H-GAC’s Parks and Natural Areas Summit and Awards Ceremony will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 14, 2020, at H-GAC Conference Room B, Second Floor. The Summit will include presentations on trends and topics related to parks and natural areas.

The event will also include the annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards recognition ceremony. These projects serve as models for planning and project implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. Projects will be honored in three categories: Planning Process, On-the-Ground Projects Over $500,000, and On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000.

A light breakfast will be served. Registration and breakfast begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by topic speakers at 9:30 a.m. The awards program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by networking until noon.

Agenda
9:00 a.m.    Registration and Breakfast
9:30 a.m.    Presentation – Claire Hempel, Design Worskshop, Equity In Parks
10:00 a.m.  Presentation – Katie Coyne, Asakura Robinson, TBA
10:30 a.m.  Parks and Natrual Areas Annual Awards Ceremony
11:30 a.m.  Networking

The Parks and Natural Areas roundtable serves as a forum for discussion of issues related to parks and natural areas and promotes the Parks and Natural Areas awards program. The roundtable facilitates information exchange and planning efforts between various stakeholders and collaborators to protect and preserve parks and natural areas across the region.

Landscape Photography Workshop 

Saturday, February 22
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Houston Center for Photography
16 years and older (adults and teens)
Class fee: $20

Explore the landscape of Houston Botanic Garden through the lens of a camera. Learn about basic composition guidelines, such as framing, perspective, leading lines, Rule of Thirds, and more and how you can incorporate these into your own photographs of the environment.

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to discover local environmental organizations, outdoor activities, native plants, and wildlife. This family-friendly event includes pontoon boat tours, guided walks, live animals, and a catch-and-release fishing tank.

Raise funds for the Lawther-Deer Park Prairie Education Program, honor Susan and Peter Conaty, participate in auctions, and test your prairie knowledge with this fun program.

Join the Parks and Natural Areas (PNA) Roundtable on Monday, March 9, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at H-GAC Conference Room A, Second Floor.

Attendees will learn about the Nature and Eclectic Outdoors’ Healthy Outdoor Communities initiative and Exploration Green, an award-winning parks and natural areas project in the region. They’ll also discuss the time and date for the spring field trip.

The PNA Roundtable meets the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November and is open to anyone interested in participating.

New to the EcoRise Eco-Audit Grant Process and want to learn how to walk students through a student written grant process to get their sustainability ideas funded? Join us for this one-hour introductory webinar!

EcoRise will:

-Review the curriculum/resource platform

-View examples

-Discuss facilitation ideas

EcoRise will use Zoom video platform. Please be sure your camera and video are working in advance of the webinar. Use the link below to log into the meeting. It takes about 1-2 minutes to get set up before the meeting.Join us via laptop at: https://zoom.us/s/9624181171

**Webinar is for PreK-12 teachers only. Please respond to confirmation email to secure your spot.

Already an EcoRise teacher and need some one-on-one guidance? Schedule an Eco-Audit Grant Check In:

https://calendly.com/ecorisekristi/15min

Presenter: Houston Public Works
Houston Public Works is currently a host of Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)! This educator workshop will help teach all levels, formal and informal, on diverse water topics that educators can use to reach children with objective, experiential, science-based water education. Project WET is a world leader in developing interdisciplinary, hands-on activities to integrate knowledge of water resources and issues into K-12 classrooms, using simulations and critical thinking skills at the core of Next Generation Science Standards. Learn more, https://www.projectwet.org. ********************************************************************* The workshop will also provide a sneak peek to the Houston Botanic Garden in Southeast Houston. The Houston Botanic Garden will be an oasis of horticultural beauty showcasing Houston’s biodiversity in a beautiful and serene setting. Through outstanding displays and enriching programs, the Garden will inspire all who visit to become environmental stewards as they learn more about plants and the vast natural world. ************************************ For information please contact: Alondra Hernandez, Administrative Coordinator at alondra.hernandez@houstontx.gov or (832) 395-3780

EVENT POSTPONED.

TXAEYC theme this year is “Taking Learning Outdoors!” Being outside allows children to express themselves freely and unlike an indoor classroom, there aren’t any space constraints meaning children can jump, shout and explore to their hearts content. The sense of freedom playing outdoors brings is fantastic for a child’s development, both physically and mentally. Join us for our conference and help us in promoting “Healthy Beginnings”.

Landscape Photography Workshop 

Saturday, February 22
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Co-presented by Houston Center for Photography
16 years and older (adults and teens)
Class fee: $20

Explore the landscape of Houston Botanic Garden through the lens of a camera. Learn about basic composition guidelines, such as framing, perspective, leading lines, Rule of Thirds, and more and how you can incorporate these into your own photographs of the environment.

Climate Solutions for Texas, a local initiative of AIChE’s Climate Solutions Community is co-hosting a Climate Solutions Symposium with the Engineering, Science & Technology Council of Houston. Join us.