Environmental and Sustainability Conference

The Pecan Campus Biology Club at South Texas College is hosting this conference to promote eco-friendly habits and provide sustainable living tips to the local community.

The featured seminar topics range from the human impact on the local environment to sustainability projects in the Rio Grande Valley to wildlife conservation.

The conference is an opportunity to learn about the impact that water resources and wildlife conservation have on our community. Six local experts will share their insights and research on how green initiatives contribute to successful and healthy communities. All of the presentations begin at 3:00 P.M. and are free and open to the public.

On Nov. 15, Ouina Rutledge, director of the recycling center for the City of McAllen, will talk about sustainability and environment, and the current programs, plans and strategies employed by the city to promote sustainability; Jeff George from South Padre Island’s Sea Turtle Inc. will discuss sea turtle conservation; and Chris Lash, the director of Keep McAllen Beautiful, will lead a discussion about recycling and sustainability.

On Nov. 22, Laura de la Garza, former watershed coordinator for the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Partnership, discusses the implementation of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan, while Dr. Hudson De Yoe from The University of Texas-Pan American’s Biology Department will speak about the human and natural impact on sea grass populations and the marine ecosystem. Bertha Nassiff, coordinator of public education for the City of McAllen, will cap off the series with tips on reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling.

“Achieving widespread sustainability is a goal that should concern every member of the community, as our success or failure in reaching this goal will affect many generations to come.” said STC Biology Instructor and Pecan Biology Club Advisor, Dr. Mehrzad Mahmoudian-Geller. “As educators and community members, we feel a strong sense of responsibility to educate others about environmental issues, and we hope that the public will come out and learn how they can embrace greener lifestyles.”

For more information, contact Dr. Mahmoudian-Geller at 872-6460 or at mmahmoud@southtexascollege.edu.
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Saturday November 15, 2008
Speaker schedule

Ouina Rutledge (City of McAllen, Director of Recycling Center)
“Sustainability and the Environment”
3:00 to 4:00 pm

Jeff George (Sea Turtle Incorporated, South Padre Island)
“Sea Turtle Conservation”
4:00 – 5:00 pm

Chris Lash (Executive Director of the Keep McAllen Beautiful)
“Recycling and Sustainability”
5:00 – 6:00 pm
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Saturday November 22, 2008
Speaker schedule

Laura De La Garza
"Implementation of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan"
3:00 to 4:00 pm

Dr. Hudson De Yoe (UTPA- Biology Department) “Human and Natural Impacts on Sea-grass Populations in Laguna Madre”
4:00 – 5:00 pm

Bertha Nassiff (City of McAllen, Coordinator of Public Education)
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
5:00 – 6:00 pm