconference, May 22, 2013
  2. CEC Earns GuideStar Exchange Seal
  3. No Newsletter June 12, 2013

COALITION NOTES

  1. Armand Bayou Owl Prowl and Night Hike
  2. National Trails Day
  3. Galveston Bay Foundation: Bay Gazer Photo Contest
  4. Environmental Awareness Roundtable: Social Media 101
  5. HPB Bayou Bike Tour
  6. Clean Fleet Technologies Conference
  7. Is Houston Solar Ready? Review Available
  8. 2013 Original Classroom Series: Headwaters to Baywaters
  9. RDA’s Anything that Floats Rescheduled to June 22
  10. EDF & AAH submit comments to TCEQ regarding air quality in Texas City
  11. BPA’s Planting Guide

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. A Conversation with Houston’s Energy Leaders
  2. Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
  3. Electronics Recycling
  4. The Boomer–news from the Friends of the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge
  5. Gulf Shrimp Season
  6. Galveston Bay Estuary Program welcomes new director
  7. TCEQ Comment Opportunities
  8. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  9. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Nearby parks matter – Opinion (Houston Chronicle, 3/16/2013)
  2. Houston’s bike boom – Opinion (Houston Chronicle, 5/17/2013)
  3. Houston Business Plants Trees To Offset Pipeline Construction (Andrew Schneider – KUHF News, 5/15/2013)

GREEN JOBS

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

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Recycling Unconference, May 22, 2013. The Recycling Unconference is 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. Learn more at http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org.
  2. CEC Earns GuideStar Exchange Seal. The CEC recently received the GuideStar Exchange Seal, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability provided by GuideStar USA, Inc., the premier source of nonprofit information. The Seal demonstrates to CEC’s vast support-base our deep commitment has in nonprofit transparency and accountability. In order to be awarded the GuideStar Exchange Seal, CEC had to fill out every required field of our report page on www.guidestar.org, including our annual report, photos, videos, etc. We hope you will check us out and tell us what you think: http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/74-1692204/citizens-environmental-coalition-educational-fund.aspx.
  3. No newsletter June 12, 2013. Each year, the newsletter takes a short break for one week in June. This year, we plan to be out enjoying our environment instead of sending out the newsletter on June 11, 2013.

Back to top

COALITION NOTES

  1. Armand Bayou Owl Prowl and Night Hike. Join Armand Bayou on a beautiful walk through the woods to look for owls and listen to the fascinating sounds of the night. Don’t forget your walking shoes and flashlight! Ages 6 – adult. Advance reservations required. Call 281 474-2551, ext 10. These walks take place every 4th Saturday of the month from 5:00-7:00 pm. The next event will happen on May 25, 2013, at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. http://cechouston.org/.
  2. National Trails Day. Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1, 2013! There will be thousands of events around the country including hikes, biking and horseback rides, paddling trips, birdwatching, geocaching, gear demonstrations, stewardship projects and more. Learn more about National Trails Day at http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/.
    1. Bayou Land Conservancy Celebration. Celebrate with Bayou Land Conservancy and GHORBA at the new 100-Acre Wood Preserve. The event will take place on June 1, 2013 from 9-11:30am. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to introduce yourself to, and work on this new two-mile trail system that is free and open to the public! RSVP required at 281-576-1634 or info@bayouland.org.
    2. Jones Park National Trails Day Creek Bash. Join volunteers and staff to clean up the paddle trail along Spring Creek at Jones Park. All ages are welcome to assist with the clean-up effort, and those ages 16 and older may canoe the creek to remove debris. Reservations are required and can be made beginning Wednesday, May 22. Contact is Mark Seegers at 713-755-6444/713-816-3132 or mseegers@hcp4.net. The event will take place on June 1, 2013 at 9am.
  3. Galveston Bay Foundation: Bay Gazer Photo Contest. Do you have photos that exhibit the natural beauty of Galveston Bay? Give GBF your best shot by submitting up to three photos to the Bay Gazer Photo Contest for a chance to win cash prizes and have your photo professionally framed and showcased around the Bay Area. Submissions are being accepted through May 26th. Then come out and join us at Bay Day, at the Kemah Boardwalk on June 1, for photo judging and announcement of the winners! There are three age-based entry levels starting from age 11 and up. Submissions must represent Galveston Bay scenes, animals or people within the last year. Help celebrate nature through imagery with GBF by showcasing Galveston Bay through your lens! Learn more about the contest and submit your photos at http://galvbay.org/photo_contest.html.
  4. Environmental Awareness Roundtable: Social Media 101. Houston-Galveston Area Council is holding an Environmental Awareness Roundtable on May 23, 2013, 8:30am-3:00pm at 3555 Timmons Lane #120. This one day course is designed for government, organizations, coordinators, and others who promote sustainable uses of watersheds. In this workshop you will learn how the media-scape (and social media) is changing the way we think about information dissemination and our own efforts to reach the public. It’s not about using social media because its popular, its about understanding how popular tools (and not so popular tools) can be used to expand the reach of important information in the most efficient way. The cost is $60 and includes lunch. More at http://www.h-gac.com/.
  5. HPB Bayou Bike Tour. Join the Houston Parks Board for a Bayou Bike Tour on June 1, 2013. Beginning at Market Square, a board member from the Houston Parks Board will lead a tour that loops along Buffalo Bayou to Shepherd. During the ride, attendees will discuss HPB’s signature project, Bayou Greenways 2020–the project to unite all of Houston’s bayous with parks and trails. They will also discuss how the bond vote was the first step in completing the project and where the first dollars will likely be spent. This family-friendly ride will try and beat the heat by meeting at 8 a.m. at Market Square downtown. The ride will last approximately 2 hours. Remember to RSVP, wear a helmet and bring water! More at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Clean Fleet Technologies Conference. The Clean Fleet Technologies Conference is a great way to learn, listen, and discover opportunities for alternative fuels, clean vehicle technologies, and efficiency improvements. Speakers, exhibitors, and vehicle displays will highlight the latest technologies and funding for cleaner on- and off- road fleets! The Houston region can benefit from the economic, energy security, and environmental impacts of alternative fuels. Join Houston-Galveston Area Council at the ballpark to find the best tools and fuels for your vehicles and equipment. The Keynote Speaker is Dan Frakes, Manager of Advanced Technology and Vehicle Fuels Policy at General Motors. The conference will be held on June 5, 2013, at Constellation Field (1 Stadium Dr). Registration is $50 until June 5th when it will be $60. More at http://www.h-gac.com/.
  7. Is Houston Solar Ready? Review Available. The U.S. Green Building Council-Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is pleased to announce that its first collaborative research review and publication, “Is Houston Solar Ready?” is available for download. The publication release in early spring included a panel discussion on the implementation of solar in Houston. An exhibit of the latest solar technologies in Houston was also featured. “Is Houston Solar Ready?” is a four-page collaborative publication that presents a review of the technological implementations in Houston homes, schools and commercial buildings. It also presents case studies and a record of the successes the community has had and challenges facing the use of solar energy along the Texas Gulf Coast. Download it here: http://r20.rs6.net/.
  8. 2013 Original Classroom Series: Headwaters to Baywaters. This summer Environmental Educators Exchange and Get Outdoors Houston! will be offering classes for educators (formal, informal, volunteers, homeschool, etc.) in the best classroom of all – the Great Outdoors! Week one of the classroom series begins on June 17, 2013. Classes include Katy Prairie Alive! (June 17), You and the Bayou (June 19), and Gateway to the Bay (June 21). Each class during this week will be held from 9am-2pm. You can register for individual classes ($35) or the whole week ($90) at a discounted rate. Continuing education credits available. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/. Also, get ready for the second week of the series, which begins July 21, 2013.
  9. RDA’s Anything that Floats Rescheduled to June 22. The Rice Design Alliance’s Anything That Floats competition has been rescheduled for Saturday June 22nd! There is still time to put a team together and submit your registration form!  Click here to sign up. The competition challenges participants to build a floating device to float a short distance along Buffalo Bayou using discarded building materials provided the day-of by RDA. More info on the RDA website.
  10. EDF & AAH submit comments to TCEQ regarding air quality in Texas City. Not long ago, EDF, along with Air Alliance Houston (AAH), submitted comments to the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reflecting why we believe the proposed removal of Texas City for the pollutants benzene and hydrogen sulfide from the state’s Air Pollution Watch List (APWL) is premature.The APWL is a list of areas in Texas where concentrations of harmful pollutants exceed the state’s own health-based screening level guidelines. While inclusion on the list indicates that additional scrutiny is given to permits issued to facilities in the area, some of the APWL areas have been listed for over a decade. This is significant because exposure to these toxics may impact human health and may lead to serious health outcomes, such as birth defects or cancer. Read more on the EDF website.
  11. BPA’s Planting Guide. Bayou Preservation Association debuted The Bayou Planting Guide, a book designed to educate Houstonians on how to plant native trees, vines and plants. Funded in part by the Garden Club of Houston, the new plant guide informs avid gardeners and novices alike about “good” non-invasive plants. View the full online version of The Bayou Planting Guide. More at http://www.bayoupreservation.org/.

Back to top

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. A Conversation with Houston’s Energy Leaders. Editor B. Candace Beeke will interview Merrill “Pete” Miller, CEO of National Oilwell Varco Inc., who will discuss U.S. energy policy, exporting liquefied natural gas, regulations on the energy industry and the perception of the energy industry by those outside Texas. The interview will be followed by a panel discussion from Houston energy leaders who will discuss what the current energy boom means for your company and where it’s headed next. The conversation will happen on May 23, 2013, 7-9:30am, at Hotel Zaza (5701 Main Street). Cost for a single ticket is $75. Learn more at http://www.bizjournals.com/.
  2. Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday. During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2013 ENERGY STAR sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. (after midnight) on Saturday, May 25, 2013 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day). Find out which products qualify for exemption at http://cechouston.org/.
  3. Electronics Recycling. The City of Houston Solid Waste Department and CompuCycle are providing monthly one day E-Recyclable collection events on the first Saturday of the month at the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride lot. The next event will be on June 1, 2013, from 9am-3pm. Visit http://cechouston.org/ for a list of accepted items.
  4. The Boomer–news from the Friends of the Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge. This quarter’s Boomer reports on research into the effect of fire ants on the APC, the great success of the annual Booming-N-Bloomin festival, the student art contest winner, a fan from Scotland, and volunteer opportunities, among other things. More information about the Friends group is available at www.attwater.org.
  5. Gulf Shrimp Season. The Gulf of Mexico commercial shrimp season for both Texas and federal waters will close 30 minutes after sunset on May 23 until a still-to-be determined time in July. The closing date is based on samples collected by the Coastal Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department using trawl, bag seine and other information gathered from the shrimping industry. Data collected regarding TPWD bag seine catch rates of brown shrimp, mean lengths of shrimp in April 2013, percent of samples containing shrimp, and periods of maximum nocturnal ebb tidal flow indicate a May 23 closing date is appropriate. Typically, once the shrimp reach about 3 1/2 inches long, they begin their migration to the gulf. More info on the TPWD website.
  6. Galveston Bay Estuary Program welcomes new director. Dr. Sarah P. Bernhardt is the new Program Manager of the Galveston Bay Estuary Program. She began her duties on May 6, 2013.  Sarah received a Ph.D. in coastal and environmental planning and an M.S. in invertebrate zoology from Texas A&M University in College Station, and a Bachelor’s degree focused on marine ecology from Miami University of Ohio. Sarah’s research experience includes long term monitoring of coral reefs and hard bottom habitats, epiphyte colonization of sea grass, coastal flood response by planning agencies, wetlands permitting, public participation and resolution of stakeholder conflicts in multiple use areas. She participated in numerous NOAA sponsored research cruises in the Gulf of Mexico as a researcher, educator and NOAA scientific diver. Sarah has been a lifelong environmental educator, with experience training volunteers in outdoor education and marine education, working with students from elementary school through university, and interacting with diverse stakeholder groups including teachers, aquaria, oil & gas companies, and the tourism industry.
  7. TCEQ Comment Opportunities. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has the following opportunities to provide comment:
  8. 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).
    • Native Texan Duck
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Colonel Burns Ranch
    • Wild Things: Black Capped Vireos
    • A Day at Pedernales
  9. 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 21: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should continue over the eastern two thirds of the state along and east of a line from Del Rio to San Angelo to Gainesville and will likely raise the daily PM2.5 AQI to “Moderate” or possibly higher levels in much of this area.
    • May 22: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should continue over South, Central, and Southeast Texas and will likely raise the daily PM2.5 AQI to “Moderate” levels in much of this area.
    • May 23: 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 side of the Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.

Back to top

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. Nearby parks matter – Opinion (Houston Chronicle, 3/16/2013)
    Last year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s budget was slashed. Since last session, tax revenues have recovered, but TPWD’s funding may not. Their funding has been placed in the budget’s Article XI – what legislators call “the wish list.” As Texas’ population grows, local parks are becoming ever more important and the price of the land to create those parks is rising – and not likely to drop again.
    http://www.chron.com/
  2. Houston’s bike boom – Opinion (Houston Chronicle, 5/17/2013)
    Houston is making big strides in becoming a more bicycle-friendly city. Governor Rick Perry just signed a bill that will help open Houston’s utility easements to hike and bike trails, potentially adding more than 100 miles of north-south routes to connect with east-west bayou greenways. And City Hall recently approved a safe pass ordinance to protect bikers in the street. Thanks to federal grants and support from the private sector, Houston may soon see some bicycle lanes downtown, likely along McKinney St., Walker St. and Lamar St., connecting Discovery Green with Buffalo Bayou Park.
    http://www.chron.com/
  3. Houston Business Plants Trees To Offset Pipeline Construction (Andrew Schneider – KUHF News, 5/15/2013)
    Resource Environmental Solutions, a Montrose-based company, has planted nearly 6 million trees to offset the effect of economic development on vulnerable wetlands. The business focuses on offsetting pipeline construction in shale plays throughout the United States.
    http://app1.kuhf.org/

Back to top

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

  1. NEW! Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a part-time, temporary Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern to assist with programs including GBF’s Water Monitoring Team, Boater Waste Education Campaign, Galveston Bay Bacteria Reduction Plan, and Clean Water Partnerships. The Volunteer Water Quality Summer Intern will receive training and certifications as a GBF Water Quality Monitor (Texas Stream Team program), GBF Volunteer Bacteria Sampler, and GBF Volunteer Lab Assistant; gain field experience by carrying out a short-term research project; collect, input, and track water quality data; conduct online research on a variety of water quality topics; and participate in public outreach events and professional networking opportunities. This unpaid internship opportunity is open to current sophomore, junior, senior-level undergraduates, or graduate students working toward a degree in water resource management, environmental science, or a related field. Please see http://galvbay.org/aboutus_jobs.html for full details, duties, and qualifications. To apply, email resume and cover letter to cbohanon@galvbay.org by May 28, 2013.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  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. 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/.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.

Back to top

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.
  • HB 419: Relating to designating the first Friday in November as Texas Arbor Day.
  • HB 597: Relating to boater education and examinations on preventing the spread of exotic harmful or potentially harmful aquatic plants, fish, and shellfish.
  • HB 622: Relating to the report by the General Land Office to the legislature on the effectiveness of the coastal management program.
  • HB 788: Relating to permitting of greenhouse gas emissions by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; limiting the amount of a fee.
  • HB 994: Relating to the applicability of state law regulating the decommissioning costs of certain newly constructed commercial nuclear-powered electric generating facilities.
  • HB 1461: Relating to customer notification of water loss by a retail public utility.
  • HB 1600: Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the transfer of certain functions from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, to the rates for water service, and to the functions of the Office of Public Utility Counsel; authorizing a fee.
  • HB 1642: Relating to the Port of Houston Authority.
  • HB 2252: Relating to eligibility of charitable organizations to participate in a state employee charitable campaign.
  • HB 2290: Relating to the use for administrative costs of a portion of money received by certain entities to implement a supplemental environmental project.
  • HB 2623: Relating to the authority of certain counties and the General Land Office to temporarily close a beach or beach access point.
  • SB 902: Relating to the operation, powers, and duties of certain water districts.

HB 4 passed on 5/20/2013, 144 in favor, 4 against! Relating to the administration and functions of the Texas Water Development Board; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds. This bill creates the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas.

Other websites with updates on environmental legislation:

Back to top

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 21, 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Back to top

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.

Earth Share Logo

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

Back to top