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October 10, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update October 15, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update October 15, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Updates to newsletter
  2. Our biggest news
  3. New subscribers
  4. Office Warming Party and other events

COALITION NOTES

  1. Green Film Series: Restoring Buffalo Bayou
  2. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party
  3. 7th Annual KBR Kids Day
  4. ABNC Prairie Pandemonium
  5. Willow Waterhole Halloween Festival
  6. Hunter’s Moon: A Celebration with Food, Drink, and the Night Sky
  7. Bayou Lobby Day Debrief with State Representative Hernandez Luna
  8. The Houston Ship Channel: A Visual Narrative
  9. TFH & CenterPoint Energy Tree Giveaway
  10. L.A.N.D.S. Outreach Teacher Workshop
  11. 2013 Edible Garden Tour
  12. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference
  13. 21st Annual Houston Nature Conservancy Luncheon
  14. Livable Center Sponsors
  15. Native Prairie Plant-a-thon
  16. Run to Support Hermann Park

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Film Screening: In Organic We Trust
  2. Energy Day 2013
  3. 10th Annual Self-guided Houston Solar Tour
  4. Film Screening: Bidder 70
  5. Westchase Farmers Market
  6. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
  7. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World
  8. Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop
  9. Hike & Seek
  10. Gulf Coast Bioneers
  11. Remembering Dr. Sammy Ray
  12. New App: Galveston Bay Drive & Discover Guide
  13. GREENspot DROPoff Houston Program
  14. News from TCEQ
  15. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  16. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Water plan threatens sea turtles, group warns (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 10/11/2013)
  2. Mayor Parker Wants Houston’s Streets More Accessible To Pedestrians And Cyclists (Gail Delaughter – KUHF News, 10/10/2013)
  3. Why so many Dams In Texas Are in Bad Condition (Mose Buchele – StateImpact, 10/14/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. NEW! Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center seeks Forester

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Updates to newsletter. Thank you to the readers who commented on the new look of the newsletter. We received an enthusiastic response to the changes. We did hear that the font was too small, so we increased the font size in this newsletter. Let us know if it is better. We are planning more changes to the newsletter–including pictures.
  2. Our biggest news? Stephanie Hernandez, a senior at St. Thomas University, has joined our team as a part-time communications coordinator.
  3. New subscribers.Thank you to Rana the first person to sign up using our new mailing service! We also had several new likes on Facebook–Roquia, Sana, Maria, Jeffrey, Richard, Carlos, Francisco, and Soufian. Thank you! If you haven’t liked the CEC on Facebook, please do. www.facbook.com/CEChouston
  4. Office Warming Party and other events.
     Save the date: On Thursday, November 14, 2013, late afternoon and early evening, please join us at our new digs on Kane Street to celebrate! More details coming soon.
    Other upcoming CEC events:

    • Wednesday, October 30, 2013. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. (CEC is a sponsor.)
    • Tuesday, November 19, 2013, evening: “I recycled. I voted. What next?” A Collaborative Primer on Civic Engagement for Houston’s Environmental Community.
    • Thursday, February 13, 2014: Visions for a Greener Houston, CEC’s Environmental Summit

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COALITION NOTES

  1. RSA/RDA Fall Lecture Series – RE:Architecture [NSFW]. The Rice School of Architecture and the Rice Design Alliance’s Fall Lecture Series, Re: Architecture [NSFW], presents a new generation of architects operating across scales, methods, techniques, and sites of work. The final lecture will be October 16, 2013, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. http://cechouston.org/
  2. Houston Bayous in the Works: Greenways 2020 & Buffalo Bayou. Roksan Okan-Vick, FAIA, Executive Director of the Houston Parks Board, and Guy Hagstette, FAIA, Project Consultant with Buffalo Bayou Partnership will discuss the current status of bayou projects and the greater context of how the bayous interact within Houston’s urban development. Come out for the discussion on October 16, 2013, at 5:30pm at Architecture Center Houston. http://cechouston.org/
  3. Green Film Series: Restoring Buffalo Bayou. The Houston Green Film Series will continue on October 16, 2013 at 6:30pm at the Rice Media Center with the film, Restoring Buffalo Bayou: Contrasting Opinions, Common Goals. Conservationists agree that restoration of Buffalo Bayou is necessary. The best approach for doing so is not so clear, however. The Harris County Flood Control District, the River Oaks Country Club, and the City of Houston propose to jointly fund a $6 million project to re-route Buffalo Bayou for 1.5 miles from the South Picnic Loop through the Hogg Bird Sanctuary. Many local environmentalists are opposed to this plan, claiming it will destroy irreplaceable old-growth trees and ecosystems. Public discourse on this subject has been limited, so at this month’s Green Film Series attendees will hear from both sides. A $5 donation is suggested and greatly appreciated. http://cechouston.org/
  4. A Curious Garden – Fundraising Party. Friends of Mandell Park will be hosting a fundraising party on October 17, 2013, at the home of Rebecca and Michael Jusbasche. It will be a cocktail party from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. For additional information contact Friends of Mandell Park at FoMAndellPark@aol.com or Robert Shipman, Gala Coordinator at mandellpark@gmail.com.
  5. 7th Annual KBR Kids Day. Come out to Downtown’s Sabine Promenade on October 19, 2013 from 11am-3pm for the 7th Annual KBR Kids Day! A day filled with FREE family fun with a theme of all things and animals “Wild!” featuring hands-on nature-themed crafts, music, food, park performers, kayak demonstrations and boat rides on the bayou with many bayou critters to see up close, on the ground and in the air! More at http://cechouston.org/.
  6. ABNC Prairie Pandemonium. On October 19, 2013, 8am-noon, come out and help restore the tallgrass prairie by planting up to 2000 potted native grasses. Volunteers will become part of a team planting effort to transplant native grasses and wildflowers into ABNC’s restored prairies. Participants will need to bring sturdy shoes and clothes that can get muddy. The nature center will provide tools and work gloves. Lunch, door prizes, and t-shirts provided! Pre-registration required to participate, and volunteers must be 12 years of age or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To register contact Merari@abnc.org. Visit: http://www.abnc.org/
  7. Willow Waterhole Halloween Festival. Fun for the whole family! Join Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy for this fun festival on October 19, 2013, 6-9pm at the South Gazebo at Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve. Dress-up and be part of the costume contest, for kids up to 5 years, kids 6–12 years or for entire costumed families (prizes include a VISA gift card). Watch “Hotel Transylvania” a 2012 animated fantasy family film featuring the voices of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg and Selena Gomez! There will also be free rides on a miniature Ferris wheel. Free Treats, popcorn and bottled water will be available. Tejano Salsa and Honey’s Snow Cones will also available for purchase. Learn more at http://cechouston.org/.
  8. Hunter’s Moon: A Celebration with Food, Drink, and the Night Sky. Throughout time, different cultures have given unique names to each month’s full moon. Join Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on October 19, 2013 from 8:30-10:30pm for a stroll through the woods to the meadow to observe the Hunter’s Moon and other astronomical objects. Wine and cheese will be served al fresco. Members of the Houston Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes to show participants the Hunter’s Moon up close, as well as several other interesting night sky objects. You may also see nocturnal migrating birds as they pass the face of this bright moon. The cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 per child 9 and younger. http://www.houstonarboretum.org/
  9. Bayou Lobby Day Debrief with State Representative Hernandez Luna. The 2013 Texas State Legislature tackled a number of issues important to those who value equitable recreational opportunities, preservation of green space and an environment conducive to health and growth. Please attend this forum featuring District 143 Rep. Ana Hernandez Luna to learn about the session behind us, an important constitutional amendment on the November ballot and what to expect in 2015. The debrief will be held on October 22, 2013 from 2-3pm at United Way. RSVP at http://houstonparksboard.org/.
  10. The Houston Ship Channel: A Visual Narrative. Galveston Bay Foundation is honored to have Lou Vest, Houston ship channel pilot and photographer, speak at the quarterly membership meeting. Mr. Vest will discuss the “behind the scenes” life of the ship channel. His combination of artistic vision and on-the-ground experience provide a unique perspective on the importance and beauty of the ship channel. Join GBF as they explore a fresh way to see the environment around us through Mr. Vest’s striking maritime photography. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 6:30-8pm at Brady’s Landing Restaurant. Free admission. Light bites. RSVP required to mvryn@galvbay.org or (281) 332-3381 x213.
  11. TFH & CenterPoint Energy Tree Giveaway. This Fall, CenterPoint Energy and Trees For Houston have partnered up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away 2,500 3-5 gallon trees as part of the Energy Saving Trees program. Studies have shown that the right trees planted in the right place can save up to 30 percent through summer shade and slowing cold winter winds, and these trees will be available to Houston-area electric customers who agree to plant them in energy-saving locations. CenterPoint Energy Houston-area electric customers who are interested in participating in the Energy Saving Trees program can visit arborday.org/centerpoint to learn more about the program and to register for a free tree. The program will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 18, 2013, while supplies last. Learn more at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  12. L.A.N.D.S. Outreach Teacher Workshop. Texas Wildlife Association along with Armand Bayou Nature Center is hosting “Learning Across New Dimensions In Science (L.A.N.D.S.) Outreach Teacher Workshop.” This is a free workshop for elementary teachers in the Harris & surrounding county region teaching our wildlife & habitat-based curriculum, aligned to the TEKS for life sciences, and organism & environments. October 26, 2013, from 9am-3:30pm at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. Cost is free with attendance. Preregistration fee of $15 required to hold your seat will be refunded upon attendance. Lunch not provided. Register today by emailing Heather Millar at heather@abnc.org. http://cechouston.org/
  13. 2013 Edible Garden Tour. Join the Blackwood Educational Land Institute on October 26, 3013, 12-6pm, for a tour of a selection of beautiful edible gardens in the Houston area. Learn about food production in the Bayou City, share ideas and experiences, and build community. Leave with the confidence to return home, play in the dirt, and grow your own organic edible gardens. Spend a beautiful fall day with your neighbors sampling delicious organic food straight from the ground. A day among nature is a day well spent. The full tour package is $30; individual gardens are $10. http://cechouston.org/
  14. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. The next USGBC UnConference will be October 30, 2013. These UnConferences will be highly interactive, designed to bring together those who need Recycling help and those who can provide it. If you’re wanting to recycle more but have challenges that you’d like help in overcoming, these UnConferences are for you! Email recycling@usgbctexasgulfcoast.org if you have any questions! http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/
  15. 21st Annual Houston Conservation Luncheon. Join The Nature Conservancy for their 21st Annual Conservation Luncheon, featuring world-renowned explorer and adventurer Peter Hillary. Son of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to successfully climb Mt. Everest, Hillary has adventure woven into his DNA. He has a wealth of stories from a lifetime of high adventure, including more than 30 alpine expeditions around the globe. He has climbed Mt. Everest five times, conquered the highest peaks on all seven continents and traversed Antarctica to reach the South Pole, thus achieving some of the most significant accomplishments in the world of adventuring and exploration. The luncheon will take place on October 31, 2013, from 11am-1pm, at the Houston Hyatt Regency Downtown. http://cechouston.org/
  16. Livable Center Sponsors. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is seeking proposals from local governments or other eligible project sponsors to conduct Livable Centers planning studies. The objective of the planning studies is to help create quality, walkable,  mixed-use places, create multi-modal travel choices, improve environmental quality, and promote economic development and housing choice. Study recommendations will ideally lead to locally sponsored Livable Centers projects for possible inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and future Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP). Note: This is not a request for proposals from consulting firms. More info on the H-GAC website. Deadline: November 1, 2013.
  17. Native Prairie Plant-a-thon. Volunteers are needed to plant 2,500 native coastal prairie grasses and forbs. This event will help the park continue the restoration of 400 acres from farmland to native prairie habitat and reestablish the diverse wildlife that it once had. Located in northeast Harris County, Sheldon Lake Environ­mental Learning Center is visited by thousands of children and adults each year who take guided nature walks, study ecosystems, go fishing, experience pond ecology, and see alternative energy in action. Restoring this prairie will enhance the educational programs at the Learning Center. Come out and volunteer for the Native Prairie Plant-a-thon on November 9, 2013, from 8am-noon. More at http://cechouston.org/.
  18. Run to Support Hermann Park. Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8 a.m. Put your running shoes on and join us for HPC’s 10th annual Run in the Park. The scenic 5K course will twist and turn along Hermann Park’s carriage trails under the canopy of the Park’s historic live oaks. The event consists of a 5K Run/Walk, a 1K Kids’ Fun Run, and a post-race party around the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk in Molly Ann Smith Plaza in Hermann Park. Advance registration cost for adults: $30; for kids: $15. For more info, click here.

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Film Screening: In Organic We Trust. Chipotle will be sponsoring “In Organic We Trust,” the fourth and final film in a series of outdoor screenings at Discovery Green Park in Houston on October 18, 2013. The event begins at 7:30pm with activities including an appetizer demo from The Grove Restaurant, photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and Responsibly Raised tacos from Chipotle’s food truck. The film starts at 8:15pm and guests are encouraged to bring canned food for the Houston Food Bank. Beer from St. Arnold’s and wine from Barefoot will be provided as well. The film, “In Organic We Trust” is an eye-opening food documentary that looks beyond organic for practical solutions for me and you. Local farmer’s markets, school gardens, and urban farms are revolutionizing the way we eat. Change is happening from the soil up. http://cechouston.org/
  2. Energy Day 2013! An official City of Houston event, Energy Day is a free, family-friendly festival on Saturday, October 19, 2013 that celebrates and highlights the importance of energy in our daily lives. This day-long festival takes place at Hermann Square in front of City Hall in Downtown Houston, Texas. There will be energy exhibits, live music, food, contests and fun for all ages. Geared toward K-12 students, Energy Day’s mission is to highlight and demonstrate innovation in energy and to spark the interests of our next generation in energy-related careers. Through exciting, fun and interactive formats, Energy Day will give students and their families an opportunity to learn about various forms of energy, scientific breakthroughs and technology through educational displays, demonstrations, contests and presentations. http://cechouston.org/
  3. 10th Annual Self-guided Houston Solar Tour. Are you curious about how solar energy systems work? Learn about solar system designs, the costs and how a solar energy system will reduce your electricity bill. Come to the ASES Houston Solar Tour for a first-hand experience showing a variety of solar solutions. From commercial installations and residential projects to solar thermal hot water, don’t miss out on this opportunity to see renewable energy solutions. Meet homeowners with solar systems, plus learn why solar energy systems are becoming more and more popular. This event is free and open to the public! It’s a National Event! The ASES Houston Solar Tour is part of the American Solar Energy Society’s (ASES) National Solar Tour event, “the largest grassroots solar event in history.” More than 160,000 participants will visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the U.S. on tour day. The Houston tour will take place on October 19, 2013, from 9am-1pm. http://cechouston.org/
  4. Film Screening: Bidder 70. October 19, 2013. Film starts at 7pm. Documentary “Bidder 70” centers on an extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience demanding government and industry accountability. In 2008, University of Utah student Tim DeChristopher committed an act which would ignite a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of climate justice. Follow Tim, bidder #70, from college student to incarcerated felon. He bid millions of dollars he didn’t have, to save thousands of pristine acres of land surrounding U.S. National Parks. A personal portrait, “Bidder 70” illuminates how the choices we make determine our future and the world we live in. 73 minutes, followed by discussion. Donations greatly appreciated. Emerson Church, 1900 Bering Dr. Houston, 77057. http://www.meetup.com/
  5. Westchase Farmers Market. The Westchase Farmers Market will open on Thursday, October 24, 2013. Sponsored by the Westchase District, the market will operate on Thursdays from 3-6 pm (4 to 7 pm during the summer months) in the parking lot of St. Cyril’s of Alexandria Church, 10503 Westheimer (at Rogerdale), just a few blocks outside the Beltway.  For more information, go towww.westchasedistrict.com or contact the market manager, John Carey (farmersmarket@westchasedistrict.com).
  6. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10am-2pm on Saturday, October 26, 2013. This is a great opportunity for those who missed previous events or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs to safely dispose of those medications. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. Find a collection site near you: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/.
  7. The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Join Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter, and Texas Riparian Association along the banks of the South Llano River on the campus of Texas Tech University’s Llano River Field Station for TXSER and TRA’s 2013 Conference, The New Ecology: Managing for Resilience in a Changing World. Participants will enjoy: Friday field trips and workshop; stimulating presentations on topics related to restoration, management and conservation issues in Texas; opportunities to network with fellow environmentalists; delicious meals; a social and poster session; and awards for lifetime achievement in the field and for student posters and presentations. The conference will be held November 1-2, 2013. Registration is now open. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/.
  8. Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop. A Pollution Prevention and Lean Principles Workshop will be held in Houston from November 5-7, 2013. This course will provide you with the opportunity to improve the efficiency of your organization through the elimination of pollutants and the application of lean principles within an environmental managmeent system. The first day will focus on how an EHS manager can transform their role as “EHS compliance officer” into a sutainability and profit manager. There will also be an overview of principles of lean operations so you are equipped to improve the bottom line, reduce your regulatory burdens, and increase the overall efficiency of your organization. The next two days will be an interactive workshop lead by experts in pollution prevention, environmental management systems (EMS), environmental regulations, and energy efficiency. The course will walk you through the process of composing a pollution prevention plan or renewing your pollution prevention plan to ensure you get the most from your efforts. Finally participants in this course will integrate their lean and polluton prevention plan using detailed value stream mapping. The fee is $495. More at https://web-ded.uta.edu/.
  9. Hike & Seek. Hike & Seek is an outdoor adventure specially designed for children ages 3-10. Join the National Wildlife Federation for a family-friendly 1-2 mile hike and discover exciting activities along the way including a scavenger hunt, nature games and crafts, live wildlife displays, stations along the trail with our volunteer naturalists, the chance to meet Ranger Rick and so much more. This exciting event will take place on November 9, 2013 at Cullinan Park at Oyster Creek in Sugarland. Register now at hikeandseek.org.
  10. Gulf Coast Bioneers. Join Gulf Coast Bioneers for a two-day forum exploring the practical solutions and innovative social strategies that are revitalizing our community. Connect with other on-the-ground innovators, change agents, and thought leaders from business, education, government, and the community.  The conference will be held in Houston from November 8-9, 2013. Saturday conference pass is $65. Sunday and Saturday conference pass is $85. Register HERE.
  11. Remembering Dr. Sammy Ray. A great friend of Galveston Bay, Dr. Sammy Ray, died October 14, 2013, in Galveston at age 94. Those of us who love Texas bays will always be indebted to him and will always remember his passion and enthusiasm.
    Texas A&M University has published an article about his life here: www.tamug.edu and tamutimes.tamu.edu.
  12. New App: Galveston Bay Drive & Discover Guide.  The interactive mobile app blends both human and natural history at more than 55 sites in seven geographic areas around Galveston Bay. Full descriptions and driving directions are available along with helpful maps. The app is now available on iTunes and Google Play. Learn more at backthebay.org.
  13. GREENspot DROPoff Houston Program. On Oct 9, 2013, Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced a more comprehensive electronics waste (e-waste) products program for residents. Houstonians can now drop off e-waste to be recycled free of charge at storage facilities participating in the GREENspot DROPoff Houston Program. Currently, there are over 30 storage facility locations throughout the city where residents can drop off e-waste, with the goal to add an additional 20 locations by the end of 2013. For GREENspot locations, visit http://dropoff.houstontx.gov.
  14. News from TCEQ.
    • Rulemaking Actions: New pending rule adoption: decommissioning Stage II gasoline vapor recovery systems at gasoline dispensing facilities, in response to changes in federal requirements.
    • Upcoming hearings: Environmental Flows in the Brazos River, 10/15/2013; Triennial Revision of 30 TAC Chapter 307, Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, 10/17/2013
    • TCEQ Agenda meeting: October 9, 2013: wastewater permit in Fort Bend County; suspension of certain water rights in the Colorado River basin; various enforcement actions for air and water quality, petroleum storage tanks, sludge application, and revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality.
    • Permit Hearings: Proposed air quality permit in Waller County, 9/30/2013; NEW! proposed amendment to a municipal solid waste permit near West 11th Street Park in Harris County, 10/17/2013.
  15. 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 (* indicates a segment about the Houston area).
    • Gargantuan Gar
    • Parks & Wildlife People: Cherie O’Brien
    • Black Bears of Black Gap
  16. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • October 15, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and/or heavy cloud cover with precipitation should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • October 16, 2913: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and/or heavy cloud cover with precipitation should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • October 17, 2013: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and/or cooler temperatures should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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ECONOTES Featured News Articles–For dozens of additional
headlines, visit the CEC
website. (You can let us know about articles, too. E-mail news@cechouston.org).

  1. Water plan threatens sea turtles, group warns (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 10/11/2013)
    The endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle will be put in harm’s way by a Central Texas river authority’s emergency plan to cut off freshwater from Matagorda Bay, an environmental group warned state regulators Friday. In a 12-page letter, the Matagorda Bay Foundation urged the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to reject the plan, saying the suspension of freshwater will diminish the turtle’s primary food source, blue crabs. The commission is expected to vote next month on the plan.
    http://www.chron.com/
  2. Mayor Parker Wants Houston’s Streets More Accessible To Pedestrians And Cyclists (Gail Delaughter – KUHF News, 10/10/2013)
    Mayor Annise Parker is unveiling a new initiative designed to make Houston’s streets accessible to everyone, and that includes walkers, cyclists, and people who use mobility devices. Parker says she’s drafted an executive order that lays out what’s called a “complete streets” policy. She’s planning to sign it once it’s reviewed by the City Council. Parker says the executive order will serve as a blueprint for future street work, creating throughfares with lanes for bikes, and easily-accessible sidewalks for pedestrians and transit users. The policy also takes into consideration things like trees, to help keep the neighborhood cooler, as well as benches, green space, and drainage improvements.
    http://app1.kuhf.org/
  3. Why so many Dams In Texas Are in Bad Condition (Mose Buchele – StateImpact, 10/14/2013)
    Of the 1880 dams inspected by the TCEQ since 2008, 245 were found to be in bad condition, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Around 2000 of the state’s dams were built with federal help in the wake of the great drought of the 1950s. Almost all of those are now past or nearing their projected 50 year lifespan, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. The challenges confronting the state’s infrastructure of dams is underscored by the fact that Texas has more than 7,300 dams, more than any other state. There is, in fact, only one natural lake in the entire state of Texas.
    http://stateimpact.npr.org/
  4. Scoop.it Page. The CEC is now maintaining a page on
    Scoop.it. Check it out! http://www.scoop.it/t/citizens-environmental-coalition-houston

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Previously posted job
listings can be found on CEC’s Green Jobs page.

  1. NEW! Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center seeks Forester.
    Under the direct supervision of the park superintendent, the forester
    professionally plans, implements and maintains aspects of Jesse H. Jones
    Park & Nature Center’s native forested areas and landscaping. This
    position requires a self-motivated individual with a “can do attitude,”
    willing to work indoors or outdoors in all weather conditions, not
    afraid to get their hands dirty, and capable of conducting a variety of
    tasks in the course of a normal day. Required knowledge includes tree
    identification, diseases and treatment, and skilled with forestry
    equipment and tree felling techniques. Responsibilities also include
    growing and maintaining native plants, developing and maintaining the
    park’s landscape, presenting natural history programs, developing
    interpretive signage, using communication skills with the general public
    and volunteers. Polite communication skills and willingness to interact
    with the general public and volunteers on an informal basis are
    essential traits. A four-year B.S. degree in horticulture, natural or
    environmental science, or comparable experience desired. Work varying
    shifts including weekends and evenings. The starting salary is
    commensurate with experience. Contact Darlene Conley Hostetler at
    281-446-8588 or DConley@hcp4.net for a full job description and Harris
    County Precinct 4 employment application. For more information about
    Jones Park check the website at www.hcp4.net/jones.

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UPCOMING EVENTS If you attend one of these events, please let them know you  heard about it here! Visit the calendar at cechouston.org.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Friday, October 19, 2013

Saturday, October 20, 2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Monday, October 21, 2013

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC on line at cechouston.org.Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments? Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org.If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date.

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CEC and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll
contribution plans at many Texas workplaces through Earth Share of Texas.
Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org.

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CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com for more information about the program.

Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Sophany Touch, IREX Community Solutions Fellow/Wildlife Alliance
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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