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.
University of Houston: Office of Sustainability
Purpose: The University of Houston Office of Sustainability serves as the hub for campus sustainability efforts. Engaging the campus and community, the office fosters collaboration and educates individuals about social, economic and environmental factors that impact today’s society and generations to come. On-campus sustainability initiatives include academic programs and research, educational events, the campus community garden, single-stream recycling, water bottle refill stations, renewable energy use, sustainable transportation, green building and more.
Programs: Sustainability Task Force, Sustainability Meetups, Student Sustainability Team and Campus Community Garden
Events: Cleanup Day, Sustainability Fest, Bike to UH Day, Electronics Recycling Drive, RecycleMania and Earth Week,
Volunteer opportunities: Gardening, Campus and community events, Cleanup events.
Publications: Blog: uhsustain.wordpress.com, The Sustainable Coog Newsletter: http://www.uh.edu/sustainablecoog.com
Michael Mendoza, Sustainability Program Manager
713-743-8089
mjmendoza4@uh.edu
Melissa Halstead, Sustainability Coordinator
mjhalste@uh.edu
Houston-Galveston Area Council
Purpose: The Houston-Galveston Area Council is a region-wide voluntary association of local governments in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning region of Texas. H-GAC’s mission is to serve as the instrument of local government cooperation, promoting the region’s orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens. Key governmental services include transportation planning, disaster resiliency, cooperative purchasing, homeland security, workforce development, air and water quality planning, forecasting, and mapping.
Programs: H-GAC engages in a variety of collaborative environmental planning efforts including watershed protection, solid waste management and air quality for sustainable development. It is also actively involved in education and public awareness programs, including Commute Solutions and NuRide, the Clean Waters Initiative, Regional Recycling Roundtable.
Volunteer Opportunities: H-GAC offers year-round volunteer opportunities through our Texas Stream Team volunteer water monitoring program, as well as at a one-day Trash Bash waterway cleanup event. For more information on opportunities, visit http://www.h-gac.com/go/getinvolved.
Jeff Taebel, Director of Community and Environmental Planning
(713) 993-4560
jeff.taebel@h-gac.com
Kathy Janhsen, Principal Program Coordinator
Kathy.janhsen@h-gac.com
(713) 993-2423
Friends of Woodland Park
Purpose: The Friends of Woodland Park, Inc. (FWP) is dedicated to preserving the park’s natural habitat along with its unique historical significance to the City of Houston, and to providing for the enjoyment and education of all who visit.
Publications: Subscribe to email newsletter.
Programs: Trails at Twilight Gala,
Bird watching monthly.
Volunteer and Donor Opportunities: The Friends of Woodland Park is made up of neighbors like you. Your valuable donation keeps trails clear and goes towards exciting capital improvements.
Becky Houston, Board Member
bghouston@aol.com
Beth Fischer, Board Member
Flower Garden Banks Natl Marine Sanctuary
Purpose: Identify, protect, conserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, values, and qualities of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and its regional environment for this and future generations.
Programs: Down Under, Out Yonder (DUOY) Educator Workshop and Scuba Field Experience – annually in July. Workshop information is available at http://flowergarden.noaa.gov/education/workshops.html. Presentations for civic associations, camp programs, and other interested groups – as available
Events: Ocean Discovery Day – annually on a Saturday in March (next one is March 12, 2016). This FREE event is designed to introduce residents and visitors to NOAA programs in their community.
Volunteer Opportunities: we do occasionally need volunteers to help with program preparation and Ocean Discovery Day. Interested people can subscribe to the list via our website
Publications: Links to all publications found on website.
Shelley Du Puy, Education Coordinator
shelley.dupuy@noaa.gov
(409) 356-0382
Kelly Drinnen, Sanctuary Outreach Specialist,
kelly.drinnen@noaa.gov
(409) 356-0388
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
Purpose: Founded in 2001, the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy (WWGC) partners with the Harris County Flood Control District and the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department to enhance the 280 acre Willow Waterhole Park as a native plant and wildlife area and a passive recreational green space.
Programs: Music in park performances, movies in park screenings, conservation volunteer work days on the second saturday of each month, monthly bird surveys on the third saturday of each month by Houston Audubon Society, and free environmental education series for kids and families.
Meetings: Monthly.
Major Events: April Music Fest; Cross Country Meets & Fun Runs; Invasive Fish Round-up and Carp-a-thon in the fall.
Volunteer Opportunities: Historian, photographer, trail maintenance, cleanup days, event and festival volunteers, fundraising, guided hikes, children’s programs, scout projects.
Speakers: Available for community and school groups.
Publications: Website, Facebook, and Newsletter. http://www.willowwaterhole.org https://www.facebook.com/willowwaterhole
Ralph Rieger, CPA, CGMA, President
rieger@riegercpa.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
Greens Bayou Coalition
Purpose: Founded in 2007 to address quality of life issues along the 45-mile watershed through flood mitigation, parks & trails development, preservation of green space, and economic development.
Major Events: Annual Meeting, Bayou Clean Up Days, Tree Plantings.
Volunteer Opportunities: Committee service, Clean-up days, tree plantings, site preparation on park development, Adopt-A-Site, Volunteer Water Quality Testers.
Speakers Bureau: Call Candice Pauley at (281) 874-2139.
Publications: Newsletter.
Kelly Snook, Executive Director
(713)-417-0404
ksnook@greensbayou.org
Colleen Ulibarri, Program Manager
culibarri@greensbayou.org
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Purpose:Buffalo Bayou Partnership is the Houston non-profit organization revitalizing and transforming Buffalo Bayou, our city’s most significant natural resource. Coordinating the integration of major improvements into the Bayou greenway, the Partnership seeks increased community involvement through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities, art installations, and other natural and built attractions.
Major Events: Buffalo Bayou Regatta, kayak tours, history hikes, walk tours, bat tours, Second Saturday Boat cruises, Twilight tours, Seasonal Cruises, Nights on Blue Bayou events along the Sabine Promenade.
Children’s Activities: Kids’ Day on Buffalo Bayou, Second Saturday Boat Cruises, bat tours and kayak tours. Speakers are available to give presentations to your school classroom or group. Contact Trudi Smith for booking.
Volunteer Opportunities: Monthly Volunteer Day,Tree planting, cleanups, Adopt-A-Spot, help with events, office work.
Anne Olson, President
aolson@buffalobayou.org
Trudi Smith, Director of Public Relations and Events
tsmith@buffalobayou.org
Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program
Purpose: Our mission is to make the Houston Zoo a leader in conservation as it relates to the survival of threatened wildlife, wise use of natural resources, and the appreciation of our natural world by zoo visitors.
Publications: Members quarterly Wildlife Magazine.
Major Events: Conservation Gala, Call of the Wild Speakers Series, Earth Day, Feast with the Beasts, Zoobilee, Zoo Boo, Spotlight on Species Weekends.
Children’s Activities: Educational programming, Wild Winks, Summer and Winter Camps, Zoomobile Outreach Programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Houston Zoo Volunteer Programs for individuals and corporations: education@houstonzoo.org or (713) 533-6549.
Peter Riger,
Vice President of Conservation and Education
Renee Bumpus,
Conservation Programs Manager
Jackie Wallace,
Director of Public Relations
Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council
Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council’s (GINTC) mission is to connect people with Galveston’s natural environment.
Purpose:Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council is a non-profit, community-based volunteer organization that supports and develops nature-based educational and recreational activities, and promotes the value of area natural habitats and resources.
Interest in nature tourism is on the rise. The Council invites you to explore its website, http://www.GalvestonNatureTourism.org, to learn about programs and projects for the environmentally rich Galveston Island and its surrounding areas. The Council has enjoyed great success with its unique nature events, community education and outreach programs, and anticipated growth in these and other endeavors.
Programs: Galveston Sea Turtle Saturday, Featherfest Birding & Nature Photography Festival, and Holiday with the Cranes.
Volunteer Opportunities: To volunteer, please contact Julie Ann Brown at (409) 789-8125 or email info@gintc.org. The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council could not succeed in its mission without its dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. The Council relies on volunteers to help with its events, assist in the office, help conduct research, and much more. Whether you are an individual, an organization, or a corporate or school group, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!
Kathy Carlson, President
Julie Ann Brown, Executive Director
Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center
Purpose: A 312-acre, Harris County Precinct 4 nature park dedicated to environmental and natural history, education, wildlife conservation, and passive recreation. It opened in 1982.
Programs: Wide variety of weekday tours and free weekend educational programs, ranging from the lifestyles and customs of local early settlers to the environmental benefits of nature. Teacher workshops and training programs are offered as well.
Major Events: Arbor Day Celebration – 3rd weekend in January; Homestead Heritage Day – 2nd Saturday in February; NatureFest – 1st Saturday in March; Pioneer Day – 2nd Saturday in November
Children’s Activities: Wide variety throughout the year, including Summer Nature Camp, Tadpoles Club, and scout programs. Playground with separate toddler section. Field trips are available to the park for your class or student group.
Volunteer Opportunities: Trail guides, invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, greenhouse help, office aide.
Publications: Bi-annually the Update – Harris County Precinct 4 Parks.
Darlene Conley Hostetler, Director
dconley@hcp4.net
Joe Stinebaker, Media Contact
Richard Almeida, Outreach Coordinator
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
Houston Parks Board
Purpose: The Houston Parks Board creates, improves, protects and advocates for parks for everyone. HPB is driven by the vision of thriving parks and communities for everyone forever.
Programs: Parkland and greenspace acquisition; park capital improvement projects; collaboration with other green groups; Neighborhood Partnership Program; 50/50 Park Partners Challenge; Volunteer Program.…More DetailsPurpose: The Houston Parks Board creates, improves, protects and advocates for parks for everyone. HPB is driven by the vision of thriving parks and communities for everyone forever.
Programs: Parkland and greenspace acquisition; park capital improvement projects; collaboration with other green groups; Neighborhood Partnership Program; 50/50 Park Partners Challenge; Volunteer Program.
Bayou Greenways 2020: HPB, in partnership with the City of Houston and Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and in coordination with Harris County Flood Control District, is currently leading the transformational $220 million project to complete a 150-mile network of connected parks and trails along Houston’s major waterways.
Beyond the Bayous: Beyond the Bayous is the shared vision of HPB and its cross-sector partners for expanding Greater Houston’s public realm to improve greenspace equity and connectivity between parks, homes and jobs; increase public access to parks; and enhance the environmental health of communities.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Executive Director. https://houstonparksboard.org/get-involved/request-a-speaker
Publications: All annual reports are published on HPB’s website. To view the reports as well as videos about HPB’s impact, click here.
Beth White, President and CEO bethwhite@houstonparksboard.org
Lisa Kasianowitz, Outreach Manager lisa@houstonparksboard.org
General Email Address: info@houstonparksboard.org
Memorial Park Conservancy
Purpose: To preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.
Major Events: “4 the Park” Fun Run, Golf Tournament, Green Gala.
Volunteer Opportunities: Corporate, school group and individuals; ongoing Bridge Club, trail maintenance, conservation and administrative.
Speakers Bureau: Yes.
Publications: Happenings in the Park.
Shellye Arnold, President & CEO
sarnold@memorialparkconservancy.org
Carolyn White, Conservation Director
cwhite@memorialparkconservancy.org
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
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
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”
Levy Park Conservancy
Purpose: Levy Park is a six acre public green space in the Upper Kirby District which recently reopened after a $15 million renovation for the purpose of creating an entertainment and recreation destination for the immediate community and for the people of Greater Houston. The Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority in partnership with the Upper Kirby District Foundation, funded the renovation and Levy Park’s many public amenities.
Park Amenities: The redeveloped park features curated, year-round programming among native landscaping and botanical gardens and a one of a kind children’s play area. At the Performance Pavilion is the stage and an event lawn that accommodates audiences of up to 3,000 people. The Promenade features a market row, fixed and moveable seating, and power outlets, among tree topiary elements. The Activity Lawn offers space for lawn games, picnicking, as well as a putting green. Additional amenities include tables and chairs, including rocking chairs, a reading room with books and periodicals free to use, outdoor table tennis and foosball, and carts with board games and art supplies. The Play Area offers an overlook boardwalk into the live oak canopy, and interactive garden, a program amphitheater, a climbing wall and community slide, and interactive water features. Levy Park also has a dog park and the community gardens include 27 garden plots and fruit trees.
Programs: Weekly boot camp, yoga, zumba, tai chi, MET Dance for kids and adults, meditation, poetry, events from Young Audiences of Houston, Houston Public Library Story Hour, Houston Museum of Natural Science, lunar and planetary programs, concerts, and film series.
SPARK School Park Program
Purpose: The SPARK School Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. In the past 30 years, SPARK has built over 200+ community parks throughout the Houston/Harris County area. Each park is unique, with its design based on ideas and needs of the school and surrounding neighborhoods. While all of the parks are different, a typical park consists of modular playground equipment, a walking trail, benches, picnic tables, trees, an outdoor classroom, and a public art component. SPARK Parks are available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends.
Programs: SPARK has built 200+ community parks in twelve different school districts throughout the Houston area. Each park is designed based on ideas and needs of the school and surrounding neighborhoods. While all of the parks are different, a typical park consists of modular playground equipment, a walking trail, benches, picnic tables, trees, an outdoor classroom, and a public art component.
Publications: SPARK Art calendar
Kathleen Ownby, Executive Director
(832) 393-0911
Kathleen@sparkpark.org
Elizabeth Howley, Assistant Director
(832) 393-0910
elizabeth@sparkpark.org
Houston Wilderness
Purpose: Houston Wilderness is a broad-based alliance of business, environmental and government interests that acts in concert to protect, preserve and promote the unique biodiversity of the region’s precious remaining ecological capital from bottomland hardwoods and prairie grasslands to pine forests and wetlands.
Programs: Collaborative Access Program, Sam Houston Greenbelt Network, Collaborative Grant Organizing, Wilderness Passport, ecosystems services, and Get Out Here Houston.
Volunteer Opportunities: Speaking engagements
Publications: Houston Atlas of Biodiversity; Family Passport; Ecotourism & Wellness Passport
Deborah January-Bevers, President & CEO
Deborah@houstonwilderness.org
713-524-7330 x 205
Sean Stone, Advancement Director
Sean@houstonwilderness.org
Jose Alducin, Environmental Programs Facilitator
Jose@houstonwilderness.org
Archived Resource Guides