Calendar

Title: Introduction to Composting : A Composting Workshop
Location: Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., Humble, Texas 77338
Description: Presented by Mercer Society & Keep Houston Beautiful
Guest Speaker: John Ferguson, Nature’s Way Resources

Hands on demonstration by Jeff Heilers, Assistant Director and Green House Manager at Mercer Arboretum

Contact Suzanne Chapman at schapman@hcp4.net or 281-443-8731 to register for the workshop.
Registration deadline is Sept 1st.

C.E. Shepherd composting bins will be available for $39.99
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2010-09-07
End Time: 11:00

Title: ULI Suburban Marketplace – Suburbia Transformed – the Next Decade and Beyond
Location: The Norris Conference Center CityCentre
Event Link: Click here
Description: The largest single-day conference focused on Suburban Development, Suburban Marketplace delivers leading-edge information with the ULI emphasis on real-world experience and best practices.

Industry experts and thought leaders will examine the vital role of high quality suburban development in dynamic, rapidly growing regions.

In the morning, special, optional mobile workshops allow participants to hear directly from the developers while touring world-class workplaces for the next decade and beyond. In the afternoon, City leaders and private developers will tell how to win a place on public + private development teams. Panelists will discuss their experiences developing the #1 top-selling residential master-planned community in the country, and market researchers will examine the changing face of suburbia: Who is buying? What are they buying? Where is the funding?

A marketplace of exhibits will bring participants face-to-face with innovators and leaders who are shaping and reshaping suburbia. Walking tours of CityCentre will take participants to see one of the most exciting and dynamic new developments transforming the West side of Houston.

Ending the evening with relaxed networking, ULI Members receive complimentary admission to a cocktail reception at Monnalisa Bar in the beautiful Hotel Sorella.

Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2010-09-09

Title: My Houston 2040 happy hour
Location: Rudyard’s upstairs, 2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, 77006
Event Link: Click here
Description: Houston Tomorrow, Air Alliance Houston, 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 includes 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.

Interrupting the speaker and open discussion is encouraged, as is sticking around at Rudyard’s and talking all night.

Free and open to the public. Food and drinks available at bar.

SCHEDULE:
5 p.m. – Networking
5:30 p.m. – Informational presentation
5:55 p.m. – “My Houston 2040” talk
Start Time: 17:00
Date: 2010-09-09
End Time: 18:45

Title: Food for Thought: Why Sustainability?
Location: Multipurpose Room of the Oberholtzer Residence Hall. 108 Oberholtzer Hall, University of Houston, Central Campus. For directions see link at www.urbanharvest.org.
Event Link: Click here
Description: : As a national movement to create resilient local food systems that are truly sustainable continues, ushering in a new call for victory gardens, backyard chickens, edible schoolyards, farmers markets, and small family farms, Urban Harvest presents the panel discussion Why Sustainability? to be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This discussion is a continuation of Urban Harvest’s successful Food For Thought series which began in spring. The panel will explore one of the hottest global issues of the twenty-first century – Sustainability For the event, a six-member panel will tackle two topics: Why is sustainability becoming increasingly important? And, how we can respond locally to the widespread global changes? The challenges of the future, including changing weather patterns and rising energy costs, will require ordinary people to reconsider the reliability of their food sources. Industrial agricultural practices produce surpluses and exotic food year-round, but with significant costs. Huge carbon emissions, topsoil fertility depletion, groundwater contamination and depletion, a food supply chain that is highly vulnerable to fuel price increases, the widespread presence of pesticides in our food, and even the rise of obesity have been traced to the way we grow our food. Or rather, to the way we don’t grow our food, but have handed that responsibility over to multinational corporations. Submission of relevant questions is encouraged, and can be sent to gary@urbanharvest.org.

Speakers

Jim Blackburn, Environmental lawyer, Blackburn & Carter. Professor at Rice University.

Dr. Barry Lefer, Professor at University of Houston, Earth and atmospheric sciences.

Randall Morton, Moderator.  President of The Progressive Forum

Dr. Bob Randall, Formerly Executive Director of Urban Harvest

Laura Spanjian, Director of the Office of Sustainability, Office of the Mayor

Maria Honey, Marketing Manager of University Services, University of Houston, including Green UH

Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-09-07
End Time: 21:00

Title: Transition Houston Labor Day Potluck and No Impact Man screening
Location: 4510 Inman St., Houston, 77020
Event Link: Click here
Description: Transition Houston’s traditional Labor Day Potluck will feature a screening of the documentary *No Impact Man*, followed by potluck, conversation, and community. Transition Initiatives work to build local resiliency–the ability to resist and bounce back from the shocks of peak oil, climate change,or economic disruption. Among the tools we use to build resiliency are relocalization of our food, energy, transportation, and economy, the development of connections and community, and vision/planning for a satisfying, low-carbon future. Transition Houston is a city hub for local neighborhood Transition Initiatives in the greater
Houston area.

11:30AM-1PM (movie), 1-3PM (Potluck)
Cost: Free
Contact person for registration: Mark Juedeman at 832-655-5104
Start Time: 11:30
Date: 2010-09-06
End Time: 15:00

Title: Arboretum at Night: Wine and Cheese and Bats
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight and they have radiated into almost every habitat on earth. They are responsible for eating millions of night-flying insects, dispersing seeds in rain forests and pollinating plants in deserts. Only three out of the 1,100+ species of bats are vampires and feed solely on the blood of other mammals and birds. Other bats are carnivorous and capture small vertebrate prey, such as lizards, birds, and even other bats. Their great diversity of feeding strategies is a testament to the adaptability of these nocturnal animals. Unfortunately, most things that people think that they know about bats are not even true. For instance, bats are not blind; they do not get entangled in human hair; and they do not “carry” rabies.

For this evening event, enjoy wine and cheese while Dr. Cullen Geiselman gives a brief summary of the world’s bat species, their habitats, life histories, and dispels common bat myths as well as discusses the eight bat species found in the Houston area. Afterwards we will go on a ‘bat walk’ on the Arboretum grounds to spotlight and detect bats using an ultrasonic bat detector.

Note: Must be 21 or over to attend. Event will be held inside in case of rain.

Date: October 2, 2010; 7:00-9:00pm

Guide: Dr. Cullen Geiselman is a specialist in Bat/Plant interaction in the Neotropics. Geiselman received her doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Columbia in 2010. Geiselman has spent time studying in Kenya and Costa Rica, and has worked for Bat Conservation International in Austin. Since 2010 she has been a proud Arboretum board member.

Cost: $30 for members, and $45 for non-members
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-10-02
End Time: 21:00

Title: The 2010 Harvest Moon – A Celebration with Food, Drink, & the Night Sky
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: As fall approaches, join us as we celebrate the harvest moon with our first star party on the Arboretum’s meadow deck. You will enjoy an interesting food twist, as well as plenty of St. Arnold’s beer, frozen margaritas & moon pies!

We welcome Fusion Taco, Houston’s first Asian Fusion Taco Truck – a cool new gourmet “food truck”.

Members of the Houston Astronomical Society will also be on hand with telescopes to show us the harvest moon up close, as well as several other interesting night sky objects. We may also see nocturnal migrating birds as they pass the face of this bright moon.

The harvest moon occurs in the autumn around the time when the length of day and the length of night are the same, and the moon rises just when the sun sets. It has been said that farmers used the light of the harvest moon to allow more time to bring in their crops. Moonrise on this night will be around 8:30 p.m. directly over the meadow.

Note: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to stroll approximately ¼ mile from the building to the meadow where the telescopes will be set up.

Cost: $50 for members, $65 for non-members
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-09-25
End Time: 21:30

Title: Certify Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: Certify Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Food. Water. Shelter. We all need them to survive. So do wildlife. In this informative and interactive workshop learn how to evaluate your existing yard to see if you qualify for certification by Texas Parks and Wildlife as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Bring along a sketch, diagram or photographs of your backyard and a current plant inventory for critique by the instructor and fellow participants.

Not ready to apply for certification? Need assistance planning your conversion from non-native landscape to colorful wildscape? Various tools found on the internet will be demonstrated as well as the interactive DVD included in the book “Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife, Texas A&M Nature Guides Edition” (2009) by Kelly Conrad Bender.

Upcoming Arboretum native plant sales, book sales and classes on Texas native trees, shrubs and flowering plants will be profiled.

Note: Cost of workshop includes the above mentioned book which contains the interactive DVD resource. The $15 certification fee required by TPWD is not included and this workshop is not endorsed by TPWD. To see more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife certification process click here

Instructor: Joe Blanton, the Arboretum’s Conservation Director, is certified by National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat Designer. Before joining the Arboretum staff, Joe designed, implemented and/or managed 16 outdoor environmental education classrooms for Urban Harvest and HISD. His latest undertaking has been to become one of the first 100 accredited Green Roof professionals in North America.

Cost: $75 for members, $95 for non-members (includes copy of book: Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife, Texas A&M Nature Guides Edition” (2009) by Kelly Conrad Bender)
Start Time: 14:00
Date: 2010-09-19
End Time: 17:00

Title: Edible Wild Plants – The Real Organic Food
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: From acorns to wild violets, the Texas landscape is filled with an abundance of wild edibles. Ancient foodstuff can be found everywhere from outside your front door to the depths of the Piney Woods. Learn where to find, how to identify and proper preparation of the fruits, shoots, roots, and salad greens growing all around you. Whether you are learning to survive in the woods or just want to cut your food bills, this class is for you.

Topics will include:

* Hands-on plant identification
* Responsible harvesting techniques
* Preparation of foods
* Dangerous mimics and poisonous plants
* Edible landscaping

Please bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sack lunch, and bug repellent. A pen/pencil and a camera are also recommended. A plant guidesheet will be supplied.

Instructor: Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen is a research chemist and also one of the Houston area’s most intrepid explorers. Mark spends every free moment on adventures, including canoeing, hiking, exploring, camping, eating wild things, and sleeping under the stars. His popular blog is “Merriwether the Adventurer”.

Class Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Cost:
$40 for Arboretum members
$60 for non-members
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2010-09-18
End Time: 13:30

Title: All About Hummingbirds- Houston Arboretum Class Field Trip
Event Link: Click here
Description: In this class, we’ll learn about the huge variety of hummingbirds in the Western Hemisphere (over 300 species).

Learn about hummingbird migration and the species which occur on the Upper Texas Coast. Examine some of the unusual characteristics that make hummingbirds unique, including their ability to hover in mid-air and to fly backwards, as well as their extreme metabolism. See examples of the many spectacular species found in the tropics, with names like Fiery Topaz, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Mountain Velvetbreast. The class will also include tips on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard in every season.

The Saturday morning field trip will involve studying the hummingbirds here at the Arboretum during the height of fall migration.

This class is open to anyone over the age of 10, and family participation is encouraged.

Course Instructor: Bill Eley is Program Development Director at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and has over 30 years of experience birding the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and South America. Bill was involved in four separate scientific expeditions to Peru and has studied many of the tropical hummingbird species found there.

Course Dates:
Class: Wednesday, September 15, 2010: 7 – 9 p.m.
Field Trip:Saturday, September 18, 2010: 9 – 11 a.m.

Cost: $30/person for members
$40 for non-members
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2010-09-18
End Time: 11:00

Title: All About Hummingbirds- Houston Arboretum Class
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: In this class, we’ll learn about the huge variety of hummingbirds in the Western Hemisphere (over 300 species).

Learn about hummingbird migration and the species which occur on the Upper Texas Coast. Examine some of the unusual characteristics that make hummingbirds unique, including their ability to hover in mid-air and to fly backwards, as well as their extreme metabolism. See examples of the many spectacular species found in the tropics, with names like Fiery Topaz, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Mountain Velvetbreast. The class will also include tips on how to attract hummingbirds to your yard in every season.

The Saturday morning field trip will involve studying the hummingbirds here at the Arboretum during the height of fall migration.

This class is open to anyone over the age of 10, and family participation is encouraged.

Course Instructor: Bill Eley is Program Development Director at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and has over 30 years of experience birding the Gulf Coast, Mexico, and South America. Bill was involved in four separate scientific expeditions to Peru and has studied many of the tropical hummingbird species found there.

Course Dates:
Class: Wednesday, September 15, 2010: 7 – 9 p.m.
Field Trip:Saturday, September 18, 2010: 9 – 11 a.m.

Cost: $30/person for members
$40 for non-members
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-09-15
End Time: 21:00

Title: Herbal Teas Class at Houston Arboretum
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: Do you know the difference between a decoction, an infusion, an elixir and a tincture? Which herbs help calm the mind and which power you up? Whether it is better to dry or freeze the products of your herbal garden? For thousands of years mankind has known the techniques and benefits of herbal teas, now it’s your turn to discover them! Come learn the art and science of herbal teas with the Houston Arboretum’s wild foods teacher, Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen!

The highly entertaining “Merriwether” will be teaching the recipes and techniques of brewing numerous beneficial teas from herbs easy to grow, purchase, or find. By the end of the class you’ll know which herbs to use for refreshment, nutrition and health, energy, serenity, clarity of thought, medicinals, and more. You’ll also learn how to save money by growing and storing your own herbs here in Houston.

Assorted teas will be available for tasting and a handout covering everything taught will be given to each student.

Instructor: Dr. Mark Vorderbruggen is a research chemist, and also one of the Houston area’s most intrepid explorers. Mark spends every free moment on adventures, including canoeing, hiking, exploring, camping, eating wild things, and sleeping under the stars. His popular blog is “Merriwether the Adventurer.”

Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members.
Start Time: 13:00
Date: 2010-09-11
End Time: 16:00

Title: Houston Arboretum Volunteer Orientation
Location: Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: If you enjoy being outdoors or sharing your love of nature with others, consider joining the volunteers at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

Volunteers help with education programs, conservation projects, guest services, special events, and behind-the-scenes support.

Opportunities are available both weekends and weekdays, and the commitment is as little as 2 hours a month.

Some of the things you can do as a volunteer:

* Work outside on trails and conservation projects
* Introduce nature to the next generation as a School Tour Guide
* Learn about nature up-close as part of the Discovery Room Team
* Share your appreciation for the natural resources as a Weekend Tour Guide
* For more information, view our volunteer opportunities.

Now’s a great time to start!

Next Volunteer Orientation is Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2010-09-11
End Time: 12:00

Title: Discount Houston Astros Game Tickets benefit Katy Prairie
Location: Minute Maid Park
Event Link: Click here
Description: KPC is partnering with the Houston Astros to bring you a special opportunity to help save the prairie and indulge in America’s favorite sport at the same time! When you buy tickets online at www.astros.com/kpc (password: kpc) for one of the listed dates, a part of the already discounted ticket sales will go to KPC. Remember to stick around afterward for the post-game show.

We hope that you’ll take advantage of this opportunity. Please forward this invitation to family, friends, neighbors, or listservs you belong to so that you can be surrounded by lots of people who love ballgames and the prairie.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email or call us at 713.523.6135.

Date: 2010-09-01

Title: Discount Houston Astros Game Tickets benefit Katy Prairie
Location: Minute Maid Park
Event Link: Click here
Description: KPC is partnering with the Houston Astros to bring you a special opportunity to help save the prairie and indulge in America’s favorite sport at the same time! When you buy tickets online at www.astros.com/kpc (password: kpc) for one of the listed dates, a part of the already discounted ticket sales will go to KPC. Remember to stick around afterward for the post-game show.

We hope that you’ll take advantage of this opportunity. Please forward this invitation to family, friends, neighbors, or listservs you belong to so that you can be surrounded by lots of people who love ballgames and the prairie.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email or call us at 713.523.6135.

Start Time: 19:05
Date: 2010-09-17

Title: State Highway 6 South Public Meetings
Location: Church of the Harvest 7505 Wilson Dr. Manvel, TX
Event Link: Click here
Description: State Highway 6 South Public Meetings

H-GAC invites public participation in the final round of public meetings regarding
safety and mobility improvements to the southern section of SH 6 from FM 521 to
IH 45 South. Began in 2009, the Access Management Study encompasses the communities
of Arcola, Alvin, Manvel, Santa Fe, Hitchcock and Bayou Vista along with Brazoria
and Galveston counties. The study is seeking solutions to reduce crashes, improve
traffic flow and minimize motorist delay.
Two open house meetings will be held along the corridor to provide ample opportunity
for all interested parties to learn about and comment on the recommended improvements
plan. H-GAC representatives will be available to answer questions.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Santa Fe High School Cafeteria
16000 Highway 6
Santa Fe, TX 77517
Thursday, September 9, 2010
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Church of the Harvest
7505 Wilson Dr.
Manvel, TX 7757

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2010-09-09
End Time: 20:00

Title: State Highway 6 South Public Meetings
Location: Santa Fe High School Cafeteria, 16000 Highway 6 Santa Fe, TX 77517
Event Link: Click here
Description: State Highway 6 South Public Meetings

H-GAC invites public participation in the final round of public meetings regarding
safety and mobility improvements to the southern section of SH 6 from FM 521 to
IH 45 South. Began in 2009, the Access Management Study encompasses the communities
of Arcola, Alvin, Manvel, Santa Fe, Hitchcock and Bayou Vista along with Brazoria
and Galveston counties. The study is seeking solutions to reduce crashes, improve
traffic flow and minimize motorist delay.
Two open house meetings will be held along the corridor to provide ample opportunity
for all interested parties to learn about and comment on the recommended improvements
plan. H-GAC representatives will be available to answer questions. Tuesday, September 7, 2010
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Santa Fe High School Cafeteria
16000 Highway 6
Santa Fe, TX 77517
Thursday, September 9, 2010
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Church of the Harvest
7505 Wilson Dr.
Manvel, TX 7757

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2010-09-07
End Time: 20:00