Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge is seeking summer employment applications from young men and women ages 15 to 18. Two positions will be available through the Youth Conservation Corps program. No prior experience is necessary but participants must be citizens of the United States. Crew members will work 40 hours per week for $ 7.25 an hour starting June 14th through August 6th. Hours of work will be Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM till 4:00 PM. Work will be conducted outside and will be physically demanding. Individuals selected must have transportation to and from the refuge office, located at 1351 N. Main, Liberty, Texas. Typical duties will include trail maintenance, boundary line posting, fence construction, building construction, and various restoration and maintenance projects. Educational field trips and training sessions will also be included.

Selection will be on a random basis from the list of qualified applicants. Young adults interested in wildlife careers, summer employment, or job experience are encouraged to apply. For applications or more information please contact the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 10015, Liberty, TX, 77575 or call 936-336-9786. Applications are due by April 9, 2101, and can be mailed, faxed, or brought to the office. The fax number is 936-336-9847.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Contact: Bonnie Campisi or Stuart Marcus, 936-336-9786

Title: TPWD Public Hearing: Land Acquisition in Brazoria County
Location: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744
Link out: Click here
Description: Nannie M Stringfellow Wildlife Management Area — Brazoria County

In a meeting on April 1, 2010, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) will consider the acquisition of a 38.5-acre tract of land as an addition to the Nannie M. Stringfellow Wildlife Management Area. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed transaction before the Commission takes action. The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Prior to the meeting, public comment may be submitted to Corky Kuhlmann, Land Conservation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744 or by email at corky.kuhlmann@tpwd.state.tx.us or through the TPWD web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-04-01

Title: National Groundwater Awareness Week
Link out: Click here
Start Date: 2010-03-07
End Date: 2010-03-13

Title: Renowned Spanish architects come to Houston for free MUSAC
Location: Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet
Link out: Click here
Description: Rice Design Alliance (RDA) continues their tradition of bringing the best national and international designers to Houston with the annual Sally Walsh Lecture. Speakers this year are renowned Spanish architects Luis Mansilla and Emilio Tuñón. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Rice Design Alliance (RDA), together with the Rice School of Architecture, the AIA Houston Chapter, and the Architecture Center Houston Foundation, welcome Luis Mansilla and Emilio Tuñón to present the annual Sally Walsh lecture on April 7, 2010, titled Making MUSAC.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-07
End Time: 20:00 pm

Title: Monday Morning Birding
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas77338
Description: Who says Monday mornings have to be dull and boring? Come out to Jones Park with binoculars and field guide in hand to join park naturalist Sheena Humbird for an early morning glimpse of the birds around the park. Meet at the Nature Center no later than 7:30 a.m. Monday Morning Birding is offered the third Monday of each month to visitors ages 12 and up.
Start Time: 07:30 am
Date: 2010-03-15

Title: Pioneer Campfire
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center,20634KenswickDrive,Humble,Texas77338
Link out: Click here
Description: Enjoy a starlit evening around the campfire while roasting marshmallows and sipping on warm wassail. Sure to please the young and the young at heart. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, March 3.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-13

Title: “Let’s Grow” Chevron Potting Event
Location: Chevron North American production field in Humble, TX
Link out: Click here
Description: Over 500 volunteers are needed to plant 7,000 seedlings, provided by Texas Forest Service, in pots to grow out for next planting season at Chevron’s Humble tree farm. This event is a fun family-friendly planting project open to all community volunteers.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-04-24
End Time: 12:00 pm

TogetherGreen, an alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota, is accepting applications for its Conservation Fellowships and Innovation Grants. Through TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships, forty promising individuals (half from the Audubon network and half from external organizations) will be chosen for their leadership potential, skills, and commitment to engaging people of diverse backgrounds in conservation action. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant, assistance launching a conservation action project, and specialized training. They also become part of an alumni network of conservation professionals from across the country. Fellowship candidates must have at least six years’ experience in some aspect of the environment. Audubon will select a minimum of forty proposals and provide more than $1 million in total support. Grants will range from $5,000 to $80,000 each, with the majority averaging roughly $25,000.

Visit the TogetherGreen Web site for complete application information.

The Gardener’s Supply Company annual Garden Crusader Awards program was established to honor individuals who are improving the world through gardening. These enthusiastic men and women are gardening beyond their own backyards to grow food for the hungry, beautify their communities and help friends and neighbors discover the rewards of gardening.

Applications are now available and are due on June 1, 2010. The award honors individuals in the United States who are improving their communities through gardening. There is no age requirement. Award categories include Education, Feeding the Hungry, Urban Renewal, and Restoration. There are five winners for each category — first, second, third, plus two honorable mentions and one grand-prize winner, for a total of eighteen winners overall. The grand-prize winner will receive $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 gift certificate from Gardener’s Supply.

More at www.gardeners.com.

Title: Transition Houston monthly meeting
Location: Urban Harvest–2nd floor classroom, 2311 Canal Street
Link out: Click here
Description: The March meeting of Transition Houston will be held on Monday, March 1, at Urban Harvest. We will be meeting in Room 124 (straight down the hall and on the right).

We are excited to welcome Sara Cotner as our guest speaker to discuss time banking, the Heights Time Bank, and how to start neighborhood time banks.

The meeting will start promptly at 7PM.

Agenda

1) Welcome and new attendee introductions
2) Reflections on Transition
3) Sara Cotner discusses the Heights Time Bank and more
4) Action Group and Neighborhood Transition Initiative report-outs
5) Announcements
6) Meeting feedback (how did we do?)

These agenda items will be finished by 8:30. A social time for conversation, connections, and community will follow.

See you there!
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-01

Title: Earth Day at the Texas Medical Center
Location: John P. McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons at 6550 Bertner Avenue
Link out: Click here
Description: Mark your calendars for TMC’s second annual Earth Day celebration. Last year TMC had 45 exhibitors, more than 3,000 visitors, and gave out more than 800 eco-friendly prizes and 2,000 native trees. At this educational event we will be focusing on environmental awareness, recycling and “earth-friendly” products. If you’d like to volunteer, exhibit or donate, please contact earthday@tmcsustainability.org or leave a message on our Earth Day line, 713.798.2221. While the celebration is open to the public, we expect most of the attendees will be employees, students and visitors to the TMC.
Start Time: 11:00 am
Date: 2010-04-22
End Time: 14:00 pm

Title: NPSOT Monthly Meeting: Columbia Bottomlands and the MidCoast Wildlife Refuge System” by Mike Lange, USFWS
Location: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Link out: Click here
Description: Save the Date!

2010 Native Plant Society Meetings from February to November will begin at 7:00 pm at the Houston Arboretum.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-18

Frogs and Fangs

Monday, March 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Interested in cold-blooded creatures? Don’t miss Monday’s program at 10 a.m. where visitors can learn more about local and exotic amphibians through a presentation of slides and live specimens. Or attend the afternoon presentation at 1 p.m. to find out about native snakes, both harmless and venomous.

Junior Angler Training

Tuesday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Beginning anglers ages eight and older are invited to earn Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Junior Angler pin. Through skill stations including fish identification, aquatic habitats, tackle, safety, ethics, knot tying and more, young fishing enthusiasts can gain a better appreciation for responsible fishing practices. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend with their child. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Friday, March 5.

Fishing Derby

Tuesday, March 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Anglers ages 8 and up can try their hand at various fishing and casting techniques to show their angling prowess and win prizes. This friendly competition guarantees a fun afternoon!

Texas Bound

Wednesday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Redbud Hill Homestead comes to life during this fun-filled, one-day camp for kids of all ages. Day campers will join together in “families” on their journey through Texas using props, games, and other hands-on activities. Learn what it takes to survive the hardships of settler life and create a lasting homestead. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Friday, March 5.

Junior Canoe Training

Thursday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Budding canoeists ages 10 to 15 can gain experience and learn all of the basic skills needed during the Junior Canoe Training session. The training will allow junior canoeists to accompany an adult on Jones Park’s frequent canoe trips. Reservations are required for this event and may be made beginning Friday, March 5.

Geocaching Adventure

Friday, March 19 at 10 a.m.

Grab your GPS unit and head out to Jones Park for a fun-filled day of geocaching. Families must provided their own GPS unit; reservations are required and may be made beginning Friday, March 5.

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility under the leadership of Commissioner Jerry Eversole, is located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin or physical ability. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.cp4.hctx.net/jones.

Title: 10th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
Location: Allen’s Landing, 1001 Commerce Street
Link out: Click here
Description: Save the Date!

The Texas Dragon Boat Association, in collaboration with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, is pleased to announce that Pam Gardner, President of Business Operations for the Houston Astros, and Harry Gee, community leader and attorney, will serve as this May’s Festival Honorary Co-Chairs. Houston Mayor Annise Parker will provide the keynote address, and KTRK ABC-13’s Miya Shay will serve as emcee of the Opening Ceremony.

Start Time: 08:30 am
Date: 2010-05-01
End Time: 16:30 pm

Title: GO GREEN Career and Resource Fair
Location: Harris County Department of Education Building, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022
Description: Vice Mayor Pro – Tem Gonzalez and SER Jobs for Progress is pleased to announce the first GO GREEN Career and Resource Fair on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Harris County Department of Education Building located at 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022. The Go Green Career and Resource Fair will explore environmentally friendly ways to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Additionally, SER Jobs for Progress will provide information about career opportunities in the Green Collar Industry. The Green Jobs Training Project provides specialized training in Solar / Thermal Panel Installation, Weatherization, and more!

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Harris Department of Education Building, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77022.

For more information about this event, please call (713) 773-6000 or email: info@serhouston.org.

Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-06
End Time: 12:00 pm

Title: KPC Wild West Raptor Tour
Location: Katie Prairie Field Preserve
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us as we watch for raptors as they return to North America and their breeding territories. Many, but not all, of these birds will have spent the winter months in Central and South America. Species that we anticipate seeing include Mississippi kite, Cooper’s hawk, northern harrier, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, white-tailed hawk, red-tailed hawk, crested caracara, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, red-shouldered hawk and maybe a surprise bird or two! While we will focus on raptors, we will not ignore the numerous other birds that will be about, either lingering winter residents or newly arriving spring migrants.

What to Bring: All participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing, including closed-toe shoes and long pants. A long-sleeve shirt is also recommended. Participants should bring their own water and insect repellent.

Registration: Required. Space limited. Call 713.523.6135 or e-mail us at info@katyprairie.org for more details

Cost: $65 per participant – includes light breakfast
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-06
End Time: 12:00 pm

Title: 4th Annual Friends of Mandell Park Plant Sale
Location: Mandell Park 1501 Richmond Ave. at Mandell St.
Link out: Click here
Description: Friends of Mandell Park will host their 4th Annual Plant Sale to benefit development of Mandell Park, a neighborhood pocket park of gardens and trees. Sale will include all many varieties of plants, bulbs, herbs, and tomatoes as well as potted trees and plants to attract butterflies. There will be a raffle for several great prizes, tours of the garden, and a Children’s Corner of fun activities for children with Houston Audubon while their parents shop. Crepes by Mélange Creperie, breakfast burritos from El Pueblito, donuts and drinks will be available for purchase.

Rain date: Sunday, March 28, 2010.

For more information, contact:
Skip Almoney 713-524-4285 FoMandellPark@aol.com
Karen Anne Vinson 713-398-0474 karenannevinson@sbcglobal.net

Sponsored by Friends of Mandell Park
Underwritten by Tradition Bank-The Plaza
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-27
End Time: 13:00 pm