| | HAPPENINGS IN THE PARK
August 2008
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Invasive Species Removal
Date: October 20 - 24, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Volunteers arrive at 8:00 and stay until 3:00 p.m.)
Location: Memorial Park Picnic Loop
This project will provide a real world context for student learning, as they conduct authentic field investigations, classify native and invasive (exotic) plants, and learn about the impact of invasive species on climax populations and ecosystem health.
Volunteers are encouraged to participate as partners with scientists in a research project; the removal of invasive species and planting of native species in Memorial Park. Volunteers and students will contribute to the greater Houston environment through this community service effort.
Please Contact Allison Grady, Volunteer Coordinator at 713-863-8403 or E-mail: allison@memorialparkconservancy.org
There will be about 120 students a day, they will be chaperoned by school chaperones. MPC volunteers act as additional help with identifying invasive species, invasive species removal, and proper scientific documentation.
Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat. Lunch will be provided.
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The Running World Is Changing! Every Dollar Counts!
 MPC's Capital Campaign continues to build momentum in support of Memorial Park. Over $5.6 million has been raised to date toward the bridge over Memorial Drive, Running/Trails Center, and numerous other practica needs outlined in the city-approved Master Plan. Your gift of $50 or more will be rewarded with a t-shirt and our sincere thanks. We hope you'll join our growing ranks!
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City Hall Fellows
The first two groups of City Hall Fellows have been founded in San Francisco and Houston. A group of 10 students from across the nation spent the last two weeks looking at various Houston landmarks, agencies and city departments as a part of their program.
At the close of their session, the group may elect to apply for positions within various city departments: Finance, HPARD, PWE, etc. Memorial Park Conservancy had the opportunity this month to share background about our agency with these students and how private/public partnership works. MPC Board Member Alex Webb spoke about his experiences with various city departments.
The group lunched at Beck's Prime and continued on to meet with Leadership Houston. We hope we will be working some of these students, who are among the best and the brightest in Urban Planning in the country.
Criterium Races
Cyclists of all levels be on the lookout for the Criterium Summer Bike Races in the picnic area of the park. The event takes place every Wednesday night and will end the last Wednesday of August. Newcomers and first timers should participate in the 5:50 p.m. race. While the race at 6:50 p.m. is for the stronger, more experienced riders. So, whether you're looking to compete or just eager to watch, the Crits are definitely worth your time.
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Doggy Bag Stations
Memorial Park Conservancy purchased and HPARD has installed five new Doggy Bag Stations to better serve our four-legged public. Please be sure to pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. Thank you.
Security Reminder
With summer comes more frequent park activity - not just of users, but potential thieves. Don't tempt them. Please remember to lock you car. Do not place your keys on your tire while you run. Always place valuables out of sight or better yet, do not bring them to the park. Be aware of your surroundings and note the following number if you have an emergency in Memorial Park: 911. If you have a non-emergency, like vandalism, to report to HPD: 713-884-3131. To reach Park Dispatch, please call: 713-845-1055.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Summer heat is upon us. Whether running, biking or walking in the park, don't forget to keep drinking fluids to keep your body functioning in top form. Temps soar to 100 degrees daily in Houston in July and August.
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Memorial Park Conservancy Green Gala 
Join us for the Green Gala on October 15 at the River Oaks Country Club. Co-Chairs Charlotte and Bobby Orr and Sharon and Mike Talbert promise an evening of entertainment and dancing to the music of Ezra Charles and the Works in honor of Memorial Park. Please join us in honoring Mayor Bill White for his efforts toward a greener Houston. Your contributions help carry out the mission of Memorial Park Conservancy to protect and preserve Memorial Park for generations to come. |
Upcoming Events
Trail Preparation Day
Do-it-yourselfers Needed!!!
When: Sept. 6, 2008 and Sept. 13, 2008
Time: We have three shifts available: 8-11 a.m., 9-11 a.m., and 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: We will be working at the Houston Parks and Recreation Maintenance Facility 6501 ½ Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77077
MPC needs volunteers to help prefabricate wooden boardwalks for the south Crestwood Trail. MPC has received a generous donation to build a series of boardwalks over the low-lying trail to make it useable in our wet Houston weather. To simplify the project, we are going to pre-fabricate the boardwalk rather than build and install on site. Volunteers will be shown the area where the boardwalk will be built.
We will need 6-8 volunteers per shift to help cut, measure, and properly store the wood that we are going to use for the trail. Volunteers should be old enough to operate power tools and must have experience with power tools. MPC will provide the safety materials necessary for this project (including goggles). Please wear sun protection and work gloves. Bring a bottle of water and a willingness to have fun. Memorial Park Conservancy will provide water and snacks.
Please let Allison Grady, Volunteer Coordinator, (Allison@memorialparkconservancy.org) know what shift you can work. Groups are welcome! See you there!
Houston Half Marathon
The Houston Striders are hosting the Houston Half Marathon on Sunday, October 26, 2008. This is a major event for the year...and volunteers are needed!
Even if you plan on running the race, there are still volunteer opportunities before and after the race...so no excuses! Pre-race volunteer opportunities include: the marathon kick-off party, packet stuffing, and packet pick-up.
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Houston Half Marathon website: http://www.houstonhalf.com/ under the "Volunteer" section.
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Thank you!
We would like to thank our generous donors for supporting our efforts in community building and preserving Houston's premier green space.
$20,000-above
The Hildebrand Fund
$5,000-19,999
Mr. Frank C. Smith, Jr.
The Alkek & Williams Foundation
$2,500-4,999
Ms. Claire P. Caudill
Ms. Blaine Adams
Ms. Terry Hershey
$1,000-2,499
Mr. Mike Garver
$250-999
Mr. Craig Fox
Mrs. Donna Glick Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar J. Marston, III
For space consideration, we have limited our list to those gifts $250 and above. The gifts listed above have been received between June 15, 2008 and July 15, 2008. Those asterisked (*) have given to Phase I of our Capital Campaign. Our Sincere gratitude to those who have contributed and/or pledged since that date.
Thank you for your continuing support of Memorial Park!
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