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September 24, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update September 24, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update September 24, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Environmental Forum for Houston City Council Candidates with League of Women Voters
  2. Additional CEC Events
  3. New subscribers
  4. We’re moving!

COALITION NOTES

  1. RSA/RDA Fall Lecture Series – RE:Architecture [NSFW]
  2. CWI: Electricity Production Through Wastewater
  3. Bikes, Bats, and Brew
  4. The 2013 Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards
  5. Collaborative Access Meeting: Regional Ecotourism Roundtable Discussion
  6. H-GAC Transportation Advisory Council meeting
  7. National Public Lands Day
  8. 7th Annual Garden Faire
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 Groundbreaking
  10. Bayou Preservation Association’s 10th Annual Symposium: “A Decade of Significant Change.”
  11. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party
  12. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference
  13. H-GAC to Accept Applications for Solid Waste Grants
  14. Livable Center Sponsors

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Houston Mayoral Debate
  2. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later
  3. Rainwater Harvesting in Houston – Educational Seminar
  4. Sustainable Living Class
  5. Galveston County Feral Hog Seminar
  6. Houston Re-Market
  7. State of Texas Recycling Alliance Conference & Reception
  8. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World
  9. News from TCEQ
  10. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  11. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Harris County May Control Water Plans (Ross Ramsey – The New York Times, 9/14/2013)
  2. River authority OKs plan to cut off water (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 9/18/2013)
  3. EPA proposal could block new coal plants (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 9/21/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) seeks Development Manager
  2. NEW! Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) seeks IT Professional/Web Developer
  3. Houston Wilderness Seeks Event Planning Intern
  4. Environmental Defense Fund seeks Senior Assistant (Austin)
  5. Colorado River Alliance seeks Environmental Educator (Austin)
  6. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia seeks Camp Leaders
  7. Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager
  8. Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator
  9. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff
  10. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors
  11. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Environmental Forum for Houston City Council Candidates with
    League of Women Voters.     CEC is pleased to be partnering with
    the League of Women Voters to offer an environmental-themed candidate forum for City of Houston council races. Additional event partners include Keep Houston Beautiful, American Lung Association Plains-Gulf Region, Texas Campaign for the Environment, and Houston Tomorrow.We have invited candidates for Districts A, B, D, and I, and At-Large Positions 2 and 3. A reception and registration will be from 6:00 to 6:30, and a moderated forum will  start at 6:30. Attendance is free but registration is requested for planning purposes: https://cechouston.eventbrite.com.Questions will relate to topics, listed below, of interest to the CEC’s 99 member organizations. Questions will also relate to the policy positions of the League of Women Voters, which takes an interest in natural resources (http://lwv.org/content/natural-resources).

    • Air Quality
    • Animals/Wildlife/Birding
    • Architecture/Community Development/Beautification/Historic preservation
    • Bayous/Water quality
    • Environmental education–for children and adults
    • Climate change
    • Conservation
    • Environmental Justice/Policy
    • Galveston Bay issues
    • Environmental health
    • Organic food/plans/gardening
    • Solid waste management (recycling/trash)
    • Sustainable infrastructure
    • Transportation

    If you have particular questions you would like to have asked of the candidates, please email suggestions to rachel@cechouston.org.

  2. Additional Upcoming CEC Events.
    • Tuesday, October 1, 2013, evening: Environmental Forum for City of Houston Candidates.
    • October 30, 2013. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference Tuesday, November 19, 2013, evening: “I recycled. I voted. What next?” A Collaborative Primer on Civic Engagement for Houston’s Environmental Community.
    • Thursday, February 13, 2014: Visions for a Greener Houston, CEC’s Environmental Summit.
  3. New subscribers. CEC welcomes Andrew and Tasha to our newsletter. Thank you Eileen, Rachel, Jim, Cathi, Michael, Deborah, Jill, Kim, William, Merry, Mesias, and Jane for visiting our booth at the Eastside Farmer’s Market last week.Thank you for subscribing!
  4. We’re moving! About five years ago, CEC moved to its current location at Richmond and Hillcroft. This weekend, we will be moving again–to a classroom in the old Dow School in the Third Ward, a facility owned by MECA, another great nonprofit. We’ll be close to downtown, parks, bike trails, and bus lines, and we’ll be few short stops from the rail lines. You are welcome to help us move on Saturday–just in case none of the 29 activities listed on the CEC calendar tempt you. Contact Rachel@cechouston.org if you would like to help. Starting on Monday, our new address will be 1900 Kane Street, Suite 111, 77007. Our phone number (713-524-4232), email, and website will remain the same. Office-warming party coming soon!

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COALITION NOTES

  1. RSA/RDA Fall Lecture Series – RE:Architecture [NSFW]. The Rice School of Architecture and the Rice Design Alliance’s Fall Lecture Series, Re: Architecture [NSFW], presents a new generation of architects operating across scales, methods, techniques, and sites of work. Rice School of Architecture Assistant Professor Troy Schaum, who curated the series, says he is “interested in introducing Houston to young firms that are building in unique ways, not easily categorized, and are refusing to play it safe.” Framed by the popular online tag NSFW [Not Safe For Work], Re: Architecture [NSFW] investigates how architects’ assumptions regarding safe boundaries for contemporary disciplinary investigation simultaneously limit and propel their creative practices. The lectures will take place every Wednesday night at 7pm at The Museum of Fine Arts, from September 25, 2013 to October 16, 2013. http://cechouston.org/
  2. CWI: Electricity Production Through Wastewater. Join H-GAC for the next CWI Workshop: Electricity Production Through Wastewater. This event will features speakers from San Antonio Water Supply, Klotz and Associates, and Hanzen and Sawyer. The workshop will be held on September 25, 2013, from 1:30-4:30pm at 3555 Timmons Lane #120. http://cechouston.org/
  3. Bikes, Bats, and Brew. Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Bayou City Outdoors for a batty good time! Bring your bikes (and helmets, too) for an evening spin around town and the Buffalo Bayou trails! Everyone will be heading over to the Waugh Bridge to see the Mexican free-tail bats depart for their sunset flight and then learning more about these important creatures from volunteers with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Afterward, the group will head back downtown to Niko Niko’s at Market Square Park for a brew and some social time. Please note that all types of bikes welcome (B-cycles will be available for rent if you don’t have your own) – helmets required (if you are renting a B-Cycle helmets will be available for you). This event will take place on September 25, 2013, 6-8pm, at Market Square Park. The cost is $10 non-members/free for Bayou Buddies and Bayou City Outdoors members (price does not include the brew). For reservations, contact Tatum Thompson at tthompson@buffalobayou.org or 713.752.0314 ext. 4. Bayou Bayou City Outdoors members, login in at www.bayoucityoutdoors.com and RSVP! Maximum capacity – 50 guests. http://cechouston.org/
  4. The 2013 Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards. You can now purchase individual tickets for the first annual Houston Tomorrow Catalyst Awards. Join Houston Tomorrow on September 26, 2013, in recognizing and honoring those who are dedicated to positive catalytic change. The Catalyst Awards recognize and honor those whose ideas and actions change and improve the quality of Houstonians’ lives. The event will be held from 6-9pm at the BioScience Research Collaborative Rice University. Learn more at https://org2.salsalabs.com/.
  5. Collaborative Access Meeting: Regional Ecotourism Roundtable Discussion. Interested in ecotourism in our 10 regions? Join regional partners for a dynamic roundtable discussion on local ecotourism needs and opportunities. The roundtable will be held on September 27, 2013 at 10am at Houston Wilderness. Please send your RSVP to holly@houstonwilderness.org. http://cechouston.org/
  6. H-GAC Transportation Advisory Council meeting. The TPC will meet on Friday, September 27, 2013, at H-GAC’s offices in conference room A. Action items will address amendments to the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Update and to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Plan. Other agenda items will adress particulate matter air pollution and a transit bus expansion program. For more information, visit http://www.h-gac.com/taq/commitees/TPC/2013/09-sep/default.aspx.
  7. National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. In 2013, the 20th Anniversary of National Public Lands Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Celebrate NPLD’s 20th Anniversary with volunteers in your community at parks and other public lands. Several events will be held in our region, and you can learn more about them on the #NPLD20 webpage:
    • Hermann Park will be holding an event from 8am-12pm! Work projects include trail maintenance and repair at Bayou Parkland, Hermann Park’s hidden jewel – a natural area of Post Oak Savannah, ponds, bayou and urban forest with trails. Volunteers will help restore the trails that meander through the urban forest.
    • Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
    • Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National Forest
    • Tinity River National Wildlife Refuge
  8. 7th Annual Garden Faire. Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS) present the 7th Annual Garden Faire Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2013 from 8am-4pm. The Garden Faire is an outdoor fall festival for nature-lovers of all ages. Stroll along the wooded trails and shop for new plants, crafts and local foods while learning about community-based horticulture and environmental activities. Please call 281-443-8731 or visit the park for additional details. http://cechouston.org/
  9. Bayou Greenways 2020 Groundbreaking. Celebrate the groundbreaking of Bayou Greenways 2020 on October 2, 2013 from 4-5pm! Currently, the Heights Hike and Bike Trail stops abruptly, as does the White Oak Bayou trail further north along 11th Street. With this project, the gap will be closed and two great trails–the White Oak Bayou Trail and the Heights Hike and Bike trail–will be connected. The groundbreaking will be held at the end of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail near Shepherd (750 North Durham Drive). More at http://cechouston.org/.
  10. Bayou Preservation Association’s 10th Annual Symposium: “A Decade of Significant Change.” Bayou Preservation Association (BPA) will host its 10th Annual Symposium, “A Decade of Significant Change” on Thursday, October 3. This year’s event will reflect on the last ten years of Houston bayou preservation highlighting a decade of evolution at Harris County Flood Control District, the bayou-friendly results of the 83rd legislative session and an overall retrospective of watershed development and sustainability. The symposium will also focus on the next 10 years of emerging issues in water quality. The symposium will take place on October 3, 2013 at United Way. Cost is $50. http://cechouston.org/
  11. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party. Friends of Mandell Park will be hosting a fundraising party on October 17, 2013, at the home of Rebecca and Michael Jusbasche. It will be a cocktail party from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. For additional information contact Friends of Mandell Park at FoMAndellPark@aol.com or Robert Shipman, Gala Coordinator at mandellpark@gmail.com.
  12. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. The next USGBC UnConference has been rescheduled for October 30, 2013. http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/
  13. H-GAC to Accept Applications for Solid Waste Grants. H-GAC will soon begin accepting applications for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Solid Waste Implementation Pass-Through Grants. Over the next two years, H-GAC will be able to award $1.2 million in grant funds ($600,000 per year), but will only accept applications for both years from September 23 to October 25, 2013. H-GAC will host a public meeting on the FY14-15 Solid Waste Funding Plan Friday, September 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in H-GAC Conference Room A, Second Floor. More information is available on the H-GAC website.
  14. Livable Center Sponsors. The Houston-Galveston Area
    Council (H-GAC) is seeking proposals from local governments or other
    eligible project sponsors to conduct Livable Centers planning studies.
    The objective of the planning studies is to help create quality,
    walkable, mixed-use places, create multi-modal travel choices, improve
    environmental quality, and promote economic development and housing
    choice. Study recommendations will ideally lead to locally sponsored
    Livable Centers projects for possible inclusion in the Regional
    Transportation Plan (RTP) and future Transportation Improvement Programs
    (TIP). Note: This is not a request for proposals from consulting firms.
    More info on the H-GAC website. Deadline: November 1, 2013.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Houston Mayoral Debate. The League of Women Voters of the Houston Area are pleased to announce that in conjunction with KUHT Houston PBS Channel 8 it will be hosting the ONLY televised mayoral debate on October 8, 2013. Learn more about the event on the League’s Facebook page.
  2. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later. Top experts in the field will discuss hurricane protection for Houston, Hurricane Sandy risk and response, and post Hurricane Katrina activities. Keynote speakers include Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Chairman Janiece Longoria of the Port of Houston Authority, Bill Read, former director of the National Hurricane Center and Professor Ning Lin from Princeton University who specializes in climate change and severe weather events. The conference will highlight the SSPEED Center’s proposed Centennial Gate, designed to protect the Houston Ship Channel. The conference will address emerging federal thinking on non-structural alternatives and the SSPEED Center’s formation of the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area and creation of the ecosystem services exchange. September 24-25, 2013 at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC). Register at https://signup.rice.edu/.
  3. Rainwater Harvesting in Houston – Educational Seminar. Rain tanks are becoming more popular in Houston after the recent drought. What does it take to design them, permit them, and build them? Find out at the Rainwater Harvesting Educational Seminar on September 25, 2013, 6-7:30pm. Kathleen English will cover some rainwater harvesting systems she has designed, both commercial and residential. Nell Wheeler will talk about some of the tanks she has built and installed. And Alfred Ortega will briefly discuss what City of Houston inspectors will be looking for to approve an installation. This event is limited to 75 attendees. Please RSVP to Steve Stelzer at steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or 832.394.9050 prior to the event. See http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf for more details and a map.
  4. Sustainable Living Class. Learn how you can do your part to reduce resource consumption, and save money at the same time. This course will cover home energy and water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable lawn care, and alternates to common household chemicals. Discussions will also include health and environmental issues of our food supply, including organic and genetically modified food, fair trade, meaningless labels, and ingredients to avoid. The class will be held on September 24, 2013, and October 1, 2013, from 6-7:30pm at Memorial Drive United Methodist. FREE! Instructor: Corinne Maddox. RSVP to MDUMCearthministry@gmail.com. http://cechouston.org/
  5. Galveston County Feral Hog Seminar. The Feral Hog Seminar will include topics such as Basic Ecology of Feral Hogs and Their Impact, Feral Hog Population Dynamics and Reproduction, Impact of Feral Hogs on Watersheds, and more. The seminar will be held on September 28, 2013, 8:30am-4pm, at the Galveston County Extension Office. The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. Registration begins at 8am. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. Houston Re-Market. The Houston Re-Market is an innovative market whose goal is to foster responsible consumerism. The market features approximately 10+ vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their craft. In addition there are garage sales, a free swap (bring gently used, unwanted items and taking something new home), recycling drop off (plastics 1-5 & 7, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard), live music and entertainment, and food. Come shop, swap, recycle, and chill every 4th Sat! The next event is on September 28, 2013 from 11am-4pm at the Greater East End. http://www.houstonremarket.com/
  7. State of Texas Recycling Alliance Conference & Reception. As part of the Summit this year, STAR will be hosting a networking reception and opening the exhibit hall up to the invited public on Monday, October 14, 2013, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at no charge. The reception will begin at 5 p.m. (to allow folks time to arrive after work) and will include STAR’s Environmental Leadership Awards presentation and ceremony, as well as the auction. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available, and we’re hoping to get some new faces from the environmental community in Houston in the door to meet our exhibitors, network with our attendees, and learn a little more about STAR. The conference is October 13-16, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Houston. Learn more and register at www.recyclingstar.org/summit.html.
  8. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Join Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter, and Texas Riparian Association along the banks of the South Llano River on the campus of Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station for TXSER and TRA’s 2013 Conference, The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Participants will enjoy: Friday field trips and workshop; stimulating presentations on topics related to restoration, management and conservation issues in Texas; opportunities to network with fellow environmentalists; delicious meals; a social and poster session; and awards for lifetime achievement in the field and for student posters and presentations. The conference will be held November 1-2, 2013. Registration is now open. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/.
  9. News from TCEQ.
    • Seats are still available for the Water Quality/Stormwater Seminar next week: October 3-4, 2013 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Austin For more information and to register, click here.
    • TCEQ’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Due October 4, 2013.
      To nominate an exemplary environmental effort for the 2014 awards,
      apply online at www.TEEA.org.
    • Rulemaking Actions: New pending rule adoption: decommissioning Stage II gasoline vapor recovery systems at gasoline dispensing facilities, in response to changes in federal requirements.
    • Upcoming hearings: Environmental Flows in the Brazos River, 10/15/2013;
      Triennial Revision of 30 TAC Chapter 307, Texas Surface Water Quality
      Standards, 10/17/2013
    • TCEQ Agenda meeting: October 9, 2013: wastewater permit in Fort Bend County; suspension of certain water rights in the Colorado River basin; various enforcement actions for air and water quality, petroleum storage tanks, sludge
      application, and revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality.
    • Permit Hearings: Proposed air quality permit in Waller County, 9/30/2013; NEW! proposed amendment to a municipal solid waste permit near West 11th Street Park in Harris County, 10/17/2013.
  10. 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).
    • 112 Million Years in the Making
    • Parks & Wildlife People: Jeff Sparks
    • 50th Film History
    • Cleburne State Park
    • A Fading Heritage
  11. Air Quality Forecast.http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • September 24, 2013: October 9: Yellow–Moderate. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the south and southwest sides of the Houston.
    • September 25, 2013: October 7: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” on the south, southwest, and west side of the Houston area.
    • September 26, 2013: October 7: Orange–Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone levels to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in the Houston area.

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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. Harris County May Control Water Plans (Ross Ramsey – The New York Times, 9/14/2013)
    The wettest part of the state will have an outsize say in the state’s water planning. Houston could account for one-third of the votes in November’s constitutional-amendment election on $2 billion for water projects around the state. In places where the lawns are still green and relatively unthreatened, voter awareness of the state’s water problems may fall behind other concerns, like what to do with the giant hunk of concrete and steel known as the Astrodome.
    http://www.nytimes.com/
  2. River authority OKs plan to cut off water (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 9/18/2013)
    A Central Texas river authority on Wednesday approved an emergency plan that could cut off critical freshwater from one of the state’s most productive bays. The plan, which still needs to be approved by the state environmental regulators, would allow the Lower Colorado River Authority to withhold water from flowing into Matagorda Bay for four months or until lake levels near Austin reach a certain height. Environmentalists, fishermen and officials in Matagorda County condemned the decision, saying the river authority has entered a dangerous phase that could upset the ecosystem’s delicate balance.
    http://www.chron.com/
  3. EPA proposal could block new coal plants (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 9/21/2013)
    The Obama administration proposed rules Friday to sharply limit carbon dioxide emissions from new power plants, a move that fulfills the president’s promise to fight climate change but could block any coal-fired unit from being built. The rules, the first such federal limits on greenhouse gases, effectively require future coal plants to capture and store some of their emissions of carbon dioxide. But industry, which is already preparing to challenge the rules in court, said the emerging technology is extraordinarily expensive, making the regulatory bar too high to meet.
    http://www.houstonchronicle.com/
  4. Scoop.it Page. The CEC is now maintaining a page on
    Scoop.it. Check it out! http://www.scoop.it/t/citizens-environmental-coalition-houston

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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.

  1. NEW! Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) seeks Development Manager. HARC seeks a professional to fill the position of Development Manager who is responsible for planning, implementing, managing and overseeing fundraising initiatives at HARC. HARC is a 501(c)(3) organization that works as a research hub providing independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues to people seeking scientific answers. HARC is focused on building a sustainable future that helps people thrive and nature flourish. Additional details about the positions are available online at http://mitchell.harc.edu/About/Jobs/. Please submit resumes to HARC via the same website.
  2. NEW! Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) seeks IT Professional/Web Developer. HARC seeks an IT professional to join the IT team to focus on Web Development. HARC is a 501(c)(3) organization that works as a research hub providing independent analysis on energy, air, and water issues to people seeking scientific answers. HARC is focused on building a sustainable future that helps people thrive and nature flourish. Additional details about the positions are available online at http://mitchell.harc.edu/About/Jobs/. Please submit resumes to HARC via the same website.
  3. Houston Wilderness Seeks Event Planning Intern. Houston Wilderness seeks an energetic and creative individual to assist with the planning and implementation of the Houston Wilderness Annual Luncheon, Collaborative Access events, and other events as needed. The Event Planning Intern will be able to list development and completion of projects on their resume. This is a paid Internship available from September 2013 – March 2014. Please email resume, cover letter, and three references to holly@houstonwilderness.org. Please apply by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013. More information can be found here: http://houstonwilderness.org/.
  4. Environmental Defense Fund seeks Senior Assistant (Austin). With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. The Senior Assistant provides executive-level support to the Vice President, US Climate and Energy in EDF’s Austin, Texas office. Using key operational skills, this is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and skilled Senior Assistant to partner with a strong leader in the central hub of a transformational nonpartisan advocacy campaign on a complex environmental issue, and to gain knowledge of current climate and energy matters. Key responsibilities include: Maintain busy calendar and arrange extensive travel for VP; Develop schedule effectively relative to VP”s short-term needs, long-term plan and yearly goals; Act as coordinator and manage VP”s day and maximize efficient use of VP”s time; Prepare VP for meetings including printing documents, collecting supporting documentation and researching background information; Keep informed about major projects; learn and stay abreast of current priorities as they relate to the VP”s goals and strategy; and Prepare written communications and correspondence on behalf of the VP, including research as required. Read the full job description at http://tano.org/.
  5. Colorado River Alliance seeks Environmental Educator (Austin).
    If you love the Texas Colorado River, then this is the job for you! The Colorado River Alliance, a small nonprofit based in Austin, TX, seeks an innovative, energetic part-time Environmental Educator to make the River come to life for thousands of central Texas students through our exciting education programs. Expect to spend your time outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education, using hands-on activities and games to teach groups of elementary-aged students about our water resources. In addition to teaching regularly, the Educator will be the “right-hand (wo)man” to our Program Coordinator, helping manage day to day program operations including program scheduling and evaluation. This is an excellent opportunity to build your program coordination skills! Moreat http://www.501community.org/.
  6. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia seeks Camp Leaders. The Outdoor Education Center at Camp Olympia has immediate openings for Camp Leaders. Camp Leaders teach and supervise 5th grade students during their 4 day 3 night experience. Activities include instruction at the Model Farm, Aquatic Studies, Forest Studies, Conservation, Adventure activities and numerous evening activities such as astronomy and night hikes. All activities are designed to follow school district and state guidelines. Compensation includes salary, health benefits, sick days, room and board, and paid training. For more information, visit the website at www.hisdoec.com or email Tom Cosper at  tcosper@houstonisd.org.
  7. Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager.Westchase District works to enhance economic development within the Westchase District boundaries through a variety of programs that improve mobility, public safety, beautification, marketing, and long-range planning. The Farmers Market will serve as a community gathering place, while providing the citizens of West Houston access to high quality, locally-produced, seasonal fresh foods. Westchase District is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Market Manager, working under the direction of Westchase District’s Vice President of Communication. The position is part-time and does not include benefits. Annual wage for manager is budgeted at $30,000. The manager will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Westchase Farmers Market, including: recruiting vendors, making farm visits, and maintaining vendor records; coordinating the physical requirements of opening and closing the market; enforcing the market operating rules; handling emergencies and complaints; maintaining a market information booth; keeping a weekly market log and collecting vendor fees; and more. If interested, please send your resume to 713-780-8025 (fax) or hiring@westchasedistrict.com. No phone calls please.
  8. Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator. Scenic Houston is a small non-profit doing big work for Houston. For decades, their dedicated team has successfully collaborated with government, business, and community leaders to beautify Houston’s streetscapes in significant ways. Growing support for their efforts has allowed them to expand their team. They are currently seeking a Development Coordinator to assist the President in the implementation of our strategic growth plan. The Coordinator will plan and direct a broad range of development activities that support Scenic Houston’s continued success including interface with potential individual, corporate and foundation funders, planning fundraising events, grant writing and the development of an effective public relations strategy. The candidate should be a highly creative and dynamic individual with a passion for the mission and the ability to communicate that passion successfully to a wide range of high-level professionals. To find out more about Scenic Houston, please visit their website www.scenichouston.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to info@scenichouston.org. No phone calls, please.
  9. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff. Seeking a job that fully recognizes and utilizes your personal power to create positive change? Texas Campaign for the Environment is hiring passionate people to join their campaign staff. Be part of a team of like-minded individuals who are here for more than just a paycheck. TCE staff share a vision for a more sustainable, just society, and believe that grassroots organizing, or canvassing, is the best way to affect positive change; communicate with people in such a way that motivates them to get involved. Both full time and part time positions are available. To apply, visit the employment page at http://www.texasenvironment.org/jobs.cfm to complete the Houston application and submit it to the Office Manager, suzan@texasenvironment.org.
  10. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors. The Woods Project is seeking part-time (approximately 6 hrs/wk) Club Program Instructors to teach one or more of our weekly afterschool club programs for the 2013 – 2014 school year. The right candidate will be an outdoorsperson with experience working with high school youth, preferably some experience with low income youth. Some additional requirements are flexible weekly schedule, access to personal transportation, must be comfortable with camping/backpacking gear, enjoy being in a mentor/leadership role. Duties will include travelling to schools to teach an hour club, working with existing curriculum as well as developing new research-based lessons. Instructors must commit to the 2013-2014 school year, attend one fall and spring semester camping trip, and are highly encouraged to participate in the 2014 summer trip to places in Northern California or Montana. Ability to work independently and with confidence is a requirement of the job, as is the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. For more information about The Woods Project and the Club Program Instructor position, please visit www.thewoodsproject.org. Interested candidates should contact Brittany White, Director of Programs, at brittany@thewoodsproject.org.
  11. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. Their mission is to reduce air pollution in the Houston region and to protect public health and environmental integrity through research, education and advocacy. They are seeking a motivated individual to teach “Ozone Theater,” award winning, cross-collaborative lesson plans to k-8th graders in the Houston region. The Teaching Artist will work independently and in conjunction with the Education department on ongoing programs and new initiatives. This position will encompass a broad range of skills, including instruction on public health and quality of life, elementary to middle school education, data recording, paper work, and organizing. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working within the education field. Experience in all of these fields is not required, but intellectual and professional flexibility between fields and disciplines. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org.

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

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

(We ran out of space! Check the calendar at cechouston.org for the rest of the week’s events.)

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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.

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
Sophany Touch, IREX Community Solutions Fellow/Wildlife Alliance
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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