1. GCBO Mini Christmas Bird Count. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory will host a bird count at their Sanctuary on Buffalo Camp Bayou on December 10th from 9-11am. This event is for anybody interested in learning what a Christmas Count is all about. You do not have to be knowledgeable about birds, as there will be volunteers to help you identify the birds seen. A list of the wintering birds to be expected will be given to all participants. To learn more, visit http://www.gcbo.org/.
   
2. Houston Green Film Series – Pipe Dreams. Another part of the Houston Green Film Series, Pipe Dreams will be shown on December 13th from 6:30-9:30pm at the Rice University Office of Student Media. Pipe Dreams is a film about farmers and landowners are fighting to protect their land, their water, and their livelihood in what has become the most controversial environmental battle in the US today: the Keystone XL Pipeline. Following the movie, ther will be a discussion moderated by Sierra Club’s Kat Herrera. To learn more and to RSVP, visit http://www.facebook.com/events/.
   
3. 2011 Winter Holiday Native Tree & Shrub Sale. The Houston Arboretum will be holding a native tree and shrub sale from December 10th to the 18th. This year, 16 different Texas native trees and shrubs will be available for sale, and quantities of each species are limited to less than 24 specimens each. Most of the plants are in 5 to 10-gallon sizes, ranging in price $30-$90. More at http://www.houstonarboretum.org/.
   
4. Buffalo Bayou Christmas Cruises. Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership in celebrating the holiday season with 30-minute pontoon boat rides along Buffalo Bayou served up with plenty of decorations, music and cheer! Capacity is 21 per ride. $7 adults and $5 children (4-12). Cash only. No reservations. Meet at Allen’s Landing, 901 Commerce Street, 77002; 713.752.0314 ext. 4. We recommend parking at Spaghetti Warehouse for a $5 fee or street parking, which is free after 6pm.  http://www.buffalobayou.org/boattours.html.
   
5. H-GAC Solid Waste Grants. H-GAC will be accepting applications for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Solid Waste Implementation Pass-Through Grants from November 14th to December 22nd. This deadline is for applications for grants for both 2012 and 2013. Eligible project categories include citizens collection stations and small registered transfer stations, education and training, household hazardous waste management, litter and illegal dumping cleanup and community collection events, local enforcement, local solid waste management plans/technical studies, and source reduction and recycling. More about the grants and the workshop at http://www.h-gac.com/community/waste/grant/default.aspx.
6. Save the date: Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale. Mark your calendar for this once a year fruit-tree-fest. The 12th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, at the University of Houston Robertson Football Stadium. This sale brings together far more types and varieties of fruit trees than can be found anywhere else in the greater Houston area. Best fruit trees are available only during the winter at this sale.

1. Reading Towards Sustainability. This event provides attendees with a list of books on the subject of sustainability. The speaker, Steve Stelzer, will present converging ideas and contrasts from a cross section of the books to give the audience an idea of the community effect of authors concerned about the state of the human race and what we need to do to keep it on track with the planet. This event will be held on December 15th at the City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center from 6-7:30pm. Please RSVP at Steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov or phone 832-394-9050. More at http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf.
   
2. Briefing on Charting Buffalo. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is hosting a briefing on Charting Buffalo. The aim of Charting Buffalo is to integrate flood damage reduction strategies and the need for streambank stabilization along Buffalo and lower White Oak bayous with opportunities for third parties to collaborate on community enhancements and environmental improvements. The briefing will be given on December 12th from 3-5pm at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. This will be a small presentation, so an RSVP to rsvp@elmorepr.com is encouraged. The briefing will provide an overview of the Charting Buffalo planning process and upcoming opportunities for public feedback. To learn more about Charting Buffalo, visit http://www.chartingbuffalo.org/.
   
3. Sandhill Cranes Galveston Island Event. On December 10th, there will be gathering to learn about cranes and to visit birding sites. The day will begin with a light breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Galveston Country Club, 14228 Stewart Road. Joan Garland of the International Crane Foundation will talk about cranes in Texas the organization’s worldwide crane studies and conservation efforts. Immediately after the presentation, cars will leave for the birding sites, returning around 11am. More than 100 cranes were sighted during last year’s event. More about the event at http://www.guidrynews.com/.
   
4. West Galveston Bay Project. The U.S. Department of Interior’s report, “America’s Great Outdoors,” outlines more than 100 of the country’s most promising projects to help preserve the natural environment, while promoting recreation and economic growth. The West Galveston Bay Project is featured as one of Texas’ projects. The West Galveston Bay Habitat Restoration Plan helped restore brown pelican nesting sites and will guide the construction of breakwaters to protect marsh and nursery habitats. View the report at http://www.doi.gov/news/.
   
5. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife.Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website. This week’s broadcast will include:
   • Following the Fires – Bastrop State Park
   • Big Bend Plants
   • Lone Star Land Steward: Trinity Bluff Wildlife Ranch
6. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
• December 8: Yellow–Moderate–Fine Particulate–Winds may be light enough for fine particulate to reach “Moderate” levels in the Houston area with highest concentrations in the morning and evening.
• December 9: Green–Good–Moderate winds, cool temperatures and/or low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• December 10: Green–Good–Moderate winds, cool temperatures and/or low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

Featured

1. Researchers at Odds with Texas Government Over Rise of the Gulf (Dave Fehling – StateImpact News, 12/05/2011)
   The sea level of Galveston Bay has risen as much as three feet over the past century, and scientists predict it will continue at the same rate. Knowing where and when the water might rise can help city planners determine where to allow construction of new buildings or relocate critical facilities. However, government officials do not seem to be taking the scientific reports into account in their plans.
   http://stateimpact.npr.org/
2. Texas power grid operator says blackouts possible (Puneet Kollipara – Houston Chronicle, 12/01/2011)
   More blackouts may be expected in the coming year if extreme weather continues to stress the power grid more than normal. The ERCOT President, Trip Doggett, says that the risk is low. However, a 10-year report suggests that the state’s reserve cushion could keep dropping over the next decade without new capacity additions. Doggett does warn that the outages can be expected if plants are shutdown due to EPA rulings.
   http://www.chron.com/
3. Drought has Christmas tree growers on pins and needles (Cindy Horswell – Houston Chronicle, 12/01/2011)
   An estimation of about fewer than half of the Texas’ 100 Christmas tree farms had watering systems. Even those who irrigated had trees that did not grow as fast or tall as usual. As a result, trees are being shipped from North Carolina, Washington, and Oregon to make up for the loss.
   http://www.chron.com/

EcoNotes

• 7 December
• Harris County to sign community wildfire plan with Texas Forest Service (Texas Forest Service)
  http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
• The Year in Texas Weather (Yes, it was Awful) (Terrence Henry – StateImpact News)
  http://stateimpact.npr.org/
• TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $1,177,802 (TCEQ News)
  http://www.tceq.texas.gov/
• Fertilizer Company Agrees to Pay $1.8 Million Penalty to Resolve Hazardous Waste Violations (EPA News)
  http://yosemite.epa.gov/
• 6 December
• Lawsuit pits whooping cranes against chemical companies and State of Texas (Jay Blazek Crossley – Houston Tomorrow)
  http://www.houstontomorrow.org/
• Facing Budget Crunch, Texas Parks and Wildlife Pleads For Help (Kevin Lindsay – KUT News)
  http://www.kutnews.org/
• Task force calls for BP fees to rebuild Gulf of Mexico ecosystems (Jay Blazek Crossley – Houston Tomorrow)
  http://www.houstontomorrow.org/
• Cornyn holds out on bill to bring spill money to Gulf region (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• Ocean Organisms Could Give Clues About Climate Change, Says Texas A&M Prof (Guidry News)
  http://guidrynews.com/
• EPA Proposes to Remove State Marine of Port Arthur and Palmer Barge Line Superfund Sites from its Superfund List (EPA News)
  http://yosemite.epa.gov/
• 5 December
• Researchers at Odds with Texas Government Over Rise of the Gulf (Dave Fehling – StateImpact News)
  http://stateimpact.npr.org/
• Feds give Gulf plan $50 million boost (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• Task Force Established by President Obama Releases Final Strategy for Reversing Deterioration of Gulf Ecosystem — USDA $50 million financial assistance for restoration projects announced as Task Force efforts shift from planning to action (EPA News)
  http://yosemite.epa.gov/
• Strategy for Long Term Gulf Restoration (Pat Hernandez – KUHF News)
  http://app1.kuhf.org/
• 4 December
• Feds set to release gulf restoration plan (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• Deadline Monday to comment on I-45 plans (Houston Chronicle)
  http://blog.chron.com/
• 3 December
• Is there a power crisis? Well, yes, no or maybe (Tracy Idell Hamilton – My SA News)
  http://www.mysanantonio.com/
• 2 December
• Drought leaving rivers, lakes with more bacteria (Farzad Mashhood – The Statesman)

  http://www.statesman.com/

• Cash for big clunkers – H-GAC can help owner-operators purchase new big rigs (Your Deer Park News)
  http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
• Timeline: How The World Discovered Global Warming (Alister Doyle, David Fogarty and David Cutler – Planet Ark News)
  http://planetark.org/
• Comptroller Combs Lauds 6-Month Extension on Proposed Listing for Dunes Sagebrush Lizard by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Guidry News)
  http://www.guidrynews.com/
• 1 December
• Texas power grid operator says blackouts possible (Puneet Kollipara – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• Drought to last at least until early summer (David Crossley – Houston Tomorrow)
  http://www.houstontomorrow.org/
• Feds delay on endangered listing for oil-patch lizard (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• NASA maps show dire conditions in Texas due to drought (Houston Business Journal)
  http://www.bizjournals.com/
• Drought has Christmas tree growers on pins and needles (Cindy Horswell – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• CITGO Petroleum Corporation – LEED Gold Certification (Guidry News)
  http://www.guidrynews.com/
• U.S. Moves Ahead With Rule To Cut Boiler Emissions (Timothy Gardner – Planet Ark News)
  http://planetark.org/
• 30 November
• Texas to Enact Five-Year Water Plan (Ian Crawford – KUT News)
  http://kut.org/2011/
• EPA proposes standards for cleansing ship ballast water, leading pathway for invasive species (The Washington Post)
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/
• GOP Senators press Obama on pipeline plan (Jennifer A. Dlouhy – Houston Chronicle)
  http://www.chron.com/
• Sugar Land households get new garbage, recycling carts (Cody Tucker – Ultimate Fort Bend News)
  http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/
• EPA Proposes Updated Vessel General Permit and Permit for Small Vessels/Action would help protect U.S. water quality and lower invasive species risk (EPA News)
  http://yosemite.epa.gov/
• 29 November
• Group Advocates For Energy Efficiency Building Codes For Houston (KUHF News)
  http://app1.kuhf.org/
• 28 November
• Keep the Clean Water Act Strong (William K. Reilly – The New York Times)
  http://www.nytimes.com/
• ‘We can do both’: Energy jobs and environment not at odds? (Deon Daugherty – Houston Business Journal)
  http://www.bizjournals.com/

Title: Texas Environmental Flows Science Advisory Committee
Location: room 1-111 of the William B. Travis Building located at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701
Description: The next meeting of the Texas Environmental Flows Science Advisory Committee (SAC) will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held in room 1-111 of the William B. Travis Building located at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701. The William B. Travis Bldg is across Congress Avenue from the Stephen F. Austin Building. Room 1‑111 is on the first floor off the big foyer when you first come in.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thank you,

Cory Horan
Environmental Flows Program Coordinator

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(512) 239-4026 Cory.Horan@tceq.texas.gov

Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2011-12-14

Title: TMDL Implementation Plan (I-Plan) Public Meeting
Location: Sugar Land City Hall, Sugar Land, TX
Link out: Click here
Description: A TMDL Implementation Plan (I-Plan) provides a road map for area governments, individuals, community groups, and business and industry to meet water quality standards. This I-Plan project will involve the participation of a wide group of local stakeholders in developing strategies to restore and maintain water quality in Upper Oyster Creek.

The next public meeting for the Upper Osyter Creek TMDL I-plan group will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, from 3:00-4:30 p.m., at Sugar Land City Hall, Sugar Land, TX. We will be starting a review of our draft I-plan document, so please come and make your voice heard.
Start Time: 15:00
Date: 2011-12-13
End Time: 16:30

Title: Briefing on Charting Buffalo
Location: HoustArboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Link out: Click here
Description: The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) invites you to a briefing on Charting Buffalo. The aim of Charting Buffalo is to integrate flood damage reduction strategies and the need for streambank stabilization along Buffalo and lower White Oak bayous with opportunities for third parties to collaborate on community enhancements and environmental improvements. As a trusted business and community leader, you have been identified by the Flood Control District and the Charting Buffalo Steering Committee to attend this briefing on the planning effort in your area.

The briefing is scheduled for:

Date: Monday, December 12, 2011

Time: 3 -5 pm

Location: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

4501 Woodway Drive

Seating is limited for this small group presentation, so we encourage you to RSVP to rsvp@elmorepr.com. You can learn more about Charting Buffalo at our website at www.chartingbuffalo.org.

The briefing will provide an overview of the Charting Buffalo planning process and upcoming opportunities for public feedback. This session is not a map review session. We are still working on getting the draft plan, including maps, ready for public input and feedback, and maps are not available. Maps will be available at public events in early 2012.
Start Time: 15:00
Date: 2011-12-12
End Time: 17:00

Title: Greenius Desk – New Living
Location: 6111 Kirby Drive, 77005 In the Rice Village
Link out: Click here
Description: Come to New Living Saturday, December 10, and ask an Expert how to have a Healthy Home! LaVerne will be there to help you with your questions pertaining to “Design for Living” (Design for Passive Sustainability, i.e., the design of homes, land, and community as if your life depends upon it). Come learn the ‘greenest’ and safest way to build a new home or simply freshen up a room safely, or add on in your current home. On-hand, free advice and tips with any question you have about your home project. Find out what’s best for you, your family and the environment. Let’s all do the right thing, together!
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2011-12-10
End Time: 12:00

Title: 2011 Call of the Wild Speaker Series – Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos Islands
Location: Houston Zoo
Link out: Click here
Description: The Martel and Speros Conservation Lecture Series presents:

Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos Islands:
Long distance seasonal migration in giant Galapagos tortoises

Featuring Dr. Stephen Blake, Max Planck Institute of Ornithology with a special introduction from Dr. Joe Flanagan, Director of Veterinary Services, Houston Zoo.

Event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Doors through Gate 5 open at 6:30 p.m.
Meet a real Galapagos Tortoise in person!
Drinks and hors d’oerves will be served.

The Galapagos Tortoises are an iconic species for an endangered island chain. Giant tortoises once occurred on all continents, except Australia and Antarctica. However, the arrival of human beings and their rapid colonization of the earth meant that the giant tortoises, large, tasty, and easy to kill, were quickly hunted to extinction anywhere where people lived. Since 2009, Dr. Stephen Blake has been a post doc researcher with the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, for whom he is the Coordinator of the Galapagos Tortoise Program. He obtained his Masters and Phd from Edinburgh University. Until 2008 he lived and worked in the Congo Basin focusing on tropical forest management, particularly forest elephant conservation science. This project seeks to understand the ecology of tortoise movement, particularly migration, and to develop a conservation education and outreach program.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2011-12-09

The Student Conservation Association’s Houston Conservation Collaborative is seeking a full-time intern desiring exposure to all facets of non-profit work to be placed with The Woods Project. The term of the internship shall be approximately January 1 through June 1, 2012. Significant duties will include development and execution of activities related to a late spring public event for The Woods Project including: coordinating the actual event, solicitation of corporate donors, and development and distribution of material related to recruiting of individual donors, walkers, walk teams, and volunteers; development and implementation of strategies related to expansion of The Woods Project’s public profile; and assisting the Director of Operations and Programming in tasks related to publicity, public profile, and general operations. The successful candidate will be 18 or older, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to take on significant projects without intense supervision. Benefits include a $200/week stipend, a $40/week commuting allowance, possible AmeriCorps Education Award, and eligibility for medical benefits. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Christine Mansfield at houstonintern2@thesca.org.

Title: Houston Green Film Series – Pipe Dreams
Location: Rice University Office of Student Media
Link out: Click here
Description: Across the heartland of America, farmers and landowners are fighting to protect their land, their water, and their livelihood in what has becomethe most controversial environmental battle in the US today: the Keystone XL Pipeline. Routed from Hardisty, Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast, this tar sands pipeline is set to cross the country’s largest freshwater resource, the Ogallala Aquifer, and the fragile Sandhills of Nebraska, posing devastating consequences to human health, livestock and agriculture.

Pipe Dreams has just been released at the end of November and the Houston Green Film Series is thrilled to present it to you during our last event of the year.

The film was featured in several newspapers and stations including the Huffington Post and Fox News and has been placed in the Oscar Shortlist.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Schedule:
6:30 Meet and Greet
7:00 Pipe Dreams
7:40 Expert Panel Discussion
-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Following the featured film, there will be a discussion moderated by Sierra Club’s Kat Herrera.

This event is brought to you by the Rice University Environmental Club, Houston Tomorrow, Emerging Professionals of the Houston USGBC, and Transition Houston with participation of the Sierra Club Houston Group.

Light dinner kindly donated by Dr. Pat Speck and Dry Bones Cafe.

A $5 donation is suggested and greatly appreciated.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2011-12-13
End Time: 21:30

Title: Bird Banding at GCBO
Location: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory – Lake Jackson Sanctuary and offices
Link out: Click here
Description: Bird Banding at the Lake Jackson Sanctuary and offices. The public is invited to join us as we work to collect baseline data on bird populations at our 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. Please put this on your calendar and do join us when you can. 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: 2011-12-07

Title: GCBO Birds and Bottomlands Blitz
Location: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us at GCBO for the first Birds and Bottomlands Blitz event from 9:00 to 11:00. This month’s topic will be Christmas Bird Counts. Come and join a mini CBC to learn what this citizen science project is all about.
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2011-12-10

Title: Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club Meeting
Location: Meeting room of the First Liberty National Bank located at 1900 Sam Houston in Liberty
Link out: Click here
Description: The December meeting of the LOWER TRINITY VALLEY BIRD CLUB will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 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 geholmes@verizon.net.

The speaker for December will be Maxine Johnson: the presentation will be Big Thicket Biodiversity

Maxine will discuss where “Big Thicket” is located and it unique ecosystems; give a brief coverage of preservation efforts and the Big Thicket Association; and will describe the current national preserve units and the other Big Thicket protected areas. She will explain the biodiversity inventory project that is currently in progress and will finish with a few roadblocks in the “Road Ahead.”

Maxine Johnson has been dubbed Godmother of Big Thicket National Preserve and has been a tireless advocate and protector of the preserve. She was an early member of the Big Ticket Association when it formed in 1964, has been president of the organization twice, conservation committee chair for many years, editor of the newsletter, and a member of various conservation groups, historical and folklore societies. Maxine, a retired Lamar University librarian, has received many local and national awards for her conservation efforts.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2011-12-10

Big Thicket Association (BTA) Executive Director Position. The Big Thicket Association, a non-profit, 501-C3 environmental organization, is seeking an individual to coordinate and manage a budget and the conservation programs in the Big Thicket region.  The applicant must have a combination of education and experience in environmental affairs.  This position requires grant writing and fundraising, along with good organization and communication skills. The position is part-time (30 hours per week) with a salary range of $27,000 to $36,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. This position is based at the Field Research Station in Saratoga, Texas.  See the job description on the BTA website at www.btatx.org. Applicants should email their credentials, resume and questions to J. Ruppel at j8ruppel@gt.rr.com.  This information is due by Monday, December 19, 2011.

The Student Conservation Association’s Houston Conservation Collaborative is seeking a full-time intern desiring exposure to all facets of non-profit work to be placed with The Woods Project. The term of the internship shall be approximately January 1 through June 1, 2012. Significant duties will include: 1) Development and execution of activities related to a late spring public event for The Woods Project including: coordinating the actual event, solicitation of corporate donors, and development and distribution of material related to recruiting of individual donors, walkers, walk teams, and volunteers 2) Development and implementation of strategies related to expansion of The Woods Project’s public profile 3) Assisting the Director of Operations and Programming in tasks related to publicity, public profile, and general operations The successful candidate will be 18 or older, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to take on significant projects without intense supervision. Benefits include a $200/week stipend, a $40/week commuting allowance, possible AmeriCorps Education Award, and eligibility for medical benefits. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Christine Mansfield at houstonintern2@thesca.org<mailto:houstonintern2@thesca.org>.

1. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens welcomed their new director, Darrin Duling over the summer. In a recent media breakfast and garden tour event, Darrin Duling revealed the organization’s exciting plans for the future. These include redesigning the Daylily Garden into a classic European-style garden called “The Formal Garden”, redeveloping the tropical and ginger gardens, installing a butterfly garden, and expanding the Endangered Species and Native Plant Garden. They will also be hosting a Chrysanthemum Society Show and Sale on December 3rd and 4th. To learn more about Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, visit http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/.
   
2. Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership Meeting. The Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership is a group of local stakeholders from the communities surrounding Cedar Bayou whose purpose is to seek voluntary ways to restore and protect the local waterway. They will be holding a meeting on December 1st at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center from 5:30-8pm. The upcoming meeting will cover water quality goals and locating potential sources that cause water quality impairments in the Cedar Bayou watershed. Stop by the meeting to make your voice heard! More at http://www.cedarbayouwatershed.com/.
3. Unplugged Adventures: Biking & Birding. Katy Prairie Conservancy is holding a biking and birding adventure on December 3rd from 10am-1pm at Warren Ranch. KPC bird experts will lead the 6-mile expedition across the sprawling, wildlife-rich ranch. Call 713.523.6135 or email info@katyprairie.org for more information and to RSVP. More at http://www.katyprairie.org/.
4. Gator Tales. Gator Tales is a free one-hour preschool program for children and parents at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center in Baytown that immerses participants in nature through stories with puppets, live animals and unique nature activities. The program begins on December 7, and is held from 10-11am every Wednesday through February. For more information, visit http://www.baytown.org/.
   
5. H-GAC Solid Waste Grants. H-GAC will be accepting applications for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Solid Waste Implementation Pass-Through Grants from November 14th to December 22nd. This deadline is for applications for grants for both 2012 and 2013. Eligible project categories include citizens’ collection stations and “small” registered transfer stations, education and training, household hazardous waste management, litter and illegal dumping cleanup and community collection events, local enforcement, local solid waste management plans/technical studies, and source reduction and recycling. More about the grants and the workshop at http://www.h-gac.com/community/waste/grant/default.aspx.
6. Central City Co-op Memberships. 2011 Memberships Are Now On Sale! Give the gift of community and health. Membership with the Central City Co-op is a thoughtful and lasting gift for anyone in your life. Starting at just $48, there is a membership level to fit your budget. More at http://www.centralcityco-op.com/membership.html.
7. Buffalo Bayou Christmas Cruises. Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership in celebrating the holiday season with 30-minute pontoon boat rides along Buffalo Bayou served up with plenty of decorations, music and cheer! Capacity is 21 per ride. $7 adults and $5 children (4-12). Cash only. No reservations. Meet at Allen’s Landing, 901 Commerce Street, 77002; 713.752.0314 ext. 4. We recommend parking at Spaghetti Warehouse for a $5 fee or street parking, which is free after 6pm. http://www.buffalobayou.org/boattours.html.
8. Save the date: Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale. Mark your calendar for this once a year fruit-tree-fest. The 12th Annual Urban Harvest Fruit Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, at the University of Houston Robertson Football Stadium. This sale brings together far more types and varieties of fruit trees than can be found anywhere else in the greater Houston area. Best fruit trees are available only during the winter at this sale.
9. Bill Coats Bike Bridge Construction Now Underway. Driven along Brays Bayou lately? If so, then you’ve probably noticed the Bill Coats Bike Bridge going up! This bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists will cross Brays Bayou, which cuts through Hermann Park, and will link the trails on both sides. The Hermann Park Conservancy reports that the bridge is scheduled to open in early 2012.

1. Addicks Dam/Grand Parkway Litigation.The hearing for a preliminary injunction on Segment E of the Grand Parkway was held on November 16th. The case, Sierra Club vs. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers et.al., is centered on the increased risks resulting from the additional runoff into the Addicks Reservoir that would be generated from the Segment E construction and secondary development in the Addicks and Upper Cypress Creek watersheds. Although a preliminary injunction was not received in the hearing, there were positive outcomes for the Sierra Club. The judge wants to proceed to a decision on the merits of the case and has set an ambitious schedule as follows:
   • The administrative record is to be filed by Dec. 20th.
   • Thirty days after the administrative record is filed or after Dec. 20th, whichever is earlier, motions for summary judgment must be filed by the two parties.
   • Twenty days afterward, each party must file a response brief.
   • Ten days afterward, each party files a reply to the opposing response.

   If you have any questions, please contact 713-644-8228 or elmerz@hal-pc.org .

2. Urban Waters Small Grants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding grants for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. Projects should advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Proposals are due by January 23rd. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/.
3. Flower Garden Advisory Council Applications. Want to get more involved in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary management? Several Advisory Council seats are coming to the end of their terms, and new applications will be considered for the following council positions: Recreational Diving, Oil and Gas Operations, Recreational Fishing, Commercial Fishing, Research, Education. For more information or to download application materials, please visit http://flowergarden.noaa.gov/advisorycouncil/councilnews.html. The deadline for application submissions is Friday, December 9th.
4. Summit 2011: State of the Gulf of Mexico. Summit 2011: State of the Gulf of Mexico will be held from December 4th to the 8th at the Omni Hotel in the Galleria. This event is committed to the ecological and economic interests in the Gulf of Mexico. Focused on action, SGM 2011 brings together leaders in government, industry, science, and non-governmental organizations to assess current conditions and build sound strategies for the future. More at http://www.sgmsummit.org/about/the-summit/.
5. 4th German American Energy Efficiecny Conference. The 4th German American Energy Efficiecny Conference will be held on December 6th from 9am-5:30pm at Norris Conference Centers – CityCentre Houston. The goal of the conference is to provide information about current trends in energy efficiency in buildings as well as to explore the market potential for companies working in the field of energy efficiency in Texas. To learn more, visit http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/.
6. Five Star Restoration Grant Program. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting proposals for its Five Star Restoration Program. The program provides modest financial assistance to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities. The deadline for proposals is February 15th. For more information, visit http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp.
7. Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is proud to announce the 2011-2012 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. An award of $2,000 will be given to the awardee’s local education agency to fund environmental educational activities and programs which support the awardee teacher (but not for construction costs, general expenses, salaries, bonuses, or other administrative expenses). For more information: http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward/index.html
8. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife.Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website. This week’s broadcast will cover:
   • Action for the Oceans
   • Lone Star Land Steward: Clear Creek Ranch
   • Palmetto State Park
   • The Brigades
   • Postcard From Texas – San Diego Creek
9. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
• December 1: Green–Good–Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• December 2: Green–Good–Moderate to strong winds, increasing cloud cover with rain in some areas, and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
• December 3: Green–Good–Moderate winds, heavy cloud cover with rain over much of the state, and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.