Community Notes 01-19-2011

1. Arbor Day Tree Planting Competition. The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council is sponsoring its annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Competition on Saturday, January 22nd. It is also a celebration of the TXDoT planting their 1 millionth tree as part of their Green Ribbon Program.  Eleven people can make up a tree planting team for the competition. If you have any questions, contact Michael Merritt at mmerritt@tfs.tamu.edu or visit http://haufc.org/newpages/events.html.
2. The Sam Houston Trails Coalition. The Sam Houston Trails Coalitionis celebrating receipt of its official organizational status with a special meeting, brown-bag lunch, and work party along the Magnolia Section of the Lone Star Hiking Trail on Saturday, February 5th. The general meeting will be from 9 to 11 am, followed by trail work from 1 to 4 pm. The public is invited to attend any or all portions of the events this day and learn more about the Coalition and efforts to preserve and expand  recreational opportunities in the Sam Houston National Forest. For more information, visit http://www.samhoustontrails.org/
3. Flower Garden Banks Advisory Council. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary advisory council has 3 open seats for a recreational diving seat, an oil and gas production seat and a commercial fishing seat. Applications are due February 4th. For more information, visit http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=81ba153235968d7e.
4. Poster Contest Teaches About Trees. The 2011 Texas Arbor Day Poster Contest is open this year to both fourth and fifth grade students, the contest carries the theme Trees are Terrific in all Shapes and Sizes! It’s designed to boost students’ environmental stewardship by having them create a community complete with not just trees but the right trees planted in the right places. The deadline for submission is March 25th. To learn more, visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/popup.aspx?id=12590.
5. Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network Request for Proposals. Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network is asking for proposals, to be funded by a grant from the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The applications will be accepted until 4 pm on February 4th. Visit http://www.gulfallianceeducation.org/goma_een_rfp.php for the application.