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.
Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER)
Purpose: To raise awareness of the connections between pollution, place and the public’s health. CEER envisions a region that is equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically strong; where residents have the opportunity to live, work, learn, play, and pray free from environmental hazards. CEER advocates for public and private investment in protecting communities by cleaning up hazards that contaminate air, water, and land. At the same time, these investments must prevent or reduce flooding.
CEER is a coalition that brings together 25 organizations and their expertise, resources, and tools to meet the needs of communities. They work with communities impacted by environmental pollution, hazards and climate change.
Programs: CEER hosts candidate forums, town halls, workshops, trainings and calls to action connected to its advocacy campaigns. Advocacy campaigns are organized around CEER’s 8 Point Plan.
- Embrace Transparency
- Focus on Air
- Focus on Land
- Focus on Water
- Focus on Resource Recovery and Recycling
- Focus on Displaced People
- Embrace Resiliency
- Focus on Equity
Publications: Creating Lasting Change in a Climate Altered Future; Eyes on the Future, Connected to the Past: Climate Justice in Northeast Houston; Our Local Vision of Just Recovery; Community Conservation.
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
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”
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
BikeHouston, Inc.
Purpose: The mission of BikeHouston is to promote safe bicycling and to improve the quality of life in the Houston area.
Goals
-secure equitable access to regional facilities, lands and roads
-educate the public about rights and responsibilities of bicyclists
-promote public awareness of the personal and community benefits of cycling
Meeting Time: Varies, see website.
Programs: Offer a free bike safety class to teach people how to ride bikes, how to ride safely in traffic, and how to drive safely.
Major Events: Houston Moonlight Bicycle Ramble, Bike Month and Bike to Work Day in May; Effective Cycling (adult safety/skills) classes.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome to join any aspect of the organization, especially the Moonlight Bicycle Ramble and other rides.
Joe Cutrufo. Executive Director
info@bikehouston.org
Artist Boat
Purpose: Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and preservation of coastal margins and the marine environment through the disciplines of the sciences and the arts.
Programs:
Eco-Art Adventures via kayak, vessel, or walking, and summer camps
Professional development & environmental stewardship programs, with special opportunities for oil and gas companies
Eco-Art Residencies in Schools integrating the arts and sciences to create public sculptures and habitats on campuses
Habitat Restoration Adventure Program, focused on stewardship-based learning through dune and coastal prairie preservation
Boy and Girl Scout badge classes
Classroom presentations and speakers that coincide with curriculum
Gulf ‘Coast Education Center: K-Grey can learn about the ecological, social, and economic value of coastal ecosystems.
Coastal Heritage Preserve – acquiring and preserving 506 acres of barrier island habitat on Galveston Island’s West Bay
Volunteer Opportunities: Public relations, lawyers, accountants, and fundraising experts for board; volunteers needed for after school residency program, board members, publications and press, activities at festivals.
Publications: E-mail newsletter; Website; Quarterly calendar of eco-art and eco-tour kayak adventures.
Karla Klay, Executive Director
kklay@artistboat.org
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
Texas Wildlife Association
Purpose: Serving Texas wildlife and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.
History: The Texas Wildlife Association was formed in 1985 by a group of ranchers, wildlife managers and hunters dedicated to the conservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat on private lands. Texas is 95 percent private land, and over two-thirds of the United States is privately owned. Texas hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers and conservationists recognized the necessity of working cooperatively with private landowners on wildlife, habitat and conservation issues.
Programs: Conservation Legacy (Youth and Adult Education), Hunting Heritage (Texas Youth Hunting Program and Texas Big Game Awards), and Issues and Advocacy.
Publications: Texas Wildlife magazine, Critter Connections magazine, Critters of Texas Pocket Guides
Education Programs: Conservation Legacy Programs empower and educate Texans with knowledge of fundamental, science-based ecological principles, foster a connection to the land, and facilitate natural resources literacy by creating tangible relationships with the outdoors through our Learning Across New Dimensions in Science (L.A.N.D.S.) Youth
Stewardship Initiative: All programs are TEKS-aligned, inquiry-based, and interactive. The majority of programs are offered at no cost to educators across the state. Please visit http://www.texas-wildlife.org/program-areas/category/conservation-legacy/ for more information about additional programs.
David Yeates, Chief Executive Officer
(210) 826-2904
dyeates@texas-wildlife.org
Quita Hill, Director of Finance and Operations
qhill@texas-wildlife.org
David Brimager, Director of Marketing and Partner Relations
dbrimager@texas-wildlife.org
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
Center for Recycled Art
Purpose: Founded in 2009, our mission is to reduce the amount of reusable material in Houston’s landfills, to promote environmental awareness, to stimulate creativity, and to provide opportunities to create recycled art.
Programs: Divert reusable clean scrap from Houston’s solid waste stream and make it available at low cost to educators and non-profits in the Greater Houston area. Promote awareness and stimulate creativity through workshops, creative reuse demonstrations and speakers.
Major Events: Monthly Teacher Warehouse shopping event for educators and other non profits.
Children’s Activities: The Center for Recycled Art hosts structured activities for school groups and other nonprofit organizations. Programs are designed in conjunction
with your group’s leadership and may be easily tailored to ongoing classroom curriculum. Each class offers an age-appropriate opportunity to express creativity and complete the project in the allotted time. Programs may be held at your location or at the Texas Art Asylum, near downtown. Speakers available for all ages, Contact Ramona Brady for booking.
Volunteer Opportunities: Receiving and sorting Houston’s cast-offs, de-constructing mechanical and electrical items; creating inspiration projects from cast off materials, demonstrating/leading creative reuse projects.
Ramona Brady
Co-Founder
info@recycledarthouston.org
Cassie Manley
Secretary/Treasurer
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
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
Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition
Purpose: A coalition of municipal utility districts, homeowner associations and other community organizations functioning as a steward between the residents, local/state government, land developers and non-profits to work on planning and implementation of improved flood protection and environment preservation throughout the Cypress Creek watershed.
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m., at Lake Forest Utility District, 14223 Lakewood Forest Dr.
Programs: Flood Protection: Research, consultation, advocacy and education. Preservation: Greenway trails/ park development focused on preservation of floodplain lands. Reforestation projects. Speakers are available to give presentations to your class or student group upon request. Contact website for booking information.
Major Events: Annual meeting featuring guest speakers and forthcoming watershed plans. Sponsor scout reforestation and water quality projects.
Volunteer Opportunities: Both outdoors and indoors. Retired folks in high demand. Grant applications.
Richard D. Smith, President
12503 Ramona Drive
(281) 469-5161
Peter R. Smullen, Vice-President.
Houston-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
Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Purpose: To enhance the quality of urban life by providing safe, well-maintained parks and offering affordable programs for the community.
Major Events:
Jan – Arbor Day; Youth Tennis classes begin
Feb – Salt Grass Trail Ride; Adult sports leagues begin
Mar – Tour de Houston, Metal & Muscle Expo; Lake Houston Wilderness
Apr – Houston Children’s Festival, Japan Festival, Houston International Festival
May – Challenge Day, Summer Pool Opening
June – Summer Food Program begins, Golf Tourn; Hershey Track & Field Meet
Jul – Freedom Over Texas; Houston Pops July 4th Celebration
Oct – Asian-American Festival; Wildflower seed planting
Nov – Via Colori
Dec – Heritage Society Candlelight Tour, Holiday Tree Lighting
Year round – Lake Houston Park Nature Center events
School year – After School Enrichment Program
Volunteer Opportunities: Oneika McCarthy
(832) 395-7030 oneika.peters@houstontx.gov
Publications: Activities Catalog – Winter/Spring Issue Dec 1, Summer Issue
Apr 1, and Fall Issue Aug 1.
Member: Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies.
Steve Wright, Director
(832) 395-7050
steve.wright@houstontx.gov
Estella Espinosa, Division Manager, Communications
(832) 395-7022
estella.espinosa@houstontx.gov
Energy Corridor District
Purpose: To promote, develop, maintain, and enhance the Energy Corridor District through implementation of projects, services, and initiatives in the realm of public safety, transportation and mobility, infrastructure, streetscape, and economic development. Through active leadership, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, the District works to accelerate area improvements for long-term economic vitality.
Meetings: Second Friday of each month in ECD office 14701 St. Mary’s Lane, Suite 290, 8:30 a.m.
Major Events: Transportation Fairs, 75 Eldridge bus route, Bike to Work Day, ECD Livable Centers Plan, ECD Bicycle Master Plan, Grisby Square Preservation, National Park Service West Houston Trails Master Plan, Spring and Fall Recycling Events.
Elijah J. Williams, Executive Director
ewilliams@energycorridor.org
Robert Rayburn, Landscape Architect
rrayburn@energycorridor.org
Fabiana DeMarie, Urban Planner
fdemarie@energycorridor.org
Rachael Weaver, Office Manager
rweaver@energycorridor.org
Kenzie Copeland, Communications Coordinator
kcopeland@energycorridor.org
Texas Campaign for the Environment
Purpose: Empowering Texans to fight pollution through sustained grassroots organizing campaigns that shift corporate and governmental policy. The TEC envisions a Texas free from pollution. As the largest environmental group in Texas organizing support through door-to-door canvassing, grassroots is both who we are and what we do.
Programs: Advocates for local, state and national policies that hold manufacturers responsible for recycling the toxic products they create (such as electronic waste or “e-waste”); works to strengthen environmental and health standards for Texas landfills; educates residents and builds grassroots support through a year-round neighborhood canvassing program; and works toward recycling for all Houstonians.
Job Opportunities: Full and part-time paid Community Organizer positions available year round.
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes.
Publications: Annual report and regular email action alerts to TCE members. Visit the website http://www.texasenvironment.org to view past reports and join as a member.
Robin Schneider, Executive Director
robin@texasenvironment.org
The Trust for Public Land
Purpose: The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
Programs: Conservation Vision (“Greenprints”); Conservation Finance (public funding); Conservation Transactions (easement and fee acquisitions); Texas Water Protection and Parks Intiative; ParkScore; Parks for People. TPL is active in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston/Galveston and Austin/San Antonio regions.
Major Events: Earth Day Dallas.
Publications: Land & People, a semi-annual national magazine; The Trust for Public Land – Texas, a state newsletter; TPL Near You, an electronic newsletter.
Robert Kent, State Director
Robert.kent@tpl.org
Mike Lange, Senior Project Manager, Texas Coast
Mike.lange@tpl.org
Marlon P. Connley, Houston Program Manager
Tel: (832) 627-7688
Mercer Botanic Garden
Purpose: To establish and maintain a versatile botanical facility for Houston and the greater Gulf Coast region, serving the general public, the horticulture industry, and the scientific community. These 325 acres of East Texas Piney Woods showcase the region’s largest collection of native and cultivated plants.
Programs: Offered throughout the year and focus on gardening and plant related topics Eagle Scout project site. Guided Scavenger Hunts for students.
Major Events: Lunch Bunch Wednesday Talks: Join fellow gardeners the 2nd Wednesday of each month to hear expert speakers give talks on a variety of topics. Lunch is provided for a fee; March Mart Plant Sale: 4th Friday and Saturday in March. Garden Party and Auction: 1st Saturday in May. Summer Symposium: Renowned speakers enlighten attendees on how to create their own backyard paradise. Register early!; Garden Faire: Two full days of fall festival events with vendors. Food vendors and ‘Kid’s Korner’ activities; Garden Tours: Check the web for info on Coach Tours to Gardens throughout Texas.
Volunteer Opportunities: Expand your horticulture knowledge and make new friends while volunteering in the Gardens and the greenhouse. Other volunteer opportunities include working with children and guiding tours.
Jim Nutter, Director
The Mercer Society, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting Mercer.
jim.nutter@bmd.hctx.net
http://www.themercersociety.org
Suzanne Chapman, Horticultural Manager
schapman@hcp4.net
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
Archived Resource Guides