The Environmental Resource Guide is a searchable, web-based resource that includes information about all organizations in the Greater Houston Area conducting environmental work. This guide is a one-stop-shop for any resources or connections you may need, and is updated often to ensure you have access to the newest information.
Scroll through the guide, view a list of all organizations, or view all categories of organizations below. At the very bottom of the page is an archive containing older versions of the printed guide available for download.
If you have any questions, would like to make edits to a current listing, or would like to add or remove an organizations, please reach out to charlotte.cisneros@cechouston.org.
- The results are being filtered by the locality: Houston
Discovery Green Conservancy
Barry Mandel, President and Park Director
Maria Aguirre, Executive Assistant
Purpose: To provide an uncommonly beautiful, urban green space in the heart of Houston that serves as a village green for our city, a source of health and happiness for our citizens, and a window into the incredible diversity of talents and traditions that enrich life in Houston.
Programs: Managed by the Conservancy, this incredible Houston destination produces over 600 free events each year for 1.2 million visitors, and it receives no direct city funding.
Major Events: Sundays in the Park with games, yoga, zumba, live entertainment; ice skating rink in the winter; Houston’s first outdoor roller skating rink; outdoor movies, flea markets, exhibitions; recycling on Saturdays; Scream on the Green halloween costume contest; dynamic speakers at Discovery Discussions to name just a few.
Publications: Sign up online for the email newsletter.
Volunteer Opportunities: There are many varied events which use volunteers during the week and on the weekends. Please visit the website and sign up online.
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
City of Houston Green Building Resource Center
Purpose: To enable the public to experience and learn more about healthy and energy, water, and material conserving design and construction; also known as Green Building.
Steven M. Stelzer, AIA, LEED AP, Program Director
steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov
Houston Community ToolBank
Purpose: The Houston Community ToolBank is a nonprofit tool lending program that stewards an inventory of tools for lending to charitable organizations to increase the impact of their mission-related efforts in the community. With year-round access to an inventory of tools for use in volunteer projects and facility and grounds maintenance, the ToolBank provide resources to enhance the charitable sector’s capacity to serve, facilitating hands-on volunteerism in the greater Houston area. Access to ToolBank tools eliminates the need for agencies to incur the expense of purchasing, repairing, and storing tools, reducing the costs associated with service projects and allowing these agencies to focus more of their resources on their mission.
Programs: Tools are deployed in many different capacities to organizations with mission critical areas such as community and school gardens, home repair, green space clean-up, tree planting, playground builds, and much more. The ToolBank offers knowledgeable staff to help member organizations plan a productive and positive project experience.
Membership is free and open to all nonprofit/charitable/tax exempt organizations. Members pay a handling fee equal to 3% of the retail value of the tool per week for up to 8 weeks. To become a member, apply online at http://www.houstontoolbank.org/borrow-tools.
Visit http://www.houstontoolbank.org to learn more about the Houston Community ToolBank and its upcoming events.
Erika Hornsey, Executive Director
erika.hornsey@toolbank.org
Nancy Clippard, Facility & Program Manager
nancy.clippard@toolbank.org
U.S. Green Building Council – Texas Gulf Coast Region
Purpose: The chapter will accelerate the implementation of the best sustainable building practices for our region through collaboration, education and advocacy. Founded in 2003, the USGBC-Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is uniquely positioned to leverage green building industry knowledge with community needs related to the built environment. The chapter connects the built environment to community life indicators and offers the LEED Rating System as a measurement tool to vet whether or not a building is operating at high performance.
Programs: USGBC offers educational programs to the building industry and public at large, in order to grow both local expertise and the green building market. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
Major Events: Texas Energy Summit
Volunteer Opportunities: Representing almost 1000 individuals, more than 2000 LEED APs, and more than 200 companies, the Texas Gulf Coast Region is based in Houston with a branch in Montgomery County (Piney Woods). The region has many volunteer opportunities – visit the website for details.http://www.usgbctexasgulfcoast.org
David MacLean, Chair
dmaclean@sebesta.com
(713) 857- 6499
Maria Perez, Vice President
maria_perez@gensler.com
(713) 356-1330
Caroline Kostak, Secretary
caroline.kostak@gmail.com
(832) 215-3885
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
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
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
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.
Sierra Club – Hou. Regional Group
Purpose: To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
Meetings: Second Thurs., 7:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1805 West Alabama at Woodhead. OPEN TO PUBLIC.
Major Events: Trips, workshops, outings, and classes; Yard Sale, spring; Annual Auction, at December meeting.
Recreational Outings: Open to members and non-members. See listing on website.
Children’s Activities: Inner City Outings program. Contact Lorraine Gibson at raineygib@aol.com.
Volunteer Opportunities: Issues include water & air quality, watershed, sustainability, energy, forestry, and parks & wildlife; Political Committee endorsements; legislative issues and letter writing; trail maintenance on Lone Star Hiking Trail; training for leading outings.
Publications: Bayou Banner, monthly (call for free copy or print PDF version from website).
Brandt Mannchen, Executive Committee Chair
brandtshnfbt@juno.com
Evelyn L. Merz, Conservation Chair
elmerz@hal-pc.org
Carol Woronow, Bayou Banner and Newsletter Editor,
HSCBanner@gmail.com
Melanie Oldham, Air Quality
oldham_melanie@yahoo.com
Brandt Mannchen, Forestry and Big Thicket
brandtshnfbt@juno.com
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.
Rice Environmental Analysis Program
Purpose: Rice Environmental Analysis is teaches students rigorous methods that are needed by industrial and governmental organizations to deal with environmental issues.
Programs: The Environmental Analysis program includes track courses, a management course, a policy and ethics course, and a seminar with the students involved in the other Professional Master’s Program tracks. It is a cross-disciplinary effort that incorporates courses from environmental science, earth science, statistics, chemistry, ecology and evolutionary biology, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, chemical engineering, economics, computer science, and sociology.
Major Events: Rice Professional Science Master’s Corporate Reception, 1/30/19
Dagmar Beck, Director
dkbeck@rice.edu
Lindsey Hodge, PSM Program Administrator
lh29@rice.edu
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 Electric Auto Association
Purpose: The HEAA is a non profit (501 c3) organization of electric vehicle owners, hobbyists, educators and enthusiasts. Dedicated to promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV’s) as an environmental and energy alternative. We are a chapter of the nationwide Electric Auto Association (EAA), and hold regular monthly meetings, public displays, car shows and “tech” sessions to exchange information.
Programs: HEAA Club Meetings on the 1st Thursday of every month from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Publications: Sign up to join the community.
Dave Hanson, President
832-425-0780
houstontxeaa@gmail.com
Texans for Clean Water
Purpose: Texans for Clean Water is a coalition of business leaders and citizens who are committed to protecting the waterways. Through education, prevention and collaboration, we can eliminate floatable litter: including drink containers, polystyrene to-go containers and plastic bags, from Texas waterways. In doing so, we will generate economic prosperity and improve water quality for all Texans and Texas wildlife.
Programs: Speakers are available to talk about strategies to improve water quality by reducing, discarding, and appropriate alternatives to: plastic bags, polystyrene to go containers, and other AWAY FROM HOME packaging. Texans for Clean water also works to support municipal and statewide legislation to prevent land based litter from becoming marine debris.
Speakers:Contact-Mary Wood
Mary@texansforcleanwater.com
Volunteers Opportunities: Help to spread the message that litter is a problem in Texas. What’s your favorite tool to get the word out? Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter? Whatever it is, click here for our latest post on Facebook and relay it out to your audience.
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
Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Purpose: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church was chartered in 1960 to serve the growing western suburbs of Houston. Proudly recognized as a Welcoming Congregation (LGBTQ friendly), Emerson Church invites people of all races, ethnicity, ages, gender identities, and sexual orientations to join us. The congregation has the diversity of spiritual beliefs, cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations that make Unitarian Universalism such a dynamic faith.
Programs: The Ministry for Earth group is large and active. This group promotes the seventh principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association: “…to affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” They learn about environmental issues; advocate public policies to protect the global environment; act locally in our homes, church and city; and connect spiritually with the web-of-all-existence. Specific programs include the Renewable Congregations Campaign, the Ethical Eating and Environmental Justice series, and Consumption and Sustainability Initiatives. Learn more at Ministry for Earth.
Volunteer Opportunities: Learn more at http://www.emersonhouston.org
Publications: Sign up for weekly email : https://emersonhouston.org/stay-connected/
Karen Van Horn, Business Administrator karen@emersonhouston.org
(713) 782-8250
Houston Canoe Club
Purpose: Established in 1964, the Houston Canoe Club’s members are interested in all types of paddlesport from canoeing to kayaking, quietwater, whitewater, touring and racing. We do it all and have fun doing it. Canoe safety presentations are available for school groups.
Meeting Time: 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074.
Volunteer Opportunities: Waterway clean-ups, habitat restoration, boating race safety/judging, water quality issues.
Publications: Monthly newsletter, The Waterline.
Bob Naeger, Commodore
bob.naeger@gmail.com
Preservation Houston
Purpose: To promote the preservation and appreciation of Houston’s architectural and cultural historic resources through advocacy, education, and committed action; thereby creating economic value and developing a stronger sense of community.
Regular Meetings: Walking tours, second Sunday of each month.
Programs: Preservation advocacy, Historic Neighborhoods Council, Realtor programs, heritage education program, heritage tourism promotion, Museum of Houston digital archive and online museum.
Major Events: Good Brick Awards, Jan./Feb.; National Preservation Month Luncheon, May.
Volunteer Opportunities: Tour docents and ticket sellers. Research and photography of buildings.
Speaker’s Bureau: Contact Ramona Davis
Formerly Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.
David Bush; Acting Executive Director
dbush@preservationhouston.org
Kathleen Nuzzo, Preservation Services Coordinator
knuzzo@preservationhouston.org
Jim Parsons; Programs Director
jparsons@preservationhouston.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.
Archived Resource Guides