Enjoy the cooler days of fall, outdoors in local parks, state forests, or even your own back yard. I hope you are taking care of yourselves, and doing what you can to make our world a better, greener place to live.
We are still cautious about the COVID virus that has plagued us for months, but we are considering in-person outings, hopefully soon. Our meetings (below) are on Zoom, with no travel necessary.
On November 11, join Debbie Moran at our General Meeting for a presentation about light pollution: what it is, how it affects our natural world, human health, and how we can minimize its negative effects.
On November 17, the Bay Area Sierra Club's Doug Peterson will discuss the new draft Harris County Precinct #2 Parks and Trails Plan.
Our Houston Group Executive Committee has an election in December, where we elect our new leaders. Watch for the members ballot in your email in December.
Thanks for all you do,
Carol Woronow
Bayou Banner Newsletter Editor
Sierra Club, Houston Group
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On November 11, join Debbie Moran for a presentation about light pollution: what it is, how it affects our natural world, human health, and how we can minimize its negative effects.
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On November 17, Doug Peterson will discuss the new draft Harris County Precinct #2 Parks and Trails Plan.
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The Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve currently encompasses a 690-acre conservation area on West Galveston Island. Artist Boat’s goal is to preserve and restore 1,400 contiguous acres from bay-to-beach.
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Solar United Neighbors (SUN) recently released a new report and tool for Texas solar homeowners, and those considering going solar. As you may know, figuring out solar savings in the Texas deregulated market is a big challenge due to the absence of net metering and the constant flux in retail electricity plans and pricing. |
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The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) now allows for the safe disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription drugs at local designated drop off locations. This means you can return unused narcotic painkillers and other medications to approved pharmacies or use mail-back program options. |
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The City of Houston is offering a six-week composting pilot program, from October 20 - November 27. Residents may participate by collecting food scraps throughout the week in any container or bag of their choosing (tip: keeping a bag in your freezer is an easy way to collect without the smell). |
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Sierra Club 2022 Wall and Engagement Calendars will be available for purchase locally through the Houston Group. Proceeds from local calendar sales benefit the Houston Group.
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By Cheryl Conley
The most amazing event happens every year at this time. It’s the migration of monarch butterflies.
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In an action that will lead to a hotter and unhealthier climate, the U.S. Forest Service, National Forests and Grasslands, did nothing to reduce climate change air pollution when this issue was brought up by the Sierra Club about the Midcoast Energy natural gas pipeline Special Use Permit proposal.
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The Houston Group of the Sierra Club is looking for help in the following areas:
Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media Publicity Volunteer, Wetland Advocates and Chair, Lone Star Hiking Trail Volunteers, Outings Leaders, Audio / Video Coordinator, Forestry. Help to make a difference for the Sierra Club!
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For current information on upcoming outings in the Houston area, check out our MeetUp site. Outings have been temporarily cancelled, due to the COVID-19 virus. You can still upload your old photos to previous outings, or walk some trails on your own, while maintaining a safe physical distance from others.
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On October 11, we observed Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day over at Cedar Bayou, which is a microcosm of many aspects of Galveston Bay and its tributaries.
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When you donate to the Sierra Club's Houston Group, you support local efforts to:
- Protect wild and treasured places, from the Big Bend area to the Big Thicket
- Keep our air and water clean
- Ensure adequate water supply for people and environment
- Ensure a clean energy future
- Reduce climate disruption
- Keep pressure on politicians and corporations to ensure safe and healthy communities
Your financial help allows us to meet the challenges of protecting and preserving our treasured Houston area.
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| The COVID-19 crisis has not passed and continues to disproportionately harm Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people and other communities of color. The pandemic has revealed how the communities hardest hit are often the same communities that suffer from high levels of pollution and poor access to healthcare. The fight for environmental justice cannot be separated from the fight for racial justice. |
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