Title: Queen of The Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?
Location: 14 Pews Microcinema, 800 Aurora Street
Link out: Click here
Description: This documentary is an in-depth investigation into the causes and solutions behind Colony Collapse Disorder; a phenomenon where honeybees vanish from their hives, never to return. Queen of The Sun follows the voices and visions of underrepresented beekeepers, philosophers, and scientists around the world, all struggling for the survival of the bees. While other bee films focus exclusively on commercial beekeepers, this film emphasizes the biodynamic and organic communities who have differing opinions from many commercial beekeepers and are overlooked in other films.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2011-06-11
End Time: 21:00

Title: Queen of The Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?
Location: 14 Pews Microcinema, 800 Aurora Street
Link out: Click here
Description: This documentary is an in-depth investigation into the causes and solutions behind Colony Collapse Disorder; a phenomenon where honeybees vanish from their hives, never to return. Queen of The Sun follows the voices and visions of underrepresented beekeepers, philosophers, and scientists around the world, all struggling for the survival of the bees. While other bee films focus exclusively on commercial beekeepers, this film emphasizes the biodynamic and organic communities who have differing opinions from many commercial beekeepers and are overlooked in other films.
Start Time: 17:00
Date: 2011-06-12
End Time: 19:00

Title: TAEP Meeting
Location: Brady’s Landing Restaurant, 8505 Cypress Street
Link out: Click here
Description: Texas Association of Environmental Professionals

Speaker:
James B. Blackburn, Jr., Blackburn and Carter
Topic:
“A Proposed Coastal Protection System for Galveston Bay”
Start Time: 11:20
Date: 2011-07-16
End Time: 13:00

Title: Summer Texas Outdoor Family Campouts
Location: Inks Lake State Park (Hill Country)
Link out: Click here
Description: Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) workshops are hosted at state parks where your family receives hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills. You will learn everything you need to create great memories enjoying the outdoors with your family.

For more information, or to sign up please call (512) 389-8903 or email tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Start Date: 2011-07-13
End Date: 2011-07-14

Title: Summer Texas Outdoor Family Campouts
Location: Eisenhower State Park (Dallas Area)
Link out: Click here
Description: Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) workshops are hosted at state parks where your family receives hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills. You will learn everything you need to create great memories enjoying the outdoors with your family.

For more information, or to sign up please call (512) 389-8903 or email tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Start Date: 2011-07-18
End Date: 2011-07-19

Title: GCBO Monthly Bird Banding Session
Location: 103 West Highway 332, Lake Jackson, TX 77566
Link out: Click here
Description: Bird Banding at the Lake Jackson Sanctuary and offices. The public is invited to help collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. Banding will run from 8:00 am to noon. The banding station is operated by Robert and Kay Lookingbill and is conducted the 3rd Saturday of every month. Free of charge and no reservations are necessary. The GCBO Nature Store will be open till noon each banding day.
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2011-06-18
End Time: 12:00

Title: Dow Texas Operations Skimmer Day
Location: Dow A-41 gate located on FM 523 which is 1 mile south of Hwy 332 and FM 523 intersection
Link out: Click here
Description: This free public event provides a rare opportunity to view one of the largest nesting colonies of Black Skimmers on the Texas Gulf Coast. Black Skimmers are considered colonial waterbirds because they nest in large colonies. These unique birds have a longer lower mandible than upper. They feed by flying low over the water, opening their bills, and skimming the water with their lower mandible to catch small fish. No other North American bird has mandibles that are different lengths! Meet at the Dow A-41 gate located on FM 523 which is 1 mile south of Hwy 332 and FM 523 intersection for shuttles to the site.
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2011-06-25
End Time: 12:00

Title: Solid Waste and Recycling Program Education Event
Location: Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd
Link out: Click here
Description: Residents are encouraged to attend the event to learn about the enhanced programs and use of the new carts, including the different sizes available. The event will also feature an automated collection truck demonstration.

The new program is expected to save City residents $800,000 annually.

New service will begin on Dec. 5.
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2011-06-04
End Time: 10:00

Title: Solid Waste and Recycling Program Education Event
Location: Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd
Link out: Click here
Description: Residents are encouraged to attend the event to learn about the enhanced programs and use of the new carts, including the different sizes available. The event will also feature an automated collection truck demonstration.

The new program is expected to save City residents $800,000 annually.

New service will begin on Dec. 5.
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2011-06-04
End Time: 10:00

Title: Memorial Park Conservancy Outer Trail Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Location: 1500 East Memorial Loop Houston, Texas 77007
Link out: Click here
Description: Join Mayor Annise Parker and Memorial Park Conservancy for the opening of the outer trail on the new Outer Trail across from the Tennis Center which is located at 1500 East Memorial Loop Houston, Texas 77007. This is a great time to see the new trail so, please come out.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2011-06-16
End Time: 10:30

1. ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday. Over Memorial Day weekend, Texans won’t have to pay state or local sales tax on select ENERGY STAR products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers and even light bulbs. Take advantage of the fourth-annual Texas ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday this May 28-30, 2011, and get a break from state and local sales taxes on the purchase of eligible ENERGY STAR appliances and products. To learn more, visit http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1331/.
2. Nature Tourism for Chambers County. The first Annual Meeting of the Chambers Recovery Team will take place May 26th at 5:30pm at the new Visitor Center of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The topic of the meeting is “Opportunities and Challenges for Nature-based Tourism in Chambers County”. To learn more, visit http://www.theanahuacprogress.com/articles/2011/05/18/news/news08.txt.
3. EPA and Texas protect Beaches for Memorial Day Weekend. With Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is helping states continue to monitor water quality at beaches by providing funding for beach monitoring. EPA recently awarded Texas $200,913 to improve water quality at beaches. Texas General Land Office (GLO) is responsible for continuous monitoring of beach waters in Texas. If bacteria levels rise above EPA standards, GLO will notify the public not to swim in the affected water. Local governments and the state parks department are responsible for openings and closures of beaches. EPA reminds citizens to practice sun safety by wearing protective shades, a hat and sunscreen when visiting beaches. Additional information on EPA grants: http://www.epa.gov.

1. Recycle Guide. H-GAC and the TCEQ are offering residents in the Houston-Galveston region a guide to finding their nearest drop off sites for recyclables and hazardous materials. The 15-page guide gives readers an overview of what types of materials are recyclable and which ones are accepted at various recycling drop off sites. Recycle Guides are available at the Customer Service Desks of Kroger and Fiesta grocery stores across the region. A companion website is also available at http://www.recycleinfo.org/.
2. HB 571. Bayou Land Conservancy reports that HB 571 has been signed into law for the state of Texas. This bill requires sand and gravel operators to file a TCEQ permit before beginning creek and riverside mining activities. To learn more, visit http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.
3. GBF Marsh Restoration and Education. Galveston Bay Foundation (“GBF”) staff, volunteers from Samson, and students from Clifton Middle School who are participating in GBF’s Get Hip to Habitat program, will transplant native salt marsh grass in Trinity Bay this Thursday, May 26, in an effort to restore valuable estuarine wetlands. In this program, GBF works closely with students and teachers to establish marsh grass nurseries on their school campus grounds. The program starts with students harvesting smooth cordgrass from the NRG EcoCenter Wetlands Plant Nursery in Baytown and transplanting and cultivating the marsh grass in shallow, plastic wading pools at their schools. After 7 to 8 months of growth, GBF assists students in planting the matured plants at carefully selected marsh restoration sites around Galveston Bay. This week, students from Clifton Middle School in northwest Houston will transplant their plant stock to the shoreline of a private residence on Trinity Bay. More at www.galvbay.org.

EcoNotes

1. Water quality critical for food safety (Ron Smith – Southwest Farm Press, 05/20/2011)
   Food safety issues are more serious threats to the produce industry than damage from insects, plant diseases, and other pest problems. The most serious threat is the quality of the water used in irrigation. Surface water poses the greatest potential for contamination.
   http://southwestfarmpress.com/vegetables/water-quality-critical-food-safety
2. TCEQ: Turning up refinery flares could fix Houston’s air (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 05/24/2011)
   A new study suggests that small changes in the use of open flames to burn off pressurized gases at oil refineries and chemical plants could help improve Houston’s air quality. These changes could have an especially great impact on Harris County, which is known as one of the nation’s smoggiest places.
   http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7579703.html
3. Filling Houston’s Food Gaps (Wendy Siegle – KUHF News, 05/18/2011)
   Houston has sixteen communities that are considered food deserts, which means grocery stores are in short supply. The city is now attempting to find a way to provide these communities with healthy food. Some of the suggestions include planting more community gardens and establishing co-ops.
   http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1305756919-Filling-Houstons-Food-Gaps.html

EcoNotes

• 25 May
  • It Could Happen: Violent Storms in Houston (Pat Hernandez – KUHF News)
    http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1306362345-It-Could-Happen.html
  • Partnership in Marsh Restoration and Education: Galveston Bay Foundation works with local corporate group, school group, and landowner to stop erosion and restore marsh habitat (Houston Newcomer Guides)
    http://www.houstonnewcomerguides.com/news/58-newcomer-news-houston/2293-partnership-in-marsh
  • Battle of the Buildings pits offices, schools and skyscrapers in contest to cut energy use (Barbara Kessler – ABC13 News)
    http://www.greenrightnow.com/ktrk/2011/05/25/battle-of-the-buildings-pits-offices-schools-and-skyscrapers-in-contest-to-cut-energy-use/
  • EPA and Texas protect Beaches for Memorial Day Weekend (EPA News)
    http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/98eb4dd3a365ee6c8525789b00620145?OpenDocument
• 24 May
  • TCEQ: Turning up refinery flares could fix Houston’s air (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
    http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7579703.html
  • Despite drought, water plan dies (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
    http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7578328.html
• 23 May
  • Nat gas feud pits prosperous N. Texans against energy industry (Ronnie Crocker – Fuel Fix)
    http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/05/23/fracking-feud-pits-prosperous-n-texans-against-energy-industry/
  • Transit commuters’ quandary: study finds access to job sites lacking locally (Michael Reed – Your WestU News)
    http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/article_5ff95874-2298-5d93-801d-0d7f83d74cda.html?mode=story
  • Could Houston be great with small changes? (Vilas Bhuchar – Houston Tomorrow)
    http://www.houstontomorrow.org/livability/story/houston-needs-small-changes-to-be-
  • EPA Asks Texans to Fight #1 Cancer in U.S. with “Don’t Fry Day” (Friday, May 27) (EPA News)
    http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69
  • Emmett sees LRT to Galveston as a precursor to Dallas HSR (Jay Blazek Crossley – Houston Tomorrow)
    http://www.houstontomorrow.org/livability/story/judge-emmett-sees-lr-to-galveston-as-precursor-to-hsr-to-dallas
  • Water legislation goes down the drain (Matthew Tresaugue – My SA News)
    http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/texas_legislature/article/Water-legislation-goes-down-the-drain-1391167.php
  • Lawyer wants Texas to stop paying for foreign smog (Matthew Tresaugue – Fuel Fix)
    http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/05/23/lawyer-wants-texas-to-stop-paying-for-foreign-smog/
• 22 May
  • Toss Your Trash During Galveston’s Citywide Clean Up (Guidry News)
    http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000034975
• 20 May
  • Texas House To EPA: Don’t Regulate Our Greenhouse Gas (Nathan Bernier – News for Austin)
    http://www.kutnews.org/post/texas-house-epa-don%E2%80%99t-regulate-our-greenhouse-gas
  • Reefs producing steady catches (Bink Grimes – The Baytown Sun)
    http://baytownsun.com/sports/hunting_and_fishing/article_e17d80e0-8285-11e0-aae9-001cc4c002e0.html
  • Researchers to study sequestration (storage) of carbon in tidal wetlands along the Texas coast (Guidry News)
    http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000034938
  • Water quality critical for food safety (Ron Smith – Southwest Farm Press)
    http://southwestfarmpress.com/vegetables/water-quality-critical-food-safety
  • Spring Creek center provides bird’s-eye view (Gary Clark – Houston Chronicle)
    http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Spring-Creek-center-provides-bird-s-eye-view-1388678.php
• 19 May
  • Galveston Bay Area Sierra Club Article in The Citizen (Joe Marcinkowski – Your Friendswood News)
    http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/friendswood/opinion/article_76900ee8-8950-573c-be9e-178663dc93fd.html
  • Sports camps, outdoors provide kids summer activities (The Baytown Sun)
    http://baytownsun.com/news/article_0b866630-81ab-11e0-abbe-001cc4c002e0.html
  • Texas plans to cut budget of agency battling fires (Ben Wermund – Yahoo! News)
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110519/us_nm/us_texas_budget_wildfires
  • “$100 oil here to stay” says energy expert (Marci Gilbert – Houston Tomorrow)
    http://www.houstontomorrow.org/livability/story/100-oil-here-to-stay-says-energy-expert
• 18 May
  • Texas politicians knew agency hid the amount of radiation in drinking water (Mark Greenblatt – KHOU 11 News)
    http://www.khou.com/news/investigative/-Texas-politicians-knew-agency-hid-the-amount-of-radiation-in-drinking-water-122205439.html
  • Filling Houston’s Food Gaps (Wendy Siegle – KUHF News)
    http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1305756919-Filling-Houstons-Food-Gaps.html
  • Texas Drought Not Abating, Water Supplier Warns (Kate Galbraith – The Texas Tribune)
    http://www.texastribune.org/texas-environmental-news/water-supply/texas-drought-not-abating-water-supplier-warns/
• 17 May
  • Texas House OKs taking in more radioactive waste (Betsy Blaney – Forbes)
    http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/05/17/general-tx-xgr-radioactive-waste_8471526.html

Title: CWI Workshop: Sediments in Our Waterways
Location: Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A, Houston, TX 77027
Link out: Click here
Description: This workshop, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the H-GAC, will cover a sedimentation study by the USGS, protecting Lake Houston water quality, the opening of the mouth of the San Bernard River, and policies to prevent scour and sedimentation.
Start Time: 13:00
Date: 2011-06-22
End Time: 16:00

Title: LEED 201: Core Concepts and Strategies Workshop
Location: Gensler, 711 Louisiana St. #300 Houston, TX 77002
Link out: Click here
Description: This workshop provides essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems. It begins with an introduction to the benefits and integrative approach to green building, and a brief background on the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED, including basics of the building certification process. The core of the workshop presents LEED intents and concepts at the credit category level – across building types and rating systems – touching on strategies, synergies, and specific examples that are reinforced by real project cases. Key LEED metrics and LEED referenced standards are addressed throughout the workshop. Interactive activities within the course keep you engaged and reinforce what you’ve learned.This course provides a foundation for pursuing the LEED Green Associate Exam. It is a great place to start if you are considering taking the Green Associate Exam Prep Course.
Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2011-10-26
End Time: 17:00

Title: LEED 201: Core Concepts and Strategies Workshop
Location: Gensler, 711 Louisiana St. #300 Houston, TX 77002
Link out: Click here
Description: This workshop provides essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems. It begins with an introduction to the benefits and integrative approach to green building, and a brief background on the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED, including basics of the building certification process. The core of the workshop presents LEED intents and concepts at the credit category level – across building types and rating systems – touching on strategies, synergies, and specific examples that are reinforced by real project cases. Key LEED metrics and LEED referenced standards are addressed throughout the workshop. Interactive activities within the course keep you engaged and reinforce what you’ve learned.This course provides a foundation for pursuing the LEED Green Associate Exam. It is a great place to start if you are considering taking the Green Associate Exam Prep Course.
Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2011-08-31
End Time: 17:00

Title: LEED 201: Core Concepts and Strategies Workshop
Location: Gensler, 711 Louisiana St. #300 Houston, TX 77002
Link out: Click here
Description: This workshop provides essential knowledge of sustainable building concepts that are fundamental to all LEED Rating Systems. It begins with an introduction to the benefits and integrative approach to green building, and a brief background on the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED, including basics of the building certification process. The core of the workshop presents LEED intents and concepts at the credit category level – across building types and rating systems – touching on strategies, synergies, and specific examples that are reinforced by real project cases. Key LEED metrics and LEED referenced standards are addressed throughout the workshop. Interactive activities within the course keep you engaged and reinforce what you’ve learned.This course provides a foundation for pursuing the LEED Green Associate Exam. It is a great place to start if you are considering taking the Green Associate Exam Prep Course.
Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2011-06-22
End Time: 17:00