- Air Quality
- Animals/Wildlife/Rehabilitation
- Bayous
- Beautification
- Birding
- Built Environment
- Climate
- Conservation
- Education
- Environmental Justice/Policy
- Galveston Bay & Gulf of Mexico
- Gardens, Plants, and Food
- Global Issues
- Health
- Historic Preservation
- Parks, Nature Centers, and Open Space
- Professional Societies and Industry Groups
- Recreation and Sports
- Recycling and Trash
- Transportation
- Water Quality
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
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.
White Oak Bayou Association
Purpose: To promote greater public awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of White Oak Bayou, its tributaries and environs by advocating the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the natural wildlife habitats thereof, while promoting compatible educational and recreational opportunities within the area. White Oak Bayou Association was founded in May 1986.
Meetings: Monthly: 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. except November; Annual: November (Location, date, and time to be announced); Please confirm meeting location, date, and time by calling (713) 864-3008.
Programs: Field trips, tree planting, bike ways, storm water quality and environmental advocacy, participation in Harris County Flood Control District stakeholder committees, coordination with City of Houston Floodplain Management office, and education. Coordination with Bayou Preservation Association.
Publications: Website – http://www.bayoupreservation.org.
Tom Gall, President
tgall@tjgall.com
Christina Hughes, Vice President
Bob Lee, Vice President
Carolyn White, Vice President
Teresa Matlock, Treasurer
Treehalpc@gmail.com
Doug Shannon, Secretary
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
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
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
EcoRise
Purpose: To inspire a new generation of leaders to design a sustainable future for all. EcoRise develops standards aligned, K–12 school-based curricula that focus on sustainability, environmental literacy, design innovation, and social entrepreneurship. The curriculum empowers youth to tackle real-world challenges in their schools and communities. EcoRise also provides extensive teacher training and support with the curriculum and offers a Student Innovation Fund for student-driven grant projects.
Curricula & Programs:
- Learn about EcoRise’s growing collection of award-winning, standards-aligned sustainability, green building, and design innovation curricula here.
- Sustainable Intelligence Program: PreK–12 teachers receive access to multiple EcoRise curricula including our flagship Sustainable Intelligence, professional development, and student-driven classroom grants.
- Green Building Academy: High school CTE teachers receive access to EcoRise’s Green Building Lessons for a Sustainable Future curriculum, educators workshops and mentorship, and opportunities for students to connect to green building and field experiences.
- Project-Based Learning Academy: This district-wide program provides a suite of training and support programs that shift the traditional paradigms of academic instruction using the PBL pedagogy.
- Teacher Ambassador Program: EcoRise teachers have the opportunity to join a network of sustainability education leaders as a Teacher Ambassador or Education Fellow and help support and further the green schools movement.
Major Events: Students who receive a grant award for an Eco-Audit project are typically invited to participate in a Regional Student Innovation Showcase which has been expanded to include virtual showcases in 2020. These showcases are hosted each spring across the country to celebrate the next generation of innovators giving them a platform to present their green campus innovations.
Publications: EcoRise Monthly Newsletter
Children’s Museum of Houston’s EcoStation
Purpose: Founded in 1981 to transform communities through innovative, and child-centered learning.
The Houston region has one of the largest child populations in the United States and Children’s Museum Houston serves an audience of more than 1 million children and families each year. Children’s Museum Houston is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on private and public contributions.
Henry Yau, Director of Public Relations and Promotions
hyau@cmhouston.org
(713) 535-7267
Tammie Kahn, Executive Director
tkahn@cmhouston.org
(713) 535-7215
Blackwood Land Institute
Purpose: Blackwood Educational Land Institute is an ecosystem and living classroom that inspires and teaches students of all ages to explore the natural web of life and to develop a healthy, respectful relationship with nature.
Major Events: Counselor Training Week, Blackwood Nature Camp Weeks, Edible Garden Tour, Sustainability Bike Ride
Children’s Activities: Blackwood Educational Land Institute reconnects children to nature through hands-on experiences that teach them about food and where it comes from, the value of community and collaboration, and the pleasure of being outdoors. Call or contact through the website for camp location and for registration.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer your time at the Blackwood Land Institute by filling out an application on their website.
Cath Conlon, Founder and CEO
cath@blackwoodland.org
(832) 721-4711
Program Director
(832) 207-3060.
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
Keep Kingwood Green
Purpose: To educate and advocate for recycling in the Lake Houston area (and other issues as appropriate). Non-profit 501c3, all volunteer organization.
Major Projects: Participation in Kleenwood, Nature Fest, YMCA events, Kingwood Farmers Market, and other recycling events in the area. We work with the City of Houston, Humble ISD and other governmental units to facilitate and educate about recycling. We hold public meetings, publish Green Columns and recycling brochures, host a “Where Can I Recycle” website and “hotline” and help local businesses “go green.”
Speakers Bureau: Speakers available for community groups and schools, mostly on recycling topics. Contact: Katrin McManis.
Katrin McManis, President of the Board
Katrin@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Brigitte Collee, VP/Development Director
Brigitte@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Susan Pollard, Secretary/Community Association Liaison
Susan@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Uma Rajendran, Treasurer
Uma@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Hal Opperman, Board Member, Special Projects
Hal@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Kevin McManis, Board Member, Special Projects
Kevin@keepkingwoodgreen.org
Mitzi Braathan, Board Member, Special Projects
Mitzi@keepkingwoodgreen.org
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
Houston Urban Gardeners
- leaving a legacy of better soil
- eating organic wholesome food with a known history
- getting more production with less time and having more fun
- getting to know like-minded people and sharing what you know with others
- restoring respect for the earth and the environment
- forming a gardening support network/community
- feeling good because you can share food with hungry people
- supporting our local Houston economy by buying supplies from local vendors
Purpose: Houston Urban Gardeners’ mission is to create an informed active gardening community of people growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs year-round in Metro Houston. They do this through programs on all aspects of growing food.
Programs: Monthly meetings on topics such as:
- leaving a legacy of better soil
- eating organic wholesome food with a known history
- getting more production with less time and having more fun
- getting to know like-minded people and sharing what you know with others
- restoring respect for the earth and the environment
- forming a gardening support network/community
- feeling good because you can share food with hungry people
- supporting our local Houston economy by buying supplies from local vendors
Meetings: HUG meets on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the West Gray Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (1475 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019) in the Montrose/River Oaks area near Waugh Drive. Visit their website for more information.
Volunteer opportunities: Audio recording, program planning, project proposals, fundraising and PR.
Keep Houston Beautiful
Purpose: To achieve sustainable community improvement by providing programs that educate the public, combat blight, prevent litter, minimize waste and beautify Houston’s public spaces.
Programs: Adopt-A-Block and Adopt-A-Ditch Program; weekend cleanups and tool lending library; community beautification and edible community garden projects; civic leader and teacher training workshops. Teacher worksheets are available on the website for classroom use. Speakers are available, contact Amy Reed.
Major Events: Mayor’s Proud Partners
Awards and Luncheon; Great American Cleanup; Keep Houston Beautiful Day; Annual Bar Association Cleanup; Texas Recycles Day; Home Run for Astros Tree Plantings; America Recycles Day.
Children’s Activities: Keep Schools Beautiful Day; Lucky the Ladybug; Storm water Curriculum; Keep America Beautiful’s Water in Place Curriculum.
Volunteer Opportunities: Clean up and beautification weekend workdays, clerical, artists, special event information booths.
Publications: Clean Neighborhoods Manual; Guide to Earth Quilt Gardens; Recycling Activity Book for Kids; A Guide to Creating Environmental Outdoor Learning Centers; Enewsletter; Adopt-an-Esplanade Guide.
Amy Reed, Executive Director
areed@houstonbeautiful.org
Mike Aden, Warehouse Technician
warehouse@houstonbeautiful.org
Scenic Houston
Purpose: Scenic Houston works to eliminate visual blight because all Houstonians are entitled to a green, uncluttered, visually appealing city. Scenic Houston promotes sign control, billboard reduction, freeway landscaping, scenic byway development, and enhanced design standards for public projects. Our success improves the quality of life for all Houstonians.
Major Events: Scenic Visionary Awards Dinner, October.
Volunteer Opportunities: Young Friends Initiatives, Scenic Action network, assisting with special events, outreach. Contact the office for more information.
Publications: Scenic Views e-newsletter, legislative alerts as needed, brochures, articles, blog.
Heather Houston, 713-629-0481
heather@scenichouston.org
Annamarie Saavedra
annamarie@scenichouston.org
Blanca Ortega
blanca@scenichouston.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
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
Citizens’ Transportation Coalition
Purpose: Founded in 2004, the CTC is an all-volunteer grassroots transportation advocacy organization. The Citizens’ Transportation Coalition advocates for a broad-based public educational and planning process to identify neighborhood aspirations, influences projects to achieve the best transportation options, and engages our communities in designing a complete multimodal transportation system that serves us all.
Dexter Handy, Chair
drhandy@aol.com
Carol Caul, Advocacy Chair
Ed Browne, Science and Technology Chair
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
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
The CEC has a searchable, web-based version of the Environmental Resource Guide. You may also download older versions of the printed guide below.
Archived Resource Guides