Houston Environmental News Update April 16, 2013
- EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC
- Happy Earth Day
- Keep Texas Parks Open lunch colloquium
- Green Building Tour: The Houston Permitting Center
- Give 5% Day
- Spring Fling Earth Day Celebration with Nature Discovery Center
- Earth Day Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of Houston
- Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
- Complete Streets Week
- Native Plant Garden Renovation Grand Opening
- 9 Natives Challenge
- National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock
- Wetlands Workshop
- Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament
- “E-Waste” Recycling Event
- 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event
- Texas Watershed Steward Workshop
- Zumba, Green Expo & Health Fair
- Toyota TogetherGreen Initiative
- TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
- Air Quality Forecast
- How To Make Houston’s Streets Safe For Everyone (Laurie Johnson – KUHF News, 4/13/13)
- Houston named most walkable of all large Texas cities (Erin Mulvaney – Houston Chronicle, 4/8/13)
- Gone wild: Hogs are damaging crops, contaminating water (Rachel Hall – Eastex Advocate, 4/9/13)
- Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator
- Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist
- TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns
- TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator
- The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant
- Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions)
- Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator
- Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator
- ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern
- Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern
- The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE with survey!
SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS
- EarthShare Partners with H-E-B to Benefit CEC. CEC is pleased to announce that H-E-B, in recognition of Earth Day, has selected EarthShare of Texas to be the April beneficiary for its in-store coupon promotion. This means that customers can tear off and add check-out coupons worth $1, $3, or $5 to their total bill to support environmental work throughout the State of Texas for the entire month of April. Contributions made in the Houston area will be divided among EarthShare of Texas organizations with program work in the Houston region, including CEC and several of its member organizations. H-E-B supports many EarthShare of Texas organizations with corporate grants or in-kind contributions. The April tear-pad promotion is a bit different as it enables H-E-B customers to bolster the diverse environmental program work of more than three dozen EarthShare of Texas’ organizations, including the CEC. The customers’ dollars will go directly to these organizations, benefiting both the Texas environment and economy. Throughout the month of April and into the first week of May, look for the EarthShare of Texas display and tear-off coupons at the check-out stands in any Texas H-E-B and Central Market stores. Support EarthShare of Texas and the Texas environment!
- Happy Earth Day! Visit the CEC website for a calendar of local Earth Day events.
- Keep Texas Parks Open lunch colloquium. Meet fellow state and local parks supporters and learn how we can restore funding for Texas Parks so that all Texans can enjoy the great outdoors. Hear from Dr. John Crompton, an expert on park funding and the value of parks; George Bristol, one of Texas’s leading conservationists; former Mayor Bill White and Houston’s very own Anne Olson, president of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Apr 17, 2013 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. More information and RSVP at http://houstonparksboard.org.
- Green Building Tour: The Houston Permitting Center. In celebration of Earth Day, the Houston Permitting Center will be the site of the City of Houston’s next Green Building Tour on Friday, April 19, 2013. The center, certified by the US Green Building Council in 2012 – LEED for New Construction (Gold Level), will be available for tours from 11am-2pm. The center is located at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, and the tours are free and open to the public. Come at 11:20am and noon for engineer led tours.
- Give 5% Day. On Saturday, April 20, 2013, five Houston-area conservation groups – Bayou Land Conservancy, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Galveston Bay Foundation, Houston Audubon, and Katy Prairie Conservancy – are collaborating for the second annual “Give 5% to Conserve Houston” campaign! The campaign encourages local businesses to commit to donate five percent of gross sales on April 20th, the Saturday before Earth Day, to the above listed non-profits that dedicate their time and energy into making the Houston area a better place. In return, the participating non-profit partners encourage the local community to celebrate Earth Day by supporting these businesses throughout Earth Day weekend. See a list of businesses here, and you can sign up to participate here.
- Spring Fling Earth Day Celebration with Nature Discovery Center. Celebrate Earth Day on April 20, 2013, 10am-3pm, at the Nature Discovery Center. This FREE family event has something for everyone: children’s crafts and activities, nature walks, environmental exhibitors, and music on the front porch. The Bellaire Garden Club’s annual Spring Plant Sale takes place out back under the pavilions from 8am-3pm. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- Earth Day Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of Houston. The Children’s Museum of Houston will be celebrating Earth Day on April 20, 2013. There will be green events happening all day. Topics include recycling, wildlife, and energy. There will also be special presentations by the Texas Wildlife Rehab Center, Texas Wildlife Association, and Trees for Houston. Learn more at http://www.cmhouston.org/.
- Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is holding a Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop on April 21, 2013. The extreme drought has everyone thinking about water conservation. Go ―”green” by harvesting rainwater to nourish your soil, reduce your water bill, and water in between downpours. In this hands-on, make and take workshop, learn how a one-time investment of less than $100 will allow you to harvest 55 gallons of chemical-free water from your roof every time it rains. The instructor for this course is Joe Blanton, the Houston Arboretum’s Conservation Director. Cost is $75 for members; $90 for non-members. Choose between the 1-3pm class and the 3-5pm class. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- Complete Streets Week. Houston’s Complete Streets Week kicks off April 13, 2013. A ‘Complete Street’ ensures that all users have access to the many world-class amenities that the City of Houston has to offer. They give us an opportunity to continue to create signature boulevards and to provide a high- quality transportation network for our citizens. Streets that are safe for all users at all times throughout Houston must be our priority. Councilman Gonzalez is a proud advocate for ‘Complete Streets’ because of the immediate quality of life benefits that it would provide to District H residents and to the continued development of our communities. Complete Streets Week runs from April 13 to 21, 2013. Learn more at http://houstoncompletestreets.org/.
- Native Plant Garden Renovation Grand Opening. Celebrate Earth Day with Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens on April 22, 2013! The celebration will include an official ribbon-cutting and tours of the enhanced native plant and endangered species garden. The tours will run from 10-11:30am. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- 9 Natives Challenge. The goal of the 9 Natives Challenge is to get more people to plant pocket prairies at their homes, schools, businesses, and in other venues in the urban and suburban environments. One critical public education tool that we are missing is good, local models for prairie plantings. By participatinhelp us develop simple, effective garden plans for the general public. For the challenge, choose 9 coastal prairie natives out of a list of 10. Then design a flower bed for full sun using the given template. Designs will be judged and announced on May 22nd at the Association of Texas (HNPAT) Meeting. There will be an informational meeting about the challenge at the Bayland Community Center on April 24, 2013 at 6:30pm. Thomas Adams, Botanist at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, will speak on many of the 50 native plants in the Official 9 Natives list. Along with photos, he will be giving information on growing conditions and characteristics of these plants. More at http://www.cechouston.org/. The contest is sponsored by these non-profit organizations: Coastal Prairie Partnership, Houston Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas, and Katy Prairie Conservancy.
- National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Americans use more than 150 trillion gallons of fresh water a year. With more people and more demands on water than ever, water conservation is one of the best solutions to this growing issue. The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation started last week and lasts through April 30, 2013! The challenge is a friendly competition between cities across the U.S. to see who can be the most “water-wise.” Pledge to conserve water and reduce pollution! Visit http://www.wylandfoundation.org/ and enter your city to start the challenge. It’s free, easy, and brings together friends and neighbors in cities across America to see who can be the most water wise. Best of all, participants from winning cities can win hundreds of prizes, including a Toyota Prius c Hybrid.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock. Sugar Land’s Earth Day Celebration – called Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock – will be held April 20, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities will begin at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., with a recycling collection event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items accepted will include household electronics, paper for shredding, clothing and household goods for reuse. In addition, grant funds from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will allow residents to dispose of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and fluorescent light bulbs during the recycling event. Environmental activity booths and performances are planned at Sugar Land Town Square from 2-6 p.m. Enjoy eco-friendly displays and demonstrations, interactive games and educational booths from local organizations. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- Wetlands Workshop. The Society of Military Engineers and the Houston/Galveston Post are hosting a Wetlands Workshop on April 17, 2013, 8am-3:30pm, at The HESS Club (5430 Westheimer Rd). 4.5 Hours of CE Credits for Workshop Attendance. Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants. RSVP to Carland Holstead by email to cgholstead@terracon.com or by phone to 713-939-6476. View the flyer to learn more.
- Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament. The third annual Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 at the Clear Creek Golf Course in Tom Bass Park. Proceeds will go to the Marsha Hill Memorial Scholarship Program to help fund the education of deserving students in the area studying environmental science or a related topic. Marsha was a Rice University grad, longtime employee of the TCEQ and its predecessor agencies, and a dedicated environmental advocate. Golfers, sponsors and volunteers are needed. See www.marshahillclassic.org for information and registration.
- “E-Waste” Recycling Event. In honor of Earth Day and as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and giving back to its local community, Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) will hold a free “e-waste” electronics recycling event at its Houston headquarters. Members of the community may bring in any used electronic items they want to dispose of safely. Items that will be accepted for recycling include: TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computer monitors, phones, cell phones, computer CPUs, inkjet printer cartridges, computer peripherals, scanners, printers and fax machines, stereo equipment, etc.* Every community recycler will also receive a special Toshiba thank-you gift! The event will happen on April 19, 2013 from 10am-4pm, rain or shine at Toshiba International Corporation (13131 W. Little York Road). More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event. Texas Medical Center will sponsor the 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling C for the public on April 20 and 22, 2013. E-waste includes laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, cables, printers, fax machines, scanners, computer and circuit boards, data storage devices, toner cartridges, cameras, cell telephones, compact discs, game consoles and controllers, radios, and batteries. On April 20, 8am-1pm, members of the public may drop off their unwanted electronic devices at no cost at the Texas Medical Center South Extension Lot located at 1522 S. Braeswood Blvd. at William C. Harvin Blvd. On Earth Day, April 22, 9am-5pm, the location is the John P. McGovern Museum of Health And Medical Science at 1515 Hermann Drive. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- Texas Watershed Steward Workshop. A Texas Watershed Steward workshop addressing water quality issues in Galveston County bayous will be held from 8am-4pm on April 30, 2013 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Galveston County, 4102 Main Street in La Marque. The workshop is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in Dickinson Bayou and surrounding areas. Participants are encouraged to preregister at http://tws.tamu.edu. The training provides a discussion of watershed systems, types and sources of water pollution, and ways to improve and protect water quality. More at http://www.cechouston.org/.
- Zumba, Green Expo & Health Fair. Lantrip Elementary, Jackson Middle School and Austin High School GreenSchools! in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Friends of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas – Latino Legacy and many others, will host a Zumbathon to support area students in creating a more healthy Houston through campus and community greening projects. The “Let’s Zumba Outside for GreenSchools!” event will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 9 am -1 pm at Stephen F. Austin High School, located at 1700 Dumble, Houston TX. Primary components of the event will center upon getting children and their families outside, campus and community greening, site planning for outdoor spaces, and promoting the important connections between health and nature. Bring a bag of clothes to enter into a CASH prize drawing. Tickets are $10 Adult and $5 student. More at http://www.friendsnfgt.org/.
- Toyota TogetherGreen Initiative. Toyota Motor North America has announced a $3.5 million grant to the National Audubon Society to extend the Toyota TogetherGreen initiative, which supports emerging conservation leaders and community-based conservation projects across the United States. Now in its sixth year, the program will provide grants of $10,000 and specialized training to forty Toyota TogetherGreen Fellows to help them implement twelve-month conservation projects in their communities; award up to forty Innovation Grants to cutting-edge community-based conservation projects; and sponsor a digital campaign designed to inspire people to spend more time in nature during the summer months. More at http://foundationcenter.org/.
- 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). This week’s broadcast will include:
- Gargantuan Gar
- Parks & Wildlife People: Cherie O’Brien
- Black Bears of Black Gap
- Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
- April 16: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should cover most of the eastern two-thirds of the state and could keep the daily PM2.5 AQI in the “Moderate” range over most of this area, mainly along and east of a line from Sanderson to Vernon.
- April 17: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should continue over most of the middle of the state and will likely keep the daily PM2.5 AQI in the “Moderate” range over most of the area along and east of a line from Sanderson to Vernon and along and west of a line from Galveston to Sherman-Denison.
- April 18: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Smoke from agricultural burning in Mexico and Central America should continue over coastal areas of South and Southeast Texas and will likely keep the daily PM2.5 AQI in the “Moderate” range over most of that area, as a cold front pushes the smoke out of the state by the end of the evening.
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).
- How To Make Houston’s Streets Safe For Everyone (Laurie Johnson – KUHF News, 4/13/13)
A complete street is a street designed for everyone to use, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and mass transit. Jay Crossley with Houston Tomorrow says about 40 percent of Houstonians don’t drive and Houston streets could be safer for everyone. One of the goals of Houston Complete Streets is to get local officials to pay more attention to planning and funding safer and more user-friendly thoroughfares. This weekend and next week, 33 organizations will coordinate lectures, bike rides, walks and social awareness about the condition of Houston’s streets.
http://app1.kuhf.org/ - Houston named most walkable of all large Texas cities (Erin Mulvaney – Houston Chronicle, 4/8/13)
It may come as a surprise that in a recent ranking Houston -with its sprawling interstates, highways and toll roads – came out on top of other large Texas cities as a “walkable.” In the ranking by Walkscore.com, Houston was No. 23 out of the 50 largest U.S. cities. The website said the best Houston neighborhoods for walking are Neartown-Montrose, Greenway/Upper Kirby area, Midtown and Downtown.
http://www.chron.com/ - Gone wild: Hogs are damaging crops, contaminating water (Rachel Hall – Eastex Advocate, 4/9/13)
It is not uncommon to hear reports about increased bacteria levels in the Lake Houston Watershed, but it seems one contributing factor to the problem is almost completely unnoticed by citizens in the community. Feral hogs, also known as wild pigs, are impacting the local environment and other areas in the state of Texas. They can chemically and physically alter the water in the watershed.
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/
GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s Green Jobs page.New
- Air Alliance Houston seeks Community Outreach Coordinator. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. The Community Outreach Coordinator will work independently and in conjunction with Air Alliance staff on ongoing programs and new initiatives. The existing programs require skillful program management, attendance at stakeholder and community meetings, support of educational and outreach activities, leading community based participatory research initiatives such as community air monitoring, public speaking, written advocacy, and grassroots organizing. New initiatives will require the Community Outreach Coordinator to identify a community’s health and environmental issues, raise awareness about them within the community and beyond, and develop strategies to address them. The Community Outreach Coordinator will also be expected to assist Air Alliance staff with major program events and ably represent the organization at other public functions, events, and meetings. This position will encompass a broad range of issues including public health, quality of life, community relations, grassroots outreach, education, written and oral advocacy, organizing, public policy, and fundraising. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working with diverse stakeholders including community members, local business and industry, academic partners, regulatory agencies, government and elected officials, and the media. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org. View the full job posting here: http://airalliancehouston.org/.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife seeks Program Specialist I / Outdoor Diversity Specialist. Based at Sheldon Lake State Park, Houston, TX. Responsibilities include: Under the direction of the Outdoor Education and Outreach Coordinator for Texas State Parks, this position serves as lead instructor for overnight camping workshops, and outdoor activity program delivery to promote the use of State Parks to non-traditional visitors. Responsible for organizing, conducting and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family workshops within the Houston-area State Parks. Serves as a community liaison between State Parks and Houston-area organizations. Develops relationships with community partners who serve diverse audiences, conduct outdoor leadership trainings to prepare group leaders and volunteers to lead overnight camping and outdoor education experiences. View the full details of the position and learn how to apply at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/.
- TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Wildlife Education Interns. The Wildlife Education interns will assist with Summer Wildlife Camp, conduct outreach and on-site education programming, assist in the Baby Bird Feeding Program and work with other TWRC Wildlife Center interns on a Summer Internship Action Team to develop and analyze education programming, complete individual service projects and address challenges presented by the Education Coordinator. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
- TWRC Wildlife Center seeks Junior Counselor Coordinator. TWRC Wildlife Center is seeking a Junior Counselor Coordinator for its Summer Wildlife Camp. The paid intern will recruit, train, schedule, and supervise teenage summer camp counselors in education animal care, wildlife summer camps, birthday parties, outreach programs, summer wildlife workshops, and in-center baby bird rehabilitation. The Junior Counselor Coordinator will implement, analyze and improve the Junior Counselor program while working hands-on with native and exotic wildlife. As a vital team member of an active non-profit, the Junior Counselor Coordinator will be called upon to develop and coordinate marketing, fundraising, or community awareness materials and events in relation to the new Junior Counselor Program. Please go to http://twrcwildlifecenter.org/ to read the full description and find out how to apply.
- The Environmental Health Service at Baylor College of Medicine seeks Part-time GIS Research Assistant. This person will assist the director with expanding the Service’s geospatial capabilities, developing fee-for-service resources, and supporting research and community outreach projects that utilize geospatial modeling and analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience with ESRI ArcGIS software, as well as experience producing effective visual communications, managing data, and using basic biostatistical tools. The candidate should also have good writing skills and a demonstrated interest in environmental health. The hours are flexible, with the possibility of a full-time position if funding permits. The BCM-EHS is located in the Texas Medical Center. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified students who would like to satisfy practicum or independent study requirements will also be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and work samples to Dr. Winifred Hamilton (hamilton@bcm.edu), director of the Environmental Health Service. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Hamilton (713-798-1052).
- Bayou Preservation Association seeks Water Quality Investigator Interns (2 positions). The interns will serve as a member of a team to conduct investigative water sampling in Houston-area bayous upstream of locations with identified high fecal indicator bacteria. For more information see: http://www.bayoupreservation.org/employment. Contact: Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director; shupp@bayoupreservation.org; 713-529-6443.
- Bayou Greenways 2020 seeks Grassroots and Digital Coordinator. The Bayou Greenways 2020 (BG2020) project aims to create a united urban park system like no other in the nation. By developing linear parks and trails along all the major bayous that flow throughout Houston, BG2020 will add nearly 1,500 acres of additional park land to Houston’s inventory. The Grassroots and Digital Coordinator will be responsible for developing online and web strategies, creating and executing email campaigns, maintaining and managing multiple websites, and organizing and coordinating online and offline community outreach and grassroots outreach efforts. Responsibilities also include managing the organization’s relationship with online community influencers, including reaching out to external blogs and online communities. To Apply: Cover letter, resume and three references should be emailed to: Jen Powis, Advocacy Director at jen@houstonparksboard.org.
- Nature Discovery Center Seeks Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator. The Nature Discovery Center is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to manage all areas related to volunteer work at the Center. The ideal candidate will be adept at working with a variety of personalities and styles, technologically savvy, and goal-oriented. Additional requirements include sense of humor and love of nature. A background in science, education, or conservation is helpful though not required. Responsibilities include: recruit, interview and place applicants for volunteer work at the Nature Discovery Center; conduct and arrange volunteer orientation and training, including the Teen Volunteer Summer Program and most special events; create and maintain a volunteer database and a system for reporting volunteer statistics; and coordinate all volunteer activity with staff. For more information about the Volunteer Coordinator position, or to apply contact: Sarah Flournoy, Executive Director at sflournoy@naturediscoverycenter.org or 713.667.6550.
- ExxonMobil CSJP seeks Hermann Park Centennial Exhibit Research Intern. The intern will participate in research and administrative work in preparation for the upcoming exhibition to be held at the Julia Ideson Library related to Hermann Park’s centennial celebration in 2014. Primary responsibilities include carrying out research related to Hermann Park, including historical materials, publications, documents, photographs, master plan(s), sketches, artworks, etc.; archiving, cataloguing and chronology; correspondence and communications (writing letters, e-mails, phone contacts, etc.); organizing and filing of documents and research materials; maintaining database of objects and materials; preparing exhibition materials’ bibliography including materials, sources, references; and report writing. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
- Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning and Volunteer Programs Intern. Shell seeks Hermann Park Reforestation Planning (90%) and Volunteer Programs (10%) Intern. Primary areas of responsibility include: assisting Hermann Park Conservancy’s (HPC) Conservation Director with aspects of the continuing development of a reforestation plan in Hermann Park, and assisting the HPC volunteer coordinator with volunteer project facilitation with regard to tree plantings, tree care, park maintenance and other Hermann Park improvement projects. Mail, fax or email (no phone calls please) cover letter and resume to: Hermann Park Conservancy / Barbara Jo L. Harwell, Conservation Director / 6201-A Hermann Park Drive / Houston, Texas 77030. Fax: 713-524-5887. barbara_jo@hermannpark.org
- The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks Summer Crew Leaders. SCA seeks two qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire high school students for the Houston Summer Crew program. Co-lead, mentor and coach a crew of 12 students, ages 14-19, while completing various conservation service projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental stewardship. Projects include a range of activities such as trail and park maintenance, habitat restoration, revitalization of abandoned urban properties or to urban agriculture. In addition, leaders will facilitate pre- and post- program planning which includes crew training, environmental education and reporting. Training is June 3-12 and program start date is June 20. To Apply: Please visit the www.thesca.org/employment for a detailed description including information on how to apply. For questions contact SCA Houston staff at SCAHouston@theSCA.org or call: (713) 520-1835.
CEC is sharing information during the session about what bills our member groups and readers are tracking. More information is available at www.cechouston.org/category/texas-legislature/.
The last day to file most bills was March 8, 2013. Yesterday, April 15, 2013, was first day a Senator might place five bills or resolutions on the Intent Calendar. The last day of the regular session is Monday, May 27, 2013. Learn more at www.legis.state.tx.us.
Let us know what you think about the senate bills that have been filed! Take a quick survey to let us know which senate bills are important to you–and why! We’ll let you know what our readers think. Click here to take survey.
Here is news from Adrian Shelley of Air Alliance Houston:
- HB 1694 – Farrar – Prohibits the disposal of certain electronic wastes at municipal solid waste facilities. This is an important step to keeping e-waste out of our landfills.
- HB 3609 and HB 3615 – Burnam – Two bills regulating the transportation of certain radioactive wastes. HB 3609 would create alternative preferred routes for transporting radioactive waste around large municipalities. HB 3615 would require notice to the county judge and local emergency responders of each county through which radioactive waste would pass.
- Other good house bills up for a hearing this week related to conservation or water management include: HB 1173 by Anchia, HB 2142 by Frullo, HB 2143 by Frullo, HB 2577 by Larson, HB 3604 by Burnam, HB 3605 by Burnam, and HB 3608 by Burnam.
- Finally, two problematic bills by Rep. Wayne Smith will probably be heard on the house floor this week.
- HB 788 would require TCEQ, instead of EPA, to begin issuing greenhouse gas permits. This is important because it is time for TCEQ to issue these permits, but the bill is problematic because it exempts GHG permits form the contested case hearing process.
- HB 1714 by Smith is a bad bill that would end the TCEQ’s compliance history program.Compliance history is a system by which good actors are rewarded and bad actors are penalized in the permitting and penalty processes. It is an effective system, and we should oppose this bill so that it can remain in place.
Other websites with updates on environmental legislation:
- The Texas Bottle Bill reports that HB 1473 has made it out of committee, but has not been placed on the calendar. To learn more about progress of the bill, visit www.texasbottlebill.com.
- H-GAC’s Natural Resources Advisory Council: Justin Bower, senior environmental planner, is providing briefings on proposed legislation related to air, water, land use, governance of natural resources, parks and natural areas, and energy issues. The briefings are updated on a weekly basis. Please note, these documents are intended as a summary of legislation and potential impacts, and are not intended to imply a stance or position on any bill. For all questions, contact Justin Bower at 713-499-6653. Briefing Document for All Natural Resources Legislation. (By category: Air Pollution and Climate, Energy, Governance, Land Use, Miscellaneous, Parks and Natural Areas, Solid Waste, Water and Sewer Utilities, Water Conservation, Water Quality, Water Supply, Wildlife Management.)
- Public Citizen Texas VOX: http://texasvox.org/82nd-legislative-session/
UPCOMING EVENTS If you attend one of these events, please let them know you heard about it here! Visit the new calendar at www.cechouston.org.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
- 8:00 am Prairie Restoration @ Sheldon Lake Sate Park & Environmental Learning Center
- 3:00 pm Webinar – Greening STEM: Taking Technology Outdoors @ Online
- 3:30 pm Rice University Farmers Market @ Rice University South Stadium Lot
- 6:00 pm “Growing Green” Public Meeting @ Crosby Community Center
- 6:00 pm Baytown Fit Kids @ Baytown Community Center
- 6:00 pm Chimney Swift Counts @ Pershing Middle School
- 6:00 pm Distinguished Speaker Series: William Fulton @ Asia Society of Texas
- 6:30 pm Piney Woods Wildlife Society Monthly Meeting @ Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
- 8:00 am Wetlands Workshop @ The HESS Club
- 8:30 am Weekly Bird Walk @ Kleb Woods Nature Center
- 9:00 am Wetland Restoration @ Sheldon Lake State Park
- 10:00 am Brazos River Coalition’s Petition Hearing @ William P. Clements Building
- 10:30 am Aquarium Fish Feeding @ Sea Center Texas
- 11:00 am Urban Harvest Farmers Market @ City Hall
- 11:30 am Keep Texas Parks Open – 2013 Tour @ Rice University Grand Hall
- 12:00 pm Distinguished Speaker Series: John Pucher, Ph.D @ Julia Ideson Library – Auditorium
- 12:30 pm First Annual Tree Planting Ceremony @ Genoa Elementary
- 4:00 pm Nature Story Time @ Nature Discovery Center
- 6:30 pm Galveston Bay Area Sierra Club Houston Program @ Bay Area Community Center (blue roof)
- 7:00 pm Houston Audubon Nature Photography Association @ Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Thursday, April 18, 2013
- 2013 Women of the Land Workshop @ Cedar Mountain Ranch near Scurry, Texas
- 8:00 am Houston Audubon Bird Survey @ Baytown Nature Center
- 9:00 am Bolivar Horseshoe Marsh Work Day
- 9:30 am H-GAC Pedestrian and Bicycle Subcommittee @ Houston-Galveston Area Council
- 11:20 am TAEP Luncheon @ Brady’s Landing Restaurant
- 12:00 pm Webinar: “Waterfowl Habitat Management” @ https://texas-wildlife.webex.com/
- 3:00 pm Kingwood Farmers Market @ Town Center Park
- 6:00 pm Baytown Fit Kids @ Baytown Community Center
- 7:00 pm Alfresco Gala @ The Bayou Club
- 7:00 pm Native Plant Society Monthly Meeting @ Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
- 7:00 pm Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy @ Fellowship Hall at Westbury Church of Christ
Friday, April 19, 2013
- Marsha Hill Classic Golf Tournament @ Clear Creek Golf Course in Tom Bass Park
- 6:30 am Sierra Club: Backpacking and Hiking in the Sabine National Forest
- 9:30 am Mommy & Me Outdoor Experiences @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
- 10:00 am Morning Bird Watching Hike @ Brazos Bend State Park
- 10:30 am Aquarium Fish Feeding @ Sea Center Texas
- 11:00 am Green Building Tour: The Houston Permitting Center @ The Houston Permitting Center
- 12:00 pm Algae Farm Field Trip – Houston Sierra Club
- 5:00 pm “E-Waste” Recycling Event @ Toshiba International Corporation
- 5:00 pm Bat Presentations @ Waugh Street Bridge
Saturday, April 20, 2013
- 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event
- Give 5% Day @ Various Locations
- Pontoon Boat Tour @ Jesse H. Jones Park
- 7:30 am Sierra Walkers @ Nassau Bay Post Office
- 8:00 am Guided Nature Tour and Free Family Fishing @ Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center
- 8:00 am Houston Audubon Field Trip
- 8:00 am Lake Jackson Bird Banding @ Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
- 8:00 am Pontoon Boat Cruises @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
- 8:00 am Urban Harvest Farmers Market @ Eastside
- 8:00 am Willow Waterhole Bird Count @ Willow Waterhole Greenspace Reserve
- 9:00 am Katy Farmers Market @ La Centerra
- 9:00 am Sugar Land Farmers Market @ Imperial Sugar Land
- 10:00 am Earth Day Extravaganza – Children’s Museum of Houston @ Children’s Museum of Houston
- 10:00 am Guided Trail Hike @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
- 10:00 am Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock @ Sugar Land’s Mercer Stadium
- 10:00 am Spring Fling Earth Day Celebration @ Nature Discovery Center
- 12:00 pm IKEA’s Earth Day Celebration @ IKEA Houston
- 3:00 pm Texas Parks and Wildlife on PBS
Sunday, April 21, 2013
- 8:00 am Guided Nature Tour and Free Family Fishing @ Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center
- 8:00 am Sunday Bicycling @ Jesse H. Jones Park
- 1:00 pm Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 1:00 pm Edible Wild Plants – HANC Class @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 1:00 pm Sundays in Nature @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
- 2:00 pm Invasives Beware @ Jesse H. Jones Park
Monday, April 22, 2013–Happy Earth Day!!
- 2nd Annual e-Waste Recycling Event
- Earth Day!!
- National Green Week 2013
- 9:00 am HANC Tyke Hikes @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 9:00 am Second Annual Parenting and Family Well-Being Forum @ Rice BioScience Research Collaborative
- 10:00 am Native Plant Garden Renovation Grand Opening @ Mercer Arboretum
- 11:00 am BCM Earth Day Celebration @ One Baylor Plaza
- 6:30 pm Houston Urban Gardeners (HUG) @ Houston Garden Center
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 www.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.
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.
CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com for more information about the program.
Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
Rachel Tardiff, Calendar Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
