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
Native Prairies Association of Texas
Purpose: The Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) is a non-profit membership organization and land trust dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of native prairies, savannas, and other grasslands in Texas. NPAT protects over 2000 acres of native Texas grassland, including over 100 acres of endangered/threatened tallgrass prairie. In 2010, NPAT started its first local chapter in Houston to allow members in the metro area to meet and discuss local and regional projects and raise awareness for the organization in the Texas Gulf Coast region.
Programs: Presentations for landowners about land conservation methods in Texas; Educational presentations and field trips designed for children and adults; land restoration education and support; development of regional land restoration guides; performed a 95 county survey locating remnant native prairies in Texas.
Publications: Quarterly newsletter, Texas Prairie News; periodic e-mail updates. Back issues are available at http://www.texasprairie.org.
Meeting Times: 4th Wednesday of each month except November and December; Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77074.
Lan Shen, President
NPAT Houston Chapter
http://prairiepartner.org/group/hnpat
HNPAT@texasprairie.org
Recipe for Success
Purpose: Recipe for Success Foundation was launched in 2005 by Gracie & Bob Cavnar to lead the way in hands-on nutrition education aimed at preventing childhood obesity and encouraging long term health. In just a few years, it has grown to the largest outreach of its kind in the nation, empowering over 4,000 children each and every month with its signature Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ and other initiatives to change the way they understand, appreciate and eat their food.
Major Events: Dress for Dinner, We’re Cooking Now! A Gala in Small Bites
Blue Plate Special Cafe Harvest Market & Awards Lunch, Open Kitchens Tour.
Volunteer Opportunities: RFS has dozens of opportunities for you to lend a hand in our fight against childhood obesity whether you have an hour, a day or want to perform a regular job. Register online.
Publications: Website and newsletter.
Gracie Cavnar – Founder and CEO
gracie@recipe4success.org
Molly Kaminski – Chief Operations Officer
molly@recipe4success.org
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
City of Houston Office of Sustainability
Purpose: The City of Houston’s sustainability office encourages green development and lifestyles across the city by carrying out green projects, educating on pressing environmental issues, and promoting sustainable products and services.
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
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
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
American Youthworks Conservation Corps & AmeriCorps
- YouthBuild Austin is a youth services program that combines academics with career training, leadership development, and community service. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/youthbuild/
- Texas Conservation Corps (TxCC) is a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps accredited program that empowers young people through AmeriCorps service, conservation, education, and jobs training. …
Purpose: American YouthWorks provides young people with opportunities to build careers, strengthen communities, and improve the environment through education, on-the-job training, and service to others.
Programs:
- YouthBuild Austin is a youth services program that combines academics with career training, leadership development, and community service. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/youthbuild/
- Texas Conservation Corps (TxCC) is a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps accredited program that empowers young people through AmeriCorps service, conservation, education, and jobs training. TxCC provides trained crews to help accomplish conservation project needs. For more information visit http://americanyouthworks.org/programs/txcc/
Major Events:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, National Trails Day, National Public Lands Day and more can be found on their website
Publications:
Subscribe to their Newsletter.
https://americanyouthworks.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=56ac73a023b37f56e8a5dfa09&id=21f74873c3
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer to work with young people in YouthBuild or Texas Conservation Corps. Individual and group opportunities are available. Some volunteer opportunities include service days, tutoring, and mentorships.
Speaker’s Bureau: Guest speakers are welcome to share their career path and experience with students to inspire and inform participants about various career fields.
Ericus Adams, TxCC Houston Program Manager
eadams@americanyouthworks.org
832-450-9353
Eliza Montana, Senior Director of Operations
emontana@americanyouthworks.org
David Clauss, YouthBuild Austin Program Director
dclauss@americanyouthworks.org
Jody Karr, Texas Conservation Corps Program Director
jkarr@americanyouthworks.org
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
KPFT 90.1 FM
Purpose: To establish a foundation organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes, in which no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any member of the Foundation. We promote and aid other creative activities which will serve the cultural welfare of the community, and offer performance facilities to amateur musical performers, choral groups, orchestral groups and music students.
Programs: KPFT (90.1FM) broadcasts radio programs 24/7/365. As a part of the Pacifica Network, KPFT airs Democracy Now three times daily; this program features the news of the day as well as special reports and interviews with leading environmental and political figures from around the globe. KPFT’s local nightly news at 4PM. Eco-ology, Thresholds, and Progressive Forum put a spotlight on the environment and other topical issues.
Volunteer Opportunities: Almost all programmers at KPFT are volunteers.
Speaker’s Bureau: KPFT’s Outreach Committee, staffed mainly by volunteers, serves in this capacity. Members of management are also available to speak when their schedules permit.
Publications: KPFT produces a folio from time to time. It includes a full listing of the programs provided by KPFT; lots of information is on the website.
Larry Winters, Interim General Manager
lwinters@kpft.org
(713)526-4000 x310
Robin Lewis, Development Director
robin@kpft.org
(713)526-4000 x315
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
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 Arboretum and Nature Center
Purpose: To provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and as a sanctuary for native plants and animals.
Programs: Adult classes on nature, wildlife, art, photography, food and wine, and more. We also offer family programs, special events, Memberships, private group tours, guided nature hikes, citizen science opportunities, a Nature Shop, and rentals. See website for details
Major Events: Arbor Day in January, Tapas on the Trails in February, Earth Day in April, Alfresco Gala in April, Native Plant Sale in spring and fall, Pup Crawl in spring, Bingo events in summer, ArBOOretum in October, Arbor Cup Golf Tournament in October.
Children’s Activities: Tyke Hikes for 18 months – 3 years, Home School for 5-12 years, Summer, Winter and Spring Break Camps for 4-12 years, Boy and Girl Scout programs, Guided Field Experience & Discovery Room programs for school groups, Birthday Parties.
Volunteer Opportunities: We use individual volunteers for conservation, gardening, Discovery Room, lobby/gift shop,special events, educational programs, outreach events and more. Group Opportunities available.
Publications: Website; quarterly Program Guide, e-newsletter: the Leaflet.
Debbie Markey, Executive Director
(713)-366-0371
dmarkey@houstonarboretum.org
Christine Mansfield, Marketing and Development
(713)-366-0426
cmansfield@houstonarboretum.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
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
Save Buffalo Bayou
Purpose: To educate the public and public officials about proper land management on our many streams, drawing on the latest science, and to advocate for enlightened flood and erosion control and drainage policies and practices that respect the natural process of our local bayous and creeks, their floodplains and watersheds, the trees and vegetation growing on their banks, all of which are so vital for the health of our waters, our environment, and us.
Programs: Paddle with geologist Tom Helm on a two-hour floating class down a historic nature area on Buffalo Bayou. Learn about our 18,000-year-old bayou, about the formation of the bluffs and sandstone rocks during the last ice age, and see how the sand moves downstream, why the way the river looks the way it does, and much more. Classes can be scheduled any day of the week for small groups; larger groups can schedule for weekends only.
Frank C. Smith, Jr., Board Founding President
Susan Chadwick, Executive Director
American Institute of Chemical Engineers, South Texas Local Section
Purpose: To support the membership’s technical objectives through education, service, and fellowship.
Meetings: First Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m., Sept. through June. Please check the website for speaker, location, and topic.
Programs: Continuing education workshops at monthly meetings, which include environmental and process safety.
Major Events: Cosponsor Energy Conservation Forum with Texas Industries of the Future twice per year. See the website for the date and location.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Matt Kolodney, (713) 767-3752 (work), (713) 471-8956 (cell) or mkolodne@tceq.state.tx.us.
Chair: Dr. Thomas E. Rehm
sts-chairelect@aiche.org
Secretary: Debra McCall
sts-secretary@aiche.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
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