HOLA ANNOUNCES TUITION SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2004-2005

Houston Outdoor Learning Academy, announces the availability of scholarships for the 2004 through 2005 school year. HOLA provides an adventure-based school coupled with integrated outdoors and environmental education objectives, international travel, and community service elements for students in grades six through twelve. The scholarships provide educational opportunities for students who enjoy the outdoors to learn in an accredited school. This summer, HOLA has devoted their time to upgrading the school and landscape and they are asking for volunteers to help with landscaping, gardening, planting and other projects, to contact them. Students may count work hours toward community service. For more information contact, Dan and Laura Zimmerman at (713) 224-4652 or visit http://www.holainfo.com/

THE WOODLANDS GREEN RECYCLING EFFORTS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

The Woodlands GREEN (grassroots education environment network), recycling efforts began in 1989 when a few concerned citizens called themselves Recycle the Woodlands. Their focus and goals have been to educate the community about nature resource conservation and recycling. After 15 years, the organization continues their ecological mission along with community projects that recently included an organized e-scrap recycles of computers with several organizations and over 60 volunteers that helped collect over 41,000 pounds of electronics for recycling. Some of the major events this year included The Woodlands Earth Day where over 8,000 attended, and Walk in the Woods Lecture Series. For more information contact (281) 210-3900 or visit:
http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org/default.htm

TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The Texas Public Interest Research Group, in conjunction with Texas Impact and the University of Houston-Downtown Scholars Academy, will host the Second Annual Texas Environmental Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 16, 2004, at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Last year's conference brought over one hundred students, citizen activists and environmental professionals from across the state to learn organizing skills, be briefed on the key environmental challenges facing Texas, and network with others to plan results-oriented campaigns in our communities. Workshops last year included: Learning about the plight of sea turtles on the Texas coast from Carole Allen of the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, inside tips on working with the media from Houston Chronicle Environment reporter Dina Cappiello, research training from Cyrus Reed of the Texas Center for Policy Studies, an air quality testing training from the Texas Bucket Brigade, Information on how to start a community garden by Dr. Randall of Urban Harvest, and a presentation about the importance of environmental activism by Congressman Chris Bell.

To RSVP or sign up for regular updates about the event, e-mail Luke Metzger at luke@texpirg.org. This event is possible thanks to the generous support of the Houston Endowment.

BOB STOKES TO SERVE AS NEW GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

The Galveston Bay Foundation is pleased to announce that Bob Stokes has accepted an offer to serve as president of the Foundation. On June 15, Bob moved into the role of President to serve as the chief staff member of the Foundation. This position was formerly known as executive director at GBF.

Stokes served as chair of the Foundation’s board of trustees the past two years and served as an executive committee member for two years prior to that.

Stokes brings a new set of skills to the role of President for GBF, as he has practiced for the last ten years as an environmental lawyer. After graduating from Yale University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Texas School of Law in 1994, Stokes began his legal career at the office of Blackburn & Carter, where he worked for two years. After that, he moved to the Harris County Attorney’s Office where he practiced for nearly eight years, specializing in environmental enforcement matters.

“I am very much looking forward to my new role as President with the Galveston Bay Foundation,” Stokes said. “As chair of the board for the last two years, I’ve been acutely aware of the problems this Foundation has faced. But I’ve become more convinced than ever about this Foundation’s potential. There is a real need in our community for an organization like GBF and I plan to work with all the users of Galveston Bay to ensure that we find a path to success. I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow board members for this role and I intend to make sure that this Foundation is something of which the whole community can be proud.”