Featured

1. Crews fear oil rig will spill 336,000 gallons of crude a day (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle) A drilling rig that burned for more than a day before sinking Thursday has fouled Gulf of Mexico waters with a potentially major spill of crude oil, officials said.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6969765.html

2. Has the Clean Air Act outlived its usefulness? (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle) While Houston’s air quality is improving, challenges remain, leading some to ask if the federal Clean Air Act is still up to the job.. Has the Clean Air Act outlived its usefulness?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6969765.html

3. Warnings about toxic fishing grounds largely ignored (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle) Signs warn anglers not to eat the fish and crabs, which are contaminated with high levels of cancer-causing chemicals from decades-old paper mill sludge. Yet people still come with fishing rods and buckets of bait in hand.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6966339.html

4. Kiosks Offer Recyclers Free Rewards (Emily Fredrix – Click2Houston)

PepsiCo and Waste Management kiosks are getting people to recycle by offering rewards, such as free Pilates classes or discounts at restaruants, for their efforts. The programs starts next month. People will be able to scan their recyclables at these kiosks, which will add their points to an account at Greenopolis.com. When they have accumulated enough points, they can redeem their prizes. Although helping the environment should be a good enough reason to recycle, it is hoped that the short term gratification will encourage more people to recycle.

http://www.click2houston.com/green-pages/23225723/detail.html

5. More Buildings Go Green (Pat Hernandez – KUHF News)

Houston is about to become more energy efficient by taking measures to improve the energy operations of the buildings downtown. The project was designated 23-million dollars and will be designed to regulate lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditoning, water conservation measures, and building management controls. It is estimated that almost 2 million dollars will be saved per year from retrofitting 19 buildings.

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1271972069

6. Officials trawl for answers after sea turtles’ deaths (Harvey Rice – Houston Chronicle)

Federal officials are concerned about unusually large numbers of dead Kemp’s ridley turtles, once the world’s most endangered sea turtle, that have washed up on beaches along the upper Texas Gulf

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6971796.html

EcoNotes

* 17 April

o Crews begin repairs to Texas City Dike (T.J. Aulds – The Galveston County Daily News)

http://galvestondailynews.com/story/155164

* 19 April

o Experts offer tips on going green (Alyssa Dizon – Avalanche Journal)

http://lubbockonline.com/stories/041910/loc_611810118.shtml

o Texasinvasives.org Empowers Citizens To Stop Plant, Animal Pests (Texas Parks and Wildlife)

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20100419a&nrtype=all&nrspan=2010&nrsearch=

o Warmer weather increases chances of fire (The Baytown Sun)

http://baytownsun.com/story/50691

o Appliance Rebate Program Underway (Bill Stamps – KUHF News)

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1271717014

* 20 April

o Warnings about toxic fishing grounds largely ignored (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6966339.html

o Coastal safety board holds first meeting (Harvey Rice – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6967841.html

o Judges from six counties meet to discuss Ike dike (Ted Oberg – ABC 13 News)

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7396701

o Earth Day Tree Planting Ceremony Marks Donation of 65,000 Trees to Texas Parks and Wildlife (Texas Parks and Wildlife)

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20100420a&nrtype=all&nrspan=2010&nrsearch=

o Friendswood Hike and Bike Trail System (Garrett Bryce – Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025878

* 21 April

o Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality in Texas (Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025902

o Teen Transforms Geo Into Electric Car (Tori Brunetti – Click2Houston)

http://www.click2houston.com/green-pages/23227989/detail.html

o Environmentalists Mark 40th Earth Day (Seth Borenstein – Click2Houston)

http://www.click2houston.com/green-pages/23228135/detail.html

o Kiosks Offer Recyclers Free Rewards (Emily Fredrix – Click2Houston)

http://www.click2houston.com/green-pages/23225723/detail.html

* 22 April

o Has the Clean Air Act outlived its usefulness? (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6969765.html

o Officials trawl for answers after sea turtles’ deaths (Harvey Rice – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6971796.html

o Only the strongest songbirds survive arduous trek to Texas (Gary Clark – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6973166.html

o Buffalo Bayou One Step Closer to National Heritage Area Distinction (Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025958

o Texas AgriLife Extension Service – Rain (Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025953

o Green movement turns sage (Jana Ballinger – BC Water News)

http://www.bcwaternews.com/SpecialEditions/earthday2010/

o From Rebellious Roots, Earth Day Now Mainstream (Frederic J. Frommer – Click2Houston)

http://www.click2houston.com/green-pages/23231917/detail.html

o More Buildings Go Green (Pat Hernandez – KUHF News)

http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1271972069

o EPA to teens: ‘Do something!’ (Harriet Blake – abc 13)

http://www.greenrightnow.com/ktrk/2010/04/22/epa-to-teens-do-something/

o Earth Day Special: Astros go green (Ford Gunter – Houston Business Journal)

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/2010/04/astros_go_green.html?surround=lfn

o University of Houston named one of nation’s top green colleges (Houston Business Journal)

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2010/04/19/daily39.html?surround=lfn

o Be part of the solution: Do your share to preserve Earth’s ecosystems (Melissa Segrest – abc 13)

http://www.greenrightnow.com/ktrk/2010/04/22/be-part-of-the-solution-do-your-share-to-preserve-earths-ecosystems/

* 23 April

o Crews fear oil rig will spill 336,000 gallons of crude a day (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6971824.html

o Galveston Beach Patrol Update on Louisiana Oil Spill (Jim Guidry – Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025985

o Rice study finds early roadbeds leach greenhouse gas into rivers (KIAH)

http://www.39online.com/lifestyle/goinggreen/kiah-gg-rice-study-greenhouse-story,0,762880.story

o Earth Day is Every Day for TxDOT Employees and Contractors (Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025983

o DSHS Closes Most Texas Coastal Waters to Shellfish Harvesting (Guidry News)

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000025981

o Heavy rains of past led to wildflowers’ beauty (Shannon Daughtry – The Baytown Sun)

http://baytownsun.com/story/50762

Title: Texas Arbor Day
Event Link: Click here
Description: 121st observance of Texas Arbor Day
Date: 2010-04-30

Title: Monday Morning Birding
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas 77338
Event Link: Click here
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 pm
Date: 2010-05-17

Title: Webelos Naturalist
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas 77338
Event Link: Click here
Description: Webelos scouts are invited to earn their “Naturalist” activity pin as they learn about birds, snakes, and trees from park naturalists during a fun morning of activities. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Thursday, May 6.
Start Time: 13:00 pm
Date: 2010-05-16
End Time: 16:00 pm

Title: TPWD Electroshock Demo
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas 77338
Event Link: Click here
Description: Anyone curious about the kinds of fish that can be found in Spring Creek can witness the electroshock method of fish sampling during a demonstration by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. This technique is a great way for ecologists to determine the types of fish found in bodies of water and to take their measurements. Please note that fish only receive a mild stun and are not harmed during the process, after which they are returned to the water.

Start Time: 13:00 pm
Date: 2010-05-15

Title: Water Everywhere Try-It badge for Brownies
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas77338
Event Link: Click here
Description: Brownies can visit Jones Park to learn all about water during this fun-filled morning that includes a nature hike and craft while earning their “Water Everywhere Try-It” badge. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, May 5.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-05-15
End Time: 12:00 pm

Grants of up to $350,000 will be awarded to nonprofits working to retrofit and improve energy efficiency in buildings across the United States. More information at http://www.ddcf.org/retrofits.

Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to land trusts, local governments, and other organizations working to create or improve a greenway, trail, or waterway in the United States. Applications due June 15, 2010. More at http://www.conservationfund.org/kodak_awards.

Title: LID Design Challenge Retrospective
Location: H-GAC Building, Second Floor, Conference Room A
Event Link: Click here
Description: Don´t miss your chance to take a look under the hood of the designs, hydrographic data and economic comparisons produced by the finalist teams in the recent HLWSF Low Impact Development Design Competition.

Each finalist team will offer an expanded version of their finals presentation and they, along with some of the expert judges, finals jury panel and sponsors will be available to answer your questions about their conclusions. This is a great opportunity to learn why the competition generated so much excitement about designing with LID practices to improve water quality, reduce runoff, improve quality of life, and save money in the process.
Start Time: 16:00 pm
Date: 2010-05-06
End Time: 18:00 pm

Title: Town Hall Meeting on the proposed White Stallion Coal Plant in Bay City
Location: Bay City Service Center, 2105 Avenue M, Bay City, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: Are you wondering what the real impact will be for you, your family, your health, and the value of your community if the White Stallion Coal plant is built? Now is the time to get answers and make your voice heard.

The town hall will start off with a panel of experts. The Sierra Club has invited those who are opposed to the coal plant — an air quality expert, a water expert, and an expert on the impacts of coal. The Sierra Club has invited those in favor of the coal plant to defend their support of the coal plant — Mr. Randy Bird of White Stallion, and local officials Judge Nate McDonald, Bay City Mayor Richard Knapik, and Owen Bludau of the Economic Development Corporation.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-05-03

Title: Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club Meeting
Location: First Liberty National Bank located at 1900 Sam Houston in Liberty
Description: The May meeting of the LOWER TRINITY VALLEY BIRD CLUB will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the meeting room of the First Liberty National Bank located at 1900 Sam Houston in Liberty. From Hwy. 90 turn on Travis Street, between Kentucky Fried Chicken and Whataburger, cross over the railroad tracks and take a right into the bank parking lot. Be sure to come early at 9:30 a.m. for our “Birder’s Chat” time. If you have any questions call President Gary Holmes at 281-576-0574 or e-mail him at lisashepholmes@verizon.net.

The speaker will be local photographer and artist Aubrey Cruse III. He will share his images and observations of the magnificent Bald Eagles in Baytown.

Aubrey has done extensive observation of the pair of Bald Eagles nesting near the Evergreen Point Golf Course in Baytown since January while taking hundreds of photos. The eagles have successfully raised two chicks which should be leaving the nest in 3-5 weeks. Aubrey will discuss the stories behind some of his most memorable images, interesting behaviors of the eagles, and the technical problems he faced in photographing the eagles. Also, he will share some of his photos from the spring migration in High Island. Mr. Cruse is retired from the paper industry, taught landscape painting at San Jacinto College, and is past president of the Pasadena Art League.

Guests and visitors are always welcome. If you have a backyard bird feeder or have an interest in birds and nature, the Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club is a great opportunity to learn more about birds, meet fascinating people, and take part in birding/nature activities.

Start Time: 09:30 am
Date: 2010-05-08

The Greater Houston Clean Cities Coalition was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to host an intern this summer. The coalition is seeking an intern to assist with the following primary tasks:

• Event planning and support for the 2010 Advancing the Choice Conference
• Creating and implementing a comprehensive regional survey of vehicle fleets and alternative fuel usage
• Coalition website development to incorporate more interactive features, such as member-only sections, video clips, webinars, etc.

The internship is open to undergraduates (junior or senior only) and graduate students and will take place June 1-August 13, 2010. Compensation in the total amount of $7,000 will be provided in three monthly installments through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the American Society for Engineering Education. Students studying in fields as diverse as communications, business, marketing, policy, engineering, and environmental science are welcome to apply. More at http://www.houston-cleancities.org/internship.htm.

Title: Blackwood Land Institute Morning in the Country
Location: Blackwood Land Institute, Hempstead, Texas
Event Link: Click here
Description: Self-Guided Garden Tours
Walk the Labyrinth
Learn About Straw-Bale Construction
Organic Vegetarian Lunch Served at 12:30pm
$26 • Reservations Required

Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2010-05-08
End Time: 14:00 PM

Title: Mission Possible: Houston Nature Challenge 2010
Location: Various Locations
Event Link: Click here
Description: Opening Ceremonies: May 15, 2010, 1:00 pm. at Discovery Green.

You have twelve weeks to visit as many participating parks and nature areas in Southeast Texas as you can. You will view native wildlife, dip your feet in creeks, rivers, and the Gulf, draw and write about your observations and learn more about nature and science in your neighborhood. At each site you will complete activities designed for family fun and nature exploration provided in English and Spanish. Participation prizeswill be awarded at the closing ceremonies for most sites visited, best scrapbook, best photo, and more.

Start Date: 2010-05-15
Start Time: 13:00 pm
End Date: 2010-08-14

Title: TxDOT public meeting for statewide 2035 long-range transportation plan
Location: TxDOT, Houston District Office auditorium, 7600 Washington Ave, Houston, 77007
Event Link: Click here
Description: Over the next six months, TxDOT and its consultants will prepare the next Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, which will address transportation through the year 2035.

TxDOT Executive Director, Amadeo Saenz describes the plan as “a framework for developing and implementing a multi-modal transportation system through 2035, including highways, rail, water ports, airports, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, pipelines and Intelligent Transportation Systems.” The plan will include all transportation modes, including areas beyond TxDOT’s current responsibilities.

TxDOT will hold public open houses in each of its 25 districts in May. You are invited to share your thoughts about what types of investment will ensure the best use of scarce transportation funding resources over the next 25 years.
Start Time: 16:00 pm
Date: 2010-05-06
End Time: 19:00 pm

Title: CoH Green Building Tour: Perkins & Will, Certified Green Building
Location: Perkins + Will, 1001 McKinney, Texas 77002, at the Downtown Rail Stop
Event Link: Click here
Description: As one in a series of free tours of green buildings in Houston, you are invited to see the office of Perkins + Will Architects on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in an “open house style” guided tour approximately every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf for more details and a map. Green buildings save owners and users money with greater energy efficiency. They are better for our environment with more reuse of material. Ultimately, they foster a happier and healthier workplace for employees. We very much welcome your participation in this event and your interest and support for green building efforts across Houston. For more information on Green Building Tours, please contact Steve Stelzer at 713-535-7508 or e-mail at steve.stelzer@cityofhouston.
Start Time: 11:00 am
Date: 2010-05-06
End Time: 14:00 pm

Challenge Yourself to a Few Short Hikes and Find Yourself Rewarded! Have you always considered technology and the great outdoors to be worlds apart? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is trying to bridge the gap with a program born from the success of a pilot program in the Austin area. For more info, visit the TPWD website.