Urban Monsters, Pinkladies, Bike Month events, Future of Energy Economy, Bay Day, Bird Bash, Green Jobs and more
The Urban Monsters image–and the Alligator Snapping Turtle event it is promoting–is just too irresistible to not give it top billing.
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 7 p.m., join the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group and Turtle Survival Alliance for a free, one-hour webinar. Register on Zoom.
Did you know that the United States’ 4th largest city is home to the largest freshwater turtle in North America? Living within its murky bayous, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is arguably Houston, Texas’ most awe-inspiring resident. With a truly prehistoric appearance, featuring a set of one of nature’s most powerful jaws, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is in a class of its own. And, Houston is home to one of the most robust populations of it in the United States—unusual, yet fitting for one of the country’s most robust cities. Learn all about TSA’s long-term research and conservation program for the Alligator Snapping Turtle in Houston, Texas, by joining Jordan Gray and Eric Munscher for “Urban Monsters: Alligator Snapping Turtles in the Bayou City,” a FREE webinar.
The Turtle Survival Alliance, a global turtle conservation organization, recently announced the capture, tagging, and release of the 100th Western Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Buffalo Bayou, Houston, Texas. The capture of this specimen represents a milestone for the TSA’s conservation initiative for this State Threatened species. The 99th turtle to be released was given the nickname “J.J. Watt” in honor of the former Houston Texans defensive end who donned the No. 99.
While the alligator snapping turtle was not among the species observed in the region as part of the City Nature Challenge 2021, the Houston-Galveston region did extraordinarily well. 1,206 observers made 33,524 observations of 3,357 species. That’s tops in Texas for species and observers, and in the top 6 worldwide in all three categories. Worldwide, 52,736 together made almost 1.3 million observations, identifying 45,612 species. It’s an awe-inspiring collaborative effort.
CEC NOTES
Virtually Wild! Field Trips
Join the Environmental Educators Exchange for the last virtual meeting of the Spring on May 7 at 9:00 a.m. Email alicia@cechouston.org for the Google Meeting Link.
Environmental Educators Exchange
Let’s celebrate, educators! Bring your family and a friend to City Orchard, 1201 Oliver Street, on May 14, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. to hang out on the patio. Enjoy cool drinks, good food and celebratory fellowship. At 7 p.m., we’ll walk or drive a short mile to the Waugh Street Bat Colony to see (and smell) the bat emergence at dusk.
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
Engage your students with lessons outdoors. Over 30 workshops are in the regional summer professional development calendar to connect you with local resources. Sign up today at hereinhouston.org.
- June 3, Know Your Watershed Teacher Workshop with canoes at Jesse Jones Park, Grades 3 – 12 STEM teachers, free. Contact amein@hcp4.net to sign up.
- June 7, NOAA Turn the Tide Workshop with Artist Boat, Grades 7 – 12, free
- June 9, Seine Away with Galveston Bay Foundation, register for morning or afternoon sessions, any STEM teachers, free.
- June 16, Investigate Amber Waves of Prairie Grains, any STEM teachers, free.
Celebrate Earth Month by shopping at H-E-B and supporting local environmental charities
Add your $1, $3, $5, or $10 donation to EarthShare of Texas at checkout in stores and online at H-E-B & Central Market. EarthShare of Texas supports 38 Texas-based environmental and conservation nonprofits, including the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition. April 14-May 25, 2021.
#MyEarthMyTexas #EarthMonth #EarthWeek #EarthDay #ShopLocal #HelpingHere #Texas
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