CEC is pleased to announce that H-E-B has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the beneficiary of its in-store coupon promotion for  April, in recognition of Earth Day. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill.

H-E-B has supported many EarthShare of Texas organizations with corporate grants or in-kind contributions. The April tear-pad  promotion enables H-E-B customers to support the environmental program  work of more than three dozen EarthShare of Texas organizations.  CEC will benefit, because the  contributions will be divided among EarthShare of Texas organizations with program work in the Houston/Gulf Coast area.

Look for the EarthShare of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in more than 200 H-E-B and Central Market stores in  most areas of Texas in late March through April. And help support  Earth Share of Texas and the Texas environment!

Title: Houston Audubon/ONC present Bringing Nature Home -How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens by Doug Tallamy
Location: Rice University, Hamman Hall
Link out: Click here
Description: Houston Audubon and the Outdoor Nature Club are teaming up to present Doug Tallamy. Tallamy will discuss how native plants sustain wildlife in our gardens. Doug Tallamy is a professor and the chair of the Entomology and Wildlife Ecology department at the University of Delaware, where he has been studying insects and their role in the environment for over 20 years. His book, “Bringing Nature Home: How Native plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens,” has been featured in the New York Times. More about Mr. Tallamy and his book can be viewed at http://bringingnaturehome.net/lectures/about-doug. Sponsored by Houston Audubon (http://www.houstonaudubon.org) and the Outdoor Nature Club (ONC– http://www.outdoornatureclub.org).
Date: 2010-03-31

Title: Galveston Bay Foundation Annual Meeting
Location: Children’s Museum of Houston (1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004)
Link out: Click here
Description: GBF is pleased to announce that Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) President and Chief Executive Officer, William C. Baker, will be our featured speaker. Will has been President and CEO of the CBF since 1982, but began working at the CBF in 1976 as an intern. Under Will’s leadership, CBF received the nation’s highest environmental honor, the 1992 Presidential Medal for Environmental Excellence.
Start Time: 18:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-23
End Time: 20:00 pm

Spring Break is just around the corner and thousands of people will flock toHermann Park every day to enjoy its many attractions. This year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is also in town during Spring Break and that means the city will have twice the fun and potentially twice the traffic.

Hermann Park generally experiences heavy traffic throughout the month of March. However, usage is expected to peak March 13 – 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To beat the traffic jams and parking challenges, visitors have expanded parking options, thanks to an agreement with Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza.  Hermann Park visitors can now use the parking garage located at 6400 Fannin, next to the HermannProfessional Building, on weekends. The current maximum rate for weekends is $6.00 (subject to change by Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza) and visitors have the option of paying by cash or credit card.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department still urges patrons to carpool or ride METRO’s bus system or METRORail, which goes right past Hermann Park. Riders can catch METRORail at the Fannin South Park and Ride lot located at 1604 West Bellfort or park downtown and catch METRORail at any of the downtown rail stations. Riders can disembark at Hermann Park/Rice University Station, at Fannin and Sunset; Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo, at North MacGregor and Ross Sterling; or the Museum District Station, between Ewing and Binz to access all of Hermann Park’s amenities.

If you feel your car is a necessity, be prepared, because Hermann Park has limited parking that may possibly be overtaxed during this extreme peak period.  Park visitors will need to be ready for delays and should have contingency plans. Park patrons are also advised to:

• Be aware that it is no longer possible to turn left into Hermann Park.  Pay attention to the “No Left Turn” signs posted along the light rail track
• Be aware that Hermann Park Drive will only allow one-way traffic southbound from the Sam Houston Monument to Cambridge Street
• Know that HPD’s Mobile Response Team (MRT), METRO Police and Urban Park Rangers will direct traffic at all intersections on Cambridge Street, Fannin andHermann Park Drive.

Houston TranStar will coordinate freeway changeable-message signs on SH 288 to communicate traffic information to motorists.  Portable message signs will also be placed around the park to provide additional information to park visitors.  Check traffic conditions before venturing out to the park. Information is available atwww.houstontranstar.org

Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoological Gardens, the Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and is a neighbor to the Museum District.  HermannPark offers a host of amenities, from hike and bike trails to McGovern Lake’s pedal boats and the upgraded miniature train.  Renovations have only enhanced its reputation as a place for families to have fun together.

For more information on the METRORail system, including a map, schedule and fares, call METROLine at (713) 635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.org.  For more information about the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit www.houstonparks.org.

Title: Houston Audubon Membership Meeting: Coastal Update 2010–Ike and the Whooping Cranes
Location: United Way Community Center at 50 Waugh Drive, Houston 77007
Description: im Blackburn will present an overview of the two major issues facing the Texas coast as we start the second decade of the 21st century. He will discuss the threat to the continued existence of the Aransas Whooping Crane flock and the challenges facing the Upper Texas Coast after Hurricane Ike. Aspects of the Ike Dike and the possible Bolivar National Seashore will be presented along with the potential litigation against officials of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for their role in the “take” of Whooping Cranes last winter. Blackburn will conclude by reading a poem or two from Birds: A Collection of Verse and Vision. A discussion will follow his presentation.

An attorney for more than 30 years, Jim is a partner in Blackburn Carter, P.C., a firm devoted to environmental law and planning. He is also a Professor at Rice U., teaching courses in sustainable development and environmental law.

Membership meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month (Sept-May) at the United Way Building on Waugh Blvd. They include a social from 7-7:30 and a speaker with a special topic from 7:30-8:30.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-14

Title: Livable Houston Initiative – David Rouse on the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan
Location: H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Conference Room C
Link out: Click here
Description: David Rouse AICP, ASLA, LEED AP, with Wallace Roberts & TODD (WRT), will talk about the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. Rouse is the lead planner for the Austin initiative, and has 30 years of experience in community planning and design. He presented his ideas for a Sustainable Comprehensive Plan to the American Planning Association in 2009.
Start Time: 12:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-24
End Time: 13:30 pm

Title: Regional Transit Framework Study: open house
Location: Heights Fire Station, 107 W 12th St (at Yale), Houston, 77007
Link out: Click here
Description: The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is conducting a Regional Transit Framework Study (RTFS), a year-long planning effort to identify long-range transit needs and opportunities across the region.

You are invited to attend an additional project open house meeting to discuss the project goals and public transportation needs with H-GAC and consultant staff:

Start Time: 18:30 pm
Date: 2010-03-16
End Time: 20:00 pm

Title: H-GAC Clean Waters Initiative: CMOM for Sanitary Sewers
Location: H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A
Link out: Click here
Description: Join H-GAC for the next Clean Waters Initiative workshop on Wednesday, April 7. This workshop, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at H-GAC Conference Room A, will cover the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) program. This program addresses sanitary sewers and provides a method to prevent overloading of wastewater treatment plants and aims to prevent sanitary sewage overflowing into lakes, rivers, and streams. Guest speakers from the EPA, TCEQ and local governments will explain how beefing up sewer maintenance can lead to improved water quality in our region and reduce the risk of violations and associated fees for sanitary sewer operators.
Start Time: 13:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-07
End Time: 16:00 pm

An event of this size always requires lots of help. Mercer Arboretum is still signing up volunteers to assist in lots of areas during the March Mart. We need plant experts and plant novices. We need people to write tickets, be wagon masters and work in plant holding areas. Check out our website to Volunteer at March Mart –   http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/marchmart/index.htm.

Title: Second Saturday Archaeology at ABNC
Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena, TX
Link out: Click here
Description:

Ever wonder what happened eons ago before European settlers arrived on the shores of Galveston Bay? Find out in March as Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Second Saturday explores the archaeology and history of the area. March 13 promises to be a day of discovery as speakers and exhibitors bring the past to life. The nature center, located at 8500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena, TX hosts its monthly event to help local residents connect with nature close to home.

* Ethnobotany of the Armand Bayou Watershed—Alecya Gallaway, UHCL environmental historian.
* Archaeology of the Upper Texas Coast—Tom Nuckols, Houston Archaeological Society
* Hands-on artifacts exhibit—Beth Aucoin, Texas Archaeological Stewardship Network
* Kids archaeological dig
Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 12:00 pm

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge is re-opening the Champion Lake Public Use Area on Wednesday, March 10 after a month of flooding. The water has finally dropped below the deck on the fishing pier and in the parking lot. We plan to remove the mud and debris on Tuesday. The Champion Lake Public Use Area is located at the end of County Road 417 off of FM 1409 in southern Liberty and is free of charge. It is open from sunrise to sunset. For further information, please contact the Refuge Manager at 936/336-9786.

Title: Green Valentine: Mulching in March
Location: Stude Park, 1031 Stude, near the community center
Link out: Click here
Description: Join Jeff Shell and Jill Whitten and the Green Valentine Crew for a massive mulching effort at Stude Park in the Heights.

Bring gloves, water, shovel, rake, and get ready to put your back into it!

Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring an environmental justice video contest that challenges professional or aspiring filmmakers to create videos that capture the faces of the environmental justice movement. The Faces of the Grassroots contest is an opportunity to publicly exhibit creativity with environmental justice stories, and connect with others working to raise awareness of the movement.

“Faces of the Grassroots will help EPA expand the conversation on environmentalism and work for environmental justice,” said Charles Lee, director of EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice. “Participants can make a difference for the historically underrepresented in their community by using motion pictures to show the struggles and triumphs they have endured to advance environmental justice.”

Videos can focus on any environmental justice activity, issue, or topic. Examples would be a music video about climate change, or a video recording a successful environmental justice project that has made a community a healthier and happier place to live.

Awards will be given to the winning submissions in each category. The videos will also be featured on EPA’s Web site and may be used as public service announcements. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 8, 2010. EPA will announce winners in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

Below are the categories and prize money:

Public Service Announcements (30 or 60 seconds)

• 1st Place - $2,500
• 2nd Place - $1,500
• 3rd Place - $1,000
• Student Winner – $500 (13-18 years old)

Informational Video (3-5 minutes)

• 1st Place - $2,500
• 2nd Place - $1,500
• 3rd Place - $1,000
• Student Winner – $500 (13-18 years old)

More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/events/video-contest.html

Informational video on the contest:

http://www.epa.gov/multimedia/playercontents/video/EJVideoContest/index.html

Title: Free Prairie Discovery Tour
Location: Katie Prairie: Mary Manor Preserve
Link out: Click here
Description: Wetland Adventure Awaits!

Want to get outdoors and learn more about your hometown habitats but don’t know how? KPC’s Prairie Discovery Tours pairs expert guides with small groups on a visit to a special KPC preserve every month. You’ll be introduced to some of the secrets of the wildlife and plantlife that make the Katy Prairie such a wonderfully diverse area.

Looking to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather? A real-life adventure awaits on the Katy Prairie Conservancy’s Mary Manor Preserve. This restored wetland is home to animals both great and small, including colorful ducks, raucous frogs, and even the occasional beaver! Put on some comfortable shoes, drive out, and join us for an afternoon of cool sights and a scenic sunset.

Registration limited and required. Call 713.523.6135 or email us at info@katyprairie.org for more details and to register.

Price: Free!

Remember to always dress appropriately for trips out to the prairie. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are always recommended. The prairie can get windy, so bring a jacket just in case!
Start Time: 16:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 18:00 pm

Title: My Houston 2040–Co-hosted by Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and Citizens’ Transportation Coalition
Location: Rudyard’s upstairs, 2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, 77006
Link out: Click here
Description: A new Happy Hour meeting of the minds
Co-hosted by Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and Citizens’ Transportation Coalition
Sponsored by Change Magazine and New Living

Free and open to the public. Food and drinks available at bar.

5:30 The Livable Centers plan for Houston’s East End, Meredith Dang
5:55 My Houston 2040, Andrew Burleson

The Idea
Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and the Citizens’ Transportation Coalition agree that Houstonians can build a better Houston today by thinking about the Houston we may inherit in 2040 and the Houston we want in 2040. Each happy hour will include time for networking and socializing, a topical speaker who will give an informational presentation on Houston urbanism, transportation planning, culture, environment, and more, and a visionary speaker who will give their “My Houston 2040″ talk: what they think Houston will be like in 2040, what they want it to be like in 2040, and / or what they want us to do to make it like they want it to be in 2040.

This month’s speakers
The Livable Centers Plan for Houston’s East End
Meredith Dang, AICP

Meredith Dang is the Land Use Transportation Coordinator for the Community and Environmental Planning Department with the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Her responsibilities include managing H-GAC’s Livable Centers, Subregional Planning, and Eco-Logical programs, providing technical assistance to local governments, and training local officials on land use transportation coordination principles. Ms. Dang is a certified planner and received her Masters in Planning from the University of Southern California and BA from Rice University.

My Houston 2040
Andrew Burleson

Andrew Burleson is a professional urban designer and real estate consultant in Houston. He started neoHOUSTON in 2008 to add to the local dialogue on urbanism and business. His professional work is concentrated on the design, finance, and entitlement of pedestrian and transit-oriented real estate developments. He has a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design. He has lived in various places around the world, mainly Illinois, Texas, and Italy – but now he lives in Montrose. He is a founding member of CNU-Houston
Start Time: 17:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-11

Title: KIDFISH in West Columbia
Location: First Capital Park, North 13th Street/FM 2853
Link out: Click here
Description: KIDFISH community events are more like a fishing tournament, are typically held in city parks throughout Texas, and are designed to promote fishing, the outdoors, and simply spending time with family. KIDFISH, together with community leaders and local media work to publicize the event through television and radio PSA’s as well as in schools and throughout the community by distributing registration forms.

KIDFISH generously stocks the pond prior to the event in order to increase the children’s odds of a memorable fishing experience. Everything the child will need to catch a fish (i.e. rod, reel, bait, and tackle) will be provided to those who need it.

During KIDFISH, children participate in a “KIDFISH College”, a brief presentation on fishing, conservation, and respect for the environment, the fish, and other anglers. Upon completion participants receive a “Bachelor of Angling” Degree and are then allowed to fish.

The tournament is broken down into 3 different age categories (6 & under, 7-11, and 12-16). The winners of each age group qualifies for the KIDFISH Classic, our by invitation only tournament held each summer.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 12:00 pm

Title: KIDFISH in Friendswood
Location: Centennial Park 2200 S Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546
Link out: Click here
Description: Friendswood Community Event (Catfish)
Hours: 9-12noon

The 8th annual KIDFISH event has been scheduled in Friendswood on Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 9 a.m. until noon at Friendswood’s Centennial Park Pond.

The KIDFISH Foundation will stock over 750 pounds of adult fish in the Centennial Park Pond for participants to catch. There is no pre-registration required. Bait, tackle, and loaner rods will be provided to children who do not have their own equipment. Starting March 25th, participants can pick up registration forms at local schools, Friendswood City Hall, the Friendswood Library, Friendswood Activity Building, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce building, and at Centennial Park on the day of the KIDFISH Event.

For registration information or to volunteer at the event, contact KIDFISH toll free at 877-733-5646 or 254-982-4887 or go to www.kidfish.com.

Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-04-03
End Time: 12:00 pm

Title: Coastal Resiliency Forum
Location: Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005; Shell Auditorium, Jones School of Business
Link out: Click here
Description: Galveston Bay Foundation, working with several partners, brings you a forum which will address how vulnerable the area is to hurricanes and other major storms, and what can be done to prepare for future events. Topics will include:

What is Coastal Resiliency?
What are the Threats?
What’s at Risk and What are Our Vulnerabilities?
What are the Structural and Non-Structural Options?
What are the Public Policy Issues?

Experts from the United States and abroad will share experiences and information that local decision-makers can use to increase the resiliency of our region.
Start Time: 08:00 am
Date: 2010-05-26
End Time: 17:00 pm

Galveston Bay Foundation staff and volunteers assisted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with its 8^th annual Texas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program on February 20th. The event spans over a 10-day period in February when all Texas bays are closed to crabbing with crab traps, and any traps left in the bay are presumed to be abandoned and considered litter under state law, thus allowing volunteers to legally remove any crab traps they find.

GBF volunteers helped remove 175 abandoned crab traps from Trinity Bay. Thank you to all who made this event a huge success! Click here to see photos.