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Citizens Environmental Coalition remembers Hurricane Harvey Photo courtesy of National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service by Samantha Page CEC Newsletter Editor On the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, we reflect on the tremendous impact this natural disaster had on the lives of millions and the environment. This catastrophic Category 4 storm made landfall on August 25, 2017, leaving a monumental mark on the Gulf Coast and serving as a saddening reminder of the power and unpredictability of hurricanes. Harvey unleashed its fury in the form of torrential rainfall and relentless flooding. The storm's stalled movement over the Houston metropolitan area exacerbated its impact, leading to flooding and displacing thousands of people from their homes. Harvey's record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving over 60 inches (152 centimeters) of rain, led to widespread flooding of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The human toll was heartbreaking, with dozens of lives lost and countless others upended by the disaster. The financial cost of the damage reached an estimated $125 billion, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, second to Hurricane Katrina. The environmental consequences of Hurricane Harvey were far-reaching and continue to be felt years later. The flooding released pollutants into waterways and soil, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The storm also disrupted oil refineries and chemical plants, leading to hazardous spills and releasing pollutants into the air. However, Harvey also highlighted the resilience of both nature and communities. Wetlands and coastal marshes, natural buffers against storms, absorbed some of the floodwaters, mitigating the overall impact. Additionally, communities came together in remarkable ways, demonstrating the strength of human spirit in times of crisis. The disaster prompted discussions on urban planning, flood mitigation strategies, and the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure. As we remember the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, let it be a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the importance of collective action. By learning from the past, we can forge a more resilient and sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.

Houston SPCA to host Clear the Shelters! The Houston SPCA will host the Clear the Shelters pet adoption event on their Campus for All Animals on Saturday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Big Dog Days of Summer promotion makes VIPs (Very Important Pups) $10 and includes the entire adoption package. In addition to adoptable pets, the campus will host free activities, expert chats, live demonstrations and giveaways throughout the day.

I talked with a few people after the meeting about the art project. I am not the only person who is cautious about the makeup of the HAA team...............all of them will bring forth their knowledge of what Montrose was- by reading about it- reading what someone else's viewpoint and impression was.................

At the meeting tonight, the first segment of Montrose Blvd improvements were discussed- everything should be posted online- one of the Skanksa developers attended, identified the property at Montrose and Westheimer and stated his support of this project.

Don't know if this belongs here but: here's a small piece of Avondale walking tour............I haven't seen an historic picture of this house.

this old boarding house has many large trees, back front and sides---not great trees according to COH; yes there is one that is dead....but nice shade canopy from the remaining trees. . Since this corner is destined to be a parking lot anyway.....it might be the neighborly thing to allow those to stay for shade. Lordy but it's not likely summers in Houston will be any cooler.

we were walking by Today huge Aston Martin display:

We were walking by....... guess this is perhaps a prelude to the library Story time after library is completed?

I might have mentioned this before, 8-10 years agoAvondale Civic jumped through hoops with COH to adopt this median and also Bagby/Elgin/Westheimer.....somehow MMD charmed COH transfer stewardship from Avondale to them. So not much luv from Avondale now..... sameolesameole, nothing happened. then MMD got spanked by legislature.........very low profile from them after that. I am surprised the "renewed" MMD is active, more so that public art is coming from them=> those more ole super $$$$ Montrose signs that aligned lighting with the bridge lights over 59.......? What a disaster.

This is COH installed art?

One of the heads of Development for Sanksa has agreed on a short talk ( won't go in to a lot of details, he said till Discovery Green Project is Finished )at the upcoming Neartown meeting on August 22, 7pm at The Womens Home. 607 Westheimer.

  Texas Native Cats Texas Native Cats is a Texas-based organization of volunteers interested in acquainting Texans with our cat species. Their goal is to expand educational outreach and to improve the lives of threatened Texas felines. Texas Native Cats exists so that wild cats in Texas continue to exist. Two of our native feline species are extinct in the state; two of our remaining three species face many perils. Learn More   https://www.texasnativecats.org/

Have a great green xeriscape Metro shade to enjoy that Starbucks would enhance the experience .

Hmmmmmmmmmm TxDot ........sigh it garners a lot of attention I agree but I started picking on Metro in reaction to the many riders seeming to spend significant time standing at bus stops with no shade when it's a kazillion degrees outside......" good actor " or not, Metro is slow in reacting...and the heat keeps increasing.Metro needs to step up. I'm sure Metro, preens, when mention of their ridership or type of eco- friendly engines are brought up. However, IMO Metro's biggest opportunity to gain serious chops in the pro/eco conversation......(and what transit system wouldn't want that) ......start putting up bus stops with " knock your socks off " xeriscape greenery that comes up first thing when making a Google search on the subject.

I'm glad you wrote that..... since this is an election year--- Please please let the voters ask hard question about how Metro as well as COH should lead. Rather than follow when it comes to strategies concerning climate change.

That sounds great! I'm sort of math challenged; wondering how those 4.5 million trees will be distributed over Houston's 650 (+-) square miles? Is that about the number other cities plant?

It's not the vines-- focus on mindset. I'm fully committed to the idea, that Climate wise, nothing will ever be what it was..........ever. Metro is a big entity- that surely hires a bunch of big shot " thinkers " to uhm..er...forward Think! $$$? yes it will cost $$$$$$$$ but the increase of long mega heat events isn't going away- it will have to be dealt with eventually. So yes,In this time of heat crisis, I can Metro call out! Are Metro personal on HAIF? Maybe.........is it okay to be first of many voices to call for Metro to change their mindset? -absolutely! Yes more bus stop covers! Yes, more trees planted! Yes more greenery on top of bus covers to support bees and butterflies and impact heat islands! Sigh- IMO, even Metro can understand the impact of this extreme heat and want to do something positive about it.

Embracing an Eco-Friendly Back to School: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future by Samantha Page CEC Newsletter Editor As students and parents gear up for another school year, it's essential to consider the impact our choices have on the environment. Embracing an eco-friendly approach to back-to-school not only benefits the planet but also cultivates responsible habits in the next generation. In this article, we will explore various strategies to make the back-to-school experience more sustainable. Eco-Friendly Food Preparation and Storage When packing lunches or snacks for school, choosing eco-friendly food preparation methods can significantly reduce waste. Plan meals ahead of time and shop accordingly. Avoid buying items such as precut fruit and vegetables as they add additional plastic waste. Spend some time over the weekend prepping lunch box fillers to make your morning routine more efficient. Get creative making your child's favorite snack from scratch to reduce the plastic waste from individually wrapped snacks. Left overs always make for a great lunch the next day and reduces food waste. Choosing the right food storage solutions can make a difference in minimizing food waste and reducing single-use plastics. Replace disposable sandwich bags with reusable silicone or beeswax wraps. These eco-friendly alternatives are washable and can be used for months, reducing the need for constant repurchasing. For drinks, opt for stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic bottles. Choose reusable containers made from stainless steel, glass, or non-toxic plastic instead of disposable bags or cling wraps. Additionally, consider using a bento box-style lunch container that helps control portion sizes and reduces the need for excessive packaging. Sustainable Supplies Traditional back-to-school shopping often involves purchasing numerous plastic-based supplies that contribute to pollution and landfill waste. Embrace more sustainable alternatives by seeking products made from recycled materials, biodegradable resources, or eco-friendly fabrics. Look for pens and pencils made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. Notebooks and paper products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure responsible forestry practices. For backpacks and binders, opt for durable and eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester. Carpooling, Walking, and Biking One of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions during the school year is the daily commute. Encourage carpooling with other families in your neighborhood, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. For students living closer to school, walking or biking can be excellent alternatives to driving. This not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes physical activity and healthier habits. Creating a walking or biking school chain where groups of students walk or bike together, under adult supervision, can enhance safety and build a sense of community. Reusing Old Supplies Before heading to the store for brand new school supplies, take an inventory of what can be reused from previous years. Backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, and certain art materials can often be repurposed, saving money and reducing consumption. If some items are still in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them to local schools or charitable organizations. Don't forget to check out your local second hand shops for items you still need to buy. The back-to-school frenzy can be overwhelming but by implementing these sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact on the environment, instilling values of responsibility and conscious consumption in the next generation. Together, we can ensure that education not only enriches young minds but also nurtures the planet that sustains us all.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/transportation/2023/06/29/455597/metro-bus-shelters-turn-into-easy-bake-ovens-in-heatwave-as-houson-riders-search-for-shade/ We should at least consider what other metro systems are trying https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/eco-bus-stops-to-bring-cool-relief-in-fight-against-urban-heat-island-problem-6330 n

I was wondering if you had stood under the current Metro cover when it's 100 degrees plus? Look closely at the shade it provides.....planting a 3" diameter pin oak for shade would be a positive addition but........what type of shade would it actually provide? Plus the cost of removing that concrete to allow planting would be $$$. IMO a "new normal" situation of 100 degrees for weeks and weeks would justify the maintenance costs if it helped improve the situation for riders. Slowly, these climate change impacts will affect how we view everything. Our mindset will change--- it won't be the same old same old- how could it be?

With all the forward thinking ideas Metro is giving us for Houston-- why not address ameliorating Extreme Heat experience of people waiting for a bus during over heated Houston summer? of course more shaded bus stops would be great but maybe...... Metro needs ideas......Here's a few

Guess the renovations continue

We’re excited to announce the return of Underground Sounds in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern beginning in September! Last year, these popular subterranean performances reverberated across Houston with their unique musical and sound arrangements that highlighted the remarkable natural acoustics of the space. This year’s line-up: September 14 - 17: Nameless Sound October 5 - 8: DACAMERA October 26 - 29: Vocalist Alexandra Smither and bassist Austin Lewellen November 9 - 12: Musiqa Mark your calendar! Tickets for the Nameless Sound performances will be available next Friday, August 11 at 9am. Tickets will sell out quickly! Find the full schedule and ticket release dates on line Please note: Performances have limited capacity. For all sold-out performances, we will be taking an in-person waiting list on a first-come-first-served basis beginning exactly 30 minutes prior to each performance time.

Bayou Preservation Association's 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium Balancing Growth, Preservation, and Conservation Discover the future of our bayous and waterways at Bayou Preservation Association's 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium, themed Balancing Growth, Preservation, and Restoration. Join us for two engaging days on Zoom, Wednesday, September 20thand Thursday, 21st, from 8 AM to 12 PM each day. Learn about resilience, sustainability, and water resource preservation amidst ongoing growth. Explore successful strategies and strengthen collective efforts to overcome challenges and protect our precious watersheds. Don't miss this highly anticipated event! SECURE YOUR TICKETS TODAY   We are excited to announce that this year's Symposium will include a special field tour led by Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), where participants will witness the results of a six-year-old reforestation project along Sims Bayou. Covering a six-acre area, this project is HPARD's first site within their Riparian Restoration Initiative, aimed at revitalizing riparian forests in City of Houston parks near waterways. Guided by HPARD's Natural Resources staff, Kelli Ondracek and Cassidy Kempf, the tour will provide valuable insights into the lessons learned and the evolving restoration methods over time. Join us at Milby Park to explore Sims Bayou, engage in meaningful discussions, and deepen your connection with nature firsthand. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your educational experience outside the virtual setting. Secure your spot now! Charles H. Milby Park Tuesday, September 19th, 9:30 AM 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 Field tour guided by HPARD’s Natural Resources staff members, Kelli Ondracek and Cassidy Kempf. *We have a limited capacity of 30 attendees, be sure to secure your spot early! Mark your calendars for this year's networking mixer on Thursday, September 21st, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the charming Riverhouse Houston. Join us for a delightful Happy Hour to recap and discuss the highlights of this year's symposium. Riverhouse Houston Thursday, September 21st, 4 PM - 7 PM 65 Hirsch Rd Suite 100, Houston, TX 77020 Organizing partners this year are AECOM, City of Houston, EHRA Engineering, Harris County Engineering Dept., Houston-Galveston Area Council, and Talley Landscape Architects.

I attended the Central 1&2 division HPD/PIP I want to share some of the information we were given: