The CEC has a searchable, web-based version of the Environmental Resource Guide. You may also download older versions of the printed guide below.
Rice Design Alliance
Purpose: Dedicated to the advancement of architecture, urban design, and the built environment in the Houston region through educational programs, the publication of Cite, and active programs to initiate physical improvements. By sponsoring lectures, seminars, symposia, exhibits, and tours, RDA seeks to involve the public.
Volunteer Opportunities: Docents needed for house tour, gala, and other events.
Publications: Cite: The Architecture + Design Review of Houston, published quarterly, Ephemeral City: Cite Looks at Houston (2003, UT Press).
Maria Nicanor, Executive Director
(713) 348-3288
maria.nicanor@rice.edu
Raquel Puccio, Administrative Coordinator
(713) 348-4876
rcpuccio@rice.edu
Friends of Mandell Park
Purpose: The Friends of Mandell Park, a nonprofit Texas Corporation, was formed in August 2004 to improve, protect and assist in the maintenance of the City of Houston’s Mandell Park.
Publications: Newsletter, Informational Brochure
Programs: Organic Gardening in Meredith Gardens, Outdoor Movies, Exhibition Prairie. Speakers are also available. Field trips of the park for your school group.
Regular Meetings: Gardeners meet Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Swap-A-Toy and stories for children on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
Volunteer Opportunities: Regular opportunities for Gardening; Maintenance; Communications; Fund Raising. Contact Fomandellpark@aol.com for details.
Major Events: Annual Spring Event
Children’s Activities: Visits to Meredith Gardens, Outdoor Play Area.
Holly Smith, President
president@mandellpark.org
William Haase, Treasurer & Vice President Events
treasurer@mandellpark.org
events@mandellpark.org
Susan Allen-Bryan, Meredith Gardens Coordinator
gardens@mandellpark.org
Maryann Jones, Secretary
American Youthworks Conservation Corps & AmeriCorps
- YouthBuild Austin is a youth services program that combines academics with career training, leadership development, and community service. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/youthbuild/
- Texas Conservation Corps (TxCC) is a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps accredited program that empowers young people through AmeriCorps service, conservation, education, and jobs training. …
Purpose: American YouthWorks provides young people with opportunities to build careers, strengthen communities, and improve the environment through education, on-the-job training, and service to others.
Programs:
- YouthBuild Austin is a youth services program that combines academics with career training, leadership development, and community service. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/youthbuild/
- Texas Conservation Corps (TxCC) is a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps accredited program that empowers young people through AmeriCorps service, conservation, education, and jobs training. TxCC provides trained crews to help accomplish conservation project needs. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/txcc/
Major Events:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, National Trails Day, National Public Lands Day and more can be found on their website
Publications:
Subscribe to their Newsletter.
https://americanyouthworks.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=56ac73a023b37f56e8a5dfa09&id=21f74873c3
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer to work with young people in YouthBuild or Texas Conservation Corps. Individual and group opportunities are available. Some volunteer opportunities include service days, tutoring, and mentorships.
Speaker’s Bureau: Guest speakers are welcome to share their career path and experience with students to inspire and inform participants about various career fields.
Ericus Adams, TxCC Houston Program Manager
eadams@americanyouthworks.org
832-450-9353
Eliza Montana, Senior Director of Operations
emontana@americanyouthworks.org
David Clauss, YouthBuild Austin Program Director
dclauss@americanyouthworks.org
Jody Karr, Texas Conservation Corps Program Director
jkarr@americanyouthworks.org
Native Plant Society of TX – Hou Chapter
Purpose: The mission of The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) is to promote research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach, and example.
Meetings: 7:00 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m., the 3rd Thurs. of each month, Nov. Social & Seed & Plant Swap, Dec. holiday dinner, Jan. propagation workshop. Spring & Fall field trips.
Programs: Speakers present topics such as landscaping with natives, trees, and butterfly & habitat gardening.
Major Events: The Wildscapes Workshop is our largest annual event, usually held in September, and is open to anyone interested in learning. The program includes lectures, workshops, field trips, a native plant sale, and vendor and educational exhibits. Check our website for more details.
Volunteer Opportunities: Native Plant rescues, invasive plant removal, Native Plant Demonstration Garden workdays (monthly), school wildlife habitat programs, cooperative efforts with other non-profits and government entities. Display Booth.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Wally Ward.
Publications: Quarterly State newsletter; local quarterly newsletter.
Wally Ward, President
713-869-6856
biosparite@gmail.com
Berri Moffett, Publicity/Community Coordinator
berrimoffett@txgcmn.org
Linda Knowles, Display Booth Coordinator
dknowlespe@aol.com
Nature Discovery Center
Purpose: To ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education.
Programs: Year –round classes and camps for 3 – 10 year olds; on and off-site programs for schools: field trips, science exhibit loans, teacher professional development; in-class live animal presentations; in-class, hands-on Science on the Go! Lesson for 3rd-5th graders; scout advancement programs and birthday party live animal programs. For adults: migration season guided birding walks and spring coastal birding bus trip; monthly lecture series; first Wednesday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Children’s Activities: Discovery Rooms, Nature Story Time, pre-school and elementary classes & camps, Scout programs, birthday party programs.
Major Events: Home Tour/Spring Fling (Spring), Earth Day (Apr), Pumpkin Patch (Oct); Twilight in the Park (Nov.); Holiday Market (Dec).
Volunteer Opportunities: Special events; field trip docents; animal care; gardening; help with art and craft projects, camp counselors, Discovery Room docents.
Speakers Bureau: Yes.
713.667.6550
bkinney@naturediscoverycenter.org
Pam Dunker
Office Manager
pdunker@naturediscoverycenter.org
Houston Tomorrow
Purpose: Houston Tomorrow is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all the people of the Houston region through research, education, and discussion. Its vision is that on its 200th birthday, the Houston region will be home to the healthiest, happiest, most prosperous people in the United States. Founded in 1998.
Meetings: Livable Houston Initiative: noon on the fourth Wed. each month. Houston Food Policy Work Group: 11:30 a.m. on the 2nd Wed of each month. Distinguished Speaker Series, quarterly.
Programs: Research on growth, development and innovations in the US and the world. Outreach: Public events, discussions, and working with public and private partners. Communication: Produce accessible, useful information.
Speaker’s Bureau: Contact office.
Publications: Free Biannual magazine, Tomorrow. Weekly E-mail newsletter.
David Crossley, Interim Chair
david.crossley@houstontomorrow.org
Alex Mossler, Deputy Director
Caitlin McNeely, Programs Director
caitlin.mcneely@houstontomorrow.org
Christmas Bay Foundation
Purpose: To promote increased understanding and appreciation of the Christmas Bay Estuarine System and the Texas Gulf Coast; to promote conservation of the natural resources of the Christmas Bay Estuarine System and the Texas Gulf Coast; to contribute to the usefulness of the Bay and its tributaries for recreational and commercial purposes; and to sponsor such activities and events as may contribute to the general welfare of the Christmas Bay Estuarine System and its tributaries.
Jim Olive, Executive Director/Founder
Jim@christmasbayfoundation.org
General Information
info@christmasbayfoundation.org
Sheldon State Park and Envir. Learning Center
Purpose: Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center is a 2,800-acre outdoor education and recreation facility located in northeast Harris County. It offers year round adult and family programs and activities as well as field trip opportunities for students of all ages. Beginning in 2003, the park is became an important restoration site for tall grass prairie. The park is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lake, its banks, and levees are open from sunrise to sunset.
Programs: The park offers a variety of nature and ecology programs to organized groups on a reservation basis. Park staff and volunteers provide programs on nature/ecology, nature walks, catch-and-release fishing in two stocked ponds (fishing poles provided), pond ecology, native plant gardening, hunter education, composting and recycling. Programs range in time from one to two hours each.
Events: For a complete listing of the park’s daily events, please visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sheldon-lake/park_events
Activities: Sheldon Lake is open every day to public fishing with appropriate licenses. Birding, wildlife/nature study, hiking, and fishing for children. The park includes a 0.5-mile self-guided nature trail that passes 28 naturalized ponds that contain alligators and other wildlife. (Binoculars are recommended for best viewing.) Free catch-and-release family fishing is permitted for children accompanied by adults, in the two fishing ponds. Alternative energy technologies and green building techniques (photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind turbine and ground coupled-geothermal) are demonstrated at the Pond Center. A wildscape demonstration garden shows techniques for using native plants and wildflowers to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your backyard.
Volunteer Opportunities: For information on volunteer opportunities at Sheldon Lake, contact the park at (281) 456-2800
Friends of Don Greene
Purpose: Engage. Educate. Empower. Providing opportunities for young people to learn about our environment and 21st Century Stewardship through engaging them, and providing knowledge and skills that empower them.
Programs: Conservation projects, scout merit badges, science teacher training, afternoon story time, hands-on student ecosystem lessons in the one-acre Don Greene Nature Park.
Major Events: Fall Fundraiser, monthly workdays.
Speaker’s Bureau: Contact Janice Walden about speaking engagements.
Volunteer Opportunities: Fall wildflower planting, Eagle Projects, monthly workdays at the park, website expertise, fundraising experts for board.
Contact:
Janice Walden, President
janice@friendsofdongreene.org
281-923-9600
Shawn McFarland, Secretary/Treasurer
shawn@friendsofdongreene.org
Houston Audubon Society
Purpose: To advance the conservation of birds and positively impact their supporting environments. Founded in 1969.
Meetings: with speakers are held the second Thursday of alternate school months: Sept, Nov, Jan, March, & May at United Way Center at 50 Waugh Drive. See website for details. Houston Audubon Nature Photography Association (HANPA) meetings: Third Wednesdays of each month, Sept-May, 7 p.m., HAS headquarters.
Programs: Live bird outreach programs for schools, civic groups, libraries; field trips; guided tours of the Edith L. Moore Bird Sanctuary; birding classes. Children’s Activities: Community Outreach Programs, Bayou Buddies, Titmouse Club, Summer Camp, Family Nature Explore Club. Girl Scout badge programs and Girl/Boy Scout service projects.
Major Events: Spring Migration at High Island sanctuaries; Birdathon (Mar-Apr.); Annual gala “Avian Affair”; Christmas Bird Counts; Bird Week (end of Sept.)
Volunteer Opportunities: Gardening, trail guides, field research, trail crew, clerical, advocacy, events, photography, video editing, education, data entry, event support, translating, Young Professionals Advisory Council.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Mary Anne Weber maweber@houstonaudubon.org
Houston Audubon Society includes Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, Washington and Wharton counties.
Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
hdrummond@houstonaudubon.org
713-932-1639 ext. 107
Rachel Schipul, Operations Manager
rschipul@houstonaudubon.org
713-932-1639 ext. 104
Lauren Miheli, Volunteer Coordinator
lmiheli@houstonaudubon.org
713-932-1639 ext. 102
Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.
Purpose: The The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. is a tax-deductible 501 (c)(3) educational organization that promotes natural resource conservation, recycling, solid waste reduction, safe and sensible care of our air and water resources, and other responsible actions that protect the environment and its inhabitants.
Meetings: Board & Members Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., second tuesday of each month, location specified on website.
Programs: Lecture series on sustainability; A Walk in the Woods; Woodlands Landscaping Solutions; 3R Bazaar; Buy Recycled Boutique; Adopt-a-Path; GREEN Student Ambassadors.
Major Events: Annual Earth Day GREENUP; Texas Recycles Day; Feeding the Dragon Village Challenge; Waterfest.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed for events, recycling, and conservation activities. See website for details. http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org
Publications: The Dragon Circle, published three times per year.
Paul Nelson, President
(713) 540-1964
plnsn2@gmail.com
Rob Dushek, Vice President
832-291-4139
rob.dushek@gmail.com
Kathie Herrick, Secretary
281-292-2232 (cell)
kjgherrick@gmail.com
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Purpose: To preserve 2,500 acres of vanishing coastal prairie, hardwood forest and bayou wilderness habitat and wildlife refuge; to give opportunities to experience and understand the remaining natural ecosystem; to reconnect people with nature.
Programs: Year–round adult, child, and family programs including Third Sundays in Nature Series, FREE to the public; Eco-Exploration pontoon boat and canoe trips; guided day and night hikes; Eco-Camp summer and holiday camps; Great Texas Birding Trail Site 81; Teachers can receive SBEC credit for classes. Speakers are available to come speak to your classroom or group, contact website or call for booking.
Major Events: Apr. – World Migratory Bird Day; May – Fundraising Dinner and Auction; Oct. – Creepy Crawlers; Nov. – Martyn Farm Harvest Festival; Dec. – Christmas Bird Count
Children’s Activities: Critter Corner, Connections and Bayou Studies classes; naturalist lead and self-guided school field trips; scout programs;
Volunteer Opportunities: Prairie Friday Team, Stewardship Saturday Team, Trail Guides and History Interpreters, Environmental Education Docents, Nature Center Maintenance Crew, Teen Volunteer Corps, BSA Venturing Crew, seasonal prairie and bayou marsh restoration.
Publications: Along the Bayou, Bayou Foliage
Tim Pylate: Executive Director
Phone: (281) 474-2551
Email: tim@abnc.org
Heather Millar
Phone: 713 274 2667
Email: heather@abnc.org
Mark Kramer
Phone: 713 274 2672
Email: mark@abnc.org
Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition
Purpose: A coalition of municipal utility districts, homeowner associations and other community organizations functioning as a steward between the residents, local/state government, land developers and non-profits to work on planning and implementation of improved flood protection and environment preservation throughout the Cypress Creek watershed.
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m., at Lake Forest Utility District, 14223 Lakewood Forest Dr.
Programs: Flood Protection: Research, consultation, advocacy and education. Preservation: Greenway trails/ park development focused on preservation of floodplain lands. Reforestation projects. Speakers are available to give presentations to your class or student group upon request. Contact website for booking information.
Major Events: Annual meeting featuring guest speakers and forthcoming watershed plans. Sponsor scout reforestation and water quality projects.
Volunteer Opportunities: Both outdoors and indoors. Retired folks in high demand. Grant applications.
Richard D. Smith, President
12503 Ramona Drive
(281) 469-5161
Peter R. Smullen, Vice-President.
Citizens’ Environmental Coalition
Purpose: CEC works to connect our environmental community. Our mission is to foster education, dialogue, and collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston/Gulf Coast region.
Major Events: Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour (winter), Greater Houston Environmental Summit (early spring)
Volunteer Opportunities: Writing, research, clerical, special events, graphic desing, website assistance, tabling, IT consulting. Public relations, attorneys, accountants, and fundraising experts for board and committees.
Publications:
Annual Environmental Resource Guide
Environmental News Update, a free weekly environmental e-mail newsletter. Please visit cechouston.org to sign up.
Our website, cechouston.org, features a compilation of news headlines, green job postings, a comprehensive calendar of local environmental events of interest to our member groups, and archives of our weekly newsletters.
Information & Referral: CEC serves as a call and email service center to help direct environmental inquiries to appropriate organizations and agencies.
Paige Powell, Interim Executive Director
paige.powell@cechouston.org
Steve Stelzer, President
president@cechouston.org
Save Buffalo Bayou
Purpose: To educate the public and public officials about proper land management on our many streams, drawing on the latest science, and to advocate for enlightened flood and erosion control and drainage policies and practices that respect the natural process of our local bayous and creeks, their floodplains and watersheds, the trees and vegetation growing on their banks, all of which are so vital for the health of our waters, our environment, and us.
Programs: Paddle with geologist Tom Helm on a two-hour floating class down a historic nature area on Buffalo Bayou. Learn about our 18,000-year-old bayou, about the formation of the bluffs and sandstone rocks during the last ice age, and see how the sand moves downstream, why the way the river looks the way it does, and much more. Classes can be scheduled any day of the week for small groups; larger groups can schedule for weekends only.
Frank C. Smith, Jr., Board Founding President
Susan Chadwick, Executive Director
Vegan for Life
Purpose: Vegan for Life’s mission is to educate the public about the benefits of a plant-based diet, including the prevention of unnecessary killing and mistreatment of animals, protection of the environment, and good health. Vegan for Life aims to increase recognition of veganism as an effective approach that individuals can take to help save the planet and spread compassion. Some measures of success are the number of people who choose to be vegan, and the accommodation of vegans in restaurants, stores, and other institutions. In addition to outreach and educational efforts, Vegan for Life selectively conducts lawful actions towards preventing practices that harm non-human animals.
Events and Actions: Outreach campaigns; helping students form new vegan organizations; Guided discussions, presentations, and guest speaker engagements; activist training and educational programs; community building.
Volunteer Opportunities: Vegan for Life needs vegan interns or volunteers to maintain documentation and web presence, assist in event preparation, and handle such communication tasks as invitations and follow-up phone calls. Any creative vegan with dedication and professionalism can have opportunities to turn good ideas into effective actions.
Michael Battey, President
michael@vegan-for-life.org
Virginia Miller, Vice President and Treasurer
virginia@vegan-for-life.org
The Trust for Public Land
Purpose: The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
Programs: Conservation Vision (“Greenprints”); Conservation Finance (public funding); Conservation Transactions (easement and fee acquisitions); Texas Water Protection and Parks Intiative; ParkScore; Parks for People. TPL is active in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston/Galveston and Austin/San Antonio regions.
Major Events: Earth Day Dallas.
Publications: Land & People, a semi-annual national magazine; The Trust for Public Land – Texas, a state newsletter; TPL Near You, an electronic newsletter.
Robert Kent, State Director
Robert.kent@tpl.org
Mike Lange, Senior Project Manager, Texas Coast
Mike.lange@tpl.org
Marlon P. Connley, Houston Program Manager
Tel: (832) 627-7688
Discovery Green Conservancy
Barry Mandel, President and Park Director
Maria Aguirre, Executive Assistant
Purpose: To provide an uncommonly beautiful, urban green space in the heart of Houston that serves as a village green for our city, a source of health and happiness for our citizens, and a window into the incredible diversity of talents and traditions that enrich life in Houston.
Programs: Managed by the Conservancy, this incredible Houston destination produces over 600 free events each year for 1.2 million visitors, and it receives no direct city funding.
Major Events: Sundays in the Park with games, yoga, zumba, live entertainment; ice skating rink in the winter; Houston’s first outdoor roller skating rink; outdoor movies, flea markets, exhibitions; recycling on Saturdays; Scream on the Green halloween costume contest; dynamic speakers at Discovery Discussions to name just a few.
Publications: Sign up online for the email newsletter.
Volunteer Opportunities: There are many varied events which use volunteers during the week and on the weekends. Please visit the website and sign up online.
Coastal Prairie Partnership
Purpose: The mission of the Coastal Prairie Partnership is to promote the conservation and restoration of Coastal Prairie ecosystems. Coastal Prairie Partnership (CPP) is a private, nonprofit collaboration of governmental agencies, non-governmental institutions, private individuals, and landowners working to achieve common conservation and education goals. Our ultimate goal is to help foster a more connected and empowered prairie community in coastal Texas and southwest Louisiana.
Dr. Cassidy Johnson, President
cassidybjohnson@gmail.com
Jaime González, Vice President
jgonzalez@katyprairie.org
Scott Kiester, Secretary
skiester2@gmail.com
Urban Harvest
Purpose: Cultivating thriving communities through gardening and access to healthy, local food.
Programs: Every year, Urban Harvest conducts more than 100 classes on a variety of subjects ranging from canning vegetables to living sustainably through permaculture principles. We offer advice, education, and services to provide parents, teachers, and administrators with information to build and maintain a successful and sustainable school garden program. The Urban Harvest Farmers Markets bring the bounty of the garden to Houstonians several times a week year round, rain or shine. Urban Harvest supports more than 130 community gardens planted with a variety of goals. Urban Harvest provides gardening advice through classes, programs, books, and extensive resources online.
Major Events: Fruit Tree Sale.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are essential for Urban Harvest to fulfill its mission. Whether as a Farmers Market assistant or volunteering at a school garden build, we need your help!
Publications: Quarterly Planting Guide; Monthly Newsletter; Book: Year Round Vegetables, Fruits, and Flowers for Metro Houston by Bob Randall, Ph. D.
Janna Roberson, Executive Director
Ext. 1013
janna@urbanharvest.org
Libby Kennedy, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Ext. 1021
libby@urbanharvest.org
Archived Resource Guides