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Houston Environmental News Update March 1, 2017
March 2, 2017

Houston Environmental News Update March 1, 2017

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter, which includes a Texas legislative update and green job listings.

I am pleased to introduce you to CEC’s 2017 board of directors: President Maurillio “Moe Flores Sanchez, Vice President Alex Chua, Secretary Lynn Henson, Treasurer Sylvie Bauerova, Past President Linda Foss, MaDiana Diaz, Katie Donovan, Alex Drummond, Colley Hodges, Asha John, Rebecca Luman, Sarah McKenney, Kathryn Rose, and Kelly White. Several of them are in the photo above, which illustrates the fact that we are going places! We are grateful to our outgoing board members who are staying involved on advisory council and on various CEC committees: Della Barbato, Satish Ravindran, Linda Paisley, and Steve Stelzer. Our board members play critical roles in the CEC, setting strategy and implementing goals. They also lead our committees, including programs & events, communications & publications, finance, development, and membership. In case you couldn’t tell, the CEC board is a bunch of go-getters. I can’t wait to see where they take us!

In addition to our board, CEC relies on many other people to help us. Our regular volunteers–Carol and Stuart–and event volunteers are key to our successes. I recently introduced you to Marina, who is helping with just about everything in addition to managing programs. CEC hires workstudy students from the University of Houston, the University of Houston/Downtown, and the University of St. Thomas (Houston Community College coming soon) to help with events, publications, communications, archival research, and bookkeeping, among other things. We host paid and volunteer interns during the summer. Students and student groups earning academic credit have helped us with government relations, development planning, events, and IT. We’ve even hosted international fellows from Africa and Asia, sponsored the US State Department. I especially value the diversity and variety of experiences, skills, backgrounds, and perspectives that our volunteers, students, interns, and staff bring to the CEC.

Of course, we can use more help–your help, if you are willing to offer it. CEC relies on volunteers, interns, and workstudy students to accomplish our mission. Learn more about opportunities to be part of the CEC team. Right now, we are especially looking for people to serve on our programs committee (which meets monthly on Monday nights and on an as-needed basis), which is working on CEC’s Environmental Trivia Contest (April 30), the Greater Houston Environmental Summit (August 4) and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour (January 2018). We have also begun planning for Earth Day Houston 2018 (join us for a planning meeting on May 11, 2017). We are also actively seeking people with communications, PR, writing, and website management skills.

CEC NOTES

Earth Day Houston 2017

Dozens of Earth Day festivals will be held throughout the Houston area in 2017. We have begun compiling a list of Earth Month events on our calendar.

If you are hosting an Earth Month event (or any environment-related event), please be sure to let us know so we can share it! Information can be sent to news@cechouston.org.

Don’t miss our Environmental Trivia Contest at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, to be hosted by the CEC as part of Earth Month Houston, on April 30, 2017. Tickets will be available soon.

The CEC is also gearing up for the following year’s Earth Day, and is recruiting members for our Earth Day Houston 2018 Planning Committee. Join us at a planning meeting on May 11, 2017. To become a part of this exciting event, contact Marina Rossow, Program Manager, at 713-524-4232 or marina@cechouston.org.

CEC Welcomes One New Team Member: Sarah Leach
Read more about our new part-time membership coordinator, Sarah Leach.

COALITION NOTES

  1. NatureFest at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
    This Saturday, March 4, 2017, visit Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center and be part of NatureFest, a day dedicated to Houston’s natural diversity. Spend time at Jones Park and learn about local birds, native plants, wildlife, and more through our educational booths, demonstrations, activities, talks, and guided walks. For more information, visit www.hcp4.net/jones or call 281-446-8588.
  2. Stormwater and habitat workshop for educators
    On March 4, 2017, learn about natural techniques for cleansing and conserving stormwater for humans and wildlife, at any scale–backyard to campus to region. The bayous and bays are greatly impacted by the quality of the stormwater flowing into them, and now is a great time to start improving it with practices that can be implemented at home, at school, or beyond. The workshop is open to everyone, with particular focus on educators.There is no cost, but RSVPs are required. For more information or to register, go to tcwp.tamu.edu.
  3. A Path Forward for Clean, Healthy Port Communities
    At this community meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, organized by The Healthy Port Communities Coalition, learn from organizer Jesse Marquez who helped create a roadmap for zero emissions at the Ports of Long Beach and LA to help residents near the ports breathe a little easier and find economic growth alongside technological innovation. Learn about what WE can do to help support the health of our Houston area communities and contribute to economic prosperity. Learn more about this free event and the importance of clean, healthy ports on airalliancehouston.org.
  4. Resilience H2Ouston: Living in Flood Plains
    This civic forum, hosted by the Rice Design Alliance, will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 6p.m. at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion inside the McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park. It is free and open to the public. Moderated by Eric Berger, certified meteorologist, the forum features the following presenters:

    • Alisa Max, PE, General Services Division Manager, Harris County Engineering Department
    • David Robinson, Houston City Council At-Large Position #2
    • Keiji Asakura, Principal Designer, Asakura Robinson
    • Wesley Highfield, Associate Professor, Department of Marine Sciences, Texas A&M University at Galveston
    • Ed Wolff, President, Beth Wolff Realtors
  5. HARC People & Nature Speaker Series: Dr. Katherine Hayhoe
    On March 8, 2017, HARC will continue its People & Nature Speaker Series with an event at Museum Fine Arts, Houston Brown Auditorium featuring an evening with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University. Dr. Hayhoe is a nationally renowned climate scientist who works to bridge the gap between the complex science and public misconceptions about climate change. She has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers, and has been featured on the National Geographic television series, Years of Living Dangerously. Dr. Hayhoe exemplifies the goal of HARC’s People & Nature Speaker Series: to illuminate and facilitate discussions on regional sustainability issues, ranging from climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainable water use, and the energy. We hope that you will join us on March 8th for a thought provoking and engaging discussion of climate change, how it could affect the greater Houston region, and what we can and should do about it.
  6. League of Women Voters Annual Repast Luncheon
    Join the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area for an entertaining and illuminating program as Moderator Ernie Manouse takes honorees Judge Theresa Chang and Judge Phyllis Frye on a conversational stroll through their lives in public service. Learn more and purchase tickets at lwvhouston.org/repast-2017/.
  7. 45th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
    On March 11, 2017, join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race – the 45th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta presented by Gillman Subaru. Paddlers, ages 12 and up, are encouraged to participate in the 15-mile race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. Whether you are entering competitively or paddling for pleasure, you won’t want to miss out on this longstanding Houston tradition! Those not wanting to paddle can cheer on racers along the race route or catch the outdoor fun at the free finish line festivities at Sesquicentennial Park (500 block of Preston Street). Learn more at buffalobayou.org.
  8. HB 1927: ‘Amber Alerts’ for Chemical releases
    Air Alliance Houston encourages you to learn about the importance of HB 1927. This bill pertains to citizens knowing what toxic chemicals are being released into the air by manufacturing facilities. The Houston Chronicle published an informative article stating this “Bill would create alerts for chemical releases,” in which Air Alliance Houston’s Adrian Shelley is quoted. Air Alliance Houston provides an informative Toxic Alert Fact Sheet that explains what the bill entails and what toxic emergencies Houston had in 2016.
  9. City of Houston Expands Investment in Renewable Energy
    Reaffirming Houston’s commitment to renewable energy, reducing emissions, and saving taxpayer money, Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council recently agreed to purchase an additional 20 megawatts (MW) – for a total of 50 MW of solar power.  This increase expands the 20-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) the City entered into in 2015 with Hecate (now SolaireHolman) and will supply 10.5% percent of the City’s electricity needs with solar power. Read the full press release at www.houstongovnewsroom.org.
  10. Kinder Institute “Near-Miss” Study
    The Kinder Institute for Urban Research wants to understand the challenges experience by pedestrians and bicyclists and provide opportunities for residents to report daily travel challenges, including near-miss incidents. Get a chance to win a $100 gift card by recording your trip and near-miss for 7 consecutive days — weekends included! Learn more and register at kinder.rice.edu/NearMiss, and participate in a training with BikeHouston.
  11. Gulf Coast Green Symposium
    AIA Houston’s annual Gulf Coast Green conference is the leading green building conference in the region. This year’s conference focuses on The Science of Sustainability and will take place at the Health Museum on Monday, March 27, 2017. Learn more at Gulf Coast Green.
  12. Native Plant Propagation Day at the Greenhouse with Houston Parks and Recreation Department
    Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 9am to 12pm, join Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Management Program and other volunteers including Texas Master Naturalists at the City’s greenhouse in Memorial Park to learn and participate in the native plant propagation program. Please contact Jed Aplaca at jed.aplaca@houstontx.gov or call 832-395-7113 for more information. Upcoming dates include March 9 & 23, and April 13 & 27, 2017.
  13. Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Training
    Volunteers needed year round to maintain the trails. You will receive wetland education, access points of Greenway, recognition of invasive species, and much more! Training is 5 weeks starting on March 30, 2017. Visit bayoulandconservancy.org for more information and to register.
  14. Free Fourth Grade Field Trips!
    Every Kid in a Park in the Houston area is offering FREE transportation for nature-based learning opportunities. Learn more at www.hereinhouston.org.
  15. Rain Barrels and Compost Bins at Truckload Prices
    The Green Building Resource Center will help area residents conserve water and resources by offering 50-gallon rain barrels and 65-gallon compost bins at discounted prices of just $69.00 and $65.00. Made from recycled material, they come with instructions for easy set-up and use. Order online by Sunday, May 7, 2017 at www.rainbarrelprogram.org/Houston. Then visit the Houston Permitting Center in the West Parking lot to pick up your items between 10:00 am and noon on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Visit www.greenhoustontx.gov.
  16. Need tools for Cleanups and Planting?
    The Houston Community ToolBank is a nonprofit tool lending program serving other nonprofits by putting high-quality tools in the hands of the volunteers who are painting schools, repairing seniors’ roofs, landscaping public spaces, and more−guaranteeing that every volunteer is equipped with the tools they need to get the job done.For three pennies on the dollar, the Houston Community ToolBank provides fast and easy access to large volumes of high-quality tools to increase the impact of service projects and community revitalization efforts. Visit www.houstontoolbank.org.
  17. A Special Announcement from RDA President Chris Hudson
    After 28 years as the Rice Design Alliance executive director, Linda Sylvan is retiring this summer. We wish her the best in her plans to take on consulting work, volunteer, and spend more time with her family. In 1988, Linda took on the executive director role when RDA was in debt and had only one other staff member. Under her leadership, the staff, board and membership have grown, and contributions and grants have balanced the budget. Moreover, RDA has become a respected and influential group within Houston, and a national model for public engagement around design. Learn more at www.ricedesignalliance.org.
  18. Additional Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Journey of the Universe Kickoff
    Christ the King Lutheran Church invites you to go on the Journey of the Universe. This Emmy-award winning documentarynarrates the 14 billion year story of the universe’s development in a way that is accessible to everyone. This Educational Conversation Series will start on Feb. 27, 2017, and will continue most Mondays & Fridays thru Apr. 17, 2017. Learn more and register for individual events at Journey of the Universe.
  2. Galveston Bay Status and Trends Atlas updated
    Whether you live on the shore of the bay, Galveston Island, or on the west side of Houston, the Houston-Galveston region is defined by its coastal location and proximity to Galveston Bay. Certain aspects of Galveston Bay and the surrounding watershed can be examined to assess the overall health of the complex bay ecosystem – these are referred to as Indicators of Bay Health. Important indicators of bay health include water and sediment quality, populations of native and nonnative fish and wildlife, quantity and quality of diverse habitats, and the amount of freshwater flowing into the bay. Information describing the indicators of bay health is routinely gathered by many agencies and organizations at the federal, state, and local level. The Galveston Bay Status and Trends project gathers, manages, and analyzes the data and makes them available through one website. The GIS map has recently been improved and updated, and the Program invites you to explore the data available at www.texascoastalatlas.com.
  3. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
    Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.
    • Bobcat City: Follow a study that sheds new light on how bobcats live in the suburbs and edges of cities.
    • Ranch Reboot: The Harkins Ranch has been transformed into an oasis for wildlife.
    • Coastal Birds: Get up close to some of the birds that thrive on the Texas coast.
  4. Additional Upcoming Events