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Native Plants at Home and Garden Show
Community Notes
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Natural History and Aesthetics - Why Should We Care About Nature?
Harry
Greene, Ph.D., Cornell, Monday, September 22, 6:30 pm, Houston Museum
of Natural Science, Public $18, CEC members* $13, Museum members $12.
The diversity of life on Earth is under serious threats from multiple
human-related causes, and science plays well-known roles in addressing
management aspects of this problem. Dr. Harry W. Greene will describe
how natural history also plays a vital role in enhancing our
appreciation for organisms and environments, thereby influencing value
judgments that ultimately underlie all conservation. I will first
explain how an 18th century philosopher's distinction between "beauty"
and "sublime" can be used in the context of Darwin's notion of
"descent with modification," then illustrate this approach with frogs,
snakes, African megafauna, Longhorns, and California Condors. Dr. Harry
Greene is professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell
University. He is a popular author and will be signing copies of his
latest book Tracks and Shadows: Field Biology as Art following the
lecture. This lecture at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is
co-sponsored by Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing
Studies. Register at hmns.org. * For discount code, CEC members should contact news@cechouston.org or call 713-524-4232. |
Double Bayou Riparian & Stream Ecosystem Workshop
The Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources | Texas Water Resources Instituteand the Double Bayou Watershed Partnership invite you to attend the Texas Riparian & Stream Ecosystem Workshop on September 24, 2014 from 8am - 4pm at White's Park Community Building an Hankamer/Anahuac. Learn more about the riparian workshop, and register by Sept. 19, 2014. |
2014-2015 Energy Symposium Series: Critical Issues in Energy
The
second annual Energy Symposium Series will be held on September 30,
2014, 5:30-8pm at the University of Houston. The topic of this event is
US Energy Independence: Good for the Nation? Guest speakers include
Edward Chow, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Ed Hirs,
Hillhouse Resources LLC and University of Houston, and Jane Kleeb, Bold
Nebraska. The event will be moderated by Dave Fehling of Houston Public
Media. This is a free event. Visit www.eventbrite.com to register. |
Coastal Resiliency Conference: Living on the Edge
Texas
Medical Branch's Center in Environmental Toxicology, is organizing a
three day conference on coastal resilience scheduled for October 8-10,
2014. This conference will provide a platform to discuss the challenges
and strategies for building and preserving a resilient Gulf Coast.
Attendees will explore the connections between the natural environment
and the cultural heritage of coastal populations. The cost is $120, and
$25 for students. Register at www.galvestonhistory.org. |
Captain Planet Foundation Small Grant
The
Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools
and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3
million. Grants are made for activities that conform to the mission of
the Captain Planet Foundation and MUST have all three of the following
to be considered for funding: be project based; projects must be
performed by youth; and projects must have real environmental
outcomes. Captain Planet Foundation will accept small grant requests for
amounts between $500 - $2,500. Preferential consideration is given to
requests who have secured at least 50% matching or in-kind funding for
their projects. The application for spring and summer projects is
September 30, 2014, and January 31, 2015, for fall and winter projects.
Read more and apply at http://captainplanetfoundation.org. |
Children's Environmental Health Institute's Scientific Symposium
Biennial
Scientific Symposium. Register now for the Children's Environmental
Health Institute's Eight Biennial Scientific Symposium: Prenatal
Environmental Exposures as a Determinant of Early Childhood Disease.
Hear global experts challenge us to elevate critical thinking on ways
to address the prevention of environmental health risks to
children. Keynote speakers Jeanne Conry, MD, PhD, and Philippe
Grandjean, MD, PhD, among other distinguished speakers will provide
prevention-oriented research on how toxic chemicals in the environment
harm our ability to reproduce, negatively affect pregnancies, and are
associated with numerous health problems and chronic disease. The
symposium will be held November 13-14, 2014, at McKinney Roughs
Education Center, close to Austin Texas. Learn more and register at http://cehi.org.
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Save the Date: Texas Wildlife & Woodland Expo
Last
year, over 5,000 families, scouts, and adults attended the daylong
event. 150 educational booths, classes, hands-on clinic, exhibitors, and
activities on the campus of Lone Star College-Montgomery. Free. Visit expo.tamu.edu for more information and booth information. March 28, 2015. |
Additional Dates of Note
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TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD's YouTube Page.
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Air Quality Forecast
 http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
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News Headlines
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Houston getting $10 million for traffic tracking systems
(Houston Chronicle, 9/10/2014) An
ongoing project to expand and upgrade traffic systems in the Houston
area has received $10 million from a highly-competitive federal
transportation program, officials confirmed. Though it won't build a new
road or add another bus route, officials said the money will improve
traffic by bolstering Houston's transportation monitoring system, which
relays traffic information to drivers and helps city workers address
congestion. The money gives Houston officials another $10 million to
invest in work already going on around the area to upgrade or add
traffic monitoring data, city of Houston public works spokesman Alvin
Wright said.
http://blog.chron.com |
Houston offers sweet deal on park to Sugar Land
(Mike Morris - Houston Chronicle, 9/5/2014) In
the 25 years since the city of Houston and the Houston Parks Board
purchased Cullinan Park off Highway 6 near U.S. 90A, creating the city's
fourth-largest park, the site has languished. Far outside Houston city
limits next to Sugar Land Regional Airport, the park boasts just one
entrance road, some picnic tables, and a few hiking trails to complement
the wooden walkways overlooking White Lake, abuzz with dragonflies and
coated with lily pads. "This is a great resource out here, but it has a
long way to go before you can really call it a good all-purpose park,"
said Don Gallo, local resident and park regular. Houston is now
considering transferring responsibility for the park to the city of
Sugar Land.www.houstonchronicle.com |
Planning for future water use a conundrum for Houston
(Matthew Tresaugue - Houston Chronicle) Beneath
Houston, miles of the city's aging water mains are leaking billions of
gallons each year. The repairs will require years of work and millions
of dollars. So what's a city to do? Houston is raising the possibility
of a new rate structure as the city finalizes the first update to its
conservation plan since enduring the worst one-year drought in its
history in 2011.www.houstonchronicle.com |
More Headlines at Scoop.it
CEC has collected even more headlines at scoop.it.  |
Gre
en Jobs |
NEW! Nature Discovery Center seeks Executive Director
The
Executive Director of the Nature Discovery Center (NDC) is responsible
for managing all aspects of the Nature Discovery Center's operations
through strong, creative, and strategic leadership. The ED builds
consensus, stimulates staff development, and delivers results related to
the organization's mission and goals. The ED is responsible for
effective implementation of policies set by the Board of Directors as
well as annual goals and objectives related to fiscal management,
programming, and administration. For view the job description, visit www.cechouston.org. Learn more about the Nature Discovery Center at www.naturediscoverycenter.org. |
NEW! Artist Boat seeks Accounting Manager
The
Accounting Manager is primarily responsible for assisting the Executive
Director and Treasurer with the financial management of the
organization. The Accounting Manager is required to have a formal and
strong foundation in accounting, best practices in financial management,
grants management and grants reimbursements, and nonprofit accounting.
The purpose of this position is to provide the financial management
infrastructure to maintain and grow all programs, track and report on
all finances regarding grants and accounts, assure educational program
staff have the proper support for procurement of materials and equipment
needed for programs, assist the Executive Director with financial
management of all funds, and process payroll. The Accounting Manager
reports to the Executive Director, participates in the board of
directors' finance committee, and maintains a positive roll in
communicating with all members of the board of directors and staff. If
interested, submit resume, cover letter, and three professional
references via United States Postal Service to Karla Klay, Executive
Director, 2415 Avenue K, Galveston, Texas 77550. View the full job
description at www.artistboat.org. |
NEW! The Nature Discovery Center seeks Weekend Naturalist
The
Nature Discovery Center is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic
individual to join its education team: someone who loves science,
nature, and children. This part-time position manages the weekend
operations of the Center, with a focus on visitor services and
education. Major responsibilities include: oversee the Center on
Saturdays & Sundays, 9am-5:30pm (flexible); provide interactive,
hands-on experiences in our science-based Discovery Rooms; update
materials and curriculum in the Discovery Rooms as needed, with
additional staff support; conduct birthday party programs with nature
themed topics; conduct nature experiences such as nature walks and
talks, as needed; manage weekend volunteers; manage animal care; and be a
crucial member of the team, attending staff planning meetings as
available. To apply for the Weekend Naturalist position, please provide a
short cover letter and resume to Anne Eisner, Program Coordinator, at
aeisner@naturediscoverycenter.org. Learn more about the Center at naturediscoverycenter.org. |
NEW! Cypresswood Water Conservation Garden seeks Part-time Webmaster
This part-time position would be the webmaster for the Water District andCypresswood Water Conservation Garden. Requirements include being acreative
individual who is willing to think outside the box when it comes to web
design and educating John Q. Must have interest in water
conservation/healthy soil nexus, and a background in environmental
awareness, biology, water conservation, soil conservation critical. 3+
years professional experience in web development/management is
preferred. Applicants must provide a portfolio with examples of
past work on multiple sites, advanced working knowledge of multiple web
CMS software systems (special consideration given to candidates who are
adept in WordPress). Applicants must also have expert experience with
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/jQuery and SQL, as well as a basic
understanding/familiarity with XML, HTML5, CSS3, ASP.NET, PHP (for
WordPress) or other programming technologies. Experience with Adobe
Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator a plus. Send resumes and questions to Gary Toll at gtoll@wcid132.com or Jim Dow at jdow@wcid132.com. Learn more about the Cypresswood Water Conservation Garden at www.cwcgtx.com. |
NEW! Southern Alliance for Clean Energy seeks Solar Power Program Manager & Energy Policy Staff (Tennessee)
The
successful candidate will have several years of experience working on
policy, development or procurement of solar power in the electric power
sector. The applicant must demonstrate solid skills in
most of the following areas: writing, public speaking, analytic and
computer applications. Experience with state agencies, decision-makers, media, or non-profit advocacy necessary. More info at cleanenergy.org. |
 The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a full-time Grants Billing Specialist to fulfill reimbursement billing duties related to GBF's government grants, accounts payable, and accounts receivable as a member of the Administrative Team. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Accounting (received or in progress), ability to pass an intermediate level accounting test, and experience with QuickBooks financial software (preferred, not required). For a full job description, including duties and qualifications, please visit the GBF website. To apply, please e-mail resume by September 19 to jtownsend@galvbay.org. |
BikeHouston
seeks three new staff members: Development Director, Director of
Government and Community Affairs, and Marketing/Communication Associate
Development: This
person will lead the development effort and build a multi-faceted
approach to raising income to support our programs and advocacy work.
They will have an entrepreneurial style and build a dynamic development
program to diversify and expand BikeHouston's revenue. The primary
responsibilities will be to secure new foundation grants and corporate
sponsorship, and increase the number of individual donors and members.
Additional responsibilities will include growing our membership as well
as convert members into donors. The new staffer will bring structure,
systems, creativity, positive energy and a track record of fundraising
to the job. Government & Community Affairs: The position is responsible for identifying, monitoring and shaping policy initiatives within the city and county governments, management districts and super neighborhoods which relate to the BikeHouston mission. S/he helps communicate and advance the mission and goals to governmental programs through direct engagement with the Mayor's office, City Council Members, COH Health Department, Parks & Recreation Department, the Planning Department, and Houston Police Department, as well as related regional governmental and non-governmental organizations.The position is also responsible for identifying and securing public funding and monitoring policy initiatives within the city, state and federal levels of government, with the support of the Director of Development. Marketing/Communications Associate:The position begins as soon as possible and ends after 4 months, when an evaluation of eligibility for a renewal may be considered. You'll be expected to ask a lot of questions, but also to think independently. There's not a lot of room for passivism. You'll need to be proactive and pretty on top of your day-to-day to succeed here. The benefit of this is that this position can be as big or small of an experience as you let it. The position begins as soon as possible and ends after 4 months, when an evaluation of eligibility for a renewal may be considered. You'll be expected to ask a lot of questions, but also to think independently. You'll need to be proactive and pretty on top of your day-to-day to succeed here. The benefit of this is that this position can be as big or small of an experience as you let it. The positions will remain open until filled. The positions may be full or part-time. Substantial flexibility around working hours and vacation may be offered for outstanding candidates. The positions do require some work on weekends and during the evenings given the stakeholders we serve. Complete job descriptions are available at www.bikehouston.org/jobs/. |
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Nature Tourism Program seeks Associate
Associate
will act as on site manager and Assistant to the Director. In this
capacity the Extension Associate will provide day to day management of
the Long Acres Ranch Nature Center property and programs. All programs
and development of new programs and facilities will be guided by an
existing plan of action developed as part of the service contract with
the foundation that owns Long Acres Ranch and is supporting this
project. This person will be responsible
for implementing the existing action plan, leading tours and education
programs, recruiting and managing volunteers and potentially future
paid staff as hiring becomes feasible. This person will be responsible
for budgets and community relations, on going data collection, visitor
evaluations and regular activity reports. This person will work closely
with the Fort Bend County Extension office staff to support 4H Youth
Natural Resource program, Adult volunteer programs and natural resource
educational programs. Please fill out the online form to apply.
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Memorial Park Conservancy seeks Administrative Assistant
The
Administrative Assistant position for Memorial Park Conservancy (MPC)
provides administrative support to the office, with a focus on
supporting the Executive Director. This position manages and maintains
the Executive Director's schedule, and supports all office and
administrative functions and programs. The Administrative Assistant
provides support to the Board of Directors and committees as determined
by the Executive Director. Essential job functions include: creating and
modifying meeting notifications, and sending and responding to
invitations; attending Board and select committee meetings, taking
minutes, and preparing final summaries; answering and returning phone
calls and emails; greeting visitors and providing general information
about the organization; routing, managing, and preparing responses to
public inquiries and requests; and more. If interested, submit resume,
two writing samples, and one letter of reference to
info@memorialparkconservancy.org. Full job description: MPC Administrative Assistant. |
Houston Audubon seeks Development Administrative Assistant
The
mission of Houston Audubon is to advance the conservation of birds and
positively impact their supporting environments. Our vision is the
creation of a healthier, natural environment and more beautiful place to
live by leading and nurturing a community which values and supports
birds. The Development Administrative Assistant (the Admin) provides
critical office support to the Development Department. Advance the
mission of Houston Audubon by executing a high level of donor and member
related services by providing essential administrative support
including data entry and external correspondence. The Admin is
responsible for data entry as it pertains to gifts processing, providing
all donors and members with formal receipts, gift acknowledgements,
welcome packets, written correspondences, general service calls and
performing other administrative tasks as needed. This position reports
to the Development Director and will remain open until filled. Essential
duties include: carrying out all aspects of development administrative
work including data entry, basic record keeping, research, reporting,
mailing/emailing correspondence and from time to time calling
constituents; assisting with annual gala and other events as deemed
appropriate by the Development Director; recommending member and annual
fund prospects to the Fund Development Officer and major gift prospects
to the Development Director; and working cooperatively and
collaboratively with all Houston Audubon staff, board, and volunteers in
the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect that complies with all
Houston Audubon policies. Full job description: Development Admin Asst Aug 2014. |
Travis Audubon (Austin, TX) seeks Executive Director
Travis
Audubon (Austin, Texas) is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead
the organization through a time of growth and change. Founded in 1952,
Travis Audubon promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation
of native birds and their habitats. The organization is an independent
chapter of National Audubon and serves over 1,200 members within a
four-county region consisting of Travis, Hays, Williamson, and Milam
counties. Travis Audubon owns and manages three nature preserves -
Baker (690 acres), Chaetura Canyon (10 acres), and Blair Woods (10
acres). With an annual budget of approximately $300,000, 3 full-time
and 3 contract staff, and scores of skilled volunteers, Travis Audubon
conducts both formal and informal programs in schools, public venues, at
events, and at its sanctuaries. Last year, the organization's vital
land conservation work, environmental education programs, and community
outreach influenced over 432,000 people. Executive Director duties
include, but are not limited to administration and management, policy
development, fund raising, strategic planning, public relations,
membership growth, financial health, and cultivating new and existing
funding and program opportunities. For more information about the
position: http://travisaudubon.org/job-opportunities. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, to ed@travisaudubon.org. Both documents are required and must be submitted in .doc or .pdf format. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. September 12, 2014. |
Hermann Park Conservancy seeks Horticulturist, Gardener, Irrigation Technician, Maintenance Coordinator, and Maintenance Staff.
The
McGovern Centennial Gardens (MCG) in Hermann Park will be a unique
display garden and destination, free to the public, open daily, and
available for special events on occasion. It is a place of beauty
designed to stimulate learning and a love of gardens in an urban
setting. Join a dedicated staff responsible for the daily operation of
the garden, to ensure the highest standards of landscape displays, and
to implement environmentally responsible maintenance practices.
Interested applicants should submit the following via e-mail to
jcurtis@hermannpark.org: (a) cover letter explaining interest in the
position, (b) current resume, and (c) two references including contact
information. No phone calls, please. Full job descriptions: http://www.hermannpark.org/employment-opportunities/. |
Air Alliance Houston seeks Texas Coal Organizer
Air
Alliance Houston (AAH) and Public Citizen are members of the Clean Gulf
Commerce Coalition (CGCC), which works to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and impacts to local communities and environments through a
reduction of coal exports in multiple U.S. Gulf Coast states. The
organizer will be based in Houston and will be an employee of Air
Alliance Houston. They will help build the grassroots movement within
Texas, and coordinate with the overall efforts of the Clean Gulf
Commerce Coalition. Responsibilities include: building grassroots
support against coal terminal expansions and against coal exports;
working with activists and elected officials to win state and local
support calling for a stop to coal terminal expansions, transportation
restrictions, and closure of existing facilities; organizing trainings
and convening stakeholders to present the cast to stop coal terminal
expansion and limit the transportation of coal in the state; and more. Applications
will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants
should send resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org.
Find the full description at http://airalliancehouston.org or Texas Coal Organizer job description. |
The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructor
The Club Program extends The Woods Project mission (visit www.thewoodsproject.org for
more information) into the classroom building leadership and life
skills through hands-on projects and activities. Utilizing both
individual and team-based skills and frameworks, Club Program breaks
down outdoor, social, environmental, and scientific concepts into
exciting and hands-on units such as Leave No Trace, camping/backpacking
skills, local flora and fauna, conservation, governance, and
environmental science. Students participating in the club program are
highly encouraged and often required to attend weekend camping trips and
a two-week Summer Trip to a wilderness site such as Yosemite National
Park. The club program instructor will be responsible for representing
TWP and the mission as mentors and teachers for approximately 20
low-income, high school students per club; building and maintaining
yearlong mentor relationships with students; traveling to a school and
conduct clubs for an hour, sometimes longer; working with TWP curriculum
requirements and suggestions to adapt and deliver existing lesson
plans; and more. To apply please send cover letter and resume to
katie@thewoodsproject.org. View the full job description: 2014-15 Club Instructor Job Description. |
Urban Harvest Seeks After-School Garden Educators
Are
you passionate about growing healthy communities in urban areas? Have
you ever wanted to improve your vegetable gardening skills but wasn't
sure how? Do you have experience working with kids who might be just as
excited as you are about eating fresh from the garden? Do you have a few
hours a week to spend in a school garden with students? If you
answered, "yes" to any of these questions, then you're the type of
Garden Educator that our Youth Garden program likes to grow! This is a
part time contract position. Starting dates in August and September.
Training is included. Find the full job description at http://urbanharvest.org. Urban Harvest promotes healthy communities, sound nutrition and respect for the environment by educating children and adults and facilitating harvest and habitat gardens. |
Galveston Bay Foundation seeks Land Stewardship Specialist
The
Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) seeks a full-time Land Stewardship
Specialist to work within our Land and Habitat Conservation Program. The
Land Stewardship Specialist will provide assistance with and develop
land conservation transactions, update and implement habitat management
and stewardship plans, seek out and apply for habitat conservation and
management grants, monitor conservation easements and draft annual
reports, and assist with habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a field of study such as
environmental management, natural resources management, rangeland
management, wildlife biology, environmental law, or another related
field; a minimum of two years of professional experience; and a passion
for land conservation and habitat management. To view the job
description, including a full list of duties and qualifications, please
visit galvbay.org. |
Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Buffalo Bayou Park Maintenance Technician
The
Maintenance Technician performs many necessary functions. The skills to
keep machines, mechanical/motorized equipment, tools/devices and
structures in good repair and good working order by inspecting, testing,
repairing. Diagnose, correct and/or identify problems, malfunctions or
safety concerns. Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service
bulletins, and other specifications/regulations to problem solve. Have
the ability to determine the method of repairing or replacing
malfunctioning items that may be damaged. Identify unsafe components.
Ensure that all safety rules and regulations are followed involving all
machinery and equipment as well as other safety requirements of
regulatory agencies. Maintain a clean and orderly work area that
pertains to maintenance responsibilities. To apply, submit resume and
cover letter to Mr. Gregg Burks, Park Director / Buffalo Bayou
Partnership / 1113 Vine St, Suite 215 or to gburks@buffalobayou.org. Maintenance Technician 2014 Job Description |
Nature Discovery Center seeks part-time Bookkeeper
The
Nature Discovery Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to
ignite lifelong curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through
education. This part-time position manages the financial and
administrative responsibilities of the Nature Discovery Center. For a
more detailed description of specific responsibilities, please visit www.naturediscoverycenter.org. To apply for this position, please send a brief cover letter and resume to Sarah Flournoy, Executive Director, or bring it by the Center in person 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401. |
Even More Jobs!
The following jobs have been featured in past newsletters, but are probably still open: |
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| ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is brought to you by the Citizens' Environmental Coalition, established as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast region. Visit the CEC online at www.cechouston.org. Do you know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments? Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org. If possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third person, and links to more information, but we will work with whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep our calendar up to date. Sincerely, Rachel Powers, Executive Director Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor Stephanie Hernandez, Communications Coordinator www.facebook.com/cecHouston |
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and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll
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Texas. Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org. |
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