Gulf Coast Master Naturalists, THORSDAY REPORT – 060504 CHAPTER MESSAGES

TWO POM’s (Project Of the Month) for MayPlease notice in the Mark Your Calendars section there are TWO POM’s being offered this month.

May 6 - Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center – Our Adopted Trail

May 20 - Joint Stewardship Project – Gulf Coast/Galveston Bay Area Chapters - Anahuac Wildlife Preserve

Adopt-A-Spot with Buffalo Bayou Partnership At the Chapter meeting Thursday night, Fred Birdsall reported on his meeting with Buffalo Bayou Partnership. It was decided that we would proceed with the “Adopt-A-Spot” project with Fred coordinating the effort. (The tentative spot is the Tapley Tributary.) Thank you, Fred, for taking the lead on this. The below members are the ones who responded to the ZUESday CHAT as being interested in the project. If your name is not on the list and you are interested in joining in on this project please submit your name to gcmn@tamu.edu and your name will be forwarded on to Fred. J. Kolenovsky, Lisa Yelenick, Pat German, Sarah Smith, Linda Knowles

TMN-GCC Chapter Meeting Sorry for those who were not there. You missed one good meeting and one great learning opportunity. The lecture on bats by Diana Foss was fantastic. You still have an opportunity to go see the bats at the Waugh Drive Bridge at Allen Parkway. She and/or her crew are there every third Friday of every month. Arrive 20-30 minutes before the official sunset and meet at the southeast corner of the bridge. Watch from the top and side of the bridge but not beneath. http://community.webtv.net/masternaturalist/THEWAUGHBATMONITOR - The Waugh Bat Monitor website (Look here for official sunset time – THOR)

We learned about a Schoolyard Habitat project (Janowski Elementary School – being lead by Joe Blantan) that will be able to use quite a few of the 700 native trees that the chapter (Thanks, Anice Petersen) received from TREES for HOUSTON. We still need members to help foster the trees until Joe’s group is ready to use them. Please contact Anice if you can help at anice@wt.net Lan Shen’s GCMN-Plant Propagation Project has once again succeeded in parsing out plants to the members for fostering, propagating, learning to how to grow different types of native plants and discussed setting up more rescue times for more native plants. When you take one of the GCMN-PPP plants you not only get a plant but you get a lot of knowledge to go with it. Lan makes sure that everything about the plant that you need to know is available to you or where you can go to get the information. If you have any other questions about the plant you can always contact her. It is a very hands on way to learn about tending and growing native plants. This is where you can gain your experience. Next time, take a stab at fostering a plant and learn about it up close and personal. Thank you, Lan, for the excellent way you are running this project and teaching all of us. You miss a lot when you can’t make one of our meetings. Hope you can make the next one. At the next meeting, Mike Howlett, TMN & a naturalist at Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center will talk about Herps of Houston. The meeting will be at a different location based on member response to the ZUESday Chat. Look here for future announcements on location and time.

Mail Call: The Chapter needs some one who lives closer to the Bear Creek Office to come in once a week to process the snail mail (my 40 minute commute one way is not justified any more). The procedure of what to do with the mail is right there in the office. You will earn Volunteer Service time for performing this duty. Please contact gcmn@tamu.edu if you are interested. – Thank you, Gloria.

Index (place cursor on title, either use ctrl + click or just click to follow link or just scroll down):

OPPORTUNITIES - REMINDERS

Exploring Houston's Backyard 2006 Bat Tour on the Pontoon Boat - Buffalo Bayou Partnership8th Annual 2006 Southwest Land Trust Conference How Do I Participate In The Texas Amphibian Watch?May - Project Of The Month (POM) – Jesse Jones – Adopted Trail On the Trail of Trash- 1st Annual Park Trail Cleanup Navasota River Brazos County Field Trip1st Trans-Texas Quail Count - Texas Cooperative Extension and Bobwhite Brigade Marsh Mania 2006 - Galveston Bay Foundation Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary Work Day - Houston Audubon Society Ecology Walk for Adults Focusing on Plants, Fungi and Bacteria - HANC The Native Plant Society of Texas, Houston Chapter – Field Trip Artist Boat Eco-Art Adventure - Cypress Wonderland Canoe TripBike Ride Along Braes Bayou - Houston Sierra Club

How to Start a Community or School Garden - Urban Harvest ClassTree Identification - Botany/Entomology Group May Monthly Meeting Permaculture & The Sustainable Society Ornithology Group Midweek Birding TripEnvironmental Defense - Texas Living Waters Project - Statewide Water ConferencePrairie Night Ride - Armand Bayou Nature CenterInternational Compost Awareness WeekUrban Forestry Summit 200613th Annual City of Houston Water FestivalArtist

Award/Grant Opportunities

City of Houston Environmental Excellence Awards – Deadline May 12 2007 Youth Garden Grants™ Program Hooked on HydroponicsWestern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education GrantsFiscal Year 2006 EPA Sustainability Grants Grant Wrangler Funding Directory

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!!!

Katy Prairie Guided Preserve TourPiney Woods Wildlife Society – Watson Pinelands Preserve Field Trip Birding and Botany Canoe Tour - Buffalo Bayou Partnership New Volunteer Orientation – Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition Wildlife Photo Shoot "Train the Trainers" – Early detection and reporting of invasive species May - Second Project Of The Month (POM) - Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Managing Your Land For Wildlife WorkshopOverabundant White-tailed Deer in Texas Carnivorous Plants Workshop 2006 ACI Home Performance Conference - Solar Hot Water; Rainwater Harvesting Lone Star Regional Native Plant Conference Green Building/Vehicle Expo & WorkshopTexas Box Turtles and Water Turtles - Urban Nature Series Texas Snakes Walk on the Wild Side Tour – Houston ZooProject Learning Tree - Fire In The Ecology Workshop

FYI

One Good Tern Art Exhibit Benefit - Galveston Bay Foundation, HANC, Houston Audubon Society Wildflower Portraits - Houston Museum of Natural Science Free Document Shredding Day - City of West University Recycle Express Seven Steps to Green Building -Basic guidance to make your house green Saving Our Forests and the Impact on Our Society – Forest Stewardship Council Third Party Labels/Certifications – Are the products you are buying environmentally sound?

Green Thumb Gardening SeriesYouth Range Workshop – Dr. Barron RectorBayou City Farmers' Market - Every Saturday 8-12

Interesting/Helpful Websites Know Your Climbers (how plants climb)Tallgrass Nature Preserve, Kansas – The Nature Conservancy (slide show) Don’t Mess With Texas – Thank you, Rindy Howard, for sending in the link. Pumpkins – Plant by June1- July 1 for the holidays Sombrero Cookies

OPPORTUNITIES - REMINDERS

Exploring Houston's Backyard 2006 Jones State Forest FM 1488, Conroe/The Woodlands May 1-5, 8:30AM till 2PM Breakfast snacks/Lunch/water are provided daily Each day over 250, 5th graders from intercity schools in Houston will be presented a program about the forest, wildlife, water, insects/disease, products... 6 + volunteers are needed each day to help be an interpretive tour guide. Meaning, help guide the teacher and class between stations and just visit with them if they have any questions about what they are seeing. There are 6 station per day around 30 minutes long with a 5-10 walk between each stations. If someone would like to volunteer, please CONTACT: Robin Baxter or John R. Warner (Urban District Forester) at 936/273-2261 as soon as possible. Return to Index

Bat Tour on the Pontoon Boat - Buffalo Bayou Partnership Waugh Drive Houston, TX Friday, May 5, 7PM-8:30PM See the local Waugh Drive bats for yourself! This is a new tour that has just been added to the schedule, so if you are interested, please sign up now! Please call for more information. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required. $15 per person CONTACT: (713) 752-0314, ext. 3 for information or reservations Return to Index

8th Annual 2006 Southwest Land Trust Conference La Quinta Inn, Suites & Conference Center San Antonio, TX Thursday – Saturday, May 4-6, 2006 The Land Trust Alliance, Texas Land Trust Council & the Program Committee invite you to the 8th Annual Southwest Conference. This gathering is all about educating and connecting in a vibrant

high- energy environment full of the best and brightest in the conservation world. Whether you are new to the land trust community or a seasoned professional, this conference is for you! Keynote speaker, James Levitt, director of the Program on Conservation Innovation at Harvard University. "Come together and focus on conservation" to seek sustainability, excellence and accreditation! Co-hosted by the Texas Land Trust Council and the Land Trust Alliance. CONTACT: Pam Nichollsat at pnicholls@lta.org or 970-245-5811. Return to Index

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE TEXAS AMPHIBIAN WATCH?

Attend a Texas Amphibian Watch volunteer training where you’ll learn songs of

local frogs and toads, find out about challenges facing amphibians worldwide, practice collecting amphibian population data, and select a wetland site for monitoring.

Collect amphibian population data throughout the year, send your data to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and receive an annual report detailing amphibian monitoring efforts across the state.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING REGISTRATION SHEET

Spring 2006 Texas Amphibian Watch Training Sessions

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center

Where: 15315 Beaumont Highway (Business 90) @ Park Road 138, Houston, TX 77049 / 281-456-2800

When: Saturday, May 6, 2006 from 3pm-8pm (Participants responsible for own dinner, 5pm-6pm)

Cost: $5.00

Name:________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Telephone Number:____________________________________________ E-mail Address:_______________________________________________ Are you in the Texas Master Naturalist Program? Yes No Please mail this registration sheet to Jaime González at 7675 Phoenix Dr., #409, Houston, TX 77030. If you have questions about training sessions or the Texas Amphibian Watch Program please e-mail Jaime González at jaimegonzalez72@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest in this valuable program! Return to Index

MAY - PROJECT OF THE MONTH (POM)

MAY 6TH POM (PROJECT OF THE MONTH)

8:30 to 12:00 pm

Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center Texas Master Naturalist Adopted Trail

It's been far too long since Gulf Coast Master Naturalists have worked on the chapter's adopted trail at Jesse Jones Park. The Canoe Launch Trail is one of the most prominent in the park, so it's important that we maintain it and set a good example for others. Since most of the privet and tallow was removed during the initial workdays last year, there's not a lot of heavy-duty work left, but it does need to be monitored and maintained. Rick Thompson (GCMN Fall 2005 Class) will lead a workday to inspect the trail for new growth of invasive plants, appropriately address them as necessary, and remove some deadfall from last year's storms. If time permits, we may also work on some remaining deadfall, from Rita, in additional park areas.

The workday will begin with a short advanced training by someone from park management on plant identification of the three-targeted species: Chinese Tallow, Chinese Ligustrum and Japanese Climbing Fern. Work will involve pulling, cutting and removing herbaceous and woody plants. Staff will assist in all aspects of the workday, and will use chain saws and herbicides as necessary. A continental breakfast of muffins, doughnuts, fruit, juice, etc. will be provided at 8:30 a.m., and snacks throughout the day. Insect repellant, water and cups will be provided, as well as machetes, loppers and other tools as needed. Please bring your own sack lunch, hat, gloves, snacks, etc.

Please RSVP me Anice Petersen at anice@wt.net Or Call Rick Thompson at 281-360-7441 Directions: From Houston, head north on US 59 (Eastex Freeway) to FM 1960/FM 1960 Business Exit. Exit 59 and go to second traffic light (1960). Turn west (left) onto 1960 and go 1.5 miles to Kenswick Drive. Turn north (right) at Kenswick and follow Kenswick into the park. Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center, Humble Phone is 281-446-8588

Rick Thompson’s cell phone (832) 435-7755

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The Gulf Coast Chapter of the

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On the Trail of Trash- 1st Annual Park Trail Cleanup Six locations around Houston Saturday, May 6, 9AM to noon The City of Houston, Keep Houston Beautiful, and The Park People are sponsoring this event at six different locations around Houston. There will be volunteers at each site from different companies and other groups, however, at site # 3 MacGregor Way near Hermann Park we need knowledgeable volunteers that can help with invasive plant removal. It will mean bringing tools (pruning shears, small handsaws, or loppers - perhaps sharp shooters and gloves). The city will have trucks there to carry off trash (NOTE - We are particularly trying to recruit Master Naturalists for the McGregor Way event and for Stude/White Oak; both locations have major invasives issues. While Dee Howell from HPARD will work to mark plants to be removed, all of us would appreciate having knowledgeable volunteers on hand at both of those locations. Please contact me if you have any questions. Christina U. Wilkerson, Director of Grants, Communications & Special Events - 713-942-PARK (7275)) Interested volunteers should fill out the below flyer and return to The Park People.

Saturday, May 6, 2006 Join Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Keep Houston Beautiful and The Park People on May 6th to clean and enhance six different sites

around the Greater Houston Area. 9am—Noon Site Location Tasks Availability 1. Cullen Park Katy/I-10 West Phase 2 & Phase 4Trail Maintenance OPEN 2. Oyster Creek Sugar Land/59 South Trail Maintenance/Clean up on lake OPEN 3. MacGregor Way Hermann Park Removal of invasive plant species OPEN 4. Waugh Drive Waugh/Allen Pkwy Build bat viewing deck FULL 5. Stude/White Oak Woodland Heights Trail Maintenance & OPEN

Removal of invasive plant species 6. Hermann Brown Outside NE 610 Trail Maintenance & OPEN

Removal of invasive plants Check off your park for May 6th! Cullen Park phase two 19008 Saum 77084 Cullen Park phase four 18203 Groeschke 77084 Oyster Creek 12880 South Hwy 6 77478 MacGregor Way 1500 S. MacGregor Way 77021 Stude/White Oak, 1603 White Oak Drive 77007 Hermann Brown 300 Oates Road 77013

Name:________________________ Organization Name:_________________ Address:________________________ City:___________State:____Zip:______ E-mail:_________________________________Phone #_________Fax#______ CONTACT: To participate, please call Keep Houston Beautiful 713-839-8855 Fax 713-839-8880 or The Park People 713-942-7275 Fax 713-942-8429. Email info@houstonbeautiful.org or jcortez@parkpeople.org

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Navasota River Brazos County Field Trip (Location: see information below) Saturday, May 6, 7:30AM to about 12:30PM The field trip (limited to 20 participants) is on a tract of land along the side of that is mostly virgin bottomland hardwood forest. I have been conducting a periodical flora and fauna survey for one of the owners of the land since late summer of last year. He has given me permission to bring a group of birders and people who enjoy nature onto the property. The land is unspoiled. Cattle have not grazed the property for several years and the native grasses and sedges are doing well. There are three natural ponds on the property. One of the ponds has a dense stand of Water Elm (Planer Tree) on it. There is Navasota River frontage. There are huge Willow Oak, Water Oak, Overcup Oak (Swamp Post Oak), and Water Hickory on the property. The land probably appears much like the Brazos River bottomland looked before it was logged by early settlers for agricultural use. Some of the bird species I have seen include Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill, Hairy woodpecker (multiple times), Pileated Woodpecker, Cave Swallow, Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Sedge Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and a flock of Rusty Blackbirds. Common Yellowthroats over-wintered in the stands of water elm. The cost is $20.00 per person. I will meet participants along Peach Creek Road at the entrance to the site. Peach Creek Road is located on the east side of Highway 6 south of the Texas World Speedway. The speedway is located between College Station and Navasota. We will start early due to the fact that weather in early May is unpredictable. I will give those who sign up for the field trip the exact meeting location along Peach Creek Road once I receive your payment. Payment should be sent to my mailing address at: P. O. Box 27, Chappell Hill, Texas 77426. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, preferably hiking boots. Brings lots of drinking water, lunch, and insect repellent. The restrooms in the hunting compound will be open and the air conditioned kitchen will be available for lunch. I will have maps of the trails on the property available in the event some participants need to leave before the end of the field trip. If participants stay on the trails they will not get lost. For more information go to www.darrellvollertnaturetours.comCONTACT: Darrell Vollert at 979-251-4986 Return to Index

1st Trans-Texas Quail Count - Texas Cooperative Extension and Bobwhite Brigade Local Sites TBA Saturday, May 6, 7AM – 9AM Master Naturalist Volunteers will receive Volunteer Service Hours for working on this service Project. There is also an Advanced Training Component to the project that will take 30 Minutes or less. The AT can be conducted on line at: http://teamquail.tamu.edu Goals: Bring attention to plight of quail across Texas Demonstrate appreciation for quail along a broad array of stakeholders

Identify remnant quail populations, especially in areas of east and central Texas Spark an interest in rekindling struggling quail populations Quail heard whistling will reflect availability of quail habitat Identify "usable" and "non-usable" space for quail If you are interested in participating, go to http://teamquail.tamu.edu There you will find count protocols, a PowerPoint program for your use locally, and data sheets. Don't forget to fax your results to Dr. Dale Rollins at 325-658-4364 by the following Monday (May 8). For those of you counting where both bobwhite and scaled quail occur, please be sure and indicate calling males for each species. CONTACT: Dale Rollins - Extension Wildlife Specialist at DRollins@ag.tamu.edu or 325-653-4576 Return to Index

Marsh Mania 2006 - Galveston Bay Foundation Armand Bayou Nature Center or Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, May 6, 8AM – 1PM Have fun restoring habitat in Galveston Bay! Enjoy door prizes, T-shirts, a free lunch & playing in the mud. Pre-registration is required. CONTACT: (281) 332-3381, ext. 205 Return to Index

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary Work Day - Houston Audubon Society 440 Wilchester Boulevard Houston, TX Saturday, May 6, 8:30AM- 11:30AM Please join us the first Saturday of each month from November through May at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Enjoy the camaraderie and cool weather as we improve the environment around the cabin and in the woods. CONTACT: Flo Hannah at (713) 932-1639 Return to Index

Ecology Walk for Adults Focusing on Plants, Fungi and Bacteria Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX Saturday, May 6, 1PM- 3PM The three kingdoms of plants, fungi, and bacteria are responsible for the greening of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Learn to recognize them and understand about their complementary roles. CONTACT: (713) 681-8433 Fee: $10 per person; advance registration required Return to Index

The Native Plant Society of Texas, Houston Chapter – Field Trip NPSOT-H field will be on Sunday and led by Dr. Larry Brown. Field trips originate at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking through wet or dry fields, bring drinking water, bug spray, and a packed lunch. Field trips normally end after the picnic lunch. If the weather is drizzling rain, we proceed, but if it is a gully-washer, we still gather at the Arboretum and then cancel. We meet at the Arboretum between 8 and 8:30 am, and depart promptly at 8:30. Sunday, May 7, the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge southwest of Sealy and the roadsides on the way will be the focus of the trip CONTACT: visit our website at www.npsot.org/houston or email: npsotHouston@yahoo.com. Return to Index

Artist Boat Eco-Art Adventure - Cypress Wonderland Canoe Trip Wallisville area; please call for details Sunday, May 7, 9AM- 4PM Wallisville Trinity River Area Skill Level: strenuous paddle Discover the wonders of Galveston Bay & your inner artistic side via kayak & canoe. Come paddling in the largest cypress swamp in Texas with local naturalists & resource experts Linda Shead & Tom Douglas. Step back in time as you float under a canopy of trees and through a maze of mystery. Conditions permitting, today's outing will explore several contrasting habitats: lake, bayou, artificial canal, and river. While exploring Galveston Bay's tranquil habitats, you can make your own watercolor painting to reflect creatively the immense beauty, wonder, & diversity of life contained in our coastal margins. Bring your own lunch and water. Don't forget to dress for a paddling adventure. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required. Trip costs are $20 if you have your own equipment (kayak or canoe, paddle, PFD). Equipment is available to rent for an additional $20 per person. We will supply your art materials. CONTACT: Register the Artist Boat at (409) 770-0722 or via e-mail at info@artistboat.org or visit www.artistboat.org Return to Index

Bike Ride Along Braes Bayou - Houston Sierra Club Meet at the Planetary Cycle Shop S. Braeswood and Stella Link Sunday, May 7, 9AM Join us for a leisurely 15 mile ride from Stella Link to the Hermann Park area along Braes Bayou. Helmets are required and don't forget water. CONTACT: John Berlinghoff at (713) 644-8228 or johnb@hal-pc.orgReturn to Index

How to Start a Community or School Garden - Urban Harvest Class 1900 Kane Houston, TX Monday, May 8, 4PM- 6:30PM Instructor: Gary Edmondson Start a garden at a school, place of worship or vacant lot for education, donation to the hungry, or improving your community. Learn the basics of planning, finances, and

garden design. Information at www.urbanharvest.org. Pre-registration for this class is required. Fee: Free CONTACT: (713) 880-5540 Return to Index

Tree Identification - Botany/Entomology Group May Monthly Meeting Bayland Community Center Tuesday, May 9, 7:30PM Speaker: Leland Day Topic: Identification of Local Trees by Their Leaves CONTACT: Russell Jeffords at (713) 504-9215 Return to Index

Permaculture & The Sustainable SocietyLeisure Learning Unlimited Building 2990 Richmond Ave Houston,TX Tuesday, April 18, 25, May 9, 23 7PM-9:30PM Sunday, April 30 9:30AM-5PM This class is being offered by the Permaculture Guild of Houston. This class explains the permacultural perspective on how we can get a more sustainable society while creating a vastly more satisfying life for all. ($70 + $25 materials & food) For more information go to their website at http://www.urbanharvest.org/permaculture/index.htmlCONTACT: houstonperm@aol.com Return to Index

Ornithology Group Midweek Birding Trip Hermann Park (Parking area west side of Almeda Road between Holcombe Boulevard and South MacGregor Way) Wednesday, May 10, 8AM - 12PM Leader: Skip Almoney We will bird several habitats including open oaks, a small prairie, Brays Bayou, and a wooded forest. Skip Almoney will be at the designated meeting point at 8 am and the trip will not last beyond 12 noon. Location: Hermann Park Directions: The meeting place will be the parking lot in the Bayou Parkland portion of Hermann Park. This parking area is on the west side of Almeda Road between Holcombe Boulevard and South MacGregor Way. Look for the Bayou Parkland Pavilion adjoining the parking area. Note: You may need to come from the other direction on Hermann Circle Drive if there is still construction on Almeda Road at this time. CONTACT: Adam Wood at (713) 515-1692 or birdman_570@yahoo.com Fee: Free Return to Index

Environmental Defense - Texas Living Waters Project - Statewide Water Conference Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin, TX Friday, May 12, 9AM- 3PM Among other regional water issues, this conference will address the issue of how global warming will affect the water needs of Texas cities and towns, industries, agriculture, and the environment.

Full agenda and list of speakers available (when finalized) at www.texaswatermatters.org. Tickets are $35 per person. CONTACT: If you would like to attend, please contact Alicia Isaac-Cura at (512) 691-3435 or e-mail her at aisaac-cura@ed.org. Return to Index

Prairie Night Ride - Armand Bayou Nature Center 8500 Bay Area Boulevard Clear Lake, TX Friday, May 12, 7PM- 8:30PM For ages 6-adult. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. From the hayride, your expert guides will interpret the prairie's beauty, wildlife, and ecology. Sightings may include: deer, owls, armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits. Bring your own drinks or snacks. Pre-registration and Pre-payment required $5 for Armand Bayou members, $7 for non-members CONTACT: (281) 474-2551 Return to Index

International Compost Awareness Week May 7, 2006 to May 13, 2006 The theme for 2006 is The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost! Here is another opportunity for our Master Naturalists to get together and put together a mini-project for this week. If you need any help networking with other members, please contact THOR. (Hey, Ray Wallace (our certified TMN expert on composting), this would be right up your alley. – THOR) CONTACT: Compost Awareness Week website for more information Return to Index

Urban Forestry Summit 2006 Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 4501 Woodway Dr. Houston, TX 77024 Thursday, May 11, 9AM-4PM (RSVP by May 5th) The Urban Forestry Summit 2006 will cover topics on trees as a vital part of a community's infrastructure, how trees can be protected during development projects, and how to manage a community's forest. You will also hear from a panel that will describe their tree planting initiatives from the state to community level in Texas.  A one-day workshop for Community Leaders, municipal Officials, Public Works, Parks, and Planning Staff, Home Owner and Neighborhood Association Members, Residential and Commercial Developers, and Concerned Citizens. Please RSVP by May 5th to Sandra McKnight at 713.993.2461 or smcknight@h-gac.com. CONTACT: For more information http://www.houstonregionalforest.org/Events/Summit2006 or call Chuck Wemple at 713.993.4514 or cwemple@h-gac.comReturn to Index

13th Annual City of Houston Water Festival

Downtown Houston Aquarium 410 Bagby Houston, Tx Thursday, May 11, 10AM-2PM CONTACT: Brenda Templeton at 713-837-0509 or email brenda.templeton@cityofhouston.net Return to Index

Award/Grant Opportunities

Deadline for City of Houston Environmental Excellence Awards Nominations Friday, May 12, 2006 The 2006 Environmental Summit awards are designed to recognize and award outstanding dedication and achievement by those engaged in programs having a direct impact on environmentally related issues. If you know someone who contributed to or improved the quality of the environment in their workplace or community and would like their achievements to be recognized, please nominate them today. Awards nominations are open to all businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, hospitals, colleges and universities having programs directly impacting environmental issues. A separate category for the community will also be recognized. Nominees must have worked a minumum of one year in an environmentally-related field such as air, recycling, solid waste, water/wastewater, energy conservation, environmental health & safety, or green technology. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: 1) Industrial/Corporate Environmental Professional of the Year, 2) Institutional Environmental Professional of the Year, 3) Government Environmental Professional of the Year, 4) Community Environmental Volunteer of the Year Nominations for environmental excellence awards must be made by May 12. For information about nomination criteria or about the awards, contact Marilyn Leday at (713) 837-9138 or e-mail her at marilyn.leday@cityofhouston.net. Awards will be presented at an Environmental Summit on June 1 in Houston ($40 registration fee to attend). Return to Index

2007 Youth Garden Grants™ Program (Sponsored by National Gardening Association and The Home Depot™)

Program Criteria NGA awards Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered, outdoor garden programs. In evaluating grant applications, priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements:

• educational focus or curricular/program integration • nutrition or plant-to-food connections • environmental awareness/education • entrepreneurship • social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community

support, or service-learning.

Who should apply: Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden in 2006 with at least 15 children between the ages of three and 18 years. Previous Youth Garden Grant winners who wish to reapply must wait one year and have significantly expanded their garden programs.

DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION

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Hooked on Hydroponics Awards

National Gardening Association joins the Hydroponic Merchants Association and leading companies from the hydroponic gardening industry to present the 2nd annual Hooked on Hydroponics Awards

Who should apply: All middle schools or high school in the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to engage at least 15 students in the hydrponics project during the 2006/07 school year.

Applications must be postmarked and mailed no later than September 30, 2006. Applicants will receive notification of their status by October 31, 2006. Awards will be shipped by November 30, 2006.

What the award includes: Hydroponic garden systems and indoor light systems (high-intensity discharge or compact fluorescent). Hydroponic garden packages include various system types, including flood and drain (a.k.a., ebb and flow), nutrient film technique, capillary (a.k.a., wick), and aeroponic systems.

For more information go to the below website:

http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/2006-HOH-landing.asp

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Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grants Applications for grants in sustainable agriculture are now being accepted by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. More than $2 million will be disbursed early next year in this latest round of competitive grants in the categories Research and Education, Professional Development, Farmer/Rancher, Professional + Producer and Graduate Student. The grants explore, develop and promote some aspect of agricultural sustainability, which embraces profitable farms and ranches, a healthy environment and strong families and communities. Western SARE, administered through Utah State University, is one of four regions of SARE under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Phil Rasmussen, regional coordinator, said that since the program was begun in 1988, Western SARE has granted more than $35 million to about 900 recipients in the region. - Ron Daines, Western SARE Communications Specialist (rjdaines@msn.com)

CONTACT: Requests for applications and grant deadlines are available on the Western SARE website at http://wsare.usu.edu, by calling (435) 797-2257 or by emailing wsare@ext.usu.edu. (Visit the website to find out more about what types of projects are awarded grant, see the projects for the state of Texas. - THOR)

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Fiscal Year 2006 Environmental Protection Agency Collaborative Science and Technology Network for Sustainability Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency intends to fund projects in two eligible areas under the Collaborative Science and Technology Network for Sustainability (CST) Program Grant. Two million dollars is available to fund projects that emphasize learning rather than the application of established environmental solutions in the following two areas:

o Communities and the Built Environment o Industrial Ecology and Organizational Behavior

GIS technology and geospatial information can be used as the central support and product of a CST application or can be one of a number of analytical tools used in a project.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include public and private not-for-profit organizations and state, local, and tribal governments.

Deadline to Apply: May 17, 2006

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Grant Wrangler Funding Directory Grant Wrangler is a free grants listing service that makes it easy for teachers to find funding. To see the full list of funding opportunities, and to subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter, visit the Grant Wrangler Web site

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!!!

Katy Prairie Guided Preserve Tour

Nelson Farms Preserve (click on link for directions) Saturday, May 13, 5PM-8:30PM

The Katy Prairie Conservancy will be hosting an afternoon tour of selected preserves to see what spring has brought to the Katy Prairie. Specifically, we'll be looking for wildflowers, butterflies, and other signs of increased wildlife activity. The tour will begin at Nelson Farms Preserve at 5:00 and then move on to one or more other preserves to see wildflowers and wildlife. The tour will end by 8:30 p.m. CONTACT: The KPC website for registration information, directions, and tips on appropriate attire. Return to Index

Piney Woods Wildlife Society – Watson Pinelands Preserve Field Trip Big Thicket National Park Saturday, May 13 Neotropicals, blooming orchids, trails poor, will be led by David Henderson. Return to Index

Birding and Botany Canoe Tour - Buffalo Bayou Partnership Vine Street Studios 1113 Vine Street Suite 200 Houston, TX 77002 Saturday, May 13, 12:30-5:30pm Keep Buffalo Bayou wild! Join birder and zoologist Doug Phillips as he discusses the variety of birds that call Buffalo Bayou their home. Canoe the bayou and experience the greenbelt’s unique flora and fauna. In the past, lucky canoeists have glimpsed two-foot turtles and graceful herons, so bring your binoculars and get ready for the adventure. Don A. Greene will also be your guide. His knowledge and experience include past president and chair of the Bayou Preservation Association who currently teaches earth science to Kinkaid and other schools of HISD. All canoe trips leave from 5000 Memorial Drive. Reservations and payment must be made in advance. $52 per person Group limit is 18 CONTACT: 713.752.0314 ext. 3 or e-mail tsmith@buffalobayou.org or Canoe Registration Form (doc) – fax to 713.223.3500 or mail to the above address. Cancellations must take place 72 hours prior to the canoe tour.Return to Index

New Volunteer Orientation – Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition 595 Wycliffe Houston, Texas 77079 Saturday, May 13, 9:30AM -11:00AM New Volunteer Orientation seminar will be held at the shelter. There are a rich variety of ways to help the shelter – some you have probably never thought of. Bring a friend to the lecture and meet some very interesting people doing some very interesting things. If you want to meet a variety of interesting animals, birds, reptiles, and caring humans, attend the Admissions 101 Class at noon on Saturday, May 13 (following the New Volunteer Orientation at 9:30 a.m.) Admissions 101 will offer all the ins and outs of working the front counter for the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition. For the majority of Houstonians bringing in an injured or orphaned animal, the volunteer standing behind the front counter is the first person he or she meets. Please call to register. CONTACT: 713-468-8972 or email volunteercoord@twrc-houston.org Donation of Egg Shells Needed

Tiny, fast-growing baby birds need calcium included at every feeding if they are ever to fly away at release time. The demand is so high in the Bird Room that the shelter will continue to collect egg shells, a good source for calcium. (Also, margarine tubs, cool whip tubs to be used as nests for injured birds and nestlings are needed) Return to Index

Wildlife Photo Shoot – DATE CHANGE (April 1 – cancelled) Fennessey Ranch May 13 + 14th 2006 Fennessey Ranch and Sean Fitzgerald team up for a full day of wildlife photography in the field. Fitzgerald has won the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest on the Fennessey Ranch the last two years. Blinds placed in rookeries, on game trails and watering holes let you photograph wildlife while Fitzgerald gives you tips on composition, techniques and equipment. Daylight.-dark; fees $155 Texas State Parks Pass members, $165 non-members; reservations required; for more information visit http://www.fennesseyranch.comCONTACT: (361) 529-6600 Return to Index

"Train the Trainers"

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Austin, Texas

Tuesday, May16 In collaboration with the Texas Forest Service, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is hosting a one day "Train the Trainers" workshop on May 16 to establish satellite Citizen Science programs for the early detection and reporting of invasive species. The workshop will be held at the Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas and participants will be trained in the use of the Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Invasive Species Toolkit developed by the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. If your chapter is interested in creating an Invaders of Texas Citizen Science program, please email me to reserve a workshop space. There is no charge for the workshop but participation will be limited to 24. To learn more about the Invaders program, visit the Citizen Science section of the Texas Invasives website at http://www.texasinvasives.org Best Regards, Damon E. Waitt, Ph.D. - Senior Botanist Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, Texas 78739-1702 email: dwaitt@wildflower.org (Please also cc: gcmn@tamu.edu – Thanks, THOR) web: http://www.wildflower.org phone: 512.292.4200 fax: 512.292.4627

Interesting websites on invasive species - THOR: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0603_040603_invasivespecies.html - Huge, Freed Pet Pythons Invade Florida Everglades http://www.enature.com/articles/detail.asp?storyID=70 ARGH!! The history of the invasive Kudzo (Let’s eat it away – THOR) http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/invasivespecies.cfm Devastating effects of Invasive Species http://www.nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies/files/inv_wallet_card.pdf - Invasive species plant list wallet card http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/ - The Global Invasive Species Initiative is The Nature Conservancy's response to abating the damage caused to native biodiversity by the human-facilitated introduction of non-native, harmful invasive species.Return to Index

Overabundant White-tailed Deer in Texas Impacts on People, Communities, and the Land Texas State University San Marcos, Texas Thursday, May 18, 7:45AM-5PM White-tailed deer are a valuable natural resource providing enjoyment for thousands across Texas and are very adaptable to life near people. However, when deer numbers escalate and they become overabundant, deer can threaten wildlife and plant diversity as well as cause economic, health and safety concerns. Some Texas communities are currently confronting these issues and others soon will be. This seminar will allow attendees to hear about the experiences of communities as well as hear from nationally recognized experts currently working with overabundant deer issues. * How did we get this many deer in Texas and what does the future hold? * Impact of overabundant deer populations * Current management tools * What has and has not worked * Overabundant deer as a planning issue * Building consensus among stakeholders Early registration fee - $35 * Good until April 1, 2006! After April 1st, registration is $50. Registration is limited. Fee includes all refreshment breaks and lunch on day one. Pre-registration by May 1st required for a guaranteed lunch! Limited sponsorships available. CONTACT: (to register) Helen Holdsworth at the Texas Wildlife Association 1-800-TEX-WILD or 210-826-2904, x. 120 Return to Index

MAY - SECOND PROJECT OF THE MONTH (POM) ANAHUAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

509 Washington Avenue Anahuac, Texas Saturday, May 20, 9AM-2PM

Joint Stewardship Project – Gulf Coast/Galveston Bay Area Anahuac Wildlife Preserve

The two chapters would like to have a joint stewardship project. We will be weeding and replanting the hummingbird/butterfly garden at Anahuac Wildlife Preserve. Please bring a sack lunch, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear close-toed shoes. After lunch we will have a presentation by Stephanie Martinez, Stewardship Manager of the preserve, on the history, flora and fauna of the preserve and then take a tour of the preserve. It will be a good time to do a little birding. CONTACT: Sarah Smith sarahbethsmith1@aol.com, if you are with the Gulf Coast chapter and Sara Snell snellsw@yahoo.com if you are with the Galveston Bay chapter. You may want to consider car-pooling.

Directions to Office: Located at 509 Washington Avenue Anahuac, Texas. To refuge: Take I-10 east from Houston about (towards Beaumont.) Depending on where you get on I10, it will be 25-40 miles. Take Exist 810 and stay on the feeder road going east about .3 miles. Turn right on FM 562 or FM 563 depending on what stupid direction-finder map system you are using. Go about 6 miles – FM 563 will become North Bayshore Rd. At Miller Road, or Texas 61, turn right and go .8 miles. Keep going to the left on Tx 61 and continue on – Texas 61 becomes Washington Avenue.

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Managing Your Land For Wildlife Workshop, Part I: Practical First Steps Texas Cooperative Extension Office Auditorium 3033 Bear Creek Drive Houston, TX 77084 Saturday, May 20, 9AM – 4PM PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Katy Prairie Conservancy, and Texas Cooperative Extension 3 Applicator’s License CEU credits available Habitat Assessment Field Practice Katy Prairie Conservancy Property Saturday, May 20, 2:45 – 4:00 pm After the Managing Your Land for Wildlife Workshop classroom section adjourns, please join staff from Katy Prairie Conservancy, Texas Cooperative Extension, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. to practice what you learned in the field. We’ll travel to Katy Prairie Conservancy property in the Katy Prairie. We’ll split up into smaller groups and practice our habitat evaluation skills. Maps to the KPC property will be provided to attendees on the day of the workshop. CONTACT: Keith Crenshaw at 281-456-7029 x22 or email at Keith.Crenshaw@tpwd.state.tx.us

MANAGING YOUR LAND FOR WILDLIFE Workshop, PART ONE & Field Trip REGISTRATION FORM Name _______________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ City _______________________________ Zip Code_______________ Phone Number_____________________ Number of People Attending _________ Fax Number for Registration Confirmation (optional) ________________________________________________ OR Email for Confirmation (optional) ____________________________________________________________ Email address used for registration confirmation only. County(ies) and Acreage of Your Property _______________________________________________________ Number of Vegetarian Lunches Needed__________ Cost: $20.00 per person (fee includes workshop materials and lunch) Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 17, 2006. No refunds after May 17, 2006. Please make checks payable to: Katy Prairie Conservancy Mail registration form and check to: Managing Your Land for Wildlife Workshop, 14320 Garrett, Houston, TX 77044 Questions? Please call Katy Prairie Conservancy at 713-523-6123 OR TPWD at 281-456-7029. Return to Index

Carnivorous Plants Workshop Saturday, May 20 10am -3pm Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center Carnivorous Plants: Local species and their kin - Identification and Cultivation Mike Howlett, local carnivorous plant specialist, has been named as the Regional Head Grower for the North American Sarracenia Conservancy, a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to the conservation, cultivation and reintroduction of North American Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia). He will be conducting a Carnivorous Plants program that is open to everyone (including the public) Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The goal, with the follow up workshop from 1 to 3PM, is to develop a core of volunteers who will help at the Jones Park's greenhouse to grow out these plants. The workshop will demonstrate cultivation methods for Sarracenia in particular, but methods for other CPs will be reviewed as well. Currently, about 2,000 seeds of the native Texas Pitcher Plant have been head-started and these will be the majority of what the workshop attendees will be working with. It is asked that attendees devote at least a few hours monthly to helping raise the plants in Jones Park's greenhouse. As these volunteers demonstrate proficiency in growing these plants, they may be allowed to take some home for growout. These seedlings will be distributed for reintroduction and other conservation measures CONTACT: Reservations requested by email to Teri MacArthur at texasnaturelover@earthlink.netReturn to Index

2006 ACI Home Performance Conference Hilton Austin

500 East 4th Street Austin, TX 78701 Monday – Friday, May 22-26, 2006 If you happen to be in Austin this week, there are two courses being offered during the above conference hosted by Austin Energy of which may be of particular interest, For information about the conference and about the logistics of the courses go to the below website: http://www.affordablecomfort.org/images/Events/15/ACI_06-BRO.pdf For information about the courses, go to the website listed under each course: TAM 10 - Solar Hot Water: New Ideas from the North & the South Tuesday, May 23, 2006 · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://www.affordablecomfort.org/events_courses_details.php?EventID=15&CourseID=425 – Solar Hot Water (2006 Home Performance Conference Tuesday May 23 TPM 05N - Rainwater Harvesting (In-field) Tuesday, May 23, 2006 · 1:00 PM - 5:00 PMhttp://www.affordablecomfort.org/events_courses_details.php?EventID=15&CourseID=438 - Rainwater Harvesting (Short course), Dick Peterson– Green building (2006 Home Performance Conference Tuesday May 23 Return to Index

Lone Star Regional Native Plant Conference Hosted by the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center Nacogdoches, TX Wednesday-Sunday, May 24-28, 2006 Visit: http://pnpc.sfasu.edu/ for detailed agenda and registration information CONTACT: Elyce Rodewald: erodewald@sfasu.edu Dr. David Creech: dcreech@sfasu.edu Peter Loos: info@ecovirons.comReturn to Index

Green Building/Vehicle Expo & Workshop Live Oak Civic Center San Antonio, TX Friday-Saturday, May 26 & 27 Texas’ Best Green show. See below website for more details: http://www.greenconnexion.com/XPOINFO.jpg - (Flyer) CONTACT: rzheck@cs.com or 210-212-8031 Return to Index

Texas Box Turtles and Water Turtles - Urban Nature Series Houston Arboretum Nature Center 4501 Woodway Dr

Houston, TX 77024 Sunday, June 11, 2PM-4PM There will be a lecture to be presented by Gina Disteldorf on Texas turtles. CONTACT: Gina Disteldorf at gdisteldorf@houston.rr.comReturn to Index

Texas Snakes Walk on the Wild Side TourHouston Zoo 1513 N. MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030Sat, Jun 24, 9AMJoin one of our expert Houston Zoo animal keepers for an insider's look at the Zoo. Reservations and payment can be made at the Zoo's main entrance at least 24 hours before the day of the tour. Zoo Members: $25/person; Non-Members: $30/person - Tour prices include regular Zoo admission. Space is limited so we recommend booking in advance CONTACT: 713-533-6713 Return to Index

PROJECT LEARNING TREE - FIRE IN THE ECOLOGY WORKSHOP CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED! Jones State Forest - Classroom 1328 FM 1488 Conroe, Texas Saturday, July 8, 9am - 4pm Advanced Master Naturalist Training - Texas Forest Service (Tree Tenders) and for Pr-K through grade 8 teachers, youth leaders and home schoolers.

Learn about the role of fire in ecosystems-is it good or bad? Take home Project Learning Tree activity guides, “Burning Issues” CDs,

posters, grant opportunities, and much more!

All activities are correlated to TEKS and national education standards, and demonstrate “best practices” in educational pedagogy and methods.

Cost: FREE (But you must pre-register to attend) Sponsored by National Project Learning Tree and Bureau of Land Management

Credit: 6 hours of SBEC credit; 6 hours of TEEAC credit Lunch, snacks & drinks provided. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoors.

-------------------------------------------complete, mail or fax -----------------------------------------

Name_______________________________________E-mail_______________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________ School___________________________________________________________________________ City/State________________________________Zip Code_____________Grade Level__________

Phone (Work)______________________________(Home)__________________________________

Fax: 936.273.2282 Mail: Texas Forest Service, 1326 FM 1488, Conroe, TX 77384 Attn: John Warner

Information/Directions: 936.273.2261 or jwarner@tfs.tamu.edu

Texas PLT sponsored by Texas Forestry Association & Texas Forest Service

CONTACT: John Warner at 936/273-2261 Return to Index

http://www.solar2006.org/ - SOLAR 2006 (July 7-13) Denver, Colorado – Renewable Energy Key to Climate Recovery The National Solar Energy Conference is America’s largest annual gathering of sustainable energy professionals. SOLAR 2006 features prominent experts in the fields of renewable energy making presentations in plenaries, forums, workshops and technical sessions. SOLAR 2006 also features exhibits, tours, social events, and much more. Many events are free & open to the public, and a variety of price levels for conference registration are also available. Register by June 1 for the best prices. (If anyone happens to be going to Colorado….THOR) Return to Index

FYI

In case you're wondering, 9,999 minutes is 6 days, 22 hours and 39 minutes – from GoToMyPC website

One Good Tern (Deserves Another)

The Good Tern Gallery in Galveston is proud to announce an art exhibit that will be held in Houston's financial cathedral

The Bank of America Building 700 Louisiana Street

May 8th through June 2nd, 2006 Opening reception is Thursday May 11th 5-7pm, Refreshments provided

The exhibit is so titled because a portion of the proceeds will benefit three local conservation-oriented non-profit organizations: The Galveston Bay Foundation, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and the Houston Audubon Society.

Andrea Rich and Anne Faust, master wildlife artists of the year at the prestigious Woodson Museum Birds in Art show in 1999 and 2006 respectively, will be the featured artists. Three Texas artists, Gerald Sneed from the Rio Grande Valley and Margie Crisp and Melanie Fain, both from the Hill Country, are also included in the show. The Good Tern Gallery specializes in contemporary nature art in a wide range of media, including watercolors, pastels, acrylics, and hand-pulled prints. All of the artists in this exhibit have national or international reputations, presenting a truly unique opportunity to see some of the best contemporary nature-themed art. Return to Index

Wildflower Portraits - Houston Museum of Natural Science One Hermann Circle Drive Houston, TX Saturday, May 6, 9AM- 5 p.m. Eloise Thompson grew, collected and painted native Texas wildflowers. She also devised techniques to prolong the freshness of the blooms so she could paint them, capturing the tiniest detail. Her collection of wildflower portraits was originally exhibited at the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936 and the Greater Texas and Pan American Exposition in 1937 in Dallas. Of the more than 350 varieties that were captured in watercolor, 100 were selected for publication in the book Wildflower Portraits. The forty paintings featured in this exhibition were included in this book. Wildflower Portraits was organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Wanda Smith of the Outdoor Nature Club of Houston, Laurel and Katrina Ladwig (Laurel Ladwig was a former member of the TMN-GCC until she moved. – THOR) and botanist Larry Brown. Exhibition Opening- It will run through September 4. Museum Admission: Free for HMNS members, $9 for non-member adults, $6 for children, college students & seniors. The HMNS is free Tuesdays only from 2 pm-9 pm. Time: Monday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm; Tuesdays 9 am-9 pm CONTACT: (713) 639-4629 or www.hmns.org Return to Index

Free Document Shredding Day - City of West University Recycle Express 5004 Dincans (off of Westpark Drive, between Kirby & Buffalo Speedway, and between Westpark & Bissonnet Street) Saturday, May 6, 9AM- 12PM Protect yourself from identity theft with free document shredding and recycling. Bring documents to shred May 6 and prevent thieves from stealing confidential information from your trash. Bring your recyclables anytime (paper, cardboard, #1 & #2 plastics, aluminum cans, tin cans, glass bottles and glass jars) for processing - on this day or any day of the week, 24/7!! CONTACT: (713) 662-5312 or www.westu.org/shred Return to Index

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/greenbuilder/downloads/7steps.pdf - Basic guidance to make your house green - Seven Steps to Green Building http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Tools%20and%20Tips/greenBuildingWorkshop.htm - Green By Design Workshop - Register EARLY! Workshops fill up fast. (If you happen to be in Austin on May 6 – THOR) Return to Index

http://www.fscus.org/newsletters/FSCNews_apr_may_2006.pdf - Forest Stewardship Council News and Views – Two very important articles on the importance of FSC (saving our forests and the impact on society) and FSC certification of Random House – also congratulations are in order for three Texas companies in February and March who achieved certification for “Chain-of-Custody” – THOR Return to Index

http://www.organicbouquet.com/Product/Certification.aspx#Organic – Here is a listing of third party labels and/or certifications that you can look at to see if the product(s) you are using or buying are environmentally sound…If you know of any other labels or certifications that we should be aware of, please send them in so we can all investigate them and learn more about them….As naturalists it would be a good idea to use our consumer power to use products that will not hurt our environment. Learn what you can about each and make your decision… - THOR Return to Index

Green Thumb Gardening Series Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive Houston, TX 77042 All sessions held on fourth Tuesday, 6:30-9PM May 23 – Lawn Care, June 27 – Butterfly Gardening, July 25 – Pests and Diseases, August 22 – Landscape Design, September 26 – Landscape Maintenance, October 24 – Soils and Composting, November 28 – Trees, December – No Class, January 23 – Fruits and Nuts These programs are free and are being sponsored by the Harris County Master Gardeners. Registration is not required. Come to one class, or attend them all. Some classes may be considered as Advance Training for Texas Master Naturalists depending on content. To all Master Naturalists, please submit a summary of the class with your time sheet for approval. CONTACT: 281-855-5600 website: http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort Return to Index

The Texas Section SRM Youth Activities Committee is now accepting applicants for the 2006 Youth Range Workshop. The workshop is scheduled for Sunday, June 18 through Friday, June 23, 2006. We will be accepting applicants until 40 applicants have been received. The information about the workshop and application can be found at the following web page http://www.tssrm.org/youthrange.htm or by contacting Dr. Barron Rector, Coordinator of the

workshop at (979) 845-2755 or email at b-rector@tamu.edu. Please pass this information on to as many people as possible. Someone just might know of a youth that would like to attend. Return to Index

Bayou City Farmers' Market - Every Saturday 8-12 3000 Richmond between Kirby & Buffalo Speedway (Back parking lot of NE corner of Eastside Street) Saturday, 8AM-Noon Buy Local! Buy Fresh! A Real Farmers' Market in Your Backyard! Bayou City Farmers' Market is a Project of Urban Harvest. For more information: www.urbanharvest.org or call 713-880-5540 Return to Index

Interesting/Helpful Websites:

http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Link-Page?SC=JNA7018A&id=5373 - Know Your Climbers (how plants climb) Return to Index

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/kansas/features/ - Tallgrass Nature Preserve, Kansas – The Nature Conservancy (excellent photo slide show, see right side of web page for photo essay – THOR) Return to Index

http://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/report_a_litterer.php - Texas Anti-Litter Campaign (Thanks, Rindy Howard, for sending in the link – THOR) Return to Index

http://www.texasgardener.com/currentissue/pumpkin.html - Pumpkins need to be planted between June 1 and July 1 to be ready for the holidays Return to Index

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=40951 –Sombrero Cookies (Easy to make to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo – THOR) Return to Index

Good Night, THOR Please send any questions, requests, comments, ideas or suggestions to the chapter office at gcmn@tamu.edu and write THOR (THURSDAY Office Reports) in the subject line.