Duke University Press Description of Book:  “Based on fieldwork among state officials, NGOs, politicians, and activists in Costa Rica and Brazil, A Future History of Water traces the unspectacular work necessary to make water access a human right and a human right something different from a commodity. Andrea Ballestero shows how these ephemeral distinctions are made through four technolegal devices—formula, index, list and pact. She argues that what is at stake in these devices is not the making of a distinct future but what counts as the future in the first place. A Future History of Water is an ethnographically rich and conceptually charged journey into ant-filled water meters, fantastical water taxonomies, promises captured on slips of paper, and statistical maneuvers that dissolve the human of human rights. Ultimately, Ballestero demonstrates what happens when instead of trying to fix its meaning, we make water’s changing form the precondition of our analyses.”

CELF Citizen Science: Inquiry to Action is a semester-long program that engages educators and students in project-based STEAM learning outside of the classroom. Tailored to each school and community location, we offer professional learning workshops for teachers paired with on-site support to implement a project-based learning module that  connects students to real-world challenges in their own neighborhoods. The program culminates in a Spring 2020 Student Symposium, bringing together all participating schools to present their findings and pollution-prevention plans to community members and real-world policy makers. The program combines the development of 21st century skills with the motivation and creativity generated by solving a problem in one’s own community.

Participants in the program will:

• Implement a project-based STEAM learning unit.

• Participate in professional learning workshops paired with on-site educator support.

• Collect data with AirBeam monitoring technology combined with HabitatMap crowd-sourced data sharing platform.

• Focus on air-quality while learning pedagogical principles that apply to a range of citizen science learning opportunities.

• Engage with local concerns through student-led inquiry.

This opportunity is grant-funded. Join one of the workshops, connect with our educators for on-site support, and come together with other classes implementing this program at our 2020 Spring Student Symposium.

If you attend one of two professional development opportunities you can attain 2-hours of Continuing Professional Education credit, receive an air quality monitor, connect with local environmental partners, and enjoy a free lunch with fellow educators. You will also gain access to the 2020 Student Symposium, the culminating event for the program.

Hawks, falcons, owls and more await you at Houston Audubon’s Raptor Photo Shoot. You will have the opportunity to photograph Houston Audubon’s education raptors in an intimate setting at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Whether you use a simple point and shoot or serious photography equipment, you will enjoy meeting and learning about these awesome birds.

Raptor Shoots are typically from 8AM – 10AM but times will be confirmed by email for each session depending on sunrise. Light refreshments will be served on the deck for all to enjoy during the shoot. Space is limited to 15 participants. The fee is $40.

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.

Senior adults are invited to a variety of natural history programs, leisurely walks and fun nature activities every 1st Friday of the month. Meet at the nature center.

Bring the entire family out for a friendly competition of Nature Bingo. Teams will race against each other to complete their nature card. This bingo adventure involves running!!!

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.