“Forested and vegetated waterways provide a multitude of benefits to our air and water quality, flood resilience, our sense of community, and public health” according to Justin Bower, Principal Planner, Community and Environmental Planning, for Houston-Galveston Area Council. He also points out that “everything that happens on the land, including our yards, driveways, roads and open spaces, can wash pollutants and contaminants into our waterways when it rains.”
Explore the critical benefits of healthy forests, riparian areas (streamside vegetation) and waterways by attending the Smarter About Sustainability Seminar on Saturday, May 14 with Justin Bower. You’ll learn…
- How riparian areas are the last line of defense for slowing and filtering stormwater before it reaches the creeks and lakes we depend on.
- The direct link between our lawns and landscapes and healthy riparian zones and waterways.
- Best landscaping practices for protecting our waters and riparian zones including adding native plants and organic fertilizing.
- Opportunities to join community volunteer efforts.
Summer clouds over Bear Branch
We’ll also dive into the damaging effects of invasive species. Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Outreach and Education Director for the Texas Invasive Species Institute at Sam Houston State University, will fill us in on why keeping invasive, and destructive, animals and vegetation out of our community’s forests and stream areas enhances the benefits we gain from these critical ecosystems. Learn how you can make a difference by volunteering with our local Invasives Task Force to help remove invasives from our pathways and public green spaces by attending.
Smarter About Sustainability Seminar
Date/Time: Saturday, May 14, 2022 | 9a.m. to noon
Location: Online
This is a FREE Seminar. REGISTRATION is required.