Community Updates

October 2021

July 2021

Went to Bayland Park for a CFCI workshop. Asked the students if Madres del Parque was still active and they didn’t know. They were given a KHB Proud Partner Award in 2019 for her work. There is so much work to be done, but need a staff member responsible for the action and organization.

By Becky Luman Healthy Tweaks

August 2017

*Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) – Houston: FREE transportation is once again available for field trips to our amazing local outdoor spaces for Title 1 4th Graders for the 2017-2018 School Year (Thank you, National Park Foundation!). EKIP Houston will have a new intern starting at the end of August/first of September; however, since teachers are preparing for the year now, we need to get the word out now. EKIP Field Trip Partners: Please review the information for your site by going to the EKIP Houston Field Trip Site Map, clicking on the balloon adjacent to your site, and confirming the details are correct. If you have changes, please let me know. Everyone Else: Please let your contacts know these fund are available and teachers can start scheduling their field trips. Teachers can find details, including the park of their choosing at EKIP Houston Website, book field trips directly through their desired park site; then follow directions for transportation reimbursement eligibility on the EKIP Houston Website.

*Houston Environmental Resource Exchange (HERE in Houston): The HERE in Houston website is up! HERE in Houston is a one-stop shop for classroom and informal educators, Texas Master Naturalists, Scout leaders, looking to teach about the environment of the Houston-Galveston Region. Enjoy exploring the site for exciting environmental education ideas and opportunities and share with your colleagues. Please contact Jaime Gonzalez (jgonzalez@katyprairie.org) if you would like to provide additional content.

*National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools: NWF is looking to fill a part-time contract position for an Education and Outreach Coordinator in Houston, Texas. The successful applicant will build on the relationship NWF has with the Houston ISD which supports HISD’s sustainability initiatives, by helping schools develop plans and implement plans to green their schools and achieve benchmarks towards: (1) greening the buildings, (2) greening the school grounds, and (3) greening the student experience. Interested applicants can find our more at this link (CLICK HERE), and/or see the attached document. Contact Marya Fowler for more information (fowler@nwf.org).

*USGBC High Performance Schools Summit (09/28/17): The USGBC Texas Gulf Coast Region is hosting a summit on September 28 designed to engage school district administration in the High Performance Schools conversation. The goal is for every district to understand the benefits and opportunities of High Performance Schools, as well as meet people who can help them through the challenges. Join Juliet Stipeche, COH Education Director and Jenny Seydel, Executive Director of the Green Schools National Network, and others in the discussion! CLICK HERE for a link for more information and to register, and/or contact Caroline Kostak (caroline.kostak@gmail.com) if you would like to sponsor the event.

*Buffalo Bayou/KBR Kids Day (10/7/17): Buffalo Bayou Partnership is gearing up for their 11th annual KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou on Saturday, October 7th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Guadalupe Plaza Park at 2311 Runnels Street at Jensen and Navigation. Please note this is a new location just east of downtown…we are all excited about this historic and culturally diverse neighborhood. Please join in capturing children’s imaginations and instilling within them a love for the outdoors. If your organization would like to participate in this year’s Kids Day, please read, complete, and email Trudi Smith (tsmith@buffalobayou.org) the attachment by Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

*First Annual Texas Children in Nature (TCiN) Summit and Champion Awards Luncheon (11/7 & 8/17) – San Antonio: During this two-day Summit, TCiN will bring together the health, education, built environment, faith, and conservation community leaders to shape an even brighter future for the children of Texas. You are invited to explore the latest research, share ideas, and learn from fellow innovators to strengthen the connection between children, communities and nature. For just $135 you will hear from 57 speakers in 40 sessions over the course of two days, and join in the Champion Awards Lunch to celebrate 1 individual and 3 organizations who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of children through a connection with nature. CLICK HERE to registered and find the full schedule. Contact Jennifer Bristol (Jennifer.Bristol@tpwd.texas.gov) for sponsorship information.

*Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC): Don’t forget, you can always check out the CEC Website and sign up to receive the CEC Newsletter for a full listing of all the great eco-opportunities in our area! For CEC membership opportunities, please contact Rachel Powers (rachel@cechouston.org).