Katy Prairie Conservancy 2020 Virtual Bash: In Celebration of Rare Birds
2020-10-20 18:30 - 19:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Register for free at katyprairie.org/bash

Contact Ali Dodson adodson@katyprairie.org

Katy Prairie Conservancy: Unplugged Adventure: Foraging of the Katy Prairie
2020-11-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2020-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
The prairie is covered with a wide variety of vegetation that can be used in a multitude of ways. Learn how these plants can be used for medicinal or edible purposes, as well as which plants should be avoided. Join Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, forager, chemist, author, inventor, and rogue botanist, for a virtual adventure on foraging of the Katy Prairie.
To register for the event, please signup through this link.
For more information or images:
Schyler Rhea
Katy Prairie Conservancy
713.523.6135 ext. 4005
info@katyprairie.org

Join STAR Central Texas for some Holiday crafting fun with Austin Creative Reuse!
2020-12-09 16:30 - 17:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
An instructor will guide us through two fun holiday crafts using reclaimed materials during this virtual event. STAR Central Texas Steering Committee members will facilitate a discussion during our crafting sessions.
We hope you grab your beverage of choice and join us for some great networking and holiday festivities!
Austin Creative Reuse will curate craft boxes for participants to pick up during their curbside hours prior to the event:*

Austin Creative Reuse: 2005 Wheless Ln, Austin, TX 78723
Curbside hours: 10am-4pm, Daily

$10 for STAR members; $15 for non-members
*If you are unable to pick up a craft box, a materials list will be provided for your convenience.

To register for the event, please click this link.

Ask an Ecologist with Bayou Land Conservancy
2020-12-10 15:00 - 16:00, 2020-12-17 15:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)

Give a HOOT Gala with Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
2020-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)

Conserving the Edwards Plateau: Land, Water, and Development
2020-12-11 - 2020-12-31
We invite you to watch our TREAD Talk on the history of water in Texas with Char Miller. The talk was hosted by Jessica Karlsruher, Executive Director of TREAD, and Annalisa Peace, Executive Director of Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA). We discuss how water in Texas has been handled, is currently managed, and ultimately how these practices can impact water use in the future.
TREAD and GEAA are joined by Char Miller, W.M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History at Pomona College in this talk. Char Miller’s teaching and research reflect his fascination with all things environmental. Classes on U.S. environmental history, water in the U.S. West, and public lands management, like those on urbanization and the interplay between the natural and built landscapes, have deeply informed his dozens of publications and several books. Join us in learning from Professor Miller in this discussion.
You can enjoy the conversation through this Youtube link.

Christmas Bird Count with Bayou Land Conservancy
2020-12-19 07:30 - 09:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Join Bayou Land Conservancy volunteer and birder Joanne Bradbury as she leads this portion of the Christmas Bird Count in conjunction with the Piney Woods Wildlife Society. Meet at the Creekside Park West Trailhead off Dr. Ann Snyder Way. Masks required, please.
For more information, please visit this Facebook page.

Drive-Thru Rain Barrel Pickup with Galveston Bay Foundation
2020-12-19 09:00 - 12:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Galveston Bay Foundation, 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX, 77565, United States
Drive-Thru Rain Barrel Pickup
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Give the gift of water conservation this holiday season! Rain barrels conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff, pollution, and bacteria entering Galveston Bay. They also make thoughtful and affordable gifts for the environmentalist in your life.
REGISTER for our drive-thru rain barrel pickup and virtual workshop on Saturday, December 19, 2020 for $35 (includes one barrel, one connector kit, and admission to the workshop for yourself and one guest) and enjoy some fun holiday bonuses at pick-up too!
Galveston Bay Foundation’s Rain Barrel Program is sponsored by LyondellBasell and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. Please note that due to COVID-19 we cannot accommodate in-person workshops. This workshop will consist of a virtual presentation via Zoom on the environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, as well as proper rain barrel preparation, installation instructions, and tips. To get a peek at the setup process, watch this video!
Virtual Workshop
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Via Zoom Link – provided after registration
Workshop participants can purchase a maximum of 2 barrels + 2 kits. All sales are final, and we cannot accommodate refunds. If you miss your scheduled pickup/workshop for any reason you will be able to pick up/participate in the next scheduled workshop.
For more information, visit the event website here. .

Help KTB Judge Their Prestigious Awards
2021-01-12 08:00 - 2021-01-29 17:00 UTC
Help Keep Texas Beautiful judge the amazing applications they get for the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards and Beautify Texas Awards (formerly KTB Awards)! This awards season, all judging will take place online from the safety of your home or office, and judges will receive $25 off their KTB conference registration!
Learn more and apply at http://bit.ly/2021awardsjudging
The deadline to apply is January 29.

Governor's Community Achievement Awards Now Open
2021-01-12 08:00 - 2021-03-04 17:00 UTC
GCAA recognizes Texas communities for their outstanding overall efforts to keep their communities beautiful. In partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, GCAA will award ten communities with landscaping awards totaling $2 million in 2021. All Texas communities are welcome to apply.
Learn more at ktb.org/gcaa.
Applications are due on March 4 at 5 p.m. CST.

Now Accepting Applications for Young Texan Ambassadors
2021-01-12 08:00 - 2021-03-05 17:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Keep Texas Beautiful is proud to present a new program, Young Texan Ambassadors, inviting Texas youth ages 15-25 to help us keep Texas beautiful. Ambassadors are passionate about the environment and are committed to making Texas the best place to live, work and play through volunteerism and leadership.
Learn more and share with the young Texans in your life: ktb.org/ambassador
Applications are being accepted through March 5, 2021.

Purple Martins 78209 Project: Bringing this Beneficial Insect Eater to Our Neighborhood
2021-01-14 18:30 - 19:30 UTC
The sounds of Purple Martins chattering from dawn to dusk are highly intoxicating and the benefits of this beautiful bird are noteworthy. We will learn about the project San Antonian Allison Hayne and her husband have undertaken at the existing Purple Martin houses near Judson Nature Trails and the one they installed near St. David’s Church in Terrell Hills. She will share with us her knowledge of the “how’s and when’s” of installing and maintaining Purple Martin houses and her passion for Purple Martins.
Presenter: Allison Hayne, Project Coordinator
Zoom Link
Click HERE to Join the Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 835 7169 5217
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Birds of Prey: Some Biology, Some Ecology, and Maybe a Few ID Tips
2021-01-27 18:30 - 19:30 UTC
Matt Reidy, a wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, will give us an overview of birds of prey. A bird aficionado, Master Falconer, and avid hunter, Matt really enjoys learning about and managing native wildlife and habitats. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Range and Wildlife Sciences from Texas A&M-Kingsville. He has been with TPWD for 13 years and covers Atascosa, Bexar, and Medina counties.
Presenter: Matt Reidy, Wildlife Biologist, TPWD
Zoom Link
Click HERE to Join the Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 846 2631 3053
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour
2021-01-29 19:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour is returning to the Bayou City on January 29, 2021. Hosted for the seventh straight year by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, this ever-popular film fest will be a virtual experience.
The January festival is just one of many offerings as part of the Houston Green Film Series. The lineup in January features national and international films that awe and inspire action to protect and preserve our environment. The festival also provides a broader audience for us to share three winners of the Wild About Houston Film Festival that highlight local environmental treasures and initiatives.
The auction has some GREAT items in 2021, including a pontoon boat ride through Armand Bayou Nature Center, a private cistern tour from Buffalo Bayou Partnership, custom art made by an ambassador animal at the Delores Fenwick Nature Center in Pearland and a private tour of Deer Park Prairie with Native Prairies Association of Texas. Bidding is open on this Google Form through February 1 at noon.
Contact: rachel@cechouston.org

City Nature Challenge: Using iNaturalist for Science and Learning
2021-02-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
With the 2021 City Nature Challenge (CNC) coming soon (April 30 – May 3), now is the time to get ready! Join us for a presentation by Craig Hensley, Texas Nature Tracker Biologist for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. You’ll be introduced to iNaturalist, the Texas Nature Trackers program, and the ins and outs of the City Nature Challenge. Be sure to create an iNat account on your computer first, then download the app to your phone so you can practice.

Click here to register for the Webex presentation. Please sign up before 9:00 AM on February 11.

Presenter: Craig Hensley, Texas Nature Trackers Biologist, TWPD

Webinar: Expanding Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Outreach Efforts: Part 1
2021-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
KTB is excited to present a two-part webinar series on Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Outreach Efforts. The first panel, on February 11, will include Chanel Davis from Austin Youth River Watch, Gaby Benitez from Keep Austin Beautiful, and Kiki Corry with Project WILD. Please join this webinar to learn how organizations across the state are engaging youth from all backgrounds and mindfully tailoring their programs with inclusivity in mind. Register to attend here.

Formula Drive
2021-02-12 - 2021-02-19
You can help WRR feed wild baby animals during this year’s Formula Drive!
David Weyman a longtime, dedicated supporter of Wildlife Rescue, is matching donations for our Formula Drive. He will match all donations up to $12,500 from Friday, February 12 through Friday, February 19.
All contributions will go directly to purchasing formula for orphaned baby animals. $25,000 is enough to buy formula for the full year!
Do not miss the chance to help us feed twice as many wild baby animals with your gift. Donate today by visiting https://wildlife-rescue.org/2021FormulaDrive.

Meet & Greet with STAR's New Executive Director!
2021-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a virtual Meet-and-Greet Networking Event with STAR’s new Executive Director Brittany Rosenberg! Grab a drink and join us for a free virtual networking Happy Hour to introduce State of Texas Alliance for Recycling’s new Executive Director Brittany Rosenberg!
You will have the opportunity to meet and chat with STAR’s Board of Directors, Councils, and staff. We’ll then break out into groups for networking games.
$25.00 gift card door prizes will be awarded!*
Open to the public. See you there!

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/recyclingSTAR/posts/5429575200389616
https://www.facebook.com/events/2789223684676018
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKpLpmQFaZY
https://twitter.com/recyclingSTAR/status/1355258177433034754
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6761021353425440768

Now accepting applications for the Beautify Texas Awards!
2021-02-22 - 2021-03-25
The Beautify Texas Awards, formerly the Keep Texas Beautiful Awards, recognize the efforts of those working to enhance their community and protecting the Lone Star State. These awards range in honoring extraordinary volunteers, professionals, youth, educators, businesses, local/civic governments, organizations and specific projects and programs. One winner per category will be selected and recognized at the annual KTB Conference. Learn more and stay tuned for the application at https://ktb.org/ktbawards

Bexar Audubon Society Presents: Spanish for Birders Online Class
2021-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Dr. Christy Esmahan, Instructor

The course will include a very brief overview of Spanish pronunciation before diving into the words for bird anatomy, common phrases used in birding, and the names of bird groups.

To attend, please first click here to buy a ticket ($25) from TicketLeap. You will then be directed to a link to register for the class on Zoom. After registration, you will receive a link to admit you to the class.

Unplugged Adventure: All About Migration
2021-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Many migrating waterfowl call the Katy Prairie their home during the winter. Join Mikayla for a virtual viewing experience where you will be able to see the birds up close, ask questions, and enjoy the scenic Katy Prairie all from the comfort of your home.
Register here.
Contact info@katyprairie.org for more information.

Webinar: Expanding Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Outreach Efforts: Part 2
2021-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
KTB is excited to present this second-panel discussion in a two-part series about expanding diversity and inclusion efforts within your own community. Please join this webinar to learn how organizations across the state are creating inclusive programs and engaging volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. This panel will include Josie Gutierrez of Latino Outdoors and Celine Rendon, Community Engagement Specialist at City of Austin Office of Sustainability. Register to attend here.

Wildscaping: Creating Habitat in Our Cities
2021-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Native plants and special features can create a beautiful landscape that invites wildlife to our backyards, neighborhoods, and campuses. Learn how to turn part of your property into a garden that encourages a variety of wildlife to visit—especially birds, butterflies, and pollinators!
Presenter: Judit Green, Urban Wildlife Biologist, TPWD
Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

STAR Reuse Council Webinar: Reuse in the Medical Industry
2021-02-25 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
In a time when we are all thinking about our healthcare system more than usual, the STAR Reuse Council invites you to join them for an exploration of reuse in the medical industry.
During this virtual event, you’ll hear from five Texas-based organizations that are making reuse work in the medical field—a highly regulated and safety conscious industry. Their efforts ensure that crucial medical equipment and supplies get in the hands of those who need them, where they can help people live healthy lives, instead of adding to our landfills.
Speakers include:

Janet Thomason, Director of National Procurement, Project Cure(Houston)
Annette Juba, Deputy Director, AGE of Central Texas(Austin, Round Rock)
Betty Hersey, Executive Director, DME Exchange of Dallas(DFW)
(Speaker TBD) Rehabilitation Services Volunteer Project(Houston)
(Speaker TBD) Lions District 2E2 Eyeglass Recycling Center(Watauga, TX)

Thank you to webinar sponsor, BearSaver!

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/recyclingSTAR/photos/a.414713955209124/5456025617744574
https://www.facebook.com/events/326434312078345
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK49l_qLhp9
https://twitter.com/recyclingSTAR/status/1357485352181788677
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6763243492148817920

Virtual Walk-and-Talk AND Happy Hour on the Violet Crown Trail at Zilker
2021-02-25 16:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Tune in for a Virtual Walk on the Barton Creek Greenbelt section of the Violet Crown Trail while sipping cocktails in your own home! Join us for our next Walk & Talk with guest hosts LadyAnne Wofford from Austin Parks Foundation and Clark Hancock from Save Barton Creek Association. This walk and talk will begin at the trailhead in Zilker Park and will follow the Barton Creek Greenbelt section of the Violet Crown Trail south towards the 360 trailhead. We will explore the flora, fauna and history of the trail while discussing the relationship between these three partner nonprofits who bring you this place of peace and tranquility found right in the heart of the city.
Event Contact: Fleetwood Jacobs, Associate Director of Development and Marketing, fleetwood@hillcountryconservancy.org

The Vulnerability of Urban Forests in Central Texas
2021-02-26 11:30 - 12:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
Bexar Audubon Society and the Friends of San Antonio Natural Areas are co-hosting an online program on Friday, Feb. 26 @ 11:30 AM via Zoom. Dr. Wendy Gordon, an environmental professional, will discuss the vulnerability of urban forests in Central Texas. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

Invasive Plant Removal along the San Marcos River
2021-03-01 - 2021-04-30
For more information, contact: info@sanmarcosriver.org

Unplugged Adventure: Wildflowers of the Katy Prairie
2021-03-07 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago)
The wildflowers of the Katy Prairie are sure to look fantastic this spring thanks to all of the rain we received this winter! Join Cindy Crosby, author, master gardener, teacher, and prairie steward for a one-hour virtual adventure on the wildflowers you will see on the prairie this spring.
Register here.
Contact info@katyprairie.org for more information.
