The amount of resources borrowed from our Earth to create the buildings in which we spend 93% of our lives is staggering. If we look at just the residential building industry, we see that we are building homes with a life span of 40-100 years, with the interior materials having an even shorter lifespan.  Through this discussion,Caroline Kostak, secretary of the Texas Gulf Coast Region chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, will look at how we can meet the need to shelter and provide work space for a growing population while also being respectful of the resources given to us on Earth.   We will explore different strategies that can lead to efficient resource management and produce beautiful, healthy, and efficient buildings that celebrate the gifts and abundance of the Earth while also protecting them. Caroline draws from her experience as a NASA Flight Controller, constructing one of the highest performance structures ever built – the International Space Station – and many conversations with space travelers who have seen first-hand the fragility and beauty of our Earth from a distinct vantage point.  Her work with space construction has led directly to her working in construction on Earth, as this broadened perspective helped her see the importance of being a good steward of the precious Earth we’ve been asked to care for. After Caroline’s talk, there will be time for Q&A.  Please register for this talk, and you will receive an invitation to the web meeting.  Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

If you’ve always wanted to relax and sip a favorite glass of wine against the elegant backdrop of the Zoo’s beautiful Reflection Pool, this event is for you.

Wear your favorite white attire for this al fresco evening under the stars.

While you’re here, you can learn more about the Zoo’s aquatic animals, like sea lions and sea turtles, and how the Houston Zoo is helping save them in the wild. You can also unwind as you enjoy the smooth sounds of a live jazz band.

Price is reflective of online purchase and includes event entry and activities plus one drink. Online sales end at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Tickets are available for $45 at the door. Additional food and beverage available for purchase.

It’s Pride Week and Downtown District and BBP are raising our rainbow flags! Be entertained by the lovely Violet S’Arbleau, Miss Gay Texas America 2017, who will co-host the evening alongside John Mills McCoin, your favorite zany announcer.

Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of fun, music and great prizes! $10 admission includes one bingo packet (approx. 9 games). Additional games and daubers can be purchased for $1 each. Proceeds benefit BBP and Historic Market Square Park. Get there early as cards sell out quickly!

Time: 6-9 pm; sales begin at 6 pm; games begin at 7 pm
Location: Market Square Park (corner of Preston and Travis streets)

Learn more about these thousands of magnificent Mexican free-tailed bats that share the city with us! Led by a “bat girl” docent, guests will enjoy an amazing view of the bats’ dusk emergence from the Waugh Drive Bridge on Buffalo Bayou.

Time: Dusk – Boat departs 30 minutes before sunset (1½ hour boat rides)

Cost: $30 per person (children under 4 are not permitted on boat tours)

Weather and water levels permitting. Reservations required.

Join the monthly meeting of the Nature Cubs Club at Sheldon Lake State Park! This club is for kids and has been created by kids. Club members will have a chance to meet other nature lovers, learn about a topic, and then explore the park together.

You should bring water, bug spray, and closed toe shoes. All programs and events are FREE and meet at the Pond Center.

For the last After Dark event of the season, we’re kickin’ it country-style.

Break out your boots and get ready to two-step and line dance to our live band, or challenge your friends to a game of cornhole or horseshoes.

Plus, see who can stay on our mechanical bull for the longest ride! Some of our favorite party animals will also visit Masihara Pavilion so guests can learn more about them and the important role we all play in saving animals in the wild.

Price is reflective of online purchase and includes event entry and activities plus one drink. Online sales end at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Tickets are available for $45 at the door. Additional food and beverage available for purchase.

Enjoy an evening at Axelrad Beer Garden and learn about Air Alliance Houston’s current research, education and advocacy programs. Air Alliance Houston staff and volunteers will be on-site with interactive stations where you can learn about the latest trends and concerns regarding Houston’s air quality. A portion of proceeds from the evening will go to Air Alliance Houston.

Join Big Bend Conservancy for another Brews for Big Bend at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. This event will be an opportunity to celebrate Big Bend National Park, meet with Conservancy board members and staff, and win original works of art that focus on Big Bend. Houston area Big Bend fans, this is your chance to meet and greet with other West Texas enthusiasts. Appetizers and beer will be included. Online ticket sales only; there will be no tickets sold onsite.

Join the Texas Association of Environment Professionals (TAEP), the Air and Waste Management Association- Gulf Coast Chapter (AWMA-GCC), and the Society for American Military Engineers Houston/Galveston Post (SAME) for a fun celebration, games, and as always, great networking and camaraderie. Saint Arnold draft beers and root beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and BBQ dinner will be served, so please don’t forget to tip your bartender and bring your designated driver.

Reservation deadline is at noon on Dec. 13, 2018, or when they reach 200 attendees (whichever comes first). Sponsorships are also available.