Education

Title: Backyard Habitat Builder Series: Capturing Rainwater to Benefit Wildlife
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77024
Link out: Click here
Description: Starting this fall, the Arboretum will offer a series of three monthly half-day classes with hands-on outdoor projects where you will learn about and create habitat components for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. After completing each seasonal series, you will have the essential knowledge, practical experience and self-confidence to transform your own yard into an oasis for urban wildlife.

All classes are held on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on projects completed on the Arboretum grounds. Most classes also include take-home items assembled in class. Materials and tools required for each class will be provided.

Course Instructor: Joe Blanton, the Arboretum’s Conservation Director, is certified by National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat Designer.

CLASS SERIES:
February 7th: Building Spring Nesting Sites for Wildlife
(Projects: Bird Nest Boxes & Solitary Bee Houses)

March 7
Using Native Plants to Attract Wildlife
(Projects: Hummingbird Garden Installation)

April 11
Capturing Rainwater to Benefit Wildlife
(Projects: Rain Garden Installation)

Cost per class:
$40 for members;
$50 for non-members
Arboretum members can sign up for the series of classes (3) at a discounted rate of $100.

Register using our online form found at http://www.houstonarboretum.org.
Start Time: 13:00
Date: 2010-04-11
End Time: 17:00

Title: Backyard Habitat Builder Series: Using Native Plants to Attract Wildlife
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77024
Link out: Click here
Description: Starting this fall, the Arboretum will offer a series of three monthly half-day classes with hands-on outdoor projects where you will learn about and create habitat components for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. After completing each seasonal series, you will have the essential knowledge, practical experience and self-confidence to transform your own yard into an oasis for urban wildlife.

All classes are held on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on projects completed on the Arboretum grounds. Most classes also include take-home items assembled in class. Materials and tools required for each class will be provided.

Course Instructor: Joe Blanton, the Arboretum’s Conservation Director, is certified by National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat Designer.

CLASS SERIES:
February 7th: Building Spring Nesting Sites for Wildlife
(Projects: Bird Nest Boxes & Solitary Bee Houses)

March 7
Using Native Plants to Attract Wildlife
(Projects: Hummingbird Garden Installation)

April 11
Capturing Rainwater to Benefit Wildlife
(Projects: Rain Garden Installation)

Cost per class:
$40 for members;
$50 for non-members
Arboretum members can sign up for the series of classes (3) at a discounted rate of $100.

Register using our online form found at http://www.houstonarboretum.org.
Start Time: 13:00
Date: 2010-03-07
End Time: 17:00

Title: Backyard Habitat Builder Series: Building Spring Nesting Sites for Wildlife
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77024
Link out: Click here
Description: Starting this fall, the Arboretum will offer a series of three monthly half-day classes with hands-on outdoor projects where you will learn about and create habitat components for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. After completing each seasonal series, you will have the essential knowledge, practical experience and self-confidence to transform your own yard into an oasis for urban wildlife.

All classes are held on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on projects completed on the Arboretum grounds. Most classes also include take-home items assembled in class. Materials and tools required for each class will be provided.

Course Instructor: Joe Blanton, the Arboretum’s Conservation Director, is certified by National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat Designer.

CLASS SERIES:
February 7th: Building Spring Nesting Sites for Wildlife
(Projects: Bird Nest Boxes & Solitary Bee Houses)

March 7
Using Native Plants to Attract Wildlife
(Projects: Hummingbird Garden Installation)

April 11
Capturing Rainwater to Benefit Wildlife
(Projects: Rain Garden Installation)

Cost per class:
$40 for members;
$50 for non-members
Arboretum members can sign up for the series of classes (3) at a discounted rate of $100.

Register using our online form found at http://www.houstonarboretum.org.
Start Time: 13:00
Date: 2010-02-07
End Time: 17:00

Title: RDA: Spring Lecture Series- Frida Escobedo Lopez
Location: Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1001 Bissonnet (Enter via the Main Street door)
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us as we conclude the Spring Lecture series with Frida Escobedo Lopez, Principal, Frida Escobedo Lopez, Architect.

Frida Escobedo founded her Mexico City firm in 2006. In 2009, she was selected as one of the winners of the Architectural League of New York’s 2009 Young Architects Competition. She has described her office’s work as focusing on “the residual and the forgotten: from decadent suburbs that are being subdivided, to rundown tourist spots, to unused roofs and basements” and the identification of “forces that change the configuration of cities…central and powerful or marginal, formal or informal.”

Her work includes the renovation of the Boca Chica Hotel in Acapulco; Casa Negra and Casa 662 in Mexico City; and Caja Gris for which she received the 2005 Young Creator’s Grant in the National System of Arts, Mexico. Additionally, in 2006 Escobedo’s firm received first place in a national affordable housing competition in Mexico.

Escobedo graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She is currently a professor in the architecture faculty at that institution.

Series Tickets:
$20 – RDA, MFAH members
$15 – Senior citizens 65 and older
$10 – Students with identification
$35 – Others

Single Tickets (upon availability):
$7 – RDA, MFAH members; Senior citizens 65 and older; Students with identification
$10 – Others
For additional information, please call 713-348-4876
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-02-24

Title: RDA: Spring Lecture Series- Derek Dellekamp
Location: Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1001 Bissonnet (Enter via the Main Street door)
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us as we continue the Spring Lecture series with Derek Dellekamp, co-founder and principal, Dellekamp Arquitectos.

Derek Dellekamp graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, and in 1999 founded Dellekamp Arquitectos. His interest in urban scale led to the formation of MXDF Urban Research Center with other colleagues to investigate the intricate urban reality of Mexico City. Immersed in contemporary architectural discourse, Dellekamp’s work is often informed through collaboration with other disciplines.

In 2003, Dellekamp was the recipient of an Honorary Distinction in the Jose Vasconcelos National Library Competition in collaboration with Dominique Perrault, Michel Rojkind, and Miquel Adriá. His work is featured in books such as the Wallpaper Architects Directory, Phaidon’s 10 X 10 and the Atlas of World Architecture, and periodicals like Architectures á Vivre, Arquine, Summa +, and GA House. Dellekamp was a selected speaker in the Emerging Voices lecture at the Architectural League of New York.

Series Tickets:
$20 – RDA, MFAH members
$15 – Senior citizens 65 and older
$10 – Students with identification
$35 – Others

Single Tickets (upon availability):
$7 – RDA, MFAH members; Senior citizens 65 and older; Students with identification
$10 – Others
For additional information, please call 713-348-4876
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-02-17

Title: RDA: Spring Lecture Series- Javier Sanchez
Location: Brown Auditorium, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1001 Bissonnet (Enter via the Main Street door)
Link out: Click here
Description: The Rice Design Alliance Presents its 2010 Spring Lecture Series:
Mexico City Surging: DF Architecture

The “City of Palaces” is what radio announcers used to call Mexico City in their daily broadcasts—an apt nickname since its architectural treasures are unmatched in the Western Hemisphere. As Richard Neutra pointed out in a 1952 essay, only Peru can rival its Pre-Colombian and Colonial riches, but no other city in the Americas can boast of monuments from both of these eras, as well as an extraordinary body of modern architecture that keeps growing. During 2010 Mexico will be celebrating the bicentennial of its independence, as well as the centennial of the Mexican Revolution. The Rice Design Alliance joins the celebrations with a lecture series featuring a remarkable group of young architects who are making an impact on Mexico City with their built projects.

Join us as we continue the Spring Lecture series with Javier Sanchez, principal, JSa .

Series Tickets:
$20 – RDA, MFAH members
$15 – Senior citizens 65 and older
$10 – Students with identification
$35 – Others

Single Tickets (upon availability):
$7 – RDA, MFAH members; Senior citizens 65 and older; Students with identification
$10 – Others
For additional information, please call 713-348-4876
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-02-10

Title: Gardening CEU: Wildflowers for the Garden
Location: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road Humble, Texas 77338
Link out: Click here
Description: Do you love wildflowers, but are not sure how to properly grow and care for them? If so, attend this program that offers all the information needed to grow local wildflowers that adapt well to all types of garden conditions. Please call ahead for reservations at (281) 443-8731.

Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2010-01-19
End Time: 12:00

Title: Urban Harvest Class: Propagate Your Own Plants
Location: TBA
Link out: Click here
Description: Learn the various sexual and asexual ways to start plants from seeds, cuttings, divisions, and layering. Topics include the proper storage of seeds, seed dormancy, and methods of sprouting hard-to-sprout seeds. There will also be a hands-on workshop on propagation by cuttings. You will learn methods of making the cuttings and preparing them for sticking. You will also learn about various growth media and the importance of controlling temperature and humidity. Bring a pair of small pruning shears. Other materials will be provided. This class really will save you some fine plants.
Instruct Jean Fefer, Ph.D is a Harris County Master Gardener, an Urban Harvest Organic Vegetable Specialist and a Master Gardener Plant Propagation Specialist.
To register for this and other Urban Harvest classes visit https://www.store.urbanharvest.org.
Start Time: 9:30
Date: 2010-02-13
End Time: 12:30

Title: Houston Zoo Wild Speaker Series: International Rhino Foundation
Location: Brown Education Center
Link out: Click here
Description: The Houston Zoo’s 2009-10 Call of the Wild Speaker Series begins its new season in September 2009 with an exciting lineup of guest speakers. Enjoy an evening of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, breathtaking photographs and first-hand stories from conservationists on the frontlines in the battle to help save the world’s wildlife. Proceeds of the Call of the Wild lectures benefit our local and global conservation initiatives at the Zoo.
Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director, will be discussing the International Rhino Foundation. For more information on the International Rhino Foundation http://www.rhinos-irf.org.
Visit http://www.houstonzoo.org to purchase tickets for this event.
Doors open at 6:30 PM for refreshments. Event begins at 7:00 PM.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-01-28

Title: Jesse H. Jones Program: Woodpeckers
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, Texas 77338
Link out: Click here
Description: Learn about the various species of woodpeckers that inhabit the forests of Jones Park, and how you can attract them to your yard. Afterward, take a walk to try and see or hear some of these amazing birds. Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wed. Jan 13. For more information visit www.hcp4.net/jones.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2010-01-23

Title: Houston Audubon Birding Classes
Location: Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Link out: Click here
Description: Sparrow Identification: Classes held January 21 – February 6, 2010. Secretive and challenging to identify are what make this group of birds Fun. The Upper Texas Coast is a great place to see wintering sparrows. Learn the key principles of identification that will enable you to separate the 17 different species that are possible.
The fee for each course is $150 for HAS members ($175 for non-members).
Field Trips: January 23, 2010 and February 6, 2010.
More information at http://houstonaudubon.org.
Registration is now open. To register, please use the secure online registration form or contact the HAS office, 713-932-1639.
Start Date: 2010-01-21
Start Time: 19:00
End Date: 2010-02-06
End Time: 20:45

Title: The Nancy Stallworth Thomas Horticulture Lecture
Location: St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas, 77056
Link out: Click here
Description: The Garden Club of Houston is hosting a lecture with speaker Tony Avent; owner of Plant Delights Nursery, an international mail order business featuring rare and unusual perrenials, hostas and US natives. As a well-known speaker, his reputation is for irreverent humor and “absurd” content all in pursuit of nuturing a love of plants and horticulture. The lecture is titled Hot Plants for Hot Climates. It is located in the Bagby Parish Hall at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2010-01-12

Title: Third Annual HISD Sustainability Education Summit
Location: One Main Street, Houston, Texas, 77002
Link out: Click here
Description: The event, co-sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, Houston Independent School District, and the Environmental Educators’ Exchange (EEE), will be exploring how the growing national movement to “green up” our schools can help students achieve at their highest levels. Come see how you can help educate our children for the challenges of this century. Speakers include Kevin Coyle, Jim Blackburn, and Robin Moore, Ph.D. Hands-on activities and exhibits will be available as well as field tours after the summit. Attendance is free. Link to registration and summit agenda (available mid-December): http://online.nwf.org/houstonee09 or visit www.houstonsyh.org.
Start Time: 08:00
Date: 2010-01-23
End Time: 4:00 pm

Title: Urban Harvest: Permaculture Basics
Location: University of Houston, Oberholtzer Hall all purpose room (for parking use entrance 10 on Wheeler St. & park in lot 9c)
Link out: Click here
Description: Learn what kind of containers, soils and varieties of plants to use when growing fruit trees, herbs, vegetables and flowers.
Start Time: 09:30
Date: 2010-01-13
End Time: 17:30

Title: Urban Harvest: An Introduction to Permaculture
Location: 2311 Canal St., Suite 200, Houston, TX 77003
Link out: Click here
Description: Learn about Permaculture and the way it affects and improves quality of life.
This class is highly recommended, but is not a required prerequisite for all other Permaculture classes offered by Urban Harvest.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2010-01-12
End Time: 21:00

Title: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Class 1: How to Start a Community or School Garden
Location: 2311 Canal St., Suite 122, Houston, TX 77003
Link out: Click here
Description: This class teaches you how to set goals for your garden, begin organizing volunteers and looking for funding, and set priorities for what the garden will do. Review vegetables you can grow.
Start Time: 14:00
Date: 2010-01-11
End Time: 16:30

(from http://www.greatturtlerace.com/)

Eleven leatherback sea turtles are taking part in the Great Turtle Race, speeding from foraging grounds in the frigid waters of Canada to nesting beaches on the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean. (more…)