Citizens' Environmental Coalition http://www.cechouston.org/index.php Environmental News and Resources for the Houston region Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:20:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Seminar: Black Bears and the Big Thicket http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/seminar-black-bears-and-the-big-thicket/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/seminar-black-bears-and-the-big-thicket/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:20:43 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/seminar-black-bears-and-the-big-thicket/ Title: Seminar: Black Bears and the Big Thicket
Location: Logon Café, 3805 Calder Avenue Beaumont, TX 77706
Link out: Click here
Description: Are there really black bears in the Big Thicket? Come find out at this free program, where park ranger Mary Kay Manning will discuss black bear sightings and ecology in east Texas. Hosted by Big Thicket Association and Big Thicket National Preserve
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2012-02-24
End Time: 19:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/seminar-black-bears-and-the-big-thicket/feed/ 0 KPC Unplugged Adventures: Ranch Round-Up http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/kpc-unplugged-adventures-ranch-round-up/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/kpc-unplugged-adventures-ranch-round-up/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:03:54 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/kpc-unplugged-adventures-ranch-round-up/ Title: KPC Unplugged Adventures: Ranch Round-Up
Location: Warren Ranch Headquarters
Link out: Click here
Description: Do you have what it takes to be a cowboy? Find out at KPC’s newest Unplugged Adventure on the Warren Ranch, one of the largest working cattle ranches in Harris Country! Watch real live cowboys round up cattle with horses and dogs and test your own cowboy skills with a lassoing contest and more. We’ll have cowboy nibbles on hand but please feel free to bring your own picnic lunch.

When: Saturday, March 24, 10 AM – 1 PM

Where: Warren Ranch Headquarters

Registration limited and required. Please email Jaime Gonzalez at jgonzalez@katyprairie.org to register.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2012-03-24
End Time: 13:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/kpc-unplugged-adventures-ranch-round-up/feed/ 0 ECOnnections: Stories & Statistics and Pennies & Pioneers http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/econnections-stories-statistics-and-pennies-pioneers/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/econnections-stories-statistics-and-pennies-pioneers/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:02:41 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/econnections-stories-statistics-and-pennies-pioneers/ Title: ECOnnections: Stories & Statistics and Pennies & Pioneers
Location: Indiangrass Preserve
Link out: Click here
Description: Join KPC for a double-hitter on March 17 with two of our special ECOnnections classes. This exclusive series of activity-based interpretive classes is for new and experienced KPC volunteers. Each class focuses on making connections among the biological, historical, economic, and cultural dimensions of the Katy Prairie to help illustrate the importance of conserving this valuable resource for future generations. All classes are limited to 20 participants. Classes are free for volunteers and just $5 per class for the general public.

Stories & Statistics is an introduction to nature interpretation so you can learn how to tell the story of the Katy Prairie to everyone! (10 AM – 12 PM)

Pennies & Pioneers will explore the history of the Katy Prairie, including ancient mammals that roamed the prairie and the Native Americans tribes that early pioneers encountered. The class will also cover the conservation methods and tools that KPC uses to protect the Katy Prairie forever. (12 PM – 2 PM)

When: Saturday, March 17 from 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Indiangrass Preserve
Registration required and limited. Volunteers may register for either or both of the classes. Please register with Jaime Gonzalez at jgonzalez@katyprairie.org.

P. S. Can’t make it to Stories & Statistics but still want to learn about interpreting the Katy Prairie? Check out KPC’s ECOnnections page, where you can watch a recorded class for free! KPC is working hard this year to develop a fully web-based volunteer educational tools for those who can’t make it all the way out to the prairie.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2012-03-17
End Time: 14:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/econnections-stories-statistics-and-pennies-pioneers/feed/ 0 Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association 2012 Conference http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/texas-organic-farmers-gardeners-association-2012-conference/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/texas-organic-farmers-gardeners-association-2012-conference/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:16:27 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/texas-organic-farmers-gardeners-association-2012-conference/ Title: Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association 2012 Conference
Location: Mesquite Convention Center at Rodeo Center
Link out: Click here
Description: Once again farmers, ranchers, gardeners (and consumers too) from across Texas will gather for another terrific educational and networking opportunity! You’ll be there, right? It wouldn’t be the same without you.

The conference team is headed up by Susie Marshall, Region 4 TOFGA Director. The team is putting together an exciting and engaging program for us all.
Start Date: 2012-02-17
End Date: 2012-02-19

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/texas-organic-farmers-gardeners-association-2012-conference/feed/ 0 Birds and Bottomland Blitz http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-and-bottomland-blitz/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-and-bottomland-blitz/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:09:31 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-and-bottomland-blitz/ Title: Birds and Bottomland Blitz
Location: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
Link out: Click here
Description: Birds and Bottomland Blitz at GCBO on Saturday, February 11th from 9-11 am. The monthly program is a joint effort by the Cradle of Texas Master Naturalists and GCBO to raise awareness of the importance of the Columbia Bottomlands to birds. This month’s focus will be Lichens and Mushrooms of the Bottomlands. Come learn about the Columbia Bottomlands from the experts. The leader is a long-time GCBO volunteer and the go-to guy for all plant identification questions. You are sure to enjoy learning everything about bottomlands lichens and mushrooms from him!
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2012-02-11
End Time: 11:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-and-bottomland-blitz/feed/ 0 Birds of the Bering Sea With Stephan Lorenz http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-of-the-bering-sea-with-stephan-lorenz/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-of-the-bering-sea-with-stephan-lorenz/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:55:52 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-of-the-bering-sea-with-stephan-lorenz/ Title: Birds of the Bering Sea With Stephan Lorenz
Location: Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Blvd
Link out: Click here
Description: Wednesday, May 9
Birds of the Bering Sea
With Stephan Lorenz, Biology Instructor
Date: 2012-05-09

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/birds-of-the-bering-sea-with-stephan-lorenz/feed/ 0 The Art of Identification With David Allen Sibley http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/the-art-of-identification-with-david-allen-sibley/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/the-art-of-identification-with-david-allen-sibley/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:55:06 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/the-art-of-identification-with-david-allen-sibley/ Title: The Art of Identification With David Allen Sibley
Location: Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Blvd
Link out: Click here
Description: Wednesday, April 11
The Art of Identification
With David Allen Sibley, Author and Illustrator
Date: 2012-04-11

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/the-art-of-identification-with-david-allen-sibley/feed/ 0 A Short History of Bird Conservation With Mary Anne Weber http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/a-short-history-of-bird-conservation-with-mary-anne-weber/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/a-short-history-of-bird-conservation-with-mary-anne-weber/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:54:26 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/a-short-history-of-bird-conservation-with-mary-anne-weber/ Title: A Short History of Bird Conservation With Mary Anne Weber
Location: Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Blvd
Link out: Click here
Description: Wednesday, March 14
A Short History of Bird Conservation
With Mary Anne Weber, Houston Audubon Education Director

Date: 2012-03-14

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/a-short-history-of-bird-conservation-with-mary-anne-weber/feed/ 0 Lecture: Fieldwork in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea with Jeff Brown http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/lecture-fieldwork-in-the-philippines-and-papua-new-guinea-with-jeff-brown/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/lecture-fieldwork-in-the-philippines-and-papua-new-guinea-with-jeff-brown/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:49:30 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/lecture-fieldwork-in-the-philippines-and-papua-new-guinea-with-jeff-brown/ Title: Lecture: Fieldwork in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea with Jeff Brown
Location: Corpus Christi Museum of Natural Science
Link out: Click here
Description: Wednesday, Feb. 8
Fieldwork in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea
with Jeff Brown, Curator – Corpus Christi Museum of Natural Science
Date: 2012-02-08

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/lecture-fieldwork-in-the-philippines-and-papua-new-guinea-with-jeff-brown/feed/ 0 Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Sealy http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-sealy/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-sealy/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:38:30 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-sealy/ Title: Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Sealy
Location: Hill Community Center, 1000 Main Street
Link out: Click here
Description: The Houston Galveston region is expected to see 4 million new residents in the next 30 years. Where will those residents live? How will this change affect quality of lfe? How will they get around? The Houston Galveston Regional Plan for sustainable development is an important chance to look forward and find ways to keep our communities prosperous, healthy and attractive for generations to come.

The 13- county plan explores opportunities to improve the region’s most important resources, including clean air and water, good jobs, safe and attractive neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation choices, and open spaces and parks. In February and March of 2012 meetings will take place in different parts of the region. We encourage you to find a meeting near you. Your input through March of 2012 will help set goals and priorities for the plan.
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2012-03-08
End Time: 20:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-sealy/feed/ 0 Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Waller http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-waller/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-waller/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-waller/ Title: Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Waller
Location: Waller ISD Administration, 2214 Waller Street
Link out: Click here
Description: The Houston Galveston region is expected to see 4 million new residents in the next 30 years. Where will those residents live? How will this change affect quality of lfe? How will they get around? The Houston Galveston Regional Plan for sustainable development is an important chance to look forward and find ways to keep our communities prosperous, healthy and attractive for generations to come.

The 13- county plan explores opportunities to improve the region’s most important resources, including clean air and water, good jobs, safe and attractive neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation choices, and open spaces and parks. In February and March of 2012 meetings will take place in different parts of the region. We encourage you to find a meeting near you. Your input through March of 2012 will help set goals and priorities for the plan.
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2012-02-28
End Time: 20:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-waller/feed/ 0 Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Houston http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-houston-4/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-houston-4/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:35:40 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-houston-4/ Title: Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – Houston
Location: Ripley House Neighborhood Center, 4410 Navigation
Description: The Houston Galveston region is expected to see 4 million new residents in the next 30 years. Where will those residents live? How will this change affect quality of lfe? How will they get around? The Houston Galveston Regional Plan for sustainable development is an important chance to look forward and find ways to keep our communities prosperous, healthy and attractive for generations to come.

The 13- county plan explores opportunities to improve the region’s most important resources, including clean air and water, good jobs, safe and attractive neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation choices, and open spaces and parks. In February and March of 2012 meetings will take place in different parts of the region. We encourage you to find a meeting near you. Your input through March of 2012 will help set goals and priorities for the plan.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2012-02-25
End Time: 12:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-houston-4/feed/ 0 Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – New Caney http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-new-caney/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-new-caney/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:34:45 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-new-caney/ Title: Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meeting – New Caney
Location: East Montgomery County Improvment District Complex, 21575 U.S. Highway 59
Link out: Click here
Description: The 13- county plan explores opportunities to improve the region’s most important resources, including clean air and water, good jobs, safe and attractive neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation choices, and open spaces and parks. In February and March of 2012 meetings will take place in different parts of the region. We encourage you to find a meeting near you. Your input through March of 2012 will help set goals and priorities for the plan.
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2012-02-23
End Time: 20:00

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/04/sustainable-communities-regional-plan-community-meeting-new-caney/feed/ 0 CEC Visions for Greener Houston 2012 http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/cec-visions-for-greener-houston-2012/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/cec-visions-for-greener-houston-2012/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:30:37 +0000 Webmaster http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/?p=15149  Logo: 2012 Visions for a Greener Houston

 

Please plan to join us in a participative, collaborative process, through a series of working sessions, in a group effort to envision the year ahead. Purpose:

  • To picture where our environmental community hopes to see itself by the end of 2012
  • To identify attainable goals for several environmental areas
  • To produce a visionary document that summarizes these group goals, capturing the essence of this collaboration
  • To share this vision with our local governments and the community at large
  • To facilitate efforts among environmental agencies to realize joint short-term goals
  • To introduce a wider spectrum of our citizens into the environmental conversation

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
5:30 pm: Dinner by Georgia’s Farm to Market included in your $25 registration fee.

United Way Community Resource Center

Welcome by Elizabeth Love of the Houston Endowment. Event Host: Yolanda Green. Discussion leaders will include Matt Tejada (Air Alliance Houston), Jim Lester (HARC), Roksan Okan-Vick (Houston Parks Board), Jaime Gonzalez (Katy Prairie Conservancy), David Crossley (Houston Tomorrow), Bob Stokes (Galveston Bay Foundation), Peter Brown (Better Houston), Jim Blackburn (Blackburn and Carter), Tyson Sowell (Texas Campaign for the Environment), Patsy Gillham (Plastic Pollution Texas), Ed Allday (Fondren Foundation), Lora-Marie Bernard (U.S. Green Building Council), Linda Knowles (Native Plant Society of Texas), Ralph Parrott (Houston Renewable Energy Group), Scott Howard (Urban Harvest), Cyrus Reed and Dave Cortez (Sierra Club) and other CEC member group representatives.
 
*** SPACE LIMITED — RSVP/Registration Required! ***  In order to have an accurate headcount for seating, refreshments and dinner, we will need all general participants, discussion leaders, and scribes, sponsor and booth guests to send in a registration form (provided below).

For more info, contact Katie Molina at Katie@cechouston.org or 713-524-4232.

Event sponsored by Reliant Energy & Green Bank


Logo: Reliant, an NRG Company  Green Bank Logo

]]> http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/cec-visions-for-greener-houston-2012/feed/ 0 Coalition Notes 02-01-2012 http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/coalition-notes-02-01-2012/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/coalition-notes-02-01-2012/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:27:04 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/?p=15381
  • Manage Your Land For Wildlife Workshop. Texas Parks & Wildlife is holding a Managing Your Land For Wildlife Workshop at Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center (1300 Riley Fuzzel Rd) on February 4th from 8:30am-2:20pm. The workshop will cover topics such as Wildlife Tax Valuation, Black Bears Returning to East Texas, Creating Successful Wildlife Habitats while Being Fire-Wise, and Saving Some Weeds for Wildlife. Registration ends Thursday. Visit http://www.google.com/url for more information.
  • Community Outreach Dune Restoration. Artist Boat is hosting three Community Outreach Dune Restoration Events around Galveston that will include a 3 hour planting activities and lessons about the importance of dunes for the island. The events take place on February 3rd, February 18th, and March 4th from 8am-noon. These events are opportunities for the community to engage as coastal stewards through planting a variety of native dune plants which include seaoats, bitter panicum, railroad vine, sea purslane, and marsh-hay cordgrass. To register, call Artist Boat at 409-770-0722 or email info@artistboat.org.
  • Birds and Bottomland Blitz. Join Warren Pruess for the February Birds and Bottomland Blitz at GCBO on Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 to 11:00am. The monthly program is a joint effort by the Cradle of Texas Master Naturalists and GCBO to raise awareness of the importance of the Columbia Bottomlands to birds. This month’s focus will be Lichens and Mushrooms of the Bottomlands. Come learn about the Columbia Bottomlands from the experts. Your leader is a long-time GCBO volunteer. Warren is our go to guy for all plant identification questions. We are sure you will enjoy learning everything about bottomlands lichens and mushrooms from him!
  • Northwest Harris County Habitat for Humanity Sale. Support Deconstruction and ReUse and get a great deal in the process! The Northwest Harris County Habitat for Humanity is moving and everything must go! Come treasure hunting to supply your next building or home-improvement project at the huge sale from Feb 15-18 at 13572 Texas 249, Houston, TX 77086. The NWHC Habitat for Humanity ReStore keeps items out of landfills through deconstruction of homes in the Houston area and through donations of new and gently used building materials and housewares. The sale items include doors, windows, trim, appliances, hardware, flooring, lighting fixtures, fans, furniture, sinks, toilets, cabinets, carpet, household items and SO MUCH MORE! For more information, call (281) 820-2307 or visit http://www.habitatnwhc.org/restore/restore
  • It’s Great Backyard Bird Count Time! The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be conducted February 17th through 20th, 2012. You can count birds wherever you are, including your backyard, off your balcony, at a local park, or even at GCBO. People of all ages and bird-watching experience are welcome. For details, see the GBBC website
  • Volunteer for Houston Audubon. The Houston Audubon Docent Guild and the Houston Audubon Society need new volunteers. Volunteers can work restoring habitat in sanctuaries, leading children’s nature programs, helping visitors at High Island during spring migration, staffing festival and outreach booths, assisting in the office, and working on fundraising projects. An overview of volunteer activities will be provided in a free orientation session on February 25 at the log cabin in the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary from 9am-noon. Preregistration is required: call 713-932-1639 or e-mail jperkins@houstonaudubon.org to reserve a spot. For more information, visit http://www.houstonaudubon.org/.
  • Be a USGBC Tour Guide. Have you ever wanted to explain solar panels to an elementary student? Have you ever wondered if you could possibly have an effect on a high school student´s decision to enter architecture, engineering or environmental sciences? Do you wish you had a chance to teach others what you know as an expert in the field of sustainable built environments? Are you interested in affecting the future? Then, you need to be a USGBC Tour Guide! The USGBC and the City of Houston´s Green Building Resource Center are teaming up to give you a chance to help teach others about sustainability and energy-efficiency in the built environment by giving educational tours of the center and the permitting building, 1002 Washington Ave.Call 281-506-3867 for more information or just stop by the USGBC Chapter Headquarters on the 2nd floor of the GBRC, or visit http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org.
    • ]]>     http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/coalition-notes-02-01-2012/feed/ 0     ECONOTES 2012-02-01: Environmental Headlines for the Houston Region http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/econotes-2012-02-01-environmental-headlines-for-the-houston-region/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/econotes-2012-02-01-environmental-headlines-for-the-houston-region/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:26:52 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/?p=15380 Featured

    1. Matagorda County cries foul over EPA’s foul-air claim (Matthew Tresaugue – Houston Chronicle, 01/27/2012)
      Federal environmental regulators believe that Matagorda County is a significant contributor to Houston pollution. However, local leaders don’t agree, and Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald believes that the two local plants are “minute by Houston’s standards.” Carl Young, a scientist for the EPA’s Region 6, has said that there is no definite link that ties Matagorda’s emissions to Houston’s pollution, but there may be a connection.
      http://www.chron.com/
    2. Activists want climate change on TV weather reports (Eric Berger – Houston Chronicle, 01/27/2012)
      Forecast the Facts is a campaign with the goal of changing how meteorologists report on climate change. Daniel Souweine, director of the Forecast the Facts drive, believes that it is important to discuss the role that climate change plays in events such as droughts and heat waves. One way the campaign is trying to trigger the change is by releasing a list of meteorologists who deny mainstream climate change science.
      http://www.chron.com/
    3. Reckoning for an Environmental Tragedy (Vicki Wolf – CLEAN, 1/27/2012)
      The Harris County Attorney’s office is suing the parties responsible for the poisoning of the San Jacinto River, Upper Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel. The major concern is with the waste pits on the San Jacinto River that are leaking dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins) into the water. The dioxins can cause long term health effects. Therefore, the State of Texas has issued a consumption advisory for crab and all species of fish from the San Jacinto River.
      http://www.cleanhouston.org/

    EcoNotes

     

    ]]>     http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/econotes-2012-02-01-environmental-headlines-for-the-houston-region/feed/ 0     Community Notes 02-01-2012 http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/community-notes-02-01-2012/ http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/2012/02/01/community-notes-02-01-2012/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:26:26 +0000 Page http://www.cechouston.org/index.php/?p=15382
  • Electric Theatre Radio Hour meets Ocean Literacy Advocates Josh Carter and Ashley. As part of the Electric Theatre Radio Hour’s continuing series focusing on the Galveston community’s up and coming new leaders, co-host Brenda Lee interviews Ocean Literacy advocates Josh Carter and Ashley Sanders. Josh and Ashley, both Texas A&M students, are working with Galveston Surfriders, the Galveston Chamber of Commerce and others in developing a single use bag system for the city. To listen to the show, visit http://www.georgedouglaslee.com/.
  • Drought Symposium. Texas Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association are holding a symposium on February 8th from 8am-3pm in Diboll, Texas. The symposium will cover the impacts of a drought and how to prepare for the future. There will be a range of speakers from forestry, agriculture, and natural resources agencies. RSVP by February 3rd by contacting Shane Harrington at (936) 546-1470. More at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/.
  • The Texas Watershed Steward Workshop. The Texas Watershed Steward Workshop is a FREE one-day event to help residents in the watershed improve and protect water resources by getting involved in local watershed protection and management activities. The workshop will focus on water quality issues in Highland Bayou, as well as efforts by the Texas Coastal Watershed Program, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and area residents to help improve the health of water resources in Galveston County. Bayous in the study area are known to have elevated levels of bacteria and low levels of oxygen. Continuing education credits will be available for professional engineers, certified planners, certified teachers, crop advisors, pesticides license holders, landscape architects, and certified floodplain managers. Workshop will be held at the Galveston County AgriLife Extension offices in Carbide Park, La Marque at 4102 B Main St. (FM 519) on February 22nd from 8am to 4pm. More information at http://mokabayousalliance.org/ or Facebook.com/MoKaBayousAlliance. Agenda and pre-registration is available at http://tws.tamu.edu/workshops/online-registration or call 979-862-8070.
  • Sustainable Communities Regional Plan Community Meetings. Around 4 million additional residents are expected to move to the Houston Galveston region in the next 30 years. Therefore, the Houston Galveston Regional Plan is important for ensuring sustainability. The 13- county plan explores opportunities to improve the region’s most important resources, including clean air and water, good jobs, safe and attractive neighborhoods, affordable housing, transportation choices, and open spaces and parks. In February and March of 2012, meetings will take place in different parts of the region to discuss the plan and allow residents to provide input. To find a meeting, visit http://www.ourregion.org/events.html.
  • Do You Have an Ash Tree? Texas Forest Service soon will be surveying ash trees across the state for signs of the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that kills its host. An exotic wood-boring beetle from Asia, the dark, metallic green insect bores into ash trees and feeds on the area between the wood and the bark, effectively killing the tree. The half-inch long pest first was found in Michigan in 2002, and since has spread to at least 15 different states and Canada. The survey is designed to help tree experts determine if the beetle also has spread to Texas. Beginning in March, foresters will begin hanging large, purple traps from select ash trees in Central and East Texas. More than 700 survey traps will be set out in 71 Texas counties–including Montgomery, Walker, Chambers, and Brazoria. If you’re a landowner with ash trees — the only known host — on your property, and would like to participate, surveyors could use your help. Notify Joe Pase at 936-639-8170 or jpase@tfs.tamu.edu.
  • 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:
    • Charlie and His Cannon – San Jacinto*
    • Home of the Houston Toad*
    • TPWD People: Jonathan Gray
  • Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html
    • February 2: Green–Good–Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • February 3: Green–Good–Moderate to strong winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • February 4: Green–Good–Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
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