FT 22 - Toxic Tour of East Austin with PODER(People Organized in the Defense of Earth and her Resources)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Trinity Street Lobby Field Trip Pick Up, Austin Convention Center
Organizer: Kellen A. Marshall
This field trip will give ecologists an historical landscape perspective on environmental justice (EJ) in the diverse community of East Austin and the role of grassroots organizing in resolving conflicts for human and wildlife benefit. East Austin is a diverse community; PODER (People Organized in the Defnse of Earth and her Recources will lead the tour thus explaining from the community perspective the effects of past industry on public health and natural resources. Participants will visit both the Holly Street Power Plant and Tank Farm and discuss the connections between urban ecosystems, policy, environmental justice and feedbacks of industry on ecological processes. Of special note is that PODER's success and diligence has lead to shutting their doors. Participants will receive copies of a recent Eastside Environmental Newsletter and an outline for “An Ecologists Guide to Working with Communities”. Allowing ecologists to see and understand urban ecosystems from the perspective of an EJ-impacted community and will be able to connect the critical links of poverty, segregation, and environmental inequity with disproportionate concentrated stressors on coupled human and natural systems. At the conclusion of the trip, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the opportunity to discuss the role of ecologists per the information and tour they just received. Summary Ecologists who are actively seeking an opportunity to inform and relate their expertise to increasing broader impacts will have the opportunity to visit and tour a local community in a setting that has a long history of socio-ecological conflict, to engage with members of that local East Austin community, and network with other professionals.

Registration Fee: $38

Equipment and Attire: Comfortable shoes and clothing, sun screen,hat and bottle of water.

Itinerary: Proposed starting and ending times Starting at 8:30 am- Austin Conference Center Arrive at Holy Power Plant pass out information- 8:35am-9:00am Tour/discussion-9:00am-10:00am Walk to Tank Farm-10:00am-10:15am Tour/discussion 10:15am-11:10am Walk to restaurant-11:10am-11:15am Lunch 11:15am-2:00pm Return to Austin Conference Center

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