The Environmental Resource Guide is a searchable, web-based resource that includes information about all organizations in the Greater Houston Area conducting environmental work. This guide is a one-stop-shop for any resources or connections you may need, and is updated often to ensure you have access to the newest information.
Scroll through the guide, view a list of all organizations, or view all categories of organizations below. At the very bottom of the page is an archive containing older versions of the printed guide available for download.
If you have any questions, would like to make edits to a current listing, or would like to add or remove an organizations, please reach out to charlotte.cisneros@cechouston.org.
Texas Campaign for the Environment
Purpose: Empowering Texans to fight pollution through sustained grassroots organizing campaigns that shift corporate and governmental policy. The TEC envisions a Texas free from pollution. As the largest environmental group in Texas organizing support through door-to-door canvassing, grassroots is both who we are and what we do.
Programs: Advocates for local, state and national policies that hold manufacturers responsible for recycling the toxic products they create (such as electronic waste or “e-waste”); works to strengthen environmental and health standards for Texas landfills; educates residents and builds grassroots support through a year-round neighborhood canvassing program; and works toward recycling for all Houstonians.
Job Opportunities: Full and part-time paid Community Organizer positions available year round.
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes.
Publications: Annual report and regular email action alerts to TCE members. Visit the website http://www.texasenvironment.org to view past reports and join as a member.
Robin Schneider, Executive Director
robin@texasenvironment.org
Blueprint Houston
Purpose: To promote the evolution and implementation of Plan Houston as the basis for planning the City’s future. Blueprint Houston serves as a resource and catalyst for better long-term planning for Houston’s future growth and development.
Blueprint Houston was founded in 2003 to build community support for a coordinated planning process to make improvements to Houston’s quality of life. Blueprint Houston seeks to initiate a coordinated planning process that leads to a general plan for the city’s future, based on citizens’ vision, values, and goals.
Programs: Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Program; Municipal Management District Study; Urban Geography curriculum.
Volunteer Opportunities: Civic Awareness Engagement Committee.
Rogene Calvert (Board Chair)
rg-calvert@sbcglobal.net
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
BikeHouston, Inc.
Purpose: The mission of BikeHouston is to promote safe bicycling and to improve the quality of life in the Houston area.
Goals
-secure equitable access to regional facilities, lands and roads
-educate the public about rights and responsibilities of bicyclists
-promote public awareness of the personal and community benefits of cycling
Meeting Time: Varies, see website.
Programs: Offer a free bike safety class to teach people how to ride bikes, how to ride safely in traffic, and how to drive safely.
Major Events: Houston Moonlight Bicycle Ramble, Bike Month and Bike to Work Day in May; Effective Cycling (adult safety/skills) classes.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome to join any aspect of the organization, especially the Moonlight Bicycle Ramble and other rides.
Joe Cutrufo. Executive Director
info@bikehouston.org
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
Trees for Houston
Purpose: To plant, protect and promote trees in the greater Houston region.
Programs: Tree Planting; Trees for Schools; Urban Forest Tree Keeper classes in September (adult). Tribute Trees and Tree Giveaways.
Major Events: Arbor Day Awards, Jan.; Root Ball, April; Annual Meeting, May, Sporting Clays Tournament, October.
Children’s Activities: School presentations for all grade levels.
Volunteer Opportunities: Tree planting; taking educational programs into Houston schools; special projects.
Publications: Monthly TreE-mail (online newsletter); quarterly newsletter, Annual Report; Root Ball 2013: Club Coco – March 21, 2013, and the Website: http://www.treesforhouston.org.
Barry Ward, Executive Director
barry@treesforhouston.org
Randi Koenig , Development Director
randi@treesforhouston.org
Katherine Bravo, Projects Director
katherine@treesforhouston.org
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Inc.
Purpose: To protect birds and their habitats around the Gulf of Mexico.
Programs: Land protection, Site Partner Network, Research, Educational Outreach, Tropical Forest Forever Fund. Field Trips are available for your school group. Call office for booking information. Coastal Wildbird Trunk – educational resources for primary and secondary age students
Major Events: Birdies for the Birds, Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza, Smith Point Hawk Watch, Monthly Bird Banding, Quintana Spring Fling.
Volunteer Opportunities: Field research, trail maintenance, invasive species eradication, gardening, general workdays, administrative, advocacy, events, fundraising.
Speaker’s Bureau: Yes, call office.
Publications: Gulf Coastal Prairie Bird Conservation Plan, Project Prairie Birds: A Citizen Science Project for Wintering Grassland Birds, bi-annual newsletter, monthly newsletter, monthly e-news, online blog.
Martin Hagne, Executive Director
mhagne@gcbo.org
Tricia Patton, Office Manager
tpatton@gcbo.org
Texas Southern University, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
Purpose: The Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs has a reputation as a comprehensive center for sound academic research. Scholars focus on a broad range of topics, including voting behavior, American foreign policy and international relations, political communication, criminal justice attitudes and behavior, police violence, environmental justice, race and crime, race and governance, policy studies, leadership, E-government, homeland security, urban transportation, housing and community development, Diaspora studies, environmental planning, economic development and the fiscal responsibility of urban governments.
Check online for information about degrees offered at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Programs: Research, Policy Advocacy, Campus Sustainability Initiatives, Educational Seminars, Lectures, and Workshops
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer and student internships; study abroad
Dr. Michael Adams, Interim Chair for Dept. of Political Science
(713) 313-7760
michael.adams@tsu.edu
Dr. David Baker, Interim Chair for Admin. of Justice
(713) 313-4809
anita.kalunta-crumpton@tsu.edu
Dr. Sheri Smith, Interim Chair for Dept. of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy
(713) 313-4807
sheri.smith@tsu.edu
The Nature Conservancy
Purpose: The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and water on which all life depends. With operations in all 50 states and 35 countries, and a staff of 3700 including 600 scientists, we are the world’s largest non-profit conservation organization. Since 1964, TNC in Texas has been protecting our state’s natural landscapes. In Texas, TNC owns 38 preserves and conservation properties and has protected almost 880,000 acres, including 250,000 acres of coastal land alone.
Publications: Electronic state newsletter, bimonthly national magazine.
Major Event: Annual gala.
Speakers Bureau & Children’s Activities: Call the Houston office.
Volunteer Opportunities: TNC has several preserves within an hour of Houston. These preserves have ongoing needs for habitat management, trail maintenance, light carpentry, cleanups, etc. Many activities are appropriate for families and groups. Indoor tasks might include organizing, painting, and clerical work. In the Houston office, volunteers help with special events, fundraising, outreach, marine science research, and clerical tasks.
Houston office information:
Jaime González, Houston Urban Conservation Program Manager
jaime.gonzalez
Adriane Arnold, Volunteer Coordinator
(713) 829-7093 (Cell)
(713) 807-8052 (Office)
adriane.arnold@tnc.org
Hermann Park Conservancy
Purpose:Founded in 1992, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park, one of Houston’s largest and most loved urban parks, where more than six million visitors make memories each year.
Beyond raising funds to improve and maintain the Park, the Conservancy oversees strategic planning for Hermann Park’s future as well as programs focused on visitor services, conservation and stewardship, tree care, and operations and maintenance of the McGovern Centennial Gardens. For more information on the Conservancy, visit hermannpark.org.
Programs: Corporate sponsorship programs, volunteer programs and community events.
Major Events: Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival (held each March), Part to Port Bike Ride, Run in the Park, Evening in the Park Gala, Hats in the Park Luncheon, and Urban Green young professionals events.
Children’s Activities: Hermann Park Rail Road, Pedal boat rides, family volunteer opportunities, Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival (held each March), Children’s Story Hour (held every Friday in the McGovern Centennial Gardens’ Family Garden).
Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities are available for individuals, corporations, civic associations, school groups, and families. They range from administrative duties and event preparation to weeding and tree planting. Contact Diane Kerr, for more information.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Doreen Stoller.
Publications: Parkside newsletter, Hermann Park Conservancy e-news.
Doreen Stoller, President
(713)-524-5876 ext. 331
Doreen@hermannpark.org
Diane Kerr, Director of Volunteer Programs
(713)-524-5876, ext. 332
dkerr@hermannpark.org
volunteer@hermannpark.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
Katy Prairie Conservancy
Purpose: To preserve the coastal prairie for people and wildlife. KPC now protects over 24,000 acres of coastal prairie in Texas. On the Katy Prairie in Harris, Ft. Bend, and Waller counties, KPC owns nearly 13,500 acres and protects nearly 5,000 acres through conservation agreements with private landowners. KPC is also working to protect coastal prairie in other Texas counties. Through conservation agreements, KPC protects an additional 6,005 acres in Matagorda and Jackson counties.
Major Events: Monthly Unplugged Adventures; guided tours; Annual Christmas Bird Count (Jan 1); Putting Down Roots family restoration event (October); Bio Blitz (October). The 1.5 mile Ann Hamilton Trail at Indiangrass Preserve is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and the first and third Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. The Matt Cook Memorial Wildlife Viewing Platform at Warren Lake is open daily (Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail Site 9900). Educational trunks for the classroom are available to borrow, contact info@katyprairie.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Leading tours, gardening at Native Seed Nursery, Stewardship Saturdays, Corporate Volunteer Days, seed collecting, Great Grow Out, fundraising, administrative, community outreach, monitoring wildlife and protected lands.
Speakers Bureau: Speakers available for community, birding, nature, wildlife, school, and outdoor groups.
Mary Anne Piacentini, President and CEO
maryanne@katyprairie.org
(713) 523-6135 ext 4003
Ali Flanders Dodson, Advancement Director
adodson@katyprairie.org
(713) 523-6135 ext 4012
Mikayla House, Stewardship Manager
mhouse@katyprairie.org
(713) 523-6135 ext 4008
Central City Co-Op
Purpose: Our mission is to support sustainable, chemical free farming practices through offering both 1) sustainably raised local and 2) certified USDA organic national produce and farm goods to our community at the fairest prices possible. We were founded in September 2001.
Center for Recycled Art
Purpose: Founded in 2009, our mission is to reduce the amount of reusable material in Houston’s landfills, to promote environmental awareness, to stimulate creativity, and to provide opportunities to create recycled art.
Programs: Divert reusable clean scrap from Houston’s solid waste stream and make it available at low cost to educators and non-profits in the Greater Houston area. Promote awareness and stimulate creativity through workshops, creative reuse demonstrations and speakers.
Major Events: Monthly Teacher Warehouse shopping event for educators and other non profits.
Children’s Activities: The Center for Recycled Art hosts structured activities for school groups and other nonprofit organizations. Programs are designed in conjunction
with your group’s leadership and may be easily tailored to ongoing classroom curriculum. Each class offers an age-appropriate opportunity to express creativity and complete the project in the allotted time. Programs may be held at your location or at the Texas Art Asylum, near downtown. Speakers available for all ages, Contact Ramona Brady for booking.
Volunteer Opportunities: Receiving and sorting Houston’s cast-offs, de-constructing mechanical and electrical items; creating inspiration projects from cast off materials, demonstrating/leading creative reuse projects.
Ramona Brady
Co-Founder
info@recycledarthouston.org
Cassie Manley
Secretary/Treasurer
Citizens’ Climate Lobby 3rd Coast Region
Purpose: To build political will for Congress to act on climate change.
Program: Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.
Our consistently respectful, nonpartisan approach to climate education is designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. By building upon shared values rather than partisan divides, and empowering our supporters to work in keeping with the concerns of their local communities, we work towards the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable climate change solutions.
In order to generate the political will necessary for passage of our Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal we train and support volunteers to build relationships with elected officials, the media and their local community.
Local Chapters:
Atascocita
Galveston
Houston – Briar Memorial
Houston – Heights
Houston – Missouri City
Houston – Montrose – Rice University
Houston – West University
Katy – South
Lake Jackson
League City
Pearland
Sugar Land
The Woodlands
Meetings: Monthly international calls held on the second Saturday of each month at noon central time, contact specific chapters for meeting location and details.
Resources:
CCL Community: CCL’s national social network of volunteers engaged on climate change
CCL University: webinars about climate change, energy, lobbying, outreach, etc.
Major Events:
Annual International Conference in Washington DC (late June)
Annual Regional Conference (in TX, LA, MS, or AL)
Local talks given by volunteers, tabling events, etc.
Volunteer Opportunities: Develop a relationship with your members of Congress, engage the media through letters to the editor/opeds, outreach in the community
Speakers Bureau: Provide speakers upon request.
Third Coast Region (TX, LA, MS) Coordinator: susan.adams@citizensclimatelobby.org
Refer to individual chapter pages for local contact information.
Exploration Green Conservancy
The Exploration Green Conservancy, Inc. (EGC) has been formed and incorporated to develop, preserve and protect the land known as Exploration Green (EG). This area was purchased by the Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA) for use as a storm water detention area: the CLCWA created a Master Plan for the area and initially sponsored the formation of the EGC.
Programs: Reintroducing native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers; creating park amenities including hike and bike trails, athletic fields and park space for children, and supporting flood control and wetlands. Speakers are available to give presentations in the classroom or to student group meetings. Contact website for booking.
Major Events: Town hall meetings, on-site ground-breaking, and festivals.
Volunteer Opportunities: There are numerous volunteer opportunities helping environmental, park, recreation and athletics activities. Examples include tree, shrub and grass planting; event and publicity activities; public and education outreach.
Publications: Website at http://www.explorationgreen.org website and printed information materials.
Frank Weary, Chairman
frank@weary.net
David Sharp, Vice-Chairman
Nicole Cloutier, Media Contact
Nicole-cl@comcast.net
Claire Mules, Community Relations Chair
ClaireMules@hotmail.com
Houston Peace and Justice Center
Purpose: The Houston Peace and Justice Center provides networks and resources for organizations and individuals to advance peace and social justice.
Programs: Links and resources to various social justice movements happening in the area.
Volunteer Opportunities: Fill out an application online to become a volunteer.
Speakers Bureau: See website for events and speaker bookings.
Publications: Blog posts, e-mail newsletter.
HPJC Executive Committee:
Jeff Reese, Executive Director
Janis Richard, President
Alyssa Burgin, Communication Secretary
Erica Sezonow, Treasurer
Dave Atwood, At-large
Joe Marcincowski, At-large
Shawn McFarland, At-large
Evan Silverman, Development Director
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
Texas Community Watershed Partners
- Can Houston Feed Itself? …
Purpose: To provide education and outreach to local governments and citizens on the impacts of land use on watershed health and water quality.
Major Events: Workshops, Seminars, Conferences, Courses, and Classes.
Volunteer Opportunities: Restoration Projects, Conservation Projects, Landscape Installation Projects, and Wetland Workdays.
Publications:
- Can Houston Feed Itself?
- Stormwater Wetlands
- Is Denser Greener?
- The Resilient Coast
- Urban Parks
- Choices for Growth
- Texas Coastal Wetland Guidebook
- 5 Tips for Organic Lawn Care
- WaterSmart Landscaping
- Living Shorelines
Charriss York, Stormwater Program Specialist
cyork@tamu.edu
Steve Mikulencak, Planning Programs Leader
smikulencak@tamu.edu
Valeria Keese, Program Coordinator, Resilience and Sustainability Planner
valkrdz@tamu.edu
Formerly known as “Texas Coastal Watershed Program”
Surfrider Foundation – Texas Chapter
Purpose: To preserve and protect the Texas coast and its recreational resources. To defend the Texas Open Beaches Act. Our issues are water quality, beach access, erosion, and coastal development. Our goal is to stand on the beach 30 years from now and be able to say, “We made the right decisions.” We were founded in 1999.
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month in Houston.
Programs: Respect the Beach – education program for schools; Blue Water Task Force – beach water testing; Rise Above Plastics – reduce plastic pollution; Ocean Friendly Gardens – reduce urban runoff.
Children’s Activities: Science and education projects, beach activities, surf lessons.
Volunteer Opportunities: Beach cleanups, public education programs, water testing, fundraising, government relations, public relations, and advertising.
Publications: “Making Waves” – national publication (monthly publication also available on the web) Beachapedia – internet resource beachapedia.org/Main_P
Ellis Pickett, Chairman
(713) 906-3940
EllisPickett@comcast.net
Pamela Walters, Secretary
Media/Press/Speakers Bureau, Ellis Pickett
Archived Resource Guides