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.
Bayou Land Conservancy
Purpose: Bayou Land Conservancy is a community-sponsored land preservation organization to permanently protect land, with a focus on the 13 watersheds that feed Lake Houston. We preserve river and bayou corridors, other properties with significant wildlife habitat value, and places where family recreation can occur in harmony with nature.
Jill Boullion, Executive Director
jboullion@bayouland.org
Becky Martinez, Conservation Director
bmartinez@bayouland.org
Cherie Wilson, Office Administrator
cwilson@bayouland.org
Sheldon State Park and Envir. Learning Center
Purpose: Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center is a 2,800-acre outdoor education and recreation facility located in northeast Harris County. It offers year round adult and family programs and activities as well as field trip opportunities for students of all ages. Beginning in 2003, the park is became an important restoration site for tall grass prairie. The park is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lake, its banks, and levees are open from sunrise to sunset.
Programs: The park offers a variety of nature and ecology programs to organized groups on a reservation basis. Park staff and volunteers provide programs on nature/ecology, nature walks, catch-and-release fishing in two stocked ponds (fishing poles provided), pond ecology, native plant gardening, hunter education, composting and recycling. Programs range in time from one to two hours each.
Events: For a complete listing of the park’s daily events, please visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sheldon-lake/park_events
Activities: Sheldon Lake is open every day to public fishing with appropriate licenses. Birding, wildlife/nature study, hiking, and fishing for children. The park includes a 0.5-mile self-guided nature trail that passes 28 naturalized ponds that contain alligators and other wildlife. (Binoculars are recommended for best viewing.) Free catch-and-release family fishing is permitted for children accompanied by adults, in the two fishing ponds. Alternative energy technologies and green building techniques (photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind turbine and ground coupled-geothermal) are demonstrated at the Pond Center. A wildscape demonstration garden shows techniques for using native plants and wildflowers to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife to your backyard.
Volunteer Opportunities: For information on volunteer opportunities at Sheldon Lake, contact the park at (281) 456-2800
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.
Healthy Gulf (formerly Gulf Restoration Network)
Purpose: The Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) is a network of environmental, social justice, and citizens’ groups and individuals committed to restoring the Gulf of Mexico to an ecologically and biologically sustainable condition. Within this vision, we see the mission of GRN as one of uniting and empowering people to protect and restore the resources of the Gulf Region for future generations.
Programs: Resolve to Restore Louisiana Wetlands, the Gulf Coast is ground zero for the impacts of Global Warming, Save Our Cypress campaign, Save the Bait – Protect Menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico, Natural Defenses – protect our coastal wetlands and barrier islands, Defend our Nature Coast – Florida, Species at Risk, BP Drilling Disaster.
Major Events: Gulf Gathering annual retreat.
Volunteer Opportunities: Internships.
Publications: Gulf Currents – quarterly newsletter blog: http://www.healthygulf.org/blog/
Cyn Sarthou, Executive Director
(504) 525-1528 ext. 202
cyn@healthygulf.org
Ariadne Acevedo, Director of Membership and Community Fundraising
(504) 525-1528 ext. 210
ari@healthygulf.org
Raleigh Hoke, Campaign Director
(504) 525-1528 ext. 204
raleigh@healthygulf.org
Andrew Whitehurst, Water Program Director
504-525-1528 ext. 205
andrew@healthygulf.org
Central City Co-Op
Purpose: Our mission is to support sustainable, chemical free farming practices through offering both 1) sustainably raised local and 2) certified USDA organic national produce and farm goods to our community at the fairest prices possible. We were founded in September 2001.
City of Houston Environmental Health Division
Purpose: HDHHS’ Environmental Health Services division provides a variety of programs and services relating to air and water pollution, occupational health and food establishments.
Patrick Key, Assistant Director
webadmin@houstontx.gov
Stephen Williams
Houston Health Department Director
(832)393-5169
Bayou City Waterkeeper
Purpose: To protect and restore the integrity of our bayous, rivers, streams, and the bays through advocacy, education, and action.
Bayou City Waterkeeper (formerly Galveston Baykeeper) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to ensure that every waterway is swimmable, fishable, and drinkable from Lake Livingston through the Bayous of Houston down to Galveston Bay. Bayou City Waterkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global environmental movement which began in 1966 with the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association and grew to encompass waterways around the world.
Programs: Pollution Hotline, Wetland Watch, Save Our Gulf.
Volunteer Opportunities: We need citizens to report pollution and possible Clean Water Act violations. We also need administrative, fundraising and community event volunteers.
Publications: The Bay Times, an electronic newsletter.
Speakers Bureau: Pesticides 101, Where Have All the Wetlands Gone? and wetland education to municipalities. Contact website for booking a speaker for your classroom or student group.
Jordan Macha is the Executive Director and Waterkeeper
jordan @bayoucitywaterkeeper.org
Baytown Environmental Education
Purpose: Provide environmental education, quality recreational facilities, and a variety of nature-related activities.
Programs: “Nurture Nature Series” a family program on the first Saturday at 10 a.m., each month is a different topic; Preschool thru high school education programs; Scout badge workshops; outreach; Spring Break, Winter Break and Summer camps; birthday parties; self-guided tours; teacher workshops; birding and wilderness trails. Speakers available.
Volunteer Opportunities: Environmental education; marsh restoration; outreach; manning events; facility maintenance.
Major Events: Nurture Nature Festival; Christmas Bird Counts
Publications: Marsh Matters quarterly newsletter
Tracey Prothro, Superintendent, Natural Resource Programs
Tracey.Prothro@baytown.org
Mary Alice Trumble, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator, Media/Press
MaryAlice.Trumble@baytown.org
Jina Faith, Education Coordinator
Jina.Faith@baytown.org
Crissy Butcher, Nature Center Naturalist
Christina.Butcher@baytown.org
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
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
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
Hermann Park Conservancy
Purpose:Founded in 1992, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park, one of Houston’s largest and most loved urban parks, where more than six million visitors make memories each year.
Beyond raising funds to improve and maintain the Park, the Conservancy oversees strategic planning for Hermann Park’s future as well as programs focused on visitor services, conservation and stewardship, tree care, and operations and maintenance of the McGovern Centennial Gardens. For more information on the Conservancy, visit hermannpark.org.
Programs: Corporate sponsorship programs, volunteer programs and community events.
Major Events: Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival (held each March), Part to Port Bike Ride, Run in the Park, Evening in the Park Gala, Hats in the Park Luncheon, and Urban Green young professionals events.
Children’s Activities: Hermann Park Rail Road, Pedal boat rides, family volunteer opportunities, Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival (held each March), Children’s Story Hour (held every Friday in the McGovern Centennial Gardens’ Family Garden).
Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities are available for individuals, corporations, civic associations, school groups, and families. They range from administrative duties and event preparation to weeding and tree planting. Contact Diane Kerr, for more information.
Speakers Bureau: Contact Doreen Stoller.
Publications: Parkside newsletter, Hermann Park Conservancy e-news.
Doreen Stoller, President
(713)-524-5876 ext. 331
Doreen@hermannpark.org
Diane Kerr, Director of Volunteer Programs
(713)-524-5876, ext. 332
dkerr@hermannpark.org
volunteer@hermannpark.org
Brays Bayou Association
Purpose: To reduce the risk of flooding in the Brays Bayou watershed.
Meetings: Open meetings are held the third Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room, The Gathering Place, 5410 South Willow Drive, 77035
Major Events: Annual meeting in March.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Charles Goforth.
Speakers Bureau: Speakers available to give presentations in classrooms or to groups. Contact Charles Goforth.
Publications: Articles in various media.
Charles Goforth, President, Acting Treasurer
Goforth@VonnieCobbRealtors.com
713-667-6234
Don Hickle, Secretary
dchickle@att.net
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Purpose: To preserve 2,500 acres of vanishing coastal prairie, hardwood forest and bayou wilderness habitat and wildlife refuge; to give opportunities to experience and understand the remaining natural ecosystem; to reconnect people with nature.
Programs: Year–round adult, child, and family programs including Third Sundays in Nature Series, FREE to the public; Eco-Exploration pontoon boat and canoe trips; guided day and night hikes; Eco-Camp summer and holiday camps; Great Texas Birding Trail Site 81; Teachers can receive SBEC credit for classes. Speakers are available to come speak to your classroom or group, contact website or call for booking.
Major Events: Apr. – World Migratory Bird Day; May – Fundraising Dinner and Auction; Oct. – Creepy Crawlers; Nov. – Martyn Farm Harvest Festival; Dec. – Christmas Bird Count
Children’s Activities: Critter Corner, Connections and Bayou Studies classes; naturalist lead and self-guided school field trips; scout programs;
Volunteer Opportunities: Prairie Friday Team, Stewardship Saturday Team, Trail Guides and History Interpreters, Environmental Education Docents, Nature Center Maintenance Crew, Teen Volunteer Corps, BSA Venturing Crew, seasonal prairie and bayou marsh restoration.
Publications: Along the Bayou, Bayou Foliage
Tim Pylate: Executive Director
Phone: (281) 474-2551
Email: tim@abnc.org
Heather Millar
Phone: 713 274 2667
Email: heather@abnc.org
Mark Kramer
Phone: 713 274 2672
Email: mark@abnc.org
Texas Assoc. of Environmental Professionals
Purpose: The Texas Association of Environmental Professionals (TAEP), incorporated in 1988, is the premier organization for environmental professionals in the State of Texas. With 300+ local members and a subchapter in Austin, TAEP focuses on the advancement of the environmental profession and providing a forum to discuss environmental issues.
Meetings: Monthly luncheons on the 3rd Thursday at Brady’s Landing.
Programs: Chuck Glore Memorial Scholarship program. In 2011, TAEP awarded a total of $10,000 to students at 5 different schools. Annually support Texas Envirothon and the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston. Young Environmental Professionals (YEP) is a networking opportunity for young people new to the profession.
Major Events: Annual Environmental Challenges and Innovations Conference (ECIC): Gulf Coast (Oct); Winter Holiday Social; Annual Regulatory Update (Jul.).
Volunteer Opportunities: Conference and other event planning committees; TAEP Board of Directors.
Publications: ECIC conference proceedings with abstracts.
Jim Dobberstine, President
jdobberstine@lee.edu
Kathleen Garland, Secretary
taep@taep.org
Pamela Embody, Membership Director
membership@taep.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
EarthShare of Texas
Purpose: Through collaborative fundraising and partnership building, EarthShare of Texas empowers mission-driven members to pursue positive environmental and health impacts across the Lone Star State for the benefit of all.
We support more than 40 of the most respected conservation and environmental organizations in Texas. From air quality to wildlife rehabilitation to the development of green building technology, our members work to protect our environment. EarthShare of Texas raises and distributes funds to environmental charities that qualify for membership.
Children’s Activities: Participating organizations provide a variety of children’s programs. Call (800) GREENTX with your requirements.
Volunteer Opportunities: Call for volunteer information.
Speakers Bureau: Speakers available for campaign activities and special events.
Director of Membership and Campaigns
Emma Cravey
emma@earthshare-texas.org
Executive Director
Francoise Van Keuren
francoise@earthshare-texas.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
American Institute of Architects, Houston
Purpose: To promote the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the architecture profession; to advance the science and art of planning and building; to coordinate the building industry and the profession of architecture; to ensure the advancement of the living standard of people and to make the profession one of ever-increasing service to society. AIA Houston is the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Programs: Continuing education and exhibitions
Major Events: Home Tour, Design Awards, January; Celebrate Architecture Gala, Gulf Coast Green, Sandcastle Competition.
Publications: Weekly e-newsletter, annual membership directory.
Rusty Bienvenue, Executive Director
rusty@aiahouston.org
Aleks Savitski, Director of Development & Member Services
aleks@aiahouston.org
Blueprint Houston
Purpose: To promote the evolution and implementation of Plan Houston as the basis for planning the City’s future. Blueprint Houston serves as a resource and catalyst for better long-term planning for Houston’s future growth and development.
Blueprint Houston was founded in 2003 to build community support for a coordinated planning process to make improvements to Houston’s quality of life. Blueprint Houston seeks to initiate a coordinated planning process that leads to a general plan for the city’s future, based on citizens’ vision, values, and goals.
Programs: Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Program; Municipal Management District Study; Urban Geography curriculum.
Volunteer Opportunities: Civic Awareness Engagement Committee.
Rogene Calvert (Board Chair)
rg-calvert@sbcglobal.net
Archived Resource Guides