URBAN HARVEST – PERMACULTURE GUILD SERIES: PERMACULTURE AND THE SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
Date: 4 Tuesdays: Apr 29, May 6, May 13, May 27 and 1 Sun field trip date TBA
Time: Tues classes: 7 – 9:30 pm, Sun field trip 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Tues classes: Emerson Unitarian Church, 1900 Bering Dr., Sun class: Animal Farm Permaculture Center, 2 hrs. west of Houston
Fee: $95 (some scholarships are available); pre-registration required
Contact: Register at (713) 880-5540; Information at www.urbanharvest.org. Register at least three business days before the class.

Complete Description:
This class includes a review of the global ecological situation, principles for improving things, and information on ecological-impact-reducing architecture using local materials and alternative energy, and ways groups can rearrange our cities for sustainability.

JESSE JONES PARK VOLUNTEERS – APRIL MONTHLY MEETING
Date: Mon, Apr 28
Time: 7 pm
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: none
Contact: (281) 446-8588 or www.hcp4.net/jones

Complete Description:
The JJPV invite everyone to their monthly program and meeting. For ages 16+. Call to learn more about volunteering.

URBAN HARVEST CLASS – SELL WHAT YOU GROW AT A FARMERS’ MARKET
Date: Mon, Apr 28
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Urban Harvest Classroom
Fee: $15 members, $30 non-members, $10 community or school gardeners
Contact: Register at (713) 880-5540; Information at www.urbanharvest.org. Register at least three business days before the class.

Complete Description:
This class provides basic information on the techniques and strategies of market gardening.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP – BIRDING HIKE ON THE BAYOU – JAPHET CREEK
Date: Sun, Apr 27
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Japhet Creek; call for details
Fee: none; but reservations required
Contact: register at (713) 752-0314, ext. 3 or tsmith@buffalobayou.org; information at www.buffalobayou.org

Complete Description:
April 27 birding hike is to take place at Japhet Creek, a green finger along Buffalo Bayou. Before the birding tour, Jim and Eileen Ohmart, heads of the Japhet Creek Association, will give an overview of restoration and planned connections along this area.

URBAN HARVEST – PAUL WINTER’S MISSA GAIA: A CONCERT FOR THE EARTH
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Drive (713-782-8250, www.emersonhouston.org)
Fee: none
Contact: (713) 880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org

Complete Description:
An offering will be taken to benefit Urban Harvest and Emerson’s Ministry for the Earth.

HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY – FESTIVAL ON THE BAYOU
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 1 – 5 pm
Location: Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center
Fee: none
Contact: www.houstonaudubon.org or (713) 932-1639

Complete Description:
Come and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day 2008. This year’s theme is Tropics to Tundra: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People. Activities for all ages, live animals, special guests, food, and fun. April 26 is John James Audubon’s birthday. For more information about International Migratory Bird Day, visit the International Migratory Bird Day website at www.birdday.org.

URBAN HARVEST – SPRING FLING: FOR COMMUNITY GARDENERS AND SCHOOL GARDENS
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 11 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Turning Point Center Donation Garden, 1701 Jacquelyn, in Spring Branch
Fee: none; bring a dish to share for potluck luncheon
Contact: (713) 880-5540 or www.urbanharvest.org

Complete Description:
All community gardeners as well as teachers and volunteers in school gardens are invited to this annual event.

JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER – CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 10 am
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: none
Contact: (281) 446-8588 or www.hcp4.net/jones

Complete Description:
Learn about the many varieties of carnivorous plants and how they attract and capture prey. Take home a free plant. Limit one plant per household. For all ages.

ARTIST BOAT – GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK ECO-ART KAYAK ADVENTURE (TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: please call
Fee: $50 for Eco-Art Adventure includes all equipment; $25 off if you bring your own kayak or canoe plus all equipment; pre-registration and pre-payment required
Contact: register at (409) 770-0722; information at www.artistboat.org or info@artistboat.org

Complete Description:
Come paddle at one of Galveston’s ecological and historical jewels. Be one with the herons and travel back in time in when the Karankawas made this their winter home. Tour natural and restored marshes in west Galveston Bay. This special tour is for professional educators and teachers only.

TECHS AND TRAINERS – COMPUTER RECYCLING DRIVE
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Spring Fling at the Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire
Fee: none
Contact: (713) 839-7177

HOUSTON SIERRA CLUB – SEMI-ANNUAL BEACH CLEANUP
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: Take I-45 to the seawall and turn left; turn left on Ferry Road; take the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula, continue to Alma Street and turn right. We will be at the end of the road. We will have a sign posted at Alma Street.
Fee: none; no reservations required
Contact: Rita Davis at (281) 486-4462

Complete Description:
The Houston Sierra Club collects trash on a mile of beach at Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula. Volunteers record information such as source and type of debris collected on data cards supplied by the Ocean Conservancy. This data has been instrumental in the passage of international treaties and laws aimed at reducing the amount of offshore dumping. All supplies will be provied; just show up.

HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY APRIL FIELD TRIP – QUINTANA AREA WITH MIKE AUSTIN
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: meet at 8 am
Location: meet at Oyster Creek Park on FM 523 on the north side of the town of Oyster Creek, north of Angleton
Fee: none; but reservations are required
Contact: reserve your space with Bill Saulmon at (281) 537-6924

Complete Description:
We will visit Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary (good for passerine migrants), Quintana Jetty (good for gulls, terns, sandpipers and other water birds), and Bryan Beach (good for sandpipers and other water birds), among other areas. Bring binoculars, scope, camera, sunscreen, insect protection, sturdy shoes, hat, rain gear, water, snacks, and a lunch.

HOUSTON ZOO – FEEDING FRENZY – LION FEEDING (FOR ZOO MEMBERS ONLY)
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 8 – 9 am Refreshments, 9 am Feeding and Keeper Chat
Location: Houston Zoo
Fee: $20 per person for members; pre-registration required
Contact: register at www.houstonzoo.org/feedingfrenzy

Complete Description:
Come watch our carnivores and their ferocious appetite for meat. They may not have the best table manners, but it is fun to watch them gobble down their food.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – BREAKFAST ON THE BAYOU PONTOON BOAT ECO TOUR
Date: Sat, Apr 26
Time: 8 – 9:30 am
Location: meet at Bay Area Park boat launch
Fee: $20 for members, $25 for non-members; pre-registration required
Contact: register at (281) 474-2551; information at www.abnc.org

Complete Description:
Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy pastries, juice, and coffee while underway.

CEC is a member of Earth Share of Texas. During the month of April, HEB stores will have a tear off pad at all cash registers so shoppers can donate to Earth Share of Texas all month by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their grocery bill. (more…)

Bill McKibben, environmental author, will be the guest of the Progressive Forum on Monday. I have just finished his newest book, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future, and recommend it highly as a remedy for environmental angst. (more…)

Eddie Gray Wetlands Center in Baytown is hosting an open house from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 26 to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors will get to take a look at (and touch) live snakes, snakes, crabs, alligators, shrimp and other wetland residents. For more information, call (281) 420-7128 or visit www.baytown.org.