Green Notes - August

Texans Launch Recycling Initiative

The Houston Texans along with Waste Management, Aramark and Waste Management Recycle America have initiated the "I Care" campaign to encourage employees and fans at Reliant Stadium to throw their recyclables into bins. The recycling bins will be set up throughout the stadium, and also in the front office, locker rooms, weight room and cafeteria. The campaign will be year-round with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo participating in the spring.

see www.houstontexans.com

Recycling Garden Pots

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center have joined with Gulf Coast Recycling in an effort to recycle flower pots. Dirt-free, stacked and unbagged plastic garden pots and trays can be dropped off at the Arboretum at 4501 Woodway Dr. from 7:00 am to 7 pm seven days a week. The Arboretum says recycling the flower pots will help keep thousands of them out of landfills. For more information call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org.

Nature Rangers

The Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center will have a nature rangers program for kids on Saturday September 6 at 10:00 am at the Park. A naturalist will conduct this interactive outdoor program that includes fun lessons and activities to discover the world of reptiles. A parent must accompany children ages 5 to 8. Reservations are required beginning August 27. For more information call 281-446-8588 or visit www.hcp4.n/jones.

NeighborWoods Program

The Houston Parks and Recreation Dept. in conjunction with Trees for Houston encourages neighborhood participation in the NeighborWoods Program. This private/public volunteer initiative will provide citizens with a new 5-gallon tree free of charge. Applicants for a tree must complete a request form and agree to pick up the tree. They must also agree to plant it properly on the right of way adjacent to their property and maintain it for two years. To find out more about the program visit www.houstontx.gov/parks/neighborwoods.html.

Prairie Night Ride

The Armand Bayou Nature Center conducts an evening hay ride once a month to explore the sights and sounds of prairie wildlife at night. A guide will spotlight the prairie's ecology and wildlife to enhance sightings of deer, owls, armadillos, rabbits and raccoons. Participants can bring their own drinks and snacks. Reservations are required. For more information see the website at www.abnc.org.

Beginning Birding

The Houston Audubon Society will begin classes on Beginning Birding at the Edith L. Moore Sanctuary on August 14th and August 28th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The classes will also include field trips and will teach how to use the form/shape, bill structure, habitat and other characteristics to identify bird groups. More information on the classes and registration can be found on the website at www.houstonaudubon.org.

(The Banner, August 6, 2008)