Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement presented at the COP23 UN Climate Change Conference. Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. The journey is inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet we share as our common home. This 12-week program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food. The facilitator will tailor the course as needed for participants. Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. A detailed schedule is given below. All participants will receive a copy of Living the Change materials. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Feb. 22: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Mar. 1, Mar. 9 & Mar. 22: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Mar. 29, Apr. 5, Apr. 12 & Apr. 19: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Apr. 26, May 3 & May 10: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

May 17: Food, week 4 & closing

Meet in front of the bathrooms near the parking lot off Eldridge.

Are you looking for a fantastic place to see an amazing array of birds? Join Houston Audubon on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Archbishop Fiorenza Park (Phase 2) between Eldridge and Highway 6 for the chance to see a multitude of species, get a good healthy walk in and enjoy the company of other outdoor loving folks. This park has miles of paved trails, wooded thickets, open grassy areas, large detention ponds with bird islands and much more. It is north of the Westpark Tollway and just north of the original Archbishop Fiorenza Park on Eldridge.

Email Mary Anne Weber at if you’d like to participate.

Looking for a place to get your children outdoors? ABNC’s EcoClasses will allow your child to explore, discover and observe (STEM). Join them for some great nature experiences! Check out their website at abnc.org for details or call 713-274-2668 to reserve your spot.

EcoTots are for children 18-36 months with an adult every Friday.
EcoKids are for children ages 3-6 every Wednesday and Friday.
EcoSchoolers are for homeschool children ages 7-10 every Wednesday and Friday.    EcoAdventurers are for children ages 11-14 every Wednesday.

Please bring a Snack, Refillable Water Bottle, mask, closed toe shoes and dress for the weather.

Environment Protectors Initiating Change (E.P.I.C)

E.P.I.C. is a free service learning club for high school teens that is aimed at learning about, and solving coastal environmental problems through hands-on projects.

If you would like to:

• Make a difference
• Help your community
• Make new friends
• Gain volunteer hours
• Have fun

Join them for a meeting at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center on Wednesdays 4 pm – 5 pm!

Volunteers meet the second and fourth Thursday of every month to propagate plants from locally collected native seed. A typical workday may include seeding pots, bumping up trays into 1-gallon containers, separating seedlings, and weeding pots. They will also have special seed collecting trips, invasive species removal workdays, and planting events in restored prairies.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the Natural Resource Management Program, email kelli.ondracek@houstontx.gov or visit houstontx.gov/parks/naturalresources.html.

From the melting permafrost that threatens churches in Alaska to the wildfires that ravaged California this past year, to the U.S. South where hurricanes are becoming stronger and more deadly, communities around the globe are already feeling the rising impacts of global climate change. The Face of God is a film about God and nature, faith and climate change, and the experience of communities around the world facing and experiencing changes in their lives now. This is also a film about beauty, ecology, theology, sanctity, our relationship to the natural world, love, asceticism, and always it is about the radiant living icon of the face of God in creation. The film showcases important Christian voices, scientists, politicians, lay leaders, theologians, and communities around the world, and gathers the witness of the whole church on the defining issue of our time.  Join us online each week to view segments of the film and discuss them. Can’t make it every week?  Join as you are able.  Register on www.eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com for more details.

The concept of “Innovative Leadership” is one that has permeated the nonprofit sector over the last two years. Innovative leaders have already navigated incredible shifts taking place in technology, policy and community, and they must continue to adapt as challenging times persist. In particular, boards and executive teams have innovated in all areas of operations, finance and programming and have learned a great deal about how to do that successfully. In this one-day conference, tailor your experience through our breakout sessions and additional on-demand content design to support the spark of innovation within your own team.

Fee: $185/person
Group fee: $135/person for 3+ from one organization