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February 9, 2017

Houston Environmental News Update February 8, 2017

Scroll down to read notes from our member organizations and the community, or view the emailed version of the newsletter.

EARTH DAY HOUSTON

Dozens of Earth Day festivals will be held throughout the Houston area in 2017. We’ll be compiling a list of Earth Month events on our calendar, and here are a few that we already know about:

  • 4/22/17:
    • HISD Earth Day & Green Institute
    • Earth Day at the Children’s Museum of Houston
    • Armand Bayou Nature Center Party for the Planet
  • 4/29/17: 2017 People’s Climate Movement march

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.

*Trivia Question: Which organization hosted the first Earth Day Festival held in Houston, in 1970?

Answer: The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition.

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. To become a part of this exciting event, contact Rachel Powers, Executive Director, at 713-524-4232 or rachel@cechouston.org.

And remember: Every Day Is Earth Day!

CEC NOTES

Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour January 25 & 26, 2017

More information soon, but, for now…

Thank you to our Film Festival Sponsors:

   

 

 

 

Thank You to Our Promotional Partners and Door Prize Sponsors:

COALITION NOTES

  1. Houston Bike Plan to City Council Next Week
    Bike Houston writes, “There have been two deaths in three days. Two deaths of people riding bicycles on the streets of Houston. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of these two people. Two tragic reminders of why the Houston Bike Plan is so important. No deaths on our streets are acceptable. City Council must vote yes and adopt the Bike Plan to make the streets of Houston safe for all people riding bicycles. The Bike Plan provides a toolbox for designing streets and intersections to create a safe bike network across town and it includes education programs. Following each death, the City should start an investigation asking: “Why did the death happen?” A full investigation should be done that includes, how could the designs of these roads and intersections be improved? Does an alternative route need to be provided? What were the human mistakes and how do we change the road design to make it harder for these mistakes to happen?  The Bike Plan, which was begun in response to earlier deaths, is going to City Council next week. We cannot afford to delay. We ask council vote yes on the Bike Plan.” Learn more about Bike Houston’s request for support at bikehouston.org.
  2. Texas City Prairie Preserve Volunteer Day 
    Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Looking for a way to get your hands dirty and get back to nature? Become a Nature Conservancy volunteer! Texas City Prairie Preserve is hosting volunteers the second Friday of every month, and welcome eager volunteers of every background and ability level. Work days include a variety of opportunities, from removing invasive species and harvesting native seeds to planting marsh grasses and tending the butterfly garden. For more information, visit www.nature.org.
  3. Tapas on the Trails
    Join the Houston Arboretum for their annual Tapas on the Trails, one of the Arboretum’s most popular events. This very special evening features a romantic walk on our softly lit trails with five stops throughout the forest and commemorative glasses to take home.  Dine on delicious tapas-sized dishes paired with carefully chosen wine and beer while supporting the Arboretum’s dual mission of conservation and education. The evening ends at the Meadow Deck overlooking our one acre pond and meadow where guests will enjoy sparkling wine, delectable desserts, coffee, and the company of an owl. Friday, Feb. 10 and Sat., Feb 11, 2017, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, at the Houston Arboretum.  $75 members / $85 nonmembers (per person). Ages 21+. Learn more at houstonarboretum.org.
  4. Managing Your Land for Wildlife Workshop
    Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, from 8 AM to 3 PM at the Big Stone Lodge in Dennis Johnson Park in Spring, along the Spring Creek Greenway. For more information about this workshop, organized by the Texas Forest Service with the Heartwood Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, and to register, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu.
  5. Surf Movie Night
    Join the Texas Upper Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation on Saturday night, Feb. 11, 2017, at Cafe Brasil to view The Gathering, which features the enigmatic and free-thinking Dave Rastovich at home in the sacred playgrounds of the Far North Coast of New South Wales. Mixer starts at 6:00 pm and  movie will start around 7:30 pm. Learn more on facebook.com.
  6. Artist Boat raises $1.4 million to conserve West Galveston Island Land
    Artist Boat has secured more than $1.4 million in federal, state and local funds and in-kind matches to acquire and conserve approximately 65 acres of coastal habitat on Galveston Island’s West End. The property is part of the 285-acre proposed Anchor Bay canal subdivision. The acquisition will expand Artist Boat’s Coastal Heritage Preserve conservation area to approximately 665 acres. Funding for the acquisition is made possible through a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), which applied for and received $1 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP).  Artist Boat rallied more than $400,000 of local contributions towards the project.  This is the second time TPWD and Artist Boat have partnered and successfully been awarded NCWCGP funds for acquisition at the Coastal Heritage Preserve. Artist Boat expects to complete the acquisition later this year after it raises the final $50,000 required for the project’s local match. Since 2009 the Galveston-based non-profit has acquired 600 acres of adjoining parcels for conservation with funding from the federal, state, local organizations and individuals. Once targeted for residential development, the wetland, coastal prairie and salt marsh habitats will be preserved for future generations. Artist Boat’s goal is to add the remainder of the Anchor Bay property, in cooperation with the landowner, once funding is obtained. Learn more at www.artistboat.org.
  7. Cupid Cruise
    Hop aboard the Spirit of the Bayou for a cozy cruise with your special Valentine! Bubbly beverages and sweet bites will be provided during a romantic boat ride in the evening with spectacular views of downtown Houston. Tuesday, February 15, 2017. Learn more at buffalobayou.org.
  8. Flower Garden Banks Seaside Chat: Celebrating 25 Years!
    On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, see how far Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary has come from its humble beginnings in 1992 to a sanctuary on the verge of expansion in 2017. Afterward, enjoy a tour of our research vessel MANTA, weather permitting. Can’t attend in person? Follow along via webinar. At Sea Star Base in Galveston at 6:30 pm. More info at http://go.usa.gov/x9VAS.
  9. HISD Earth Day Call for Proposals
    Show us your skills at Houston ISD’s Earth Day Fair! Houston ISD is hosting an Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The Fair is meant to a fun and interactive event that inspires environmental stewardship in our students, parents and employees. We are seeking proposals from groups that can provide kid-friendly activities, demonstrations, and “speedy green” demonstrations (15 minute max). If you or your group have a fun demonstration, craft, or activity that supports the Earth Day theme and would like to participate, please contact Debbie Reagan, Manager, Energy & Sustainability Department at dreagan@houstonisd.org for more information and a proposal submittal application. Proposals will be due no later than 5:00 PM, Feb. 17, 2017.
  10. Texas Citizen Planner Foundations Course to begin Feb. 22
    The Texas Citizen Planner program has planned a six-class Foundations Course to help local elected and appointed officials learn ways to address issues facing their communities. Registration for the classes, which will be 6-8:30 p.m. weekly beginning Feb. 22, 2017, may be completed at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Citizen. The fee is $199 through Feb. 16 and $249 thereafter. Classes will be held at Houston-Galveston Area Council.
  11. 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.  Learning opportunities abound as we seed, transplant and learn other propagation techniques for Houston’s native plants.  All the plants that are propagated to towards restoration projects throughout the city to help encourage wildlife habitat and education about Houston’s native plants and ecosystems as you volunteer.  Garden gloves are recommended, but not required.  Close toe shoes are required while volunteering.  Please contact Jed Aplaca at jed.aplaca@houstontx.gov or call 832-395-7113 for more information. Upcoming dates include Feb. 23, March 9 & 23, and April 13 & 27, 2017.
  12. Houston Audubon Spring Volunteer Orientation
    Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, from 1 PM – 4 PM. Volunteer opportunities include:  Habitat Restoration at Houston Audubon Sanctuaries, Leading children’s programs as an Audubon docent, High Island Spring Migration, Festivals and Outreach booths, Annual Gala and Fundraising. Visit houstonaudubon.org for more information and to register.
  13. Full World: Houston’s Economic and Ecologic Future
    Former CEC Board Member, notable environmental attorney, and poet Jim Blackburn is teaching a short course through Rice Continuing Studies on the ecological and economic future of the City of Houston. The course will be held on eight Wednesdays between March 1 and April 19, 2017. Learn more about this not-to-be-missed class by downloading the flyer.
  14. Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador Training
    Registration
    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.
  15. Free Fourth Grade Field Trips!
    Are you a 4th grade teacher and want to get your kids outdoors, but the school lacks funds for 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. Participating CEC member organizations include Buffalo Bayou Partnership, HPARD, Galveston Bay Foundation, Greens Bayou Coalition, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Houston Audubon, Houston Zoo, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Nature Discovery Center, and  1/26/16, Sheldon Lake State Park.
  16. Office Space Available for Rent
    The Bayou Preservation Association has an unused office available for rent. The available separate office space is within the Bayou Preservation office at 2990 Richmond Ave., Suite 500, Houston, TX 77098. Conveniently located in the Upper Kirby District; 12×12 office space; rent based on pro-rata share of Bayou Preservation’s rent; negotiable depending on desire for use of conference use, and other factors.  For more information, contact Bayou Preservation office at 713-529-6443.
  17. Additional Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Owl Prowl at Jones State Forest
    On Fri., Feb. 10, 2017, families and adults are invited to learn what our forests have to offer at William Goodrich Jones State Forest. Learn more, including how to register, on facebook.
  2. Clear Creek Clean-ups
    The 18th Annual Clear Creek Clean-Up, hosted by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, will be on Feb. 11, 2017. Learn more at clearcreekcleanup.org.
  3. Through Feb. 14, 2017, Comment on Sea Turtle Conservation & Shrimp Trawling Requirements
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets (butterfly trawls) rigged for fishing—with the exception of vessels participating in the Biscayne Bay wing net fishery prosecuted in Miami-Dade County, Florida—to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) designed to exclude small turtles in their nets. The intent of this proposed rule is to reduce incidental bycatch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries, and to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations. We also are proposing to amend the definition of tow times to better clarify the intent and purpose of tow times to reduce sea turtle mortality, and to refine additional portions of the TED requirements to avoid potential confusion. Learn more about the comment opportunity, which ends on Feb. 14, 2017, at federalregister.gov.
  4. Deep Cypress Gardens Lunch and Learn
    Deep Cypress Alliance invites you to learn about the Cypress area’s newest community-focused garden space. Wed., Feb. 15, 2017, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Cafe Marrese. Visit celebratingsoul.com for more information.
  5. Building Better Cities
    The Kinder Institute for Urban Research presents a Kinder Institute Forum with Governor Martin O’Malley. Martin O’Malley served as the 61st governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015 and the 47th mayor of the city of Baltimore from 1999 until 2007. His time in office was marked by a steadfast commitment to data-driven decision-making. As mayor, he introduced CitiStat, a performance-based management system that produced dramatic improvements in city services and efficiency, and today, serves as a model for cities across the world. Wed, Feb. 15, 2017, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Learn more and reserve your spot at www.eventbrite.com.
  6. Wildlife Conservation Safari
    Africa 360 has organized a safari to South Africa and Zimbabwe in June and July 2017. The group will have VIP access to one-of-a-kind conservation events, including collaring an elephant with a field vet team, tracking african wild dogs with Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), notching a Rhino with Rhinos Without Borders, conducting citizen science rhino research with Earthwatch, and visiting Victoria Falls (Wonder of the World). Learn more on facebook.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
    • Magazine History: Meet the people who craft the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine and see what it takes to publish this great outdoor periodical.
    • Outdoor Photography: Get some outdoor photo tips from photographer Russell Graves.
    • Texas Wildlife: Enjoy some outstanding Texas wildlife photography by Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain.
  9. Additional Upcoming Events