Calendar
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: Houston Audubon Membership Meeting: Coastal Update 2010–Ike and the Whooping Cranes
Location: United Way Community Center at 50 Waugh Drive, Houston 77007
Description: im Blackburn will present an overview of the two major issues facing the Texas coast as we start the second decade of the 21st century. He will discuss the threat to the continued existence of the Aransas Whooping Crane flock and the challenges facing the Upper Texas Coast after Hurricane Ike. Aspects of the Ike Dike and the possible Bolivar National Seashore will be presented along with the potential litigation against officials of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for their role in the “take” of Whooping Cranes last winter. Blackburn will conclude by reading a poem or two from Birds: A Collection of Verse and Vision. A discussion will follow his presentation.
An attorney for more than 30 years, Jim is a partner in Blackburn Carter, P.C., a firm devoted to environmental law and planning. He is also a Professor at Rice U., teaching courses in sustainable development and environmental law.
Membership meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month (Sept-May) at the United Way Building on Waugh Blvd. They include a social from 7-7:30 and a speaker with a special topic from 7:30-8:30.
Start Time: 19:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-14
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: Livable Houston Initiative – David Rouse on the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan
Location: H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Conference Room C
Link out: Click here
Description: David Rouse AICP, ASLA, LEED AP, with Wallace Roberts & TODD (WRT), will talk about the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. Rouse is the lead planner for the Austin initiative, and has 30 years of experience in community planning and design. He presented his ideas for a Sustainable Comprehensive Plan to the American Planning Association in 2009.
Start Time: 12:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-24
End Time: 13:30 pm
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: Regional Transit Framework Study: open house
Location: Heights Fire Station, 107 W 12th St (at Yale), Houston, 77007
Link out: Click here
Description: The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is conducting a Regional Transit Framework Study (RTFS), a year-long planning effort to identify long-range transit needs and opportunities across the region.
You are invited to attend an additional project open house meeting to discuss the project goals and public transportation needs with H-GAC and consultant staff:
Start Time: 18:30 pm
Date: 2010-03-16
End Time: 20:00 pm
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: H-GAC Clean Waters Initiative: CMOM for Sanitary Sewers
Location: H-GAC, 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A
Link out: Click here
Description: Join H-GAC for the next Clean Waters Initiative workshop on Wednesday, April 7. This workshop, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at H-GAC Conference Room A, will cover the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) program. This program addresses sanitary sewers and provides a method to prevent overloading of wastewater treatment plants and aims to prevent sanitary sewage overflowing into lakes, rivers, and streams. Guest speakers from the EPA, TCEQ and local governments will explain how beefing up sewer maintenance can lead to improved water quality in our region and reduce the risk of violations and associated fees for sanitary sewer operators.
Start Time: 13:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-07
End Time: 16:00 pm
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: Second Saturday Archaeology at ABNC
Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena, TX
Link out: Click here
Description:
Ever wonder what happened eons ago before European settlers arrived on the shores of Galveston Bay? Find out in March as Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Second Saturday explores the archaeology and history of the area. March 13 promises to be a day of discovery as speakers and exhibitors bring the past to life. The nature center, located at 8500 Bay Area Boulevard in Pasadena, TX hosts its monthly event to help local residents connect with nature close to home.
* Ethnobotany of the Armand Bayou Watershed—Alecya Gallaway, UHCL environmental historian.
* Archaeology of the Upper Texas Coast—Tom Nuckols, Houston Archaeological Society
* Hands-on artifacts exhibit—Beth Aucoin, Texas Archaeological Stewardship Network
* Kids archaeological dig
Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 12:00 pm
Posted on Wednesday 10 March 2010
Title: Green Valentine: Mulching in March
Location: Stude Park, 1031 Stude, near the community center
Link out: Click here
Description: Join Jeff Shell and Jill Whitten and the Green Valentine Crew for a massive mulching effort at Stude Park in the Heights.
Bring gloves, water, shovel, rake, and get ready to put your back into it!
Start Time: 10:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Free Prairie Discovery Tour
Location: Katie Prairie: Mary Manor Preserve
Link out: Click here
Description: Wetland Adventure Awaits!
Want to get outdoors and learn more about your hometown habitats but don’t know how? KPC’s Prairie Discovery Tours pairs expert guides with small groups on a visit to a special KPC preserve every month. You’ll be introduced to some of the secrets of the wildlife and plantlife that make the Katy Prairie such a wonderfully diverse area.
Looking to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather? A real-life adventure awaits on the Katy Prairie Conservancy’s Mary Manor Preserve. This restored wetland is home to animals both great and small, including colorful ducks, raucous frogs, and even the occasional beaver! Put on some comfortable shoes, drive out, and join us for an afternoon of cool sights and a scenic sunset.
Registration limited and required. Call 713.523.6135 or email us at info@katyprairie.org for more details and to register.
Price: Free!
Remember to always dress appropriately for trips out to the prairie. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are always recommended. The prairie can get windy, so bring a jacket just in case!
Start Time: 16:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 18:00 pm
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: My Houston 2040–Co-hosted by Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and Citizens’ Transportation Coalition
Location: Rudyard’s upstairs, 2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, 77006
Link out: Click here
Description: A new Happy Hour meeting of the minds
Co-hosted by Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and Citizens’ Transportation Coalition
Sponsored by Change Magazine and New Living
Free and open to the public. Food and drinks available at bar.
5:30 The Livable Centers plan for Houston’s East End, Meredith Dang
5:55 My Houston 2040, Andrew Burleson
The Idea
Houston Tomorrow, GHASP, and the Citizens’ Transportation Coalition agree that Houstonians can build a better Houston today by thinking about the Houston we may inherit in 2040 and the Houston we want in 2040. Each happy hour will include time for networking and socializing, a topical speaker who will give an informational presentation on Houston urbanism, transportation planning, culture, environment, and more, and a visionary speaker who will give their “My Houston 2040″ talk: what they think Houston will be like in 2040, what they want it to be like in 2040, and / or what they want us to do to make it like they want it to be in 2040.
This month’s speakers
The Livable Centers Plan for Houston’s East End
Meredith Dang, AICP
Meredith Dang is the Land Use Transportation Coordinator for the Community and Environmental Planning Department with the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Her responsibilities include managing H-GAC’s Livable Centers, Subregional Planning, and Eco-Logical programs, providing technical assistance to local governments, and training local officials on land use transportation coordination principles. Ms. Dang is a certified planner and received her Masters in Planning from the University of Southern California and BA from Rice University.
My Houston 2040
Andrew Burleson
Andrew Burleson is a professional urban designer and real estate consultant in Houston. He started neoHOUSTON in 2008 to add to the local dialogue on urbanism and business. His professional work is concentrated on the design, finance, and entitlement of pedestrian and transit-oriented real estate developments. He has a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design. He has lived in various places around the world, mainly Illinois, Texas, and Italy – but now he lives in Montrose. He is a founding member of CNU-Houston
Start Time: 17:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-11
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: KIDFISH in West Columbia
Location: First Capital Park, North 13th Street/FM 2853
Link out: Click here
Description: KIDFISH community events are more like a fishing tournament, are typically held in city parks throughout Texas, and are designed to promote fishing, the outdoors, and simply spending time with family. KIDFISH, together with community leaders and local media work to publicize the event through television and radio PSA’s as well as in schools and throughout the community by distributing registration forms.
KIDFISH generously stocks the pond prior to the event in order to increase the children’s odds of a memorable fishing experience. Everything the child will need to catch a fish (i.e. rod, reel, bait, and tackle) will be provided to those who need it.
During KIDFISH, children participate in a “KIDFISH College”, a brief presentation on fishing, conservation, and respect for the environment, the fish, and other anglers. Upon completion participants receive a “Bachelor of Angling” Degree and are then allowed to fish.
The tournament is broken down into 3 different age categories (6 & under, 7-11, and 12-16). The winners of each age group qualifies for the KIDFISH Classic, our by invitation only tournament held each summer.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-13
End Time: 12:00 pm
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: KIDFISH in Friendswood
Location: Centennial Park 2200 S Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546
Link out: Click here
Description: Friendswood Community Event (Catfish)
Hours: 9-12noon
The 8th annual KIDFISH event has been scheduled in Friendswood on Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 9 a.m. until noon at Friendswood’s Centennial Park Pond.
The KIDFISH Foundation will stock over 750 pounds of adult fish in the Centennial Park Pond for participants to catch. There is no pre-registration required. Bait, tackle, and loaner rods will be provided to children who do not have their own equipment. Starting March 25th, participants can pick up registration forms at local schools, Friendswood City Hall, the Friendswood Library, Friendswood Activity Building, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce building, and at Centennial Park on the day of the KIDFISH Event.
For registration information or to volunteer at the event, contact KIDFISH toll free at 877-733-5646 or 254-982-4887 or go to www.kidfish.com.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-04-03
End Time: 12:00 pm
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Coastal Resiliency Forum
Location: Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005; Shell Auditorium, Jones School of Business
Link out: Click here
Description: Galveston Bay Foundation, working with several partners, brings you a forum which will address how vulnerable the area is to hurricanes and other major storms, and what can be done to prepare for future events. Topics will include:
What is Coastal Resiliency?
What are the Threats?
What’s at Risk and What are Our Vulnerabilities?
What are the Structural and Non-Structural Options?
What are the Public Policy Issues?
Experts from the United States and abroad will share experiences and information that local decision-makers can use to increase the resiliency of our region.
Start Time: 08:00 am
Date: 2010-05-26
End Time: 17:00 pm
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: 14th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic
Location: Various locations
Link out: Click here
Description: The Great Texas Birding Classic (GTBC) is coming up April 24-May 2, coinciding with the annual spectacle of spring bird migration in Texas. This friendly competition has a serious conservation purpose. Adult teams who record the most bird species win the privilege of choosing which bird conservation projects receive grant money.
Start Date: 2010-04-24
End Date: 2010-05-02
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Canoe Spring Creek at Jones Park
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas77338
Link out: Click here
Description: Join staff and volunteers Saturday or Sunday, March 20 or 21 for a guided tour and some canoeing fun! On Saturday beginning at 9 a.m., canoe Spring Creek on an extended trip from Pundt Park to Jones Park. Or beginner canoeists can enjoy a trip down Spring Creek from Jones Park to the San Jacinto River on Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. Both trips are open to individuals ages 16 and older, and the Sunday trip is open to visitors ages 10 to 15 with previous Junior Canoe Training. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, March 10.
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility under the leadership of Commissioner Jerry Eversole, is located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin or physical ability. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.
Start Time: 14:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-21
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Canoe Spring Creek
Location: Jesse H Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas77338
Link out: Click here
Description: Join staff and volunteers Saturday or Sunday, March 20 or 21 for a guided tour and some canoeing fun! On Saturday beginning at 9 a.m., canoe Spring Creek on an extended trip from Pundt Park to Jones Park. Or beginner canoeists can enjoy a trip down Spring Creek from Jones Park to the San Jacinto River on Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. Both trips are open to individuals ages 16 and older, and the Sunday trip is open to visitors ages 10 to 15 with previous Junior Canoe Training. Reservations are required and may be made beginning Wednesday, March 10.
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, a Harris County Precinct 4 facility under the leadership of Commissioner Jerry Eversole, is located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin or physical ability. For more information on the park or any of its programs, call (281) 446-8588 or visit the Jones Park Web site at www.hcp4.net/jones.
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-03-20
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Texas Wildflowers and Native Grasses–at Winedale
Location: Winedale Historical Complex Conference Room 3738 FM 2714 (4 miles east of Round Top)
Link out: Click here
Description: by Carolyn Fannon & Flo Hannah
A program sponsored by the Gideon Lincecum Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist
Free and open to the public.
Texas Flowers in the Wild, Carolyn Fannon
A published photographer, Carolyn Fannon has been photographing Texas
Coastal Prairie for the past 14 years and, for the last several years, The Big
Thicket. She is a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, Native
Prairies Association of Texas, and Coastal Prairie Partnership. Carolyn’s
presentation will include both familiar and rare wildflowers with an emphasis on
the places where they grow and their plant associations.
Native Grasses of the Tallgrass Prairie, Flo Hannah
Flo Hannah, Senior Sanctuary Steward of Houston Audubon Society, manages
several of Houston Audubon’s 17 bird sanctuaries and serves on the boards of
the Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston Chapter, the Outdoor Nature Club
and the Coastal Prairie Partnership. She also owns Houston-based Hannah
Native Grasses, a small business that grows native coastal prairie grasses.
Contact Gene Luhn , 713-305-6443, for more information about the program.
Start Time: 13:00 pm
Date: 2010-03-20
Posted on Tuesday 9 March 2010
Title: Invaders of Texas: Invasive Species Workshop
Location: Texas AgriLife Extension Service 3033 Bear Creek Drive Houston, Texas 77084
Link out: Click here
Description: Guest Speakers:
* Travis Gallo, Program Coordinator, Invaders of Texas
* Jed Aplaca, Horticulturist, City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department
What is “Invaders of Texas”?
The Invaders of Texas Program is an innovative campaign whereby volunteer “citizen scientists” are trained to detect the arrival and dispersal of invasive species in their own local areas. That information is delivered into a statewide mapping database and to those who can do something about it. The premise is simple. The more trained eyes watching for invasive species, the better our chances of lessening or avoiding damage to our native landscape.
Why do we need to do this?
1. Invasive species threaten native plants and native plant communities.
2. After habitat destruction, invasive species are the single largest cause of native plant extinction.
3. The rate at which new, potentially invasive, species are being introduced is increasing.
What will I do after the workshop?
Your completion of the workshop will make you a trained “Citizen Scientist” and a part of the Pulling Together Initiative, a collaborative project between several state and federal agencies, including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The purpose of the Pulling Together Initiative is to provide information about identification and management of invasive plants, establish locations for invasive plant demonstration areas, and, through a statewide conference, facilitate information sharing about non-native invasive plants. As a Citizen Scientist, you will be able to recognize many species of invasive plants, determine their location and mode of occurrence, and report this information by entering it into the database maintained at http://www.texasinvasives.org/
Cost: A donation of $5-7 per person for lunch, but it might be free if we get some groups to help subsidize the food. Coffee and beverages also provided.
How do I sign up?
To enroll, send an email to Bruce Handley at bhandley2@comcast.net or call 713.703.7244. Be sure to choose regular or vegetarian lunch.
What Should I Bring?
Bring pens, pencils, notebook paper, a clipboard, a digital camera, and a hand-help GPS device, if you have one.
This workshop has been made possible in part by the Heartwood and Gulf Coast Chapters of the Texas Master Naturalists, and the Houston Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. Thank you!
Start Time: 09:00 am
Date: 2010-05-15
End Time: 16:00 pm
Posted on Monday 8 March 2010
Title: Children’s Museum Earth Day–Free Family Night
Location: The Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz Houston, TX 77004
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us for Free Family Night this Earth Day as we welcome several exciting guests!
Trees For Houston – Plant a tree and help keep Houston green.
Houston Wilderness Passport – Learn how to better appreciate the beautiful environment we live in.
Environmental Protection Agency – The EPA is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. Learn how you can help!
Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – See real animals and learn what you can do to keep them safe.
Native Plant Society – Hear about Houston’s unique vegetation and how we can maintain it.
Time: 5 – 8 PM
Location: Tables set up throughout the museum
Start Time: 17:00 pm
Date: 2010-04-22
End Time: 20:00 pm