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 info@cechouston.org.
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
Big Thicket Association
Purpose: The Big Thicket Association’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the Big Thicket region, its natural resources and cultural history, for enjoyment and well-being of present and future generations through advocacy, education, and research.
Major Programs: Neches River Adventures – a three tiered program that conducts (Tier 1) outdoor classes, (Tier 2) public and (Tier 3) private eco-history tours aboard the Ivory Bill and on the Neches River. The project’s main focus is providing a free environmental education program to area schools. We give public tours every Saturday from March until November (fees apply). We are also available for Private Charters year around. All bookings are per registration by phone or online. Field Research Station – Available for groups, school, zoos, etc.…organizations that are interested outdoor activities or volunteering in the Big Thicket. Thicket of Diversity – Devoted to scientific research in the Big Thicket Region. Grants are available to researchers through the Thicket of Diversity.
Wendy J. Ledbetter., Executive Director
director@bigthicket.org
Tera Adler
BTA@bigthicket.org
Dr. Terrie C. Looney, Director Thicket of Diversity & Environmental Education
director@thicketofdiversity.org
NribEdu@gmail.com
Kathy Smartt, Vice President
kabsgirl@hotmail.com
John Stafford, President
League of Women Voters of Houston
Purpose: To foster a thriving democracy by engaging all people in the political process through nonpartisan information sharing, passionate civic engagement, and providing opportunities to participate in the democratic process.
Meetings: Meetings discuss various policy issues. Visit lwvhouston.org for upcoming meetings dates and events.
Volunteer Opportunities: Assist with Voters Guide, voter registration, serve on committees, online newsletter e-voter. For information, email lwv@lwvhouston.org
Publications: Monthly newsletter, voter guide before each election.
MaryJane Mudd, President, League of Women Voters of Houston
mjmudd@lwvhouston.org
Graci Garces, Secretary
Katie Campbell, Treasurer
TWRC Wildlife Center
Purpose: The TWRC Wildlife Center provides an emergency room for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife, as well as a help-line; both the emergency room and the help-line operate 7 days a week. A veterinarian is on staff to assist with training and emergencies and experienced volunteers and staff facilitate initial triage, rehabilitation, release, and education.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers 14 or older are needed to assist with the daily operations of the Center. Duties include: answering the hotline, caring for the education animals, helping with admissions (for 18 and older), office chores, data entry, and general Center maintenance. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help in the Animal Care Program which runs every year from about March to October to help care for the thousands of baby animals admitted yearly. Please see the website for age requirements and additional details.
Education Center: TWRC Wildlife Center offers exciting, educational presentations with introductions to our amazing Animal Ambassadors. We can also “customize” our presentation to expand upon specific curriculum. We have given presentations at schools for children of all ages, libraries, garden clubs, senior living communities, women’s clubs, Homeschool groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout meetings and camps, many types of spring and summer camp programs, veterinary schools and veterinary student group meetings.
Mary Warwick, Operations Director
operations@twrcwildlifecenter.org
Liz Compton, Rehab Coordinator
rehab@twrcwildlifecenter.org
Victoria Hepburn, Outreach Coordinator
education@twrcwildlifecenter.org
Berri Moffett, Volunteer Coordinator
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
Houston Renewable Energy Group
Purpose: HREG is a local chapter of the Texas Solar Energy Society, with a mission to further the development of renewable energy and related arts, sciences, and technologies, with concern for the ecological, social, and economic fabric of our community and state. Members support local events, host the Houston Renewable Energy tour, and in general work to educate the community on the benefits of renewable energy. We were founded in 2000.
Meetings: Third Thursday of April, July, Oct. See website for details.
Volunteer Opportunities: Call or e-mail info@houstonrenewableenergy.org.
Programs: Teacher workshops are available on issues regarding renewable energy. Speakers from the group are also available to give presentations to a school or student group.
HREG is the local chapter of the Texas Solar Energy Society.
Events: Solar Tour
Angela Shen, President
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 Access to Urban Sustainability
Purpose: The HAUS Project was formed in late 2010 to provide affordable, sustainable, cooperative housing in the accessible, urban core of the Houston region within close proximity of Houston’s growing light rail transit system. Our goal is to open 5 green coops in 5 years.
The mission of HAUS Project is to
Provide affordable housing operated cooperatively by residents.
Provide greener, more sustainable lifestyle options.
Educate the general public about cooperative organizational principles and greener, more sustainable lifestyle options.
Assist other cooperative and sustainability efforts in the Houston region and elsewhere.
Programs: The first house, Rosalie, opened on January 1, 2011 in Midtown and now houses ten people in its ten rooms. We’ve since expanded to include a second 15-bedroom house on Ruth St. We intend to develop houses of various sizes and appropriate for various lifestyle options, including at least one student focused house, and at least one house appropriate for children and families.
Volunteer Opportunities: We are always looking for future members and are especially looking for people who are excited about being on the front lines of developing our next house. Come over ANY Sunday – Wednesday at 7pm for dinner (bring $5 to cover your food costs) and we’d love to have you. E-mail membership@hausproject.org to let them know that you’re coming.
Marissa Ramos, Member Co-Coordinator and Board Representative
Keep Pearland Beautiful
Purpose: The vision of Keep Pearland Beautiful is that Pearland will be the cleanest and most beautiful city in Texas.
Major Projects: Plant Thyme Fall Luncheon, Cheers for Volunteers, Environmental Awards Dinner. Yard Wise Demonstration Garden, Adopt A Spot, Community Greening. KPB Education methods include: speaking to groups, bringing environmental programs to schools, training teachers, sponsoring our annual Environmental Fair and informing people about Environmental responsibility.
Speakers Bureau: Speakers will come out and give a presentation to your classroom or school group
Stella Roberts Recycling Center: KPB operates a full-service drop off recycling center, serving all! Acceptable items include paper, cardboard, plastics (#1-5 & 7), glass bottles, batteries, electronics, and all types of metal. Household hazardous waste is also accepted, however fees may apply. The center does not accept plastic bags, plastic #6, tires, mattresses, wood, green waste or trash.
Adrian Hernandez, Executive Director
ahernandez@mykpb.org
Lenora Tollefson, Director of Programs
ltollefson@mykpb.org
Henry Donley, Director of Recycling
hdonley@mykpb.org
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
Houston Botanic Garden
Purpose: To establish and sustain a premier botanic garden to promote public appreciation and understanding of plants, gardens, and conservation of the natural world through education and scientific enquiry. Through discovery, education and the conservation of plants and the natural environment, the HBG aims to enrich lives, serve as a model for sustainability, and inspire all who visit to become environmental stewards.
Programs: Current programs entail fundraising and implementation of Phase I of the Houston Botanic Garden master plan. Once open, partnerships with area schools and universities will make the garden an exceptional classroom, and HBG looks forward to partnering with garden clubs and many civic organizations across the City of Houston.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contact the general email for volunteer opportunities.
Claudia Gee Vassar, President and General Counsel
Brent E. Moon, Horticulture Manager
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”
Planned Parenthood of Houston & SE Texas
Purpose: To ensure the right and ability of all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health by providing health services, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1936.
Programs: Teen and Family/Community Education on sexuality and relationships. HIV education and medical services: affordable, preventive reproductive health services provided at 10 health centers in Houston and SE Texas; call (800) 230-PLAN or visit
http://www.ppgulfcoast.org.
Major Events: Luncheon to commemorate the Roe vs. Wade decision, January.
Volunteer Opportunities: Assistance is needed in health centers, administration, school programs, and public affairs. Contact Anitra Daniel, Director of Volunteers at (713) 831-6522 or Anitra.daniel@ppgulfcoast.org.
Speakers Bureau: (713) 522-6240 or
Publications: E-newsletter.
Melaney Linton, President and CEO
(713) 522-6240
Rochelle Tafolla, VP Communications and Marketing / Media/Press
(713) 831-6573
Rochelle.Tafolla@ppgulfcoast.org
Meryl Cohen, VP Education
(713) 831-6557
Meryl.cohen@ppgulfcoast.org.
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
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.
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
Wildlife Center of Texas
Purpose: WCT was formed to care for injured, ill and orphaned wildlife through rehabilitation, public education and release in the Greater Houston / Upper Gulf Coast region. Each year the WCT cares for over 10,000 thousand injured or orphaned wild animals including over 300 different species. The WCT is Houston’s first trauma hospital that accepts all native injured, ill and orphaned wildlife. The Center is funded by the generous donations of the general public and corporations and receives no government funding.
Meetings: Monthly volunteer orientation meetings (excl. Dec. & Jan.) on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.- 12 noon. For information and to RSVP, contact Margaret at volunteer@wildlifecenteroftexas.org.
9-6 M-F; 9–4 S & S Mar-Aug; 9-4 daily Sept-Feb
Programs: Wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, oiled wildlife training and response for the Gulf coast states and wildlife disaster response.
Major events: Annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament in the spring. Annual Open House in the fall.
Publications: Online newsletter. http://www.WildlifeCenterofTexas.org
Speakers Bureau: Trained speakers are available on the following topics: peaceful coexistence; responsible environmental stewardship; how to tell if an animal requires intervention; reuniting moms and babies; dealing with “nuisance” animals, and oiled wildlife response training workshops.
Sharon Schmalz, Executive Director.
sharonschmalz@wildlifecenteroftexas.org
Mercer Botanic Garden
Purpose: To establish and maintain a versatile botanical facility for Houston and the greater Gulf Coast region, serving the general public, the horticulture industry, and the scientific community. These 325 acres of East Texas Piney Woods showcase the region’s largest collection of native and cultivated plants.
Programs: Offered throughout the year and focus on gardening and plant related topics Eagle Scout project site. Guided Scavenger Hunts for students.
Major Events: Lunch Bunch Wednesday Talks: Join fellow gardeners the 2nd Wednesday of each month to hear expert speakers give talks on a variety of topics. Lunch is provided for a fee; March Mart Plant Sale: 4th Friday and Saturday in March. Garden Party and Auction: 1st Saturday in May. Summer Symposium: Renowned speakers enlighten attendees on how to create their own backyard paradise. Register early!; Garden Faire: Two full days of fall festival events with vendors. Food vendors and ‘Kid’s Korner’ activities; Garden Tours: Check the web for info on Coach Tours to Gardens throughout Texas.
Volunteer Opportunities: Expand your horticulture knowledge and make new friends while volunteering in the Gardens and the greenhouse. Other volunteer opportunities include working with children and guiding tours.
Jim Nutter, Director
The Mercer Society, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting Mercer.
jim.nutter@bmd.hctx.net
http://www.themercersociety.org
Suzanne Chapman, Horticultural Manager
schapman@hcp4.net
Bayou Land Conservancy
Purpose: Bayou Land Conservancy is a community-sponsored land preservation organization to permanently protect land, with a focus on the 13 watersheds that feed Lake Houston. We preserve river and bayou corridors, other properties with significant wildlife habitat value, and places where family recreation can occur in harmony with nature.
Jill Boullion, Executive Director
jboullion@bayouland.org
Becky Martinez, Conservation Director
bmartinez@bayouland.org
Cherie Wilson, Office Administrator
cwilson@bayouland.org
Transition Houston
Purpose: Transition Houston serves to build on the wisdom of the existing resources in Houston’s diverse community to inspire, network and train localized communities to consider and adapt Rob Hopkins’ transition model. Together we can unite pools of ingenuity and skills to unleash the collective genius of our own people in finding self-determined solutions.
About Us: Transition Houston is an official Transition Initiative of the burgeoning Transition movement, #40 of the 100+ official Transition Initiatives in the U.S. The movement has spread world-wide with hundreds of initiatives in the few short years since the first Transition Town began in 2005. Transition Houston is a hub for the Houston region, providing support the transition from oil dependency to local resilience by equipping communities with creative adaptations in areas such as food, energy, health, education, spirit and economy to generate a road map towards sustainable living.
Volunteer Opportunities: We frequently have hands-on projects to create practical manifestations of resiliency, such as Permablitzes, where a yard is transformed using Permaculture principles into a food garden with other elements of self-sufficiency.
Meetings: Transition Houston usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Please check our websites to confirm the meeting date, time and location.
Archived Resource Guides