Printed on recycled paper 2005 Environmental Resource Guide

Published by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition

tel (713) 524-4232 fax (713) 524-3311 e-mail [email protected] world wide web www.cechouston.org

CEC appreciates the generous support of the Houston Endowment for the publication of this year’s guide.

For additional copies of this resource guide, contact the CEC at (713) 524-4232 or visit our offices at the Houston Environmental Center, 3015 Richmond, Suite 270, Houston, TX 77098. The guide is also available on our Web site at www.cechouston.org.

Table of Contents

How to Use this Guide

This Environmental Resource Guide is designed as an information resource for the citizens of the Houston/Galveston region. The guide contains a comprehensive list of environmental nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and other useful related entities. The opening section of the 2005 Resource Guide also provides a special overview of local environmental issues. If you are interested in a specific environmental issue, browse the index titled CEC Member Groups by Category. To make a complaint about a nuisance or polluter, go to the City or County Departments. If you can’t find what you are looking for, or you find some out-of-date or inaccurate information, please call us at (713) 524-4232. We welcome suggestions about making this guide more usable and complete. All of this information is also available at www.cechouston.org.

TABLE OF CONTENTS CEC Board of Trustees ...... 4 Houston Environmental Center ...... 4 About the CEC...... 5 State of the Environment 2004 ...... 6 CEC Member Organizations by Category/Areas of Interest ...... 33 by Alphabetical Listing ...... 37 Other Environmental Organizations ...... 81 Key Regional Agencies ...... 85 Area City Departments ...... 89 Area County Departments ...... 93 Elected Officials & Environmental Committees ...... 96 State Agencies...... 103 Political Parties ...... 106 Universities in the Area...... 107 Environmental Hotlines ...... 109

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CEC Board and Staff

Citizens’ Environmental Coalition 2005 Board and Staff

President: Brian Malarkey Vice President: Chris Cunningham Treasurer: David Crossley Secretary: Alesha Herrera Trustees: Rachel Decker Terrell Dixon David Gresham Kathryn McNiel Robert Sanborn Fred Schiff Zane Segal Jennifer Wherry Executive Director: David Gresham Managing Editor: Sarah C. Morgan Copy Editor: Jane Elioseff Graphic Designer: Freeman Gregory/AQUENT Editorial Volunteer: Dawn Mallow Staff Writer: Jason Gaskamp

Houston Environmental Center The Houston Environmental Center (HEC) was created in 1998 by the CEC as a place where member organizations can network, convene meetings and workshops, and share office resources and information. The HEC offers two equipped meeting spaces, one for up to 24 and another that can be set up for as many as 150 people. Currently, eleven environmental nonprofits maintain offices in the HEC. For information regarding leasing space or to schedule the use of a meeting room, call the CEC at (713) 524-4232.

4 CEC Environmental Resource Guide About the CEC About the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition

Founded in 1970, the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) has evolved to a combined membership of individuals, corporations, and nonprofit environmental organizations. As the umbrella organization for the 13-county Gulf Coast region, the CEC fosters dialogue, educa- tion, and collaboration regarding environmental issues and serves as an information clearing- house for the benefit of its members and the community at large. To join, return the membership form found at the back of this book, or call the CEC for details. Our primary activities are described below. PUBLICATIONS FORUMS & EVENTS

Environmental Resource Guide Synergy Awards Ceremony Annual handbook listing environmental Annual recognition for individuals, organi- member groups; state, county, and city con- zations, and corporations whose activities tacts; and hotlines to environmental services, contribute to improving the quality of life in including EPA and special numbers. Our the 13-county Houston/Galveston region. flagship publication, this is the publication you are reading at this moment. Earth Day A day of education, celebration and action bringing the Houston/Galveston community The ExChange together to focus on global and local environ- Quarterly magazine covering issues and mental issues. news related to the environment. Workshops CEC Environmental CEC develops and sponsors training work- News Update shops for environmental organization leader- A weekly e-mail news service, available ship. Previous trainings have included grant on request, covering upcoming environmen- proposal workshops and electronic publishing. tal events and hearings, as well as current environmental news. Special Events Recently CEC has sponsored events that bring in speakers from other parts of the CEC Web Site country. In 2004, CEC held the first CEC www.cechouston.org. The best Web site Dialogues, discussing food issues. for local environmental issues, contacts, and upcoming events. Includes an online commu- nity calendar of environmental activities. SERVICES The information listed in this guide is also HEC Meeting Spaces available online. Two meeting rooms, one for up to 24 peo- ple, another for up to 150, are available free of charge to groups engaged in environmental activities. Call the CEC for scheduling infor- mation, (713) 524-4232.

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State of the Environment 2005

State of the Environment 2005

For a complete list of organizations dealing with each of these issues, turn to page 33.

Agriculture and Food capable of growing a number of profitable crops - for example, citrus and blueberry - Local Agriculture that benefit from such conditions. Agriculture in the Houston-Galveston Remote Agriculture region centers around rice, pecans, peanuts, A recent report from the Worldwatch soy, sugar, and milo production. According Institute estimated that food in the United to Brad Stufflebeam with Home Sweet States travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles Farm, interest in local agriculture is steadily increasing because of increasing desire for a from farm to table. healthier diet and rising concerns about the Agricultural products grown far from use of chemicals in commercial farming. where they are consumed typically lose nutri- Over the past sixty years, a majority of farm- tional value and freshness, often by not being ers has left the Houston-Galveston region, picked during peak growth and by aging dur- due partly to industrialization and the inabil- ing shipping. More importantly, long-distance ity of farmers to keep up with large-scale produce, often an inferior variety in the first demands. Development in the region has place, may have inferior taste because it is also reduced farmland. Most farmers are grown for shipping and mass harvesting unable to support themselves with their rather than flavor and nutrition. Storage life crops and end up doing better by selling and shipping qualities are normally the most their land. important criteria in variety selection by long- Another concern with local agriculture, distance farmers. according to Bob Randall of Urban Harvest, Agriculture continues to move to distant is that most crops grown in the Houston- places for the same reason most industries Galveston region are used for animal feed and markets move, to lower the cost of labor. instead of human consumption. A problem Lower-wage areas provide a competitive with this type of production is the inefficient means of growing crops. On the other hand, it use of resources associated with agriculture. is becoming more expensive to transport food The same amount of water and land, over long distances because of the rising cost redirected, could yield larger harvests of of oil and gas. fruits and vegetables. Remote agriculture also may have conse- Patricia Greer, with Central City Co-op, quences for our physical health. The over- talks about the changing conditions for local farmers. Shifts in regional climate over the consumption of fats, salts, and sugars is past ten years have forced farmers to deal implicated in many heart and other diet-relat- with changes both in soils and seasons. Crops ed problems, such as diabetes, cancer, and that once grew well in the region, native or hypertension. Fat, salt, and sugar are cheap otherwise, are not adapted to the types of ways of flavoring or preserving produce that, soil or to the seasons a warmer climate otherwise, would be unappetizing or expen- brings. Seasonal changes have not been typi- sive to ship. Concerns about processed foods cal, being characterized by stops and starts, could be resolved with locally grown food, being wet and then very dry as summer shifts which eliminates the use of commercial pesti- into autumn. The region, however, is still cides and the need for processing.

6 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of the Environment 2005

Commercial Agriculture sion into water bodies. Because of pesticides’ Large commercial agricultural concerns acute toxicity, the reaction to them by organ- often operate in places with low rainfall, isms, including people, depends upon the which means they must irrigate, using very species, the mode of contact (such as lungs, large amounts of water from distant high mouth, skin), the stage of development of the mountains, or tap into underground aquifers organism, and the amount of poison with and local streams. which it comes in contact. Different pesticides The depletion of ground water also may disrupt organisms and people differently increases salinity levels in the ground, gradu- depending upon the presence of other sub- ally sterilizing and destroying the soil. stances, the health of the organism, and many Large-scale commercial farms make heavy other factors. Visit the Web sites pesticide.org use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. At and pesticideinfo.org for useful information the outset, chemicals ensure higher crop on these subjects. yields, reduced costs, and produce that has a Biotechnology stronger visual appeal. Longer term, they All domesticated agricultural products lead to the poisoning and erosion of soils. have been altered genetically. Humans Pesticides and fertilizers are produced from throughout history have selected strains or dwindling petroleum supplies, and the fossil mutants for specific growth and use. Modern- calories used to grow food far exceed the day genetically engineered crops are altered food calories produced. Such practices, in order to increase their nutritional value among many others, make commercial agri- and shelf life, obtain higher yields, and culture non-sustainable. improve resistance to bacteria and pests. There are several environmental and While many opponents worry about the health cautions related to the use of pesti- health and environmental risks of genetic cides, which are defined by the EPA as “any engineering, commercial growers and indus- substances used to control pests.” Short-term trial companies tout the benefits to society of effects of pesticide exposure include skin altering crops for human and animal con- irritation, while long-term effects include sumption and for medical purposes. New damage to the nervous system. Chronic technology now permits genetic modification exposure can result in cancer. Animals com- of foods to include the engineering of both ing in contact with pesticides face the same plants and animals with genetic material from hazards as human beings, and the EPA docu- other species. ments parallel health and reproductive prob- The issue of concern with transgenics is lems. Because ingested pesticides that they have genes from other species concentrate up the food chain, these poisons inserted into their chromosomes, and many can have detrimental effects on entire hold that this poses significant risks both ecosystems, affecting the ability of one or to human health and to biodiversity. Unantici- another species to survive. The bald eagle pated consequences of accidents in the testing, and certain falcons became endangered at production, or consumption of transgenics are one time from the widespread use of now- just one type of perceived risk; another is that banned DDT. the final product may not end up where expect- Pesticides usually stay in the ground for ed after being altered. Examples abound of GE long periods of time after being sprayed or, crops jumping the fence. once in the ground, may break down quickly When genetic material from a donor into other potentially hazardous chemicals; organism is inserted into another species, it but eventually these chemicals evaporate may translate into anywhere from three to into the air, wash off, or move through ero- sixty RNA combinations. These RNA

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State of the Environment 2005 sequences then produce different proteins, transgenes may find their way into wild stocks but do so in a cellular environment never and alter their fitness. before encountered, so they may be The publication Des Moines Register cited expressed as totally novel chemicals or an instance in which ProdiGene has already shapes. In order to be predictable, the gene been fined once for poor management of its must produce the same chemical and shape crops, allowing them to mix with food crops. as it did in the host organism. A gene for Products have already been removed from frost resistance, for example, might translate supermarket shelves because transgenic corn in the new organism as a chemical that causes was found in foods for which it was not new cellular transformations. licensed. Because there are dozens of intervening Organics variables between a gene and the way it is Popularity of organic food has reached the expressed, the process may become unpre- mainstream arena. Some key characteristics of dictable. Moreover, once a gene is in a organic farming include protecting the fertility species, it is impossible to excise if it proves of the soil and using natural or biological detrimental. Detailed, lengthy, and expensive methods to grow crops. “Under its simplest safety testing is essential before these prod- definition,” according to the Web site of the ucts are released in nature or offered for our Organic Consumers Association, “organic consumption. agriculture is farming without synthetic chem- Lately GE methods have included engi- icals.” This definition can be expanded to neering crops for medical purposes. The include the absence of genetic modification or biotech company ProdiGene, based in Texas, any type of production that is not natural to requested this year to grow transgenic corn the animal or biological to the plant. for production of pharmaceuticals in the More importantly, organic production is region of Frio County, southwest of San now approaching a mature science. Tradition- Antonio. Termed pharm crops, the crops are al methods of agriculture are based on an altered to manufacture trypsin and apro- understanding and application of chemical sci- tonin, which are medical products used in ence. An ecological approach to agriculture is making insulin and vaccines. Other uses for making advances in the industry. There are pharm crops include making enzymes, anti- more PhDs awarded in composting now than bodies, and therapeutics. Corn meal from in previous decades, and soil food web tech- such crops could lead to ingesting unregulat- nology is being used across the world to ed doses of pharmaceuticals if accidentally improve production. The science of ecological processed for general consumption. GE agriculture is beginning to demonstrate that crops contain proteins that are not found in biological systems approaches can produce the non-GE crop and may produce unexpected sustainable high yields better than chemistry, allergic reactions. and a paradigm shift is clearly underway in In addition to the possible health hazards the universities. The USDA’s natural certifica- of crops not meant for consumption, con- tion program for organic growing has been cerns arise over the impact of hybridization gaining applicants. with wild relatives and ability to contain Even though it is a much healthier alterna- them. A report on pharm crops put out by tive, concerns still surround organic farming. the European Environment Agency in 2002 A product or method of farming can be stated that wind could carry pollen from organic but still not a sustainable form of pro- such crops as corn up to 800 meters away, duction; organic food need not be locally where it could easily cross-pollinate with grown or use sustainable water supplies. agricultural crops. Through hybridization, Growing organically may also be more costly

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State of the Environment 2005 for the grower. Organic methods employing area are the Heights Farmers’ Market and bio-diversity are harder to mechanize, which the Bayou City Farmers’ Market. makes growing the product less cost effi- For a complete list of local markets, search cient. Labor costs are also significantly high- the individual Web site for each market or go er with organics because less petroleum is to www.localharvest.org and search Houston. typically consumed, and labor costs in Texas What Individuals Can Do are higher than in many produce-exporting Buy local agriculture. countries. Besides reducing risks to personal health Progress and the environment, buying locally provides The media have helped tremendously jobs for farmers, supports the local economy, with the reputation of organic foods. More and reduces the need to transport food for information has been made available to the consumption. general public in the past five years about Practice alternative methods of pest control the values and benefits of an organic diet, as around the house. well as the negative impacts associated with The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) processed food and conventional farming plan described by the EPA as “an effective and done at the large-scale, commercial level, environmentally sensitive approach to pest than had been widespread in the public management” offers solutions to pest problems realm for the preceding thirty years. that do not use pesticides. Visit the site at A change in Houston has been the http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm increased success of markets that emphasize to learn more. locally grown food. Urban Harvest has seen a tremendous growth in its sale of fruit trees and Sources in the overall planting and treatment of fruit Bob Randall, PhD, Urban Harvest trees in the city. Several small farmers’ mar- Jim Lester, PhD, Houston Advanced kets, such as the Bayou City and the Heights Research Center Farmers’ Markets, are open on various days Brian Halweil, Home Grown: The Case for throughout the week and offer seasonal fruits Local Food in a Global Market. (Worldwatch and vegetables in limited quantities. Institute: Washington, DC 2002) Local Markets Jeffrey Smith, Seeds of Deception (Yes Community Supported Agriculture CSA is Books: Chicago 2003) a market that attempts to connect local farm- Martin Teitel, PhD, and Kimberly A. Wilson, ers with local consumers; develop a regional Genetically Engineered Food: Changing the food supply and strong local economy, and Nature of Nature: What You Need to Know to maintain a sense of community. There are Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Our Planet over 1000 CSAs across the US and Canada. (Inner Traditions: Rochester, VT 1999) Food Cooperatives Markets such as the Central City Coop Air Quality operate much like retail grocers or buying The federal government requires an annu- clubs. By selling produce grown locally, al reporting from major industrial sources of coops work to ensure quality of product and ‘smokestack’ emissions of hazardous air pol- support of local communities. lutants and other air toxics. In addition, the Farmers’ Markets federal government has established national Local growers gather weekly at farmers’ standards for six pollutants in ambient air. markets in designated public places to sell These are ground-level ozone, particulate local produce. Such markets in the Houston matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 9 State of the Environment 2005 nitrogen oxides, and lead. Air quality con- between chemicals released into the air and cerns in the Houston-Galveston region, as in the sun’s UV rays. For example, petrochemi- most highly urbanized areas, include high cals released from flares, cooling towers, stor- levels of ozone, air toxics, and particulate age tanks and equipment leaks at chemical matter. plants and refineries are responsible for over Ozone half of the ozone formed in the Houston The Houston-Galveston region meets fed- region. Reducing the amount of ozone in the eral standards for five of the six criteria pol- air directly depends on the reduction of other lutants, but not for ground-level ozone. pollutants associated with ozone. During 2004, Houston violated the hourly The short-term health effects of ozone are ozone standard at some location in the respiratory problems, including shortness of region on 37 days, more than any other breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, and urban area in the country. The Clean Air Act wheezing. People with asthma and other res- Amendments of 1990 set a deadline of 2007 piratory problems are most affected by to reduce pollution in Houston so that ozone ozone. There is also evidence that long term levels are no higher than 125 parts per billion exposure to high levels of ozone can cause more than one day per year. scarring of the lungs, which affects lung A more recent federal standard for ozone capacity. looks at a daily average value measured over Air pollution in Houston is unique eight hours, with the benchmark being 85 ppb. because ozone levels can rise and fall very The deadline for compliance with this standard quickly, whereas, in other cities, ozone levels is 2010. During 2004, ozone levels in Houston change more gradually. As a result, Houston violated the new daily standard at one or more is one of the very few cities in the country locations in the region on 53 days. where the hourly ozone standard is exceeded Ozone in the stratosphere, the outer layer on days when the daily ozone standard is not of thin air that extends between 11 and 31 exceeded. (Generally, the daily ozone stan- miles above the earth’s surface, benefits us dard is considered more strict than the hourly by blocking ultraviolet rays. This level of ozone standard.) The US EPA decision to ozone has been gradually depleted by the focus on the daily ozone standard has led to increasing presence of such manmade com- some concern that the unique ozone problem pounds as chlorofluorocarbons. in Houston may not be addressed adequately Ozone occurs naturally in the troposphere under the new standard. (the lower atmosphere), usually at background Air Toxics levels, through chemical reactions involving An air toxic is any air pollutant known to nitrogen oxide, the emission of organic com- play a role in causing chronic disease, such as pounds, and sunlight. At these low levels, it cancer. Chemical plants, oil refineries, trucks may assist in biopurification. At high concen- and ships all emit toxic chemicals and sub- trations, however, ozone is harmful to people, stances. According to an analysis of state air animals, plants, and even material surfaces, quality data by the Galveston-Houston Asso- and does not have any known benefits. ciation for Smog Prevention, major air toxics A complication of Houston’s air pollution in the region are diesel particulates, emitted problem is the dominant role played in the by many different diesel vehicles and com- local economy by chemical plants, refineries, bustion sources; industrial chemicals associat- and power plants, which create over half of ed with refining and the production of most types of air pollution. Ground-level plastics and rubber; and metals of uncertain ozone is not emitted directly by automobiles origin. Reducing the incidence of cancer and or industrial facilities, but is a reaction other chronic diseases caused by air pollution

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State of the Environment 2005 requires a focus on Houston’s chemical pro- is the sixth largest source of mercury emis- duction plants, refineries, freight transporta- sions in the nation. The Texas Department of tion, and other economic activities. The Health has issued a mercury advisory for fish greatest impacts of toxic pollutants are in the caught in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as industrial areas of east Harris County (espe- numerous lakes in east Texas. cially near the Houston Ship Channel), but Progress air toxics are present at dangerous levels Recent progress has been made in regulat- everywhere in the Houston region where ing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), one monitoring has occurred. of the components of ozone. Reductions have The federal government requires reports occurred from industry, as required by a pro- from industry of the levels of any of 654 toxic vision of the Clean Air Act Amendments of chemicals and metals that it may release. Fur- 1990, and through tougher federal standards ther, the Clean Air Act limits ‘smokestack’ for car and truck emissions. Further progress emissions from specific sources of 188 haz- is expected based on several significant mea- ardous air pollutants. sures in the state’s clean air plan for Houston. Particulate Matter Although many feel that the measures are Because of Houston’s industry and traffic, not adequate to meet a 2007 goal for solving the accumulation of particulate matter is a Houston’s ozone problem, Houston seems major concern. Particulate matter (microscopic finally to be heading in the right direction. solid or aerosol particles suspended in the air) There are currently about 45 ozone moni- may incorporate water and a wide variety of tors in the eight-county Houston-Galveston inorganic salts, acids, metals, organic com- region, many of which also measure other air pounds, and soot-like material. Very fine parti- pollutants, such as particulate matter, NOx, cles (smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter) are and SO2. These monitors are operated by the among the most deadly of air pollutants Texas Commission on Environmental Quali- because they are small enough to settle deep ty, the City of Houston, Harris County, and a private entity, Houston Regional Monitoring. into the lungs where they are absorbed by HRM monitors are placed near plants along white cells and transferred to the bloodstream. the Houston Ship Channel to help industry Unlike with ozone, it is difficult to take health- track pollution. All the monitors are net- protective action against particulate matter worked and their near real-time air monitor- because it easily travels indoors. ing data is available at www.tceq.org. Mercury (Recently, HRM has chosen to make some of Mercury pollution has become an increas- their data unavailable to the public.) Anima- ing problem, with most people exposed not tions of hourly ozone concentrations that by breathing mercury in the air, but by eating show how ozone generally moves across the contaminated fish. Mercury is first released area from the SE toward the N/NW can also as air pollution from factories and plants but be viewed at www.tceq.org. eventually ends up in bodies of water where When ozone concentrations are measured it becomes concentrated through aquatic above the 1-hour standard of 120 parts per food chains. Large fish that feed on smaller billion or projected to exceed the 8-hour aquatic species generally have the highest standard of 85 parts per billion, an e-mail levels of mercury. Mercury pollution can alert system is prompted. In the case of an result in neurological and reproductive prob- exceedance, the system sends out e-mail mes- lems. Mercury contamination in fish primari- sages identifying the location of the monitor ly comes from coal burned in power plants. that exceeded the health-based standard and The Parish power plant in Fort Bend County recommending health precautions.

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State of the Environment 2005

Recent coverage of the issue by the media when you make big decisions such as buying has increased awareness of Houston’s air a home, renting an apartment, locating a quality. More radio stations and TV channels business, or even accepting a job offer. If are including ozone warnings and watches in many people choose to live and work in their weather reports. We need more stations places that help them reduce driving and to carry ozone warnings and to report them increase walking, biking, and transit use, the in a timely fashion so Houstonians can take region will ultimately move toward a more measures to protect their health and that of balanced transportation system. their families. Sources What you can do John Wilson, MPP, Galveston-Houston Asso- Reduce exposure ciation for Smog Prevention It is important to understand how to Jane Laping, MPH, Mothers for Clean Air reduce personal exposure to air pollution to protect your health. An easy first step is to Conservation Efforts sign up for e-mail alerts of high ozone pollution The Houston-Galveston region is home to levels. Visit the Harris County’s subscription eight major ecosystems: the Big Thicket, the form at www.hcoem.org. Sam Houston Pine Forests, the Coastal Test your vehicle Prairies, the Columbia and Trinity Bottom- To reduce your personal contribution to lands, the Estuary Bay System, the Coastal air pollution, the single best thing you can do Marshes, and the Gulf of Mexico. in the short term is to comply with the state’s The biggest threat to open land in Harris vehicle emissions testing program. Every County and surrounding areas is unchecked year, most vehicles are required to have their development and sprawl. Residential devel- emissions checked. It is a common misper- opment has the greatest impact because it ception that if a vehicle is running smoothly, uses the most space and usually attracts com- its emissions are low. In fact, modern emis- mercial development, often in the form of sion control systems can fail without any strip malls and connected parking lots that apparent impact on vehicle performance. If spread across large sections. Subdivisions are your car fails, it is important to comply with the principal form of development in the the law and have your vehicle repaired prop- Houston area, as compared with high-density erly so that your contribution to air pollution urban development. is minimized. A diversity of native trees in the Houston Use alternative modes of transportation region, such as the Eastern Red Cedar, Water Choosing to bicycle, carpool, or ride tran- Hickory, and the Green Ash, are threatened by sit is also a good step toward reducing the development and expansion. Wildlife (deer, gray region’s dependence on personal vehicles. fox, armadillo, possum, raccoon, along with vari- Many areas of Houston, especially down- ous species of birds, such as the rare Swainson’s town, have excellent transit service by warbler) is either being pushed farther out or national standards. threatened with extinction by development. Live close to work In what was formerly undeveloped land, Many people find that running daily mini-ranchettes are now becoming very pop- errands is not convenient using transit or ular. These residential developments of one- other non-driving mobility choices. Com- to five-acre tracts take up large amounts of pared with many other cities, Houston ranks space, with infrastructure spread out between very low when it comes to transportation the tracts. Where a high-density area would choices. You can help address this problem provide fewer residents with less living space

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State of the Environment 2005 and no personal yard, it does preserve more Progress of the surrounding habitat. The developers of In the past nine years, Legacy Land Trust sprawling subdivisions and mini-ranchettes has conserved more than 3,000 acres of land often cut down all the trees, to better manage through 15 conservation easements. The grading and construction. Even though young Spring Creek corridor is a major project that trees are often replanted, the area loses its involves assisting the Parks departments of identity as wildlife habitat. Such actions both Harris and Montgomery Counties to result in animals such as coyotes roaming protect a viable section of the creek from into other settled or newly developed neigh- development and turn it into a connected borhoods. nature trail. Located on the northwestern Conservation Easements edge of Harris County, and southeastern edge The conservation easement is a tool that of Montgomery County, the project includes land trusts throughout the country use with some restoration of the natural habitat and willing landowners to permanently conserve frontage along the creek and the area adja- land. This legally binding document is an cent to its banks. The project is critical to agreement between a landowner and the protect this river corridor from further devel- land trust, an organization specifically set up opment and the specific threats of sand and for this purpose. The landowner agrees to gravel pits along both Spring Creek and the sell or donate specific rights, generally com- San Jacinto River. mercial development rights and the right to What individuals can do further subdivide acreage, thereby keeping Become aware of the local need for con- the land intact in perpetuity. The land trust servation. If you know landowners with 100 holds the easement and monitors the tract or more acres who are interested in preserv- forever, regardless of who the future owners ing their land as a natural setting, encourage may be. The easement stays with the land them to contact Legacy Land Trust or a simi- and does not move with the owners. lar organization for detailed information. For the time being in the Houston region, Source land owners pay a fee to participate in a con- Jennifer Lorenz, Legacy Land Trust servation easement; there is a drive in Texas, Forest Protection however, to do what is done in many other The Roadless Area Conservation Rule states, including Colorado, Vermont, Maine, designed to protect 58.5 million acres of and Florida, which is to compensate a national forest from logging, drilling, and landowner, who is often rich in land but poor development has come under threat in the in cash, for development rights. In other past year. A proposal put forth by the Bush words, the conservation easement is pur- Administration would repeal federal regula- chased by the land trust. This financial incen- tions for natural forests, leaving it to gover- tive is critical to landowners, particularly nors whether to continue protecting forests in farmers, who are on the city’s fringes and their states. According to the Heritage Forest only have the option of selling to developers. Campaign, an alliance of conservation advo- The money makes it possible for the cates, the rule covers forests across 39 states landowner to stay on the land, continue and protects wildlife habitat and drinking water. farming or using the land for its invested pur- If the Bush proposal is implemented, 4,000 acres pose (farming, ranching, recreation), and of the Sam Houston National Forest could be continue to protect wildlife and natural habi- up for grabs. The old rule allows for recreational tat from encroachment. use while restricting commercial endeavors. The new proposal, however, would roll back addi-

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State of the Environment 2005 tions the rule gave to an existing forest protec- are concerned that the increasing use of fossil tion act and allow the development of roads fuels is accelerating global warming. into the forests. Increases in gas prices and fuel production US Forest Service costs have resulted in increased direct energy The Forest Service was established in 1905 costs for households. Rising fuel prices are also and is an agency of the US Department of affecting the price of food as the cost of trans- Agriculture. The Forest Service manages porting food over long distances increases (see public lands in national forests and grass- Agriculture for more information). Experts say lands, encompassing 191 million acres. we are reaching peak levels of petroleum- A positive event for our forests is the pos- based fuel production here and abroad and sibility of Texas joining the Forest Service’s that, as world demand increases, we are look- Forest Legacy Program, which works to pro- ing at significant petroleum shortages. Coupled tect forested areas from development. The with high critical levels of oil dependence, program provides up to 75 percent of the modern energy uses cannot be sustained. Yet funds needed to purchase conservation ease- another worry is energy security. ments used for forest protection, while the Green Power landowner must provide the remaining Green power is energy produced by meth- 25 percent or more, which can be in the form ods that have fewer detrimental effects on air of donations collected from people interested quality and people’s health. The law deregu- in preserving a given tract of land. Since 1992, lating energy companies in Texas was written the program has conserved roughly 600,000 to make alternatives such as green power acres, and now Texas may add to that figure a more available. Most Texas customers now 59-county area covering north and southeast have an option of switching to a supplier of Texas from the Columbia bottomlands to the green power. Green Mountain Energy is one Bastrop area. Texas still needs to complete a such provider in Texas, offering power sup- report entitled “Assessment of Need,” which plied by a combination of wind turbines and identifies an area’s threats and the condition hydroelectric plants, at competitive rates, or of its resources, before it can proceed. somewhat more expensive 100 percent wind Source power. The Public Utility Commission pro- Heritage Forest Campaign Web site: vides information about energy alternatives http://ourforests.org at www.powertochoose.org. US Forest Service Web site: Government incentives http://www.fs.fed.us/ Because alternative and renewable energy sources often cost slightly more than conven- Energy tional sources, it is difficult for emerging envi- Energy in Texas is on the decline compared ronmentally friendly providers to compete with past production, but Houston continues to with established companies such as Reliant. be a large consumer and producer of energy and Some government incentives and programs a leader in the fossil-fuel industry worldwide. have helped, however. Many clean and Houston’s position as an energy producer renewable energy options have been devel- continues to affect the environment and pub- oped and are ready for widespread use. lic health. The coal-powered plants west of Recent growth in the wind industry is one Houston are among some of the nation’s indication of such incentives. Deregulation in worst air polluters. The use of gasoline- and Houston has created new opportunities for diesel-burning vehicles contributes signifi- consumers to find alternative energy sources, cantly to Houston’s air problems. Scientists such as wind and solar power. Created mar-

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State of the Environment 2005 kets, however, have not been successfully tar- take legal action against a state agency. The geted, and alternative sources still remain GBCPA claims the TCEQ has failed to clean mostly unknown to consumers in the region. the region’s air. The lawsuit rests on the fact Government incentives to promote alterna- that the air remains unsafe to breathe, and tive sources are erratically applied and there- the fact that the TCEQ has violated the fore not always beneficial, being abundant EPA’s order to comply with the Clean Air one moment but scarce the next. Act within the designated time period. Source Source Mike Ewert, Houston Regional Energy Group Jim Blackburn, environmental attorney Environmental Justice Flooding The Environmental Protection Agency Everyone living in the Houston-Galveston defines environmental justice as “the fair region resides in a watershed given to flood- treatment for people of all races, cultures, ing. A watershed is a land formation that and incomes regarding the development of makes possible the natural drainage of an environmental laws, regulations, and poli- area into a specific body of water, which for cies.” Still, environmental inequities are, Houston is usually a bayou or stream. more frequently than not, found in minority There are 22 watersheds and 35 communi- and low-income communities. A concentra- ties in the Houston area. Where flooding can- tion of industrial polluters, waste disposal not be prevented, the issue becomes how best facilities, and a higher number of contaminat- to prepare for and properly manage flood ed sites are usually located in or near such waters. How well flooding is reduced is deter- neighborhoods. mined by the efficiency of the drainage sys- Air pollution on the east side of Houston, tem, a network comprising the channels, the location of numerous industrial plants storm-water detention basins, bayous, ditches, and refineries, presents serious problems for street drains, underground drainage pipes, the entire region, but is of particular concern and sewers that carry rain water out of neigh- when the question is one of environmental borhoods. Most of the work being done to justice. The industrial rail system has also manage flooding is in assessing areas that are been receiving attention because of the man- at a higher risk of flooding than others. ner in which it is operated and because of Flood control experts are setting aside natural where new lines are being constructed. Cer- areas for passive recreation, such as hiking along tain areas have encountered more problems trails and enjoying scenic views. Construction of than others, such as blockage of roads and storm-water detention basins and channel modi- intersections, industrial spills from rail cars, fications are also two common ways of reducing and encroaching new lines. the risk of flooding, as is the voluntary buyout of TCEQ Lawsuit structures that were originally constructed in the The Galveston/Houston Association for flood plain, before today’s regulations. Smog Prevention and the Galveston Bay Wetland mitigation Conservation and Preservation Association Mitigation areas are lands that have been are currently challenging the Texas Commis- bought for transformation back into natural sion on Environmental Quality concerning settings, mainly wetlands, to preserve habitat. air quality issues. The environmental groups In the process, the land regains some or all of filed a lawsuit under a citizens’ provision of its function as a floodplain during flooding sea- the Clean Air Act, which allows anyone with son. Instead of preserving small lots or pocket standing (anyone who is directly affected) to areas of natural habitat, which limits habitat’s

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 15 State of the Environment 2005 ability to flourish naturally and confines the accountable for already present flood risks. movement of species, mitigation areas create HCFCD’s responsibility is to attempt to one large preservation area more nearly able manage flooding, not to prevent it by to function as a natural ecosystem. imposing restrictions. The Harris County Flood Control Dis- Nevertheless, HCFCD has been restudying trict’s Greens Bayou Wetlands Mitigation the flood risk in Harris County by mapping Bank, which is a man-made nature preserve and assessing the region’s flood patterns. The with wetlands mitigation, has been success- data collected is used in conjunction with a ful. Particularly telling are the many animals newly approved (October 2004) Criteria that have begun resettling the preserve. Manual so that developers for HCFCD and Phase 1 of the Greens Bayou Wetlands was others can build more flood-resistant projects. undertaken in 2004 on roughly 200 acres of HCFCD, together with local partners, is land in northeast Harris County. The space about to start a study that will look back- combines the natural setting of a wetland ward to see whether previous criteria and with run-off treatment to improve storm regulations are working. water quality. The project calls for six more Three methods of flood reduction have phases and the creation of 1200 more acres been particularly effective. Most often used of wetlands. is channel enlargement. In this approach, a In coastal areas, subsidence has been a section of a bayou is widened and planted problem, with sinking areas making some again with grasses or other material. A sec- homes more susceptible to flooding. Some ond method is to create storm-water deten- individuals have built bulkheads to prevent tion basins, which handle overflow until erosion and protect against flooding. For water surface levels are low enough to move more information on subsidence, see the safely through the bayous. Third, home buy- outs are increasingly used to reduce the risk section on Water Quality. of flooding. Agencies or other organizations There are many entities in the region buy houses located on flood plains, and involved with flood control. In general, a city is development is restricted in the area to keep in charge of drainage in neighborhoods and it as a natural flood plain. As agencies buy along city streets and ditches wherever it owns house by house, checkered neighborhoods the roads. Other agencies, such as the Harris begin to emerge. Some have used the land County Flood Control District, have flood con- for community gardens, and tightly squeezed trol responsibilities when flood waters reach neighborhoods with small yards have the bayous or other bodies of water. installed recreational areas. Landscaping Drainage Fee agreements can be entered into with HCFCD. A proposed drainage fee that would have HCFCD has been working with the Katy been used for maintaining city drains and Prairie Conservancy to buy flooding ease- solving other flooding problems was killed by ments. There has been some work, too, with Houston City Council. Instead, funding for Armand Bayou. such projects was added to a water bill. Mapping Harris County Flood The Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Control District Project is a multi-year joint study effort by HCFCD is not a regulatory agency. The the Federal Emergency Management city regulates development, and private Agency and the Harris County Flood Con- developers are responsible only for ensuring trol District. The TSARP project will com- that construction will not create or exacerbate prehensively assess the flood risks associated current flooding conditions; they are not held with major flooding sources within Harris

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County and develop technical products that Development can assist the local community following Currently major efforts from environmen- devastating flooding. An end product of the tal groups such as the Galveston Bay Conser- study will include new flood insurance rate vation and Preservation Association maps, with new delineations of special flood (GBCPA) are underway to oppose develop- hazard areas, so that the public, government ment that would be destructive to Galveston officials, and other Harris County stakehold- Bay (primarily the Port of Houston Authori- ers can make informed flood management ty’s proposed Bayport container terminal) decisions about the places where they work and to preserve sufficient freshwater inflows and reside. to the bay for its future viability as an estuar- New technology ine nursery for an array of avian species, The agencies are using innovative scientific along with commercially important fin and techniques to determine the current flood risks shellfish. posed by streams and bayous throughout the Additional growth and development threat- county’s approximately 1,700-square-mile area. ens coastal prairie, inter-tidal marsh, and sea LiDAR, a new light detection and ranging grass habitats vital to birds, fish, and shrimp. device developed by NASA, is mapping The proposed site, some 11,000 acres of flood plains. The device projects millions of land and 200 acres of wetland near Highway laser signals at the ground from low-flying 146 and Morgan’s Point in the sub-region of aircraft in order to measure the elevation of Galveston Bay, is near several residential every 15x15-square-foot surface throughout areas. These communities would be severely Harris County. The technology is being used affected by the terminal, through impacts on to identify areas that are at a higher risk air and water quality in the region and than others by providing a detailed represen- reduced property values. An estimated 7,000 tation of the shape and layout of the ground. trucks will be using the site daily, causing Sources more general disruptions in communities. Alisa Max, Harris County Flood Control District The GBCPA filed suit against the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Web site of Harris County Flood Control opposition to the Port of Houston’s $1.2 bil- District: http://www.hcfcd.org/ lion construction of the Bayport container Web site of the Tropical Storm Allison and cruise terminal facility. The suit was dis- Recovery Project: http://www.tsarp.org/ missed, but opposition continues by GBCPA and other concerned environmental groups. Galveston Bay Since 1999 when the terminal was first An estuary is the tidal mouth of a large approved, GBCPA and the Galveston-Hous- river, which may have carried soil and nutri- ton Association for Smog Prevention, along ents, as well as pollutants, hundreds of miles with the surrounding communities, have toward the ocean. As an estuary, Galveston worked to prevent the terminal from coming Bay supports a vital coastal ecosystem that in. GBCPA’s case against the Bayport con- recycles nutrients through brackish mixtures tainer terminal is currently before a Court of of fresh water and salt water from the Gulf Appeals. On May 6, 2004, GBCPA, along of Mexico. As a coastal community, Galve- with a coalition of area cities and conserva- ston Bay supplies the catch for the seafood tion groups, brought suit against the Texas industry and offers many recreational oppor- Commission on Environmental Quality tunities. Throughout 2004, defenders of (TCEQ), charging that the agency’s certifica- Galveston Bay have combated a number of tion of the Bayport project was improper. environmental and health threats. On May 19, presiding Judge Meurer dis-

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 17 State of the Environment 2005 missed the lawsuit with a ruling that her The fresh water sources for Galveston court did not have jurisdiction over the Bay- Bay, its surrounding estuaries, and neighbor- port permit. Both sides have submitted their ing bays are under threat of depletion. written briefs. Development and increased industrial activi- Oral arguments are expected to be ty in the region has led to a growing demand ordered by the Court in early 2005 with a rul- for water. Old water permits, issued in the ing from the Court to follow. past but never used, are now being called on, In the meantime, the Port of Houston has and there is a rush of applications for new broken ground on the Bayport terminal site, permits. already clearing the land designated for the Because of the age of the older permits, facility. they were issued without environmental pro- Water Quality tection provisions. Many are concerned that The top problems for water quality in 2004 state permitting has overshot the mark, and remain non-point source (NPS) pollution and that there will not be enough actual water to freshwater inflow. fill old and new permit requests and still sus- NPS pollution is contaminated water that tain the marine life that depends on fresh does not come from a specific source, but is a water from areas the permits serve. The mixture from various sources along a river or state, thus far, has refused to issue permits in a body of water. When it rains, the runoff specifically reserving water for upstream fish, can carry with it anything it comes in contact plants, and wildlife. Such permits, if allowed, with, crossing commercial and industrial would offer some hope that fresh water, even sources, roads, parking lots, septic systems, under the pressure of development, would and residential yards. Increased development continue to reach the bay. has greatly increased the chances of water Under Texas Commission on Environmen- becoming contaminated. Numerous use-of- tal Quality rules, a commission must consider water-right permits have threatened the fresh- the impacts to bays and estuaries in issuing water inflow to the Galveston bay and its water right permits. However, the state legis- estuaries. These flows affect circulation of lature earlier this year directed the TCEQ to nutrients, salinity levels, and water quality for suspend processing permit applications that the region. Many species of fish, aquatic plants, attempted to establish water rights to protect and shellfish depend on the flow of fresh water the bays and estuaries. Applications filed by for basic survival and reproduction. environmental groups and bay groups, Other water quality issues include low dis- including GBCPA, were dismissed by the solved oxygen levels and mercury contamination. TCEQ. Such applications are now before the Water Permits state District Court in Austin. The GBCPA, along with other environ- Progress mental groups, seeks to emphasize the For the most part, progress for the region importance of ensuring that sufficient fresh has been the continued struggle with some of water reaches the bays and estuaries. The the key issues. Long legal battles with the bays and estuaries need the freshwater TCEQ over water permits and the Bayport inflows from rivers and streams in order to terminals have shown people’s support for maintain productivity. Several types of aquat- the environment and the resiliency and ic life depend on the inflow for the nutrients strength of many environmental groups. The it carries. Fresh water flowing in also main- Galveston Bay Foundation successfully tains the balance of salinity necessary in the opposed construction of what would have estuaries and bays. been the largest industrial waste facility in Texas, planned for Chambers County.

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State of the Environment 2005

Individual progress has been in the cre- pollution is accelerating global warming. The ation of a 10-acre construction of habitat by 10 warmest years in the 20th century occurred the Galveston Bay Foundation. between 1985 and 2000, with precipitation What individuals can do increasing by 1 percent. In the US, frequency Bay area residents are encouraged to learn of extreme rainfall has increased and sea more about the wonderful natural resource levels have risen, perhaps as a result of more that is literally in their backyard, and to extreme rainfall or as a result of a decrease in encourage others to visit Galveston Bay. Learn snowfall and melting glaciers in the Northern about its enormous contribution to the coastal Hemisphere, or a combination of both. ecosystem, and how the human community The key question concerning global warm- enjoys and benefits from the many recreation- ing is how developed countries will manage to al opportunities provided by the bay. reduce carbon in the air. As oil and gas prices Sources continue to rise, coal becomes more competi- Galveston Bay Conservation and Preserva- tive in the US as a source of energy. Burning tion Association coal, however, is one of the dirtiest ways of obtaining electricity. The two largest chal- Galveston Bay Foundation lenges facing Houston are reduction of indus- Jim Blackburn, The Book of Texas Bays trial emissions of carbon-based volatile (Texas A&M University Press: College organic compounds, including emissions from Station, 2004) coal-fired power plants, and traffic manage- ment that reduces vehicle emissions. Global Warming According to the Natural Resources Defense Global warming is an undisputed fact. The Council, NASA studies indicate that aircraft scientific debate centers on how much of the account for about 4 percent of the emissions rise in global temperatures is the result of a implicated in global warming. This figure is natural cycle of climate change; how much is expected to go to 17 percent by 2050. Jet “con- due to the accumulation in the atmosphere of trails alone are expected to increase tempera- such greenhouse gases as carbon dioxide, ture in the lower atmosphere over the United methane, and nitrous oxide; and how much is States by at least one degree every 20 years.” due to other factors. Kyoto The melting tropical glaciers of Mount The Kyoto Protocol, a string of commit- Kilimanjaro in Tanzania present a typically ments to combat global warming, was adopted complicated example. According to an online in 1997 by many industrialized countries. The article from National Geographic, loss of main focus of the protocol was reducing car- glacier coverage is not restricted to the latter bon dioxide emissions. Although the agree- half of the 20th century, when greenhouse ment outlined a basic compliance system, it gases become a problem. Evidence of a local did not lay out specific rules for how it would climate change dates back to 1850; however, operate. In the end, 84 countries signed on, a climatologist at the University of Massa- but many were reluctant to ratify it. The Mar- chusetts offers recent overgrazing and forest rakesh Accords, which came later, finally reduction as plausible explanations for the detailed rules for implementation. By Novem- region’s rising temperatures, loss of cloud ber 2004, 128 countries had signed, putting cover, and the rapid disappearance of Mount enough weight behind the Kyoto Protocol for Kilimanjaro’s spectacular fields of white ice, some of its initiatives to be effective. Russia which scientists predict will be gone entirely has recently signed, but a question of impor- within fifteen years. tance is whether the United States, a major It is generally agreed that worldwide air polluter, will now sign as well.

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State of the Environment 2005

What you can do high level of biodiversity and to minimize the Balance your driving and flying by planting creation of water pollution, soil erosion, air trees, which sequester carbon. www.american- pollution, and the emission of chemical com- forests.org/resources/ccc. www.betterworld- pounds that cause sickness, global warming, club.com/environment/carbon_offsets.htm or ozone depletion. According to the US www.futureforests.com Green Building Council, commercial and resi- Sources dential buildings in the US impact the envi- Chris Holmes, Shell Center for Sustainability ronment by accounting for 65 percent of total Environmental Protection Agency website US electricity consumption, 30 percent of on Global Warming, total US greenhouse gas emissions, and 136 (http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming. million tons of construction and demolition nsf/content/index.html) waste in the US (approx. 2.8 lbs/person/day). Ideally, green builders take a holistic Jeff Greenwald, “How to Fly the Guilt-Free approach that weighs the environmental Skies,” onearth, vol. 26, no. 4, p. 12. (Natural impact of everything from choosing a site to Resources Defense Council, Winter 2005) maintaining and disassembling the building. Andrea Minarcek, “Mount Kilimanjaro’s Many considerations figure into every deci- Glacier Is Crumbling,” National Geographic, sion made and there are different ways to jus- Sept 23, 2003, http://news.nationalgeograph- tify the course taken. ic.com/news/2003/09/0923_030923_kiliman- jaroglaciers.html Reasons to build green The main driving force behind green build- Green Building ing historically has been the value/savings associated with energy efficiency. For exam- While green building practices are gaining ple, in some buildings the cost of high effi- ground in the Houston market, lack of builder ciency windows and better insulation can be education and clear incentives continue to offset by reducing the size of the HVAC sys- delay the transformation of the building tem; this results in lower utility bills and less industry. Green building practices impact direct or indirect pollution from the burning human health and the environment, as well as of fossil fuels. offering financial advantages. Green builders Another consideration is health effects. Peo- strongly advocate design practices that inte- ple with asthma or allergies may consider special grate built and natural systems. materials that do not off-gas, thereby increasing In 1987, the World Commission on Envi- their own productivity and saving some ronment and Development defined sustain- able development as “development that asthma/allergy associated healthcare costs. meets the needs of the present without com- A third factor is consumer demand. In the promising the ability of future generations to last ten years, many more options have meet their own needs.” The United Nations become mainstream; it is much easier to buy summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 prioritized certified building materials from the local human health and living standards as the hardware store. Consumers are asking ques- central concerns of sustainable development tions about products, and third-party certifi- practices. Although green building has been cations have come about to ensure that practiced in the US for several decades, cur- products are reliable as claimed. rent use applies the principles of sustainable Certification development to the building and construc- The following are a few of many possible tion industries. examples of third-party certification: Forest Green building aims to help maintain a Stewardship Council, which certifies that a

20 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of the Environment 2005 wood product is from a forest where the cut- Local architects continue to do green remod- ting of trees is managed responsibly; Scien- eling and build green residential projects. tific Certification Systems, which certifies Commercially, the US Green Building recycled content; and GreenGuard, which Council’s Greater Houston Area Chapter has certifies low-volatile-organic-compound or had a major impact by informing the City of no VOC off-gassing of products. Houston about Leadership in Energy and Envi- The challenges to green building are ronmental Design. The City of Houston has mostly educational. Most are overwhelmed adopted a resolution requiring new city build- by the decision-making process, knowing ings to become LEED certified. Houston Com- exactly what the choices are and their munity College has followed suit with a similar effects. Some efforts are made even more dif- resolution. LEED-certified professionals have ficult by building codes, because change can aided in this process by educating their clients be difficult to effect in the building industry. and others concerning LEED. What You Can Do Energy Star and LEED programs have As a homeowner, there is a great deal you created a demand for access to technologies can do the make your house and yard more and materials that conserve energy and pro- environmentally friendly. Many Web sites can mote sustainable principles. Stores such as help with decision-making, and there are a few Home Depot carry third-party certified goods workshops in the Houston area that deal that can qualify toward Energy Star and specifically with topics based on green building. LEED certification. Limit use of pesticides and fertilizers Source Start with your yard. Limit the amount of Amanda Tullos, American Institute of Archi- chemical pesticides and fertilizers you use, tects, Houston Committee on the Environment and make sure that if you do use them, they do not get washed away into the storm Parks and Trees sewer, causing water pollution. Parks and Green Space Use natives In a 1977 study of park systems in major Planting native plants minimizes watering. US cities, Houston repeatedly ranked 140th Caulk, seal, and insulate in park acreage per capita. The low ranking The cheapest thing you can do to con- and the seemingly low enthusiasm for parks serve energy indoors is to make sure the by Houstonians led to the founding of The windows are properly caulked, doors are Park People in 1979, a citizens’ nonprofit sealed, and the hot water heater is insulated. advocacy organization for parks and green Buy natural cleaning products space. Houston-area park space has more than Using natural cleansers in the home can tripled since that time, and, though the city’s minimize chemical exposure and indoor air population has grown even more, many Hous- pollution. tonians have developed a heightened apprecia- Progress tion for the importance of green space. Great progress is being made in green In 2003, results of a study commissioned by building practices on a residential and com- The Park People and other conservation mercial scale, as well as in education and groups showed the Houston parks and Recre- technology. In terms of residential progress, ation Department to be underfunded and the Energy Star program is taking off and lacking the internal organization needed to other educational programs, such as Green maintain our parks. (Similarly, the State of Homes 101 by the Houston Advanced Texas also spends less per capita on parks Research Center, are very well received. than most states.) In addition, the Houston

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 21 State of the Environment 2005 study found that most of the land for parks whose board of directors commissioned a had been donated by philanthropic individu- study of the park with the goal of protecting als, rather than purchased by the city, causing its future. After two years of community funding for such parks to be unstable. In one meetings with various user groups, Houston unfortunate case, the lack of civic funding City Council finally passed a compromise resulted in the loss of a natural area in a conservation plan. Heavily damaged parts of densely populated area of Houston. Lacking the park are being temporarily closed for funding for its development, the parks direc- repair, and the number and size of active recre- tor found it necessary to fence off a wilder- ational sports fields are not to be increased. ness area contained within the boundaries of Park advocates have attempted to con- MacGregor Park, to protect the public and vince immensely popular private fairs, such the undeveloped land. The family whose as the Bayou City Art Festival, to find a new ancestors had donated the land for MacGre- space outside Memorial Park for yearly gor Park successfully sued the city in 2001 events because holding fairs in the park and took back that part of the park, claiming entails closing off parts of a public space and that closing off the area to the public proved charging admission to enter. Several mem- that it was not being used for park purposes. bers of Houston City Council have voiced Houston’s rapid development has not support for creating a new “Festival Park” always been kind to green space and forest specifically designed for large private events, areas that existed along Houston’s bayous. but such a space has not yet been identified. The fact that Houston has relatively few Green Space restrictions on urban development has meant Green space is a very valuable commodity. that less land is preserved for both passive It adds beauty to the landscape. and active recreational use. Just as important, green space has positive Park enthusiasts worked hard in the 1980s effects on our health. It has been demonstrat- to persuade the City of Houston to purchase ed that looking at green space calms the a beautiful parcel of wooded land just south nerves and lowers blood pressure, even from of downtown, but the city found the price to the window of a passing car. Another study be too high and the area was soon developed indicated that patients in hospital rooms that as part of Midtown, with apartments and look out on a concrete parking lot or a brick townhouses. Many cities in other parts of the wall have longer stays than those whose view country with increased development have includes even one tree. An obvious connec- avoided the accelerating loss of green space tion between green space and good health by requiring that a certain amount of open involves the exercise opportunities that parks green space be provided with each project. and green spaces offer, especially as Ameri- Memorial Park cans become more obese. Green space builds A source of concern to The Park People community by providing areas for community since its founding has been the overuse of involvement and activity. Memorial Park, which comprises more than Parks help preserve natural habitat within 400 acres of forested green space along Buf- the confines of the city. Green space and falo Bayou in central Houston. Concern for parks also have important environmental the park, which is commonly referred to as implications, such as providing a haven for “everyone’s favorite park” and considered a native trees, streams, and wildlife; preventing treasured green space for Houston, comes soil erosion by means of dense root struc- from its overuse and misuse. The former tures; and helping to control flooding by absorb- Memorial Park Advisory Committee recently ing rainfall, which soaks the ground rather than became the Memorial Park Conservancy, becoming runoff from paved surfaces.

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Progress Health benefits of trees There has been much improvement over Trees reduce air and water pollution and the past twenty-five years in public aware- prevent run-off through their leaves, roots, ness of the importance of parks, especially in and soil. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, the business community. The Greater Hous- carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (tiny ton Partnership’s joining with the parks and particles floating in our air as a result of com- conservation community in the Quality of bustion) are associated with unsafe air quality Life Coalition has led to much-needed and an increase in cardiopulmonary disease action, as elected officials at all levels take and asthma in urban areas (see the section on notice of what has become a strong and pro- Air Quality for more information). Trees take ductive relationship. in carbon dioxide and release healthy oxygen. The Park People has participated in the They are effective at removing particulates planting of trees and wildflowers in the city, when planted near heavily traveled roads, such as the planting of 700 trees on the cam- where PM levels are highest and most toxic. pus of Texas Southern University, the refor- The US Department of Forestry calculated estation of areas of T.C. Jester Park, and the that a single tree with a trunk circumference recent collaborative planting in Wildheather of 30 inches can remove 200 lbs. of carbon Park. Other projects by The Park People dioxide, 1.1 lbs. of harmful ozone, and 2 lbs. include working with Legacy Land Trust in of sulfur dioxide every year. the purchasing of land to develop areas A tree filters out water contaminants. along Spring Creek as parkland and pre- Environmental pollution is a circular process serves for the Spring Creek Greenway Park; involving air, water, and soil. The absorption and developing a partnership, along with by trees of contaminated water in the ground other environmental organizations, with the interferes with the free movement of pollu- Harris County Flood Control District to ease tants. A single large live oak canopy can flooding by using more environmentally sen- intercept 28 percent of rainfall, and its roots sitive methods of flood reduction. can take up 300 gallons of water each day. Groups are also currently working to Trees also hold soil in place, reduce pesti- complete the $2 million development of the cide/herbicide and fertilizer run-off, and 19-acre Tony Marron Park along Buffalo decontaminate soil. Bayou in Houston’s East End. The empty A growing urban health threat is noise city park will soon feature hills and swales, from cars, commercial trucks, and trains. A walking trails, ball fields, a playground, a strand of trees well placed along freeways or covered picnic pavilion, a water feature, by airports can reduce urban noise pollution by up to 15 decibels. Even light pollution has restroom facilities, and a multitude of trees. been receiving increasing attention. Artificial Source light from street or security lights and head- Glenda Barrett, The Park People, Inc. lights can disrupt biological clocks and cause Trees sleep disruptions. Trees shading windows Metropolitan areas benefit greatly from offer a pleasant barrier to such light. the planting of trees around urban centers Trees have been shown to be effective in and along freeways. Trees provide enormous reducing stress by promoting outdoor activity health benefits to a city’s people and envi- and exercise, which can help lower blood ronment, create relaxing vistas, and increase pressure. its visual appeal. They help cool a city and Financial benefits manage storm water. Mature, well-placed trees can reduce cool- ing bills for homes and small businesses by

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State of the Environment 2005 providing shade. A tree planted on the east ment the Tree and Shrub Ordinance, or west side of a house can reduce air condi- responds to calls from concerned citizens, and tioning costs by 50 percent. Urban heat assists developers and builders in reaching islands occur in cities where large expanses their construction goals while maintaining of concrete and asphalt store heat and pre- highly valued green space. Trees for Houston vent nighttime cooling. Temperatures can is one of three partner organizations support- vary significantly within a city. Typically, ing TreeScape. large urban forests are seven degrees cooler Progress than surrounding neighborhoods. At the request of a local developer, Trees Probably one of the most overlooked ben- for Houston has become steward of a 3.06 acre efits of trees is that they add beauty to a city conservation easement established to pre- and help in reducing stress. A stand of trees serve a grove of eighty-three 100-year old can hide unpleasant trash, billboards, or native Texas hardwood trees. urban debris. Trees can increase property Source values. In Houston, a healthy live oak tree Trees for Houston may be appraised at up to $10,000. The pres- ence of trees in neighborhoods increases the Growth, Development market value of homes by 13 percent and and Sprawl can increase the relocation value of a city. Urban growth and development occur in Money magazine readers named clean air many ways, often with dense metropolitan and water as the two most important charac- centers and discrete, compact suburbs, but teristics of an area in choosing where to live. sometimes in the negative form of sprawl, Programs which has happened in Houston. Sprawl The NeighborWoods and Parkway Pro- results when new roads are developed and jects plant trees in public rights-of-way, fos- houses are built farther and farther away tering local pride and helping beautify from an existing urban or metropolitan cen- Houston and improve air quality. Neighbor- ter. These new communities then begin to Woods distributes free 5-gallon trees in form scattered commercial areas, which are under-planted neighborhoods. Parkways Pro- linked with more crowded development, jects involve tree planting along streets and often in the form of large shopping centers. in neighborhoods throughout the city, and on Sprawl is becoming a national problem, one major thoroughfares. that results in increased traffic congestion and Reforestation within the city involves air pollution, displeasing concrete landscapes, large-scale freeway plantings. Trees for and a sense of loss of community. Sprawl also Houston works to plant along freeway rights destroys important ecosystems and wildlife of way and major interchanges. Education habitat, and impinges on agricultural land, as it programs are crucial to increasing urban for- expands farther out from a city and encroaches est canopy and improving the environment. on natural areas. Besides the obvious negative Treescape impacts on land and animals, sprawl affects TreeScape is an advocacy and citizen’s existing urban and suburban development. In assistance program. TreeScape’s role in the a city the size of Houston, taxes become a community is to help sustain Houston’s resource to provide new communities with urban forest through preserving existing such basic services as water, schools, fire, and trees and encouraging the planting of new police. In theory, sprawl expands a city’s tax trees. The TreeScape coordinator works base and, in return, city government maintains closely with the city of Houston to imple- roads and provides public services. In fact, this

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highly inefficient development pattern pro- Houston’s lack of zoning has been a barrier duces inequities in infrastructure spending to planning and a deterrent to smart growth. and increases central city taxes to support far- With no city zoning and few neighborhood flung private development. It diverts resources covenants precluding commercial uses of from already existing maintenance needs. land, Houston often has had uncontrolled As road building adds more vehicles, the development, even in urban areas, giving us impacts to air quality, water quality, open both downtown and the Galleria area within a space, and habitat within the city become few miles of each other. more significant. This pattern has been Source repeated in the Houston region, with the 610 Chris Sagstetter, Sierra Club – Houston Group Loop, Beltway 8/Sam Houston Parkway, par- tial loop Highway 6 and 1960, and again with Transportation the Grand Parkway’s projected outer loop. The biggest transportation advance in 2004 The Regional Transportation Plan was the opening in January of the Main Street approved in June of 2004 contains approxi- Corridor light rail line. MetroRail has already mately $2.5 billion for seven Grand Parkway reached 32,000 riders per day, when the pro- segments and another $2.5 billion for related jection was for 39,000 by 2020. It is easy to projects going through communities and see that rail is bringing businesses to its route important wildlife areas. The Grand Park- way is proposed to transect Katy Prairie and and revitalizing parts of downtown. Midtown, Brazos Bend State Park, crossing the Brazos however, has not yet responded around its River three times, Lake Houston State Park, three rail stops. and crossing multiple bayous. The expansion Many crashes with the trains have of this freeway project will bring develop- occurred, almost all because of violations by ment farther outside the city as neighbor- auto drivers, particularly those making illegal hoods and shopping centers are constructed left-hand turns in front of an oncoming train. along the route. The project may also be These crashes have led opponents to continue built as a toll road connecting to every state to criticize light rail’s technology and design, and interstate highway running through though the corridor was a hot spot for serious Houston. accidents before the tracks were installed. Watch for announcements from the Sierra The 2025 Plan Club about public hearings and activities antic- Metro Solutions will provide Houston with ipated during the first three months of 2005. 72 more miles of rail and 50 percent more bus Smart Growth service by 2025, if the area’s Congressional City governments and community organi- delegation supports the referendum passed by zations in major metropolitan areas have voters last fall. The additional lines are part begun combating the haphazard and often of the proposed 2025 Regional Transportation destructive effects of sprawl with smart Plan for Houston. growth, a set of principles that emphasizes If the 2025 plan, already approved by area quality of life in development, often weigh- elected officials, is realized, the Houston region ing it against progress in the form of will expand its roadway capacity by 60 percent, increased expansion. One of the key princi- adding more than 11,000 lane miles of new ples of smart growth is efficient use and pavement. According to the Houston-Galve- upgrading of the existing infrastructure ston Area Council’s Web site, the RTP aims to before adding new infrastructure that may focus on improving regional mobility, air quali- be less revenue productive or simply not ty, and transportation safety. Community lead- needed. ers from the region are working with METRO,

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State of the Environment 2005

TxDOT, and other transportation agencies to as how much Texas land will be impacted as administer the plan, which covers eight coun- development of new towns and cities begins ties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galve- along the corridor. ston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Citizens’ Transportation Waller. Coalition Houston’s congestion and dependence The Citizens’ Transportation Committee, upon automobiles is not dissimilar to that of organized in the spring of 2004, formed in many other American metropolitan areas, reaction to specific aspects of the 2025 and certainly is not unique. But having a Regional Transportation Plan. Specifically, plan that greatly expands roadways and CTC’s founders were concerned about the increases vehicle miles traveled appears to imbalance between roads and transit in the be unique among major metropolitan areas. plan and the lack of community involvement Most regions are refocusing on transit and in its development. The interim board for creating the potential for pedestrian activity, CTC consists of many original Katy Corridor with Denver having the most aggressive Coalition steering committee members, as plan—to deploy 120 miles more of light rail well as a number of grassroots leaders who and become a true transit city. have fought freeway and tollway battles in There is also a question of prudence, first other corridors. CTC also represents the com- in examining the demographics of the three bined effort of several key environmental and million people who are supposedly coming to local community groups who are opposed to the region by 2025 or so and, second, in tak- the proposed transportation plans for Hous- ing a look at the effect of the rising cost of ton. These groups felt more could be achieved energy, which is expected to become a global by joining forces to address common trans- crisis within five or ten years. If gasoline portation issues than by working separately. costs $7 a gallon and the average fuel econo- The main goal is to help educate and mobilize my of the fleet continues to decline, will peo- communities to become involved in trans- ple still choose to buy a home 30 or 40 miles portation planning affecting them directly. from work, particularly if food and electricity The first organized effort of the CTC was costs also rise in the household budget? to inform communities of projects proposed What could save the day for the suburban in the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan and commuters in such an event is rail lines con- press for more balanced solutions than simply necting them to major regional activity cen- adding more paved roads. While they were ters, but there is no commuter line in the able to raise awareness of the issue, and 2025 plan except the 8-mile line from the extract promises from Houston’s mayor and foot of the light rail line to the Ft. Bend city council members of a better RTP in 2030, County border, which was included in the they were not able to significantly improve Metro referendum. the 2025 RTP. Future efforts are geared The State of Texas is also working on a toward involving more citizens in the early massive interstate and freeway expansion stages before plans are set in motion. Cur- project called the Trans-Texas Corridor. The rently, the environmental/community impact project will add over 4,000 miles of freeways point of view in transportation planning is to the Texas landscape. Although the addi- most strongly represented on the technical tional freeways are meant to bypass metro- advisory committee of the regional Trans- politan areas, including Houston, there are portation Policy Council. The TAC weights concerns about how Houston will connect proposed projects involving federal funding with the new freeway system and the metho- according to predefined criteria. One former by which the system will be funded, as well advisory committee member describes this as

26 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of the Environment 2005

“an exercise in futility, with no hope of actu- the site, www.citizenstransportationcoali- ally stopping a proposed freeway expansion, tion.org, for more information on toll roads which is already five or more years in plan- and on how to get involved. ning before it shows up on the TAC list.” Sources While an improved and more community David Crossley, Gulf Coast Institute responsive 2030 RTP is one of its long-term Polly Ledvina, PhD, Citizens’ Transportation goals, the immediate focus of the CTC is on Coalition toll roads. Managed lanes and HOV lanes in new and expanded freeways were originally designed to be used and operated by Metro. Waste Disposal The Harris County Toll Road Authority Illegal dumping and the improper manage- (HCTRA) is gaining control of these lanes ment of electronic and household waste are as part of a plan to use tolls to help fund pressing issues in waste disposal. Illegal future road projects. The Citizens’ Trans- dumping ranges from the improper place- portation Coalition is very concerned that ment of heavy trash in neighborhoods to mas- the HCTRA is not accountable to local com- sive illegally run landfills, known as sham munities and the city. New roads legitimately recyclers. There is no hard data to tell where represent part of the region’s transportation or how many such locations exist in Houston. needs, but CTC is alarmed that toll roads are The permitting of new disposal facilities is being planned with scant public input and lit- another challenge for waste disposal. Very few tle regard for their impact on local communi- residents want a solid waste facility located in ties and neighborhoods. HCTRA has more their neighborhood because of perceived than a dozen proposals for new toll roads that threats to public health and real estate values. have had little or no review by the public or It takes time to work with citizens to deter- even by city officials. mine whether host community benefits can be In a memorandum issued to the CTC, the achieved. Extended educational efforts must legislative legal counsel indicated that the City be carried out before all sides will agree even of Houston does not have the legal power to to sit down to discuss the waste location issue. veto or otherwise require any change to The process of getting a facility permitted by the Harris County toll-road-funded projects, even Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is within the boundaries of the city. also lengthy and costly. It usually takes three to A recent step by citizens has been to five years to permit a new landfill. Even then, advocate changes in state law. The CTC and communities often resist a new facility and con- other organizations plan to go before law- tinue to fight against its development. makers in Austin early in 2005 in hopes of Local governments are now starting to changing legislation that grants authority to provide more opportunities for proper dis- tolling agencies, such as the HCTRA. These posal of electronic and household waste. organizations also hope lawmakers will enact There are also various campaigns to reduce legislation that will protect citizens’ involve- waste before it reaches consumers. Sites have ment in future toll projects that affect them. been developed to handle waste properly, Significant change to the 2025 plan, which such as one-day collection events and perma- gave a green light to many toll roads, is nent collection centers. The Web site apparently not possible. Therefore, the www.cleanup.org lists recycling centers, CTC’s efforts to increase citizens’ awareness household hazardous waste facilities, used oil of proposed toll road projects and legislative recycling places, and other information about changes to increase the toll road authority’s proper waste disposal by zip code. accountability are considered critical. Visit The biggest challenge, though, is finding

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State of the Environment 2005 money to fund proper disposal. Environmen- Escherichia coli, a bacterium found in the tal issues usually do not have high priority in human gut and in the region’s streams, is a city and county budgets. Air quality receives good indicator of water quality. If high levels the most attention because the case has been of E. coli are found, there are probably high made repeatedly concerning air pollution, levels of other pathogens and viruses present. children’s health, and premature mortality. Dioxin Local governments, however, are working at Another concern is the presence of dioxin putting more emphasis on environmental in certain marine life, such as Gulf catfish and issues that have immediate risks associated crab, from the Houston Ship Channel to the with them. The city of Houston, for instance, upper part of Galveston Bay. Dioxin is a bio- has chosen to focus on recycling and manag- accumulating, carcinogenic air pollutant ing electronic and hazardous waste over tra- formed by the industrial combustion of chem- ditional methods of recycling, such as glass icals, particularly those with chlorine. Dioxin and paper. Unfortunately, funds are then lim- settles in sediment and persists in the envi- ited for increasing traditional recycling and ronment for extended periods of time, much the markets are still weaker than they were like any hazardous chemical. Once bottom- several years ago. feeding fish and other marine life ingest diox- Progress in, it becomes stored in their fatty tissues. Awareness of recycling and the proper Although dioxin is a man-made industrial handling of waste has received a greater pollutant with no known useful application, amount of attention in recent years. In 1993, its distribution is now worldwide, extending there were only 34 local communities offer- even to the polar regions. Dioxin can be par- ing some type of recycling or source reduc- ticularly harmful to pregnant women and tion program. Now the Houston region has people with weakened immune systems if roughly 120. Even with these new programs, they consume more than a specified amount the disposal rate has increased from 6.2 lbs of certain types of seafood. per person per day to 8.2 lbs in 2002. TMDL studies Source Total maximum daily load studies are used Cheryl Mergo, Houston-Galveston Area Council to measure dioxin and bacteria levels. TMDL is a technical analysis used to determine the Water Quality maximum amount of pollutant a body of One of the biggest concerns with water water can receive and still meet standards. quality in the Houston-Galveston region is Once a TMDL has been developed for a pol- unwanted bacteria. There are elevated bacte- lutant, an implementation plan is developed ria counts in over 50 percent of the water- that determines the control measures and sheds in the region. Some areas have high management decisions that must be conduct- amounts naturally, such as the Addicks and ed to improve water quality. Current studies Barker reservoirs, due in part to large bird sample water, sediment, air monitors, and populations and other wildlife. Natural levels even fish for dioxin. TMDL studies for bacte- do not pose a significant threat, but when ria are conducted separately. they are coupled with effluent from sewage Water quality standards are set on a and treatment plants, the waters become stream-by-stream basis. Bayous that are used hazardous to people’s health. In June of for contact recreational purposes require 2004, three of Galveston County’s 45 beach- more stringent standards for health reasons, testing locations found bacteria levels that but 58 percent of these bayous exceed the exceeded water standards. levels set for recreation. The region routinely

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State of the Environment 2005

sees bacteria levels higher than those consid- in the bays, particularly Christmas Bay. ered safe for contact recreation. What you can do Infrastructure and subsidence Check septic system Most of the region’s wastewater infrastruc- Make sure your septic systems are operat- ture is aging, further increasing the risk of ing properly and there are no leaks or contamination. Breaks in pipes in deteriorat- broken pipes. ing underground structures, which lead to Water deeply sewage leaks, is an ongoing problem. Outdat- Follow good watering practices to conserve ed structures make it hard to distinguish water. For instance, water less frequently but between specific lines, and illicit connections – for longer periods of time in order to saturate sewer lines that are connected to storm sewers the yard, which allows deeper penetration instead of sanitary sewers – can contribute to into the root structure. elevated bacteria levels in surface waters. Limit use of fertilizer Also, the high intensity of development is Try to limit the use of fertilizers in the putting more stress on the natural system, yard; if you do choose to fertilize, follow adding to the existing weak infrastructure. directions and use in moderation. This will Development has an impact on the amount of also help keep chemicals out of the storm storm water run-off. Paving surfaces causes drains when there is run-off. water to run into storm drains rather than Source being absorbed by the ground. Leaking Todd Running, Houston-Galveston Area sewage and storm run-off both eventually Council drain into the bayous and local streams. Subsidence has also been an increasing Mercury concern. The soil of the region is naturally Texas power plants have the highest mer- cury emissions in the country. A report sandy and made of clay, so there is no real recently released by Clear the Air, a joint structure to hold the ground in place. When project of the Clean Air Task Force, National aquifers are drained, a significant amount of Environmental Trust, and US PIRG Educa- water is used, then underground holes begin tion Fund, shows that Texas has five of the to form and the land sinks in. Elevations in ten dirtiest coal-burning power plants in the Houston have dropped variously by feet— country for mercury emissions. Mercury emis- which is significant—to mere inches. Sinking sions are 33 percent higher in Texas than in causes such problems as increased flooding in Ohio, the second-worst state on the list. an area and the cracking of home founda- The Environmental Protection Agency has tions. Roughly 80 percent of the region has reported that mercury is the most hazardous begun to experience subsidence. pollutant emitted from coal-fired plants. Progress Developing fetuses and infants are most vul- Water quality in the Houston ship channel nerable. Even low levels of prenatal and has greatly improved over the past thirty infant exposure to mercury can cause severe years. Today it is teaming with fish and neurological and developmental problems, marine life. Dissolved oxygen levels are up, which include poor attention span and an improvement that supports fish. DO is delayed language development, impaired also a good indicator of the health of a body memory and vision, problems processing of water. The higher the DO level, the higher information, and impaired fine motor coordi- the water quality and the better a body of nation. Older children and adults are by no water can support a larger range of fish. means immune. Mercury is the cumulative Today, there is also less oil and grease found poison that gave rise to the expression, “mad

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 29 State of the Environment 2005 as a hatter,” in an era in which mercury solu- harm an animal out of fear after coming in tions were commonly used in shaping felt. contact with it for the first time. This process has disappeared as an occupa- Rehabilitation groups and environmental tional hazard, but “mad hatter syndrome” groups have more animals to care for because still refers to a cluster of physical symptoms development is clearing away the few wooded involving the brain and kidneys that identi- and open areas the animals have left. Con- fies mercury poisoning. struction brings the animals out of seclusion, EPA’s own scientists have said that the where they are endangered by exposure to technology is available to reduce mercury other wildlife. Deer, possums, and raccoons emissions 90 percent nationwide by 2008. are the animals most frequently forced into Nineteen coal-burning power plants in Texas foreign areas. These normally docile animals emit more than 9,000 lbs. of mercury each are crowded together in smaller settings, year, according to the 2002 Toxic Release which results in fighting for territory, food, Inventory Report. Two new coal-fired plants and other resources. Most starve to death. are proposed for San Antonio and the Waco Development is a threat because it elimi- area. It takes only 1/70 teaspoon of mercury nates an animal’s natural habitat. Where ani- to poison a 20-acre lake. Mercury becomes mals once lived wild on prairies or in wooded even more toxic as it contaminates a lake or areas, with their own resources and in famil- other body of water and is converted to iar settings, they now depend on government- methylmercury by marine owned land, such as national parks, where organisms. It is methylmercury that they are put at odds with other animals. accumulates in fish. Rehabilitation groups are having to go much Mercury contamination is threatening farther out to find release sites for animals, recreational fishing along the coast and in compared with years before. This is an indica- Texas lakes. The entire coastal area is under tion of the threat posed to wildlife and of how a consumption advisory for king mackerel, much land has been taken away. Before, Texas also has 12 freshwater mercury fish groups such as Friends of Texas Wildlife consumption advisories affecting almost 330,000 acres of lakes. could go to Huntsville to find good release For more information about mercury sites. Now most groups must take at least a emissions, see Air in this guide. five-hour drive to release rehabilitated ani- mals. Cypress, Tomball, Magnolia, Mont- Source gomery City, and Houston northwest to Willis Jane Dale Owen, Citizens’ League for Envi- in Montgomery County are key areas where ronmental Action Now large amounts (up to 75 percent) of habitat Wildlife and Habitat have been lost. The threat also depends upon the type of Animals and their habitat in the Houston animal. Foxes, for example, are losing habitat region are endangered by continuous urban inside the Houston city limits. Specifically, and suburban development and sprawl. Rehabilitation groups such as Friends of environmental groups are observing destruc- Texas Wildlife are having to go farther out to tion of habitat for foxes and coyotes, and find safe release sites for rehabilitated ani- beginning to see an increase in reports of these mals because fewer open and undeveloped animals in residential neighborhoods. Possums, lands are available. Also, because of the raccoons, and squirrels have endured much encroachment into areas native to animals, destruction of their habitat, but they are learn- more and more wildlife is being hurt on con- ing to adapt to residential areas. struction sites or by homeowners who may

30 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of the Environment 2005

Recent progress One improvement has been the increased awareness through various educational pro- grams of the threat to wildlife. The Friends of Texas Wildlife has seen the rehabilitation of approximately 1500 birds and mammals over the past year, signaling more active involve- ment in the community. What you can do Co-exist Learn to co-exist with wildlife; each species serves a specific purpose in the envi- ronment. Confine pets Confine domestic pets, especially cats. An estimated 70 percent of attacks on birds come from cats. Around the house, keep cats and dogs in and call authorities if you find a stranded wild animal. You can put food out for it, just do not try to pet and trap it. Get to know wildlife Educate yourself to wildlife needs and concerns. Support habitat and rehabilitation efforts Support the preservation of open land for habitat. Financially support the rehabilitation of wildlife, most centers are not state or fed- erally funded. Source Friends of Texas Wildlife

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CEC Member Organizations

CEC Member Groups by Category/ Areas of Interest See also alphabetical group listings. Air Quality Nature Discovery Center American Lung Association Outdoor Nature Club BikeHouston Piney Woods Wildlife Society Citizens’ League for Environmental Architecture/Community Action Now Development/Urban Electric Auto Association Issues Galveston-Houston Association for American Institute of Architects Smog Prevention American Planning Association Gulf Coast Institute American Society of Landscape Architects Mothers for Clean Air Greater Houston Preservation Alliance The Park People Gulf Coast Institute Sierra Club—Houston Regional Group Houston Homeowners Association Trees for Houston International Center for the Solution Animals/Plants/Endan- of Environmental Problems gered Species METRO East Texas Herpetological Society Nature Heritage Society Endangered Species Media Project The Park People Friends of Texas Wildlife Rice Design Alliance Help Endangered Animals—Ridley Turtles Urban Harvest Houston Animal Rights Team Bayous Houston Audubon Society Armand Bayou Nature Center Houston Zoo Bayou Preservation Association Katy Prairie Conservancy Brays Bayou Association Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Buffalo Bayou Partnership Native Plant Society of Texas The Park People Nature Conservancy of Texas White Oak Bayou Association Piney Woods Wildlife Society Beautification Scenic Galveston Keep Houston Beautiful Spay-Neuter Assistance Program The Park People Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Scenic Galveston Texas Wildlife Rehab Coalition Scenic Houston Vegetarian Society of Houston Wildlife Rehab & Education Bicyclist Advocacy/ Arboretums/Nature Centers Bikeways BikeHouston Armand Bayou Nature Center Houston Bicycle Club Friends of Hermann Park White Oak Bayou Association Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Houston Audubon Society Business/Corporate Issues (Nature Sanctuary) BRIDGES to Sustainability Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Houston Corporate Recycling Council Moody Gardens

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Children’s Activities Education Armand Bayou Nature Center BRIDGES to Sustainability Children’s Museum of Houston’s EcoStation Citizens’ League for Environmental Friends of Texas Wildlife Action Now Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Council for Environmental Education Houston Museum of Natural Science Environmental Educators’ Exchange Keep Houston Beautiful Environmental Institute of Houston Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Friends of Hermann Park Moody Gardens Garden Club of Houston Natural Legacy Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Nature Conservancy of Texas Houston Audubon Society Nature Discovery Center Houston Museum of Natural Science Nature Heritage Society Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Moody Gardens Urban Harvest Natural Legacy Wildlife Rehab & Education Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Zoological Society of Houston Zoological Society of Houston Conservation Environmental Justice Armand Bayou Nature Center Citizens’ Environmental Coalition Christmas Bay Foundation Galveston-Houston Association Earth Share of Texas for Smog Prevention Galveston Bay Foundation Mothers for Clean Air Harris County Soil & Water Environmental Policy Conservation District HARC - The Mitchell Center Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Festivals Houston Audubon Society Armand Bayou Nature Center Katy Prairie Conservancy Legacy Land Trust Galveston Bay Foundation Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Moody Gardens Food Production Native Plant Society of Texas Urban Harvest Nature Conservancy of Texas Vegetarian Society of Houston Outdoor Nature Club Fundraising The Park People Earth Share of Texas Piney Woods Wildlife Society Galveston Bay Issues San Jacinto Conservation Coalition Armand Bayou Nature Center Scenic Galveston Galveston Bay Conservation and Scenic Texas Preservation Association Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Galveston Bay Foundation White Oak Bayou Association Galveston Bay National Estuary Program Woodlands GREEN Harris Soil & Water Conservation District Ecotourism Help Endangered Animals – Ridley Turtles Christmas Bay Foundation Scenic Galveston Galveston Bay Foundation Scenic Galveston

34 CEC Environmental Resource Guide CEC Member Organizations

Global Issues Moody Gardens (Rainforest Pyramid) HARC - The Mitchell Center Native Plant Society of Texas International Center for the Solution of Natural Legacy Environmental Problems Nature Conservancy of Texas Planned Parenthood Outdoor Nature Club Growth/Development/Sprawl Piney Woods Wildlife Society Gulf Coast Institute Scenic Galveston Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Houston Homeowners Association Texas Wildlife Rehab Coalition White Oak Bayou Association Health Wildlife Rehab & Education American Lung Association Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy Houston Women’s Caucus for Art Zoological Society of Houston Mothers for Clean Air Planned Parenthood Nuisances/Complaints Safe Water Foundation of Texas see City of Houston Departments, Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides Area CityDepartments Urban Harvest see Area County Departments Vegetarian Society of Houston Organics/Plants/Gardens Historic Preservation American Society of Landscape Architects Greater Houston Preservation Alliance Garden Club of Houston Scenic Galveston Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Native Plant Society of Texas Leadership Outdoor Nature Club Leadership Houston Piney Woods Wildlife Society Legal/Legislative/Political River Oaks Garden Club American Lung Association Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides Common Cause Urban Harvest Community Environmental Legal Defense Vegetarian Society of Houston Fund – Texas Population League of Women Voters Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (for animals) Texas Clean Water Action Professional Societies Nature Habitats/Wildlife American Institute of Architects Armand Bayou Nature Center American Institute of Chemical Engineers Bayou Preservation Association American Planning Association East Texas Herpetological Society American Society of Landscape Architects Friends of Hermann Park Environmental Educators’ Exchange Friends of Texas Wildlife Houston Geological Society Galveston Bay Foundation International Center for the Solution of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Environmental Problems Houston Audubon Society Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Houston Museum of Natural Science Texas Association of Environmental (Cockrell Butterfly Center) Professionals Katy Prairie Conservancy Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 35 CEC Member Organizations

Rainforests San Jacinto Conservation Coalition Earth Foundation Trees for Houston Recycling/Trash Urban Harvest White Oak Bayou Association City of Houston Solid Waste Department Houston Corporate Recycling Council Water Quality Keep Houston Beautiful Bayou Preservation Association Scenic Galveston Christmas Bay Foundation Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Citizens’ League for Environmental Woodlands GREEN Action Now Sports/Recreation Galveston Bay Foundation Harris Soil & Water Conservation District BikeHouston Safe Water Foundation of Texas Christmas Bay Foundation Scenic Galveston Friends of Hermann Park Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Galveston Bay Foundation Texas Clean Water Action Houston Audubon Society Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides Houston Bicycle Club White Oak Bayou Association Houston Canoe Club Outdoor Nature Club Wetlands Piney Woods Wildlife Society Bayou Preservation Association Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group Harris Soil & Water Conservation District Sustainable Development Katy Prairie Conservancy Nature Conservancy of Texas BRIDGES to Sustainability Scenic Galveston Gulf Coast Institute Sierra Club – Houston Regional Group HARC - The Mitchell Center Houston Renewable Energy Group Wildlife Rehabilitation Transportation Friends of Texas Wildlife Help Endangered Animals – Ridley Turtles American Institute of Architects Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network BikeHouston Texas Wildlife Rehab Coalition Electric Auto Association Wildlife Rehab & Education Gulf Coast Institute Houston Bicycle Club Houston Canoe Club Houston Sierra Club METRO Trees/Forests/Parks Bayou Preservation Association Friends of Hermann Park Gulf Coast Institute Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Houston Audubon Society The Houston Parks Board Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Nature Conservancy of Texas The Park People Piney Woods Wildlife Society

36 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

CEC Member Organizations

CEC Member Groups by Alphabetical Listing

American Institute of American Lung Association of Chemical Engineers: South- Texas - Houston and South- Texas Section (STS-AICHE) east Region P.O. Box 710773 2030 North Loop West, Suite 250 Houston, Texas 77271-3041 Houston, Texas 77018 www.sts-aiche.org (713) 629-5864/fax: (713) 629-5828 Matt Kolodney, Chair [email protected] c/o TCEQ www.texaslung.org 5425 Polk Street Trish King, Regional Executive Director Houston, Texas 77023-1486 [email protected] (713) 767-3752/fax: (713) 767-3761 [email protected] Lea Beltran, Program Coordinator [email protected] Purpose: To support the membership’s technical objectives through education, service, and fel- Amanda Siroosian, Program Coordinator lowship. [email protected] Publication: See Web site. Purpose: The prevention of lung disease and promotion of lung health. Speakers Bureau: Contact Matt Kolodney. Publication: Advocate, quarterly. Meeting Time: First Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm, sept through June. Please check Web Programs: Not on Tobacco - Teen Smoking Ces- site for speaker, location, and topic. sation Program; Open Airways for Schools - an elementary school asthma education program; Better Breather Groups; Environmental Health Programs; Smoking Cessation and Prevention. Major Events: Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk, Apr; Centennial Event, Nov. Meeting Time: Board meetings, second Thurs- day of every other month. Volunteer Opportunities: Special events commit- tees, Open Airways for Schools Trainer, and other committees related to lung health.

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CEC Member Organizations

American Society of Armand Bayou Landscape Architects: Nature Center, Inc. Houston/Gulf Coast Section 8500 Bay Area Blvd. Chip Perry, ASLA Section-Chair P.O. Box 58828 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 1290 Houston, Texas 77258 Houston, TX 77098 (281) 474-2551/fax: (281) 474-2552 (713) 523-7161 www.abnc.org www.asla.org Candy Donahue, Executive Director Purpose: To promote the profession of land- [email protected] scape architecture, providing for the attractive Sandy Peck, President of the Board design of land forms that will accommodate [email protected] outdoor activities, minimize environmental impacts, and generally further wise stewardship Catherine Miller, Fund Development Director of the land. [email protected] Publication: Quarterly newsletter. Purpose: To provide environmental education and to preserve the ecosystems with which Armand Major Events: Educational seminars and social Bayou Nature Center has been entrusted. meetings; Golf Tournament, fall; State Conven- tion, Mar. Publications: Along the Bayou, quarterly member newsletter; Bayou Foliage, quarterly Meeting Time: Varies by month; call to be volunteer newsletter; Web site - www.abnc.org. placed on mailed notification list. Speakers Bureau: Contact Nature Center to schedule. Major Events: Earth Day, Apr (free); Bayou Boil, May; Summer EcoCamp, May 31-Aug; Creepy Crawlers, Oct; Fall Festival, Nov; Winter Camp, Dec. Programs: Adult and children programs, includ- ing scout, gifted and talented, adult certifications and volunteer, twilight overnight and winter camps, summer Ecocamp. Family programs, including birding classes, evening owl prowl, canoe trips, pontoon boat trips, and more. Meeting Times: Monthly Board of Trustees’ meeting. Monthly volunteers’ meeting (second Thursday). Children’s Activities: School field trips, reptile study, animal adaptations, pond study, insect study, weekend/after school classes, summer day-camp classes, environmental history classes, scout badge workshops. Volunteer Opportunities: Showing animals, main- taining a turn-of-the-century garden, restoring wetlands by planting marsh grass, monitoring the prairie, carpentry, mowing, and more.

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CEC Member Organizations

Artist Boat Bayou Preservation 4919 Austin Place Association, Inc. Galveston, Texas 77551 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 200 (409) 770-0722 Houston, TX 77019 [email protected] P.O. Box 131563 www.artistboat.org Houston, Texas 77219-1563 (713) 529-6443/fax: (713) 529-6481 Karla Klay, Executive Creative Director [email protected] (713) 569-0722 [email protected] www.bayoupreservation.org Tina Proctor, Executive Science Director Mary Ellen Whitworth, Executive Director (281) 236-8806 Sue Roman, Office Manager [email protected] David Parkhill, President Kristopher Benson, President, Board of Directors (713) 267-2961 (409) 392-0471 [email protected] [email protected] Jennifer Hawkins, Development Director Purpose: Promoting awareness and preserva- (713) 524-2366 tion of coastal margins and the marine environ- [email protected] ment through the disciplines of the sciences and Purpose: To protect and restore the richness and the arts. diversity of our waterways through activism, Publications: Quarterly newsletter; Web site; advocacy, collaboration and education. BPA quarterly calendar of events (fall, spring, monitors water quality, plans clean-ups for bay- summer, winter). ous, restores habitat, reviews permit application Programs: Eco-Art Adventures via kayak, ves- and sponsors seminars on flood reduction. sel, or walking; Eco-Art Residencies in Schools Publications: Newsletter – four times a year; integrating the arts and sciences to create pub- Bayou Planting Guide - call River Bend at (713) lic sculptures and habitats on campuses; Stu- 621-3468; Quick Guide on Flood Management - dent Environmental Art Council, a teen call BPA office. program to create voices in communities Programs: Board meetings (see below) have through teaching teens to use the arts to edu- speakers. Committees include Water Quality, cate the public about environmental issues. Public Policy, PR, and Communications, Special Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer help need- Projects, Strategy and Planning, and Develop- ed with public trips, building habitats, SEAC, ment and Nominations. and fundraising. Major Events: BPA Gala, fall 2005; Watershed Symposium, spring 2005. Speakers Bureau: Call Mary Ellen Whitworth. Meeting Times: Every other month (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov) at Houston Arboretum noon or 4:30 pm. Call to confirm. Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Heather Lazare at (713) 880-9376.

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Baytown Nature Center Blueprint Houston 201 1/2 W. Shreck Drive (off Bayway) 3015 Richmond, Suite 201 1724 Market Street (mail) Houston, Texas 77098 Baytown, Texas 77520 (713) 522-0590/fax: (713) 523-3057 (281) 420-5360/fax: (281) 420-7142 [email protected] [email protected] www.blueprinthouston.org www.baytown.org Heidi Sweetnam, Executive Director Tracey Prothro, Director [email protected] Purpose: Preserves approximately 400 acres of Callie Bluemer, Executive Assistant hardwood uplands, high quality tidal marsh, Purpose: To build community support for a and freshwater wetlands. Natural habitat for coordinated planning process to make improve- over 300 species of resident and neotropical ments to Houston’s quality of life. migrant birds. Excellent for both fishing and bird watching. Surrounded by Burnett, Crystal Publications: Yearly annual report; Web site - and Scott Bays. Excellent view of San Jacinto www.blueprinthouston.org. Monument. Programs: Periodic public meetings about plan- Programs: Activities include: speakers, field ning in Houston. trip site, guided tours, fishing, gardens, and the Major Events: Citizens Congress, fall. Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail site; first Volunteer Opportunities: Civic Awareness and Sunday of every month is free admission. Engagement Committee. Speakers Bureau: Please call for information.

40 CEC Environmental Resource Guide CEC Member Organizations

Brays Bayou Association BRIDGES to Sustainability 5446 Queensloch 3015 Richmond Avenue, Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77096 Houston, Texas 77098 (713) 723-7230/fax: (713) 723-0121 (713) 520-9223/fax: (713) 520-9178 [email protected] www.bridgestos.org Bob Schwartz, President Beth Beloff, President (713) 723-7230 [email protected] [email protected] Dicksen Tanzil, Research Director Ed O’Rourke, Treasurer [email protected] (713) 664-4343 Purpose: The BRIDGES mission is to foster the [email protected] implementation of sustainable development Josh Moore, Secretary through innovative partnerships and educational (713) 723-8963 and leadership development. To realize this mis- [email protected] sion, BRIDGES has created a unique niche in Purpose: The Brays Bayou Association is a understanding how to operationalize sustainabil- group of citizens in favor of responsible ity, to move the discussion from why to how. watershed management. Programs: Adapt and apply BRIDGES’ sustain- Publications: Publish in Meyerlander and in ability decision-support approaches, including local newspapers. sustainability performance assessment, sustain- ability metrics, life-cycle assessment, and total Speakers Bureau: Contact Bob Parrott. cost assessment. Projects in 2005 include the Meeting Times: Third or fourth Monday of development of a sustainability metrics tutorial every month, 7:30 pm, Bank One (West Bellfort for undergraduate engineering education; assess- & Chimney Rock) in Conference Room, upon ment of sustainability impact of nanomaterials notice. Please contact Bob Parrott. Please call manufacture and use; and sustainability advisory in advance before attending to confirm meeting services. date, time, and location. Publications: Journal articles, project reports, Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Bob Parrott. and presentation at major technical, trade, and professional meetings (see Major Events: Annual meeting in Mar. www.bridgesworks.com/publications). Book: Transforming Sustainability Strategy into Action: The Chemical Industry, to be published by John Wiley & Sons in 2005. Volunteer Opportunities: Undergraduate and graduate student internships.

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Buffalo Bayou Partnership Christmas Bay Foundation 1113 Vine Street # 200 1410 Hutchins Houston, Texas 77002 Houston, TX 77003 (713) 752-0314/fax: (713) 223-3500 (713) 520-0898 [email protected] [email protected] www.buffalobayou.org www.christmasbay.org Anne Olson, President Jim Olive, Director [email protected] Don Greene, Director Scott Barnes, Director of Conservation Jim Blackburn, Director [email protected] Purpose: To promote increased understanding Susan Keeton, 2004 Board Chair and appreciation of the Christmas Bay Estuarine [email protected] System and its tributaries; to promote conserva- Winifred Riser tion of the natural resources of the Christmas [email protected] Bay Estuarine System and its tributaries; to con- Purpose: Serving as an advisory resource and tribute to the usefulness of the Bay and its tribu- liaison among groups pursuing development of taries for recreational and commercial purposes; bayou amenities and the many private- and pub- and to sponsor such activities and events as may lic-sector entities with interests in or jurisdic- contribute to the general welfare of the Christ- tions over various bayou functions; coordinating mas Bay Estuarine System and its tributaries. integration of major amenities into the bayou Publications: www.christmasbay.org. greenbelt and seeking ways to increase commu- Programs: Ecotours of Christmas Bay system; nity involvement in bayou-related activities. Coordinate on bay projects with Texas Parks Publications: Quarterly newsletter; Monthly and Wildlife Department. e-mail update; Web site. Major Events: See Web site. Major Events: Anything That Floats Parade, Speakers Bureau: Contact Jim Olive at (713) Buffalo Bayou Regatta, Best of Buffalo Bayou 520-0898 or [email protected]. Tour Series, Canoe Tours of Buffalo Bayou. Children’s Activities: Call for information or see Speakers Bureau: Contact Anne Olson Web site. (713) 752-0314. Meeting Time: Call for information or see Web site. Children’s Activities: Anything That Floats Parade. Volunteer Opportunities: Guides for ecotours, Red Cross-certified kayak instructors, wildlife Volunteer Opportunities: Tree plantings, bayou biologists, and marine biologists. cleanups, vegetation management, volunteer help with the Best of Buffalo Bayou and Buffalo Bayou Regatta, tours, office assistance, committee involvement.

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Citizens’ Environmental Citizens’ League for Environ- Coalition mental Action Now (CLEAN) 3015 Richmond Avenue, Suite 270 5120 Woodway, Suite 9004 Houston, Texas 77098 Houston, TX 77056 (713) 524-4232/fax: (713) 524-3311 (713) 524-3000/fax: (713) 960-1810 Eco-Info Hotline: (713) 524-4326 [email protected] [email protected] www.cleanhouston.org www.cechouston.org Jane Dale Owen, President Brian Malarkey, President [email protected] David Gresham, Executive Director Donna Mosher, Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] Sarah Morgan, Managing Editor Geoffrey Castro, Research Coordinator [email protected] Purpose: To foster dialogue, education, and col- laboration concerning environmental issues in Charles Stillman, Information Coordinator the Houston/Galveston region. The CEC affects [email protected] the quality of life in the region by improving the Purpose: To educate and encourage citizens to quality of environmental discussion through its protect children, future generations, and endan- publications, forums, and events. gered species from environmental abuses. Publications: Change, a quarterly magazine; Publications: Web site and Clean Thinking, a annual Environmental Resource Guide; and monthly e-mail newsletter. Environmental News Update, a weekly environ- mental e-mail news service. Programs: The Envirotech House, an energy- efficient, environmentally friendly prototype Major Events: Annual meeting, Mar; Houston demonstrating an advanced construction tech- Earth Day, Apr; Synergy Awards for Environ- nology able to reduce energy bills by at least mental Excellence, Oct. Also Special Topic 50 percent, and The Health Effects of Air Pollu- Seminars throughout year. tion, a regular feature on the Web site that Meeting Time: Board of Trustees meeting, first explores the need for clean air in Houston. Tuesday of every month, 6 pm, Houston Envi- Major Events: Special topic seminars throughout ronmental Center, 3015 Richmond at Eastside. the year. Volunteer Opportunities: Publications, clerical, special events. On-going program volunteers and interns work during normal business hours, special committees work varied hours.

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Clean Water Action - Cockrell Butterfly Center Houston Chapter One Hermann Circle Drive 3400 Montrose Boulevard, Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77030-1799 Houston, Texas 77006 (inside Houston Museum of Natural Science) (713) 529-9426/fax: (713) 529-1686 (713) 639-4678/fax: (713) 639-4788 [email protected] [email protected] www.cleanwateraction.org www.hmns.org David Foster, Program Assistant Nancy Greig, Director [email protected] Laurie Lynch, Entomologist Gail Hutchings, Canvass Director Eddie Holik, Head Horticulturist [email protected] Purpose: To educate children and adults con- Purpose: To work for clean and safe water at an cerning butterflies and other insects, tropical affordable cost, sensible solutions to the waste plants, tropical rainforests, environmental issues, crisis, control of toxic chemicals, and protection and attracting local butterflies to home gardens; of our nation’s natural resources. Clean Water and to allow them to experience thousands of Fund’s research and educational programs com- live butterflies in a Central American rainforest plement Clean Water Action’s public interest setting. lobbying and grassroots campaigns. CWA is nationally recognized as one of the top 100 Programs: Classes for various ages of children, nonprofits to work for. special events throughout the year, tours for school groups, and butterfly-friendly plant sales. Publications: Visit us online at www.cleanwater- A week-long summer camp, “Insect Investiga- action.org and www.cleanwaterfund.org. Clean tors,” for ages 10-12, occurs in the Cockrell But- Water Action News is sent biannually to sub- terfly Center each June. scribers and Texas Clean Water Action Sustainer Newsletter is sent quarterly to sustaining mem- Speakers Bureau: Speakers, information, and bers. We are also publishing a consumer-orient- field trips available. Programs available for pre- ed Houston Environmental Directory for 2005. sentations include: butterfly gardening, butter- flies, insects and spiders, tropical plants, and Volunteer Opportunities: Writing letters/con- raising butterflies. tacting legislators, citizen lobbying, rallies/ special events, and election work. Meeting Time: Butterfly Enthusiasts of South- east Texas (BEST) meets the first Tuesday of every month, Mar through Oct only, at 7:30 pm at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The BEST Web site is www.best-naba.org. Volunteer Opportunities: Please contact volun- teer coordinator at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

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CEC Member Organizations

Council for Environmental Cypress Creek Flood Education Control Coalition 5555 Morningside Drive, #212 12526 Texas Army Trail Houston, Texas 77005 Cypress, TX 77429 (713) 520-1936/fax: (713) 520-8008 (281) 469-5161/fax: (281) 469-5468 [email protected] [email protected] www.projectwild.org www.ccfcc.org www.wetcity.org Richard D. Smith, President www.flyingwild.org (281) 469-5161 www.c-e-e.org Michael Murr, Board Secretary Josetta Hawthorne, Executive Director (281) 370-1830 Purpose: CEE was founded in 1970 in an effort Purpose: To protect and preserve human lives, to partner education and natural resource pro- properties, business, institutions and natural fessionals. The organization provides environ- resources in and near the Cypress Creek Water- mental education programs and services that shed of Harris County and Waller County, Texas. promote stewardship and further the capacity of learners to make informed decisions. CEE Publications: Look Upstream, monthly e-mail focuses on educator training. CEE co-sponsors newsletter; Web site; annual report. Project Learning Tree and Project WET, and Programs: Cypress Creek Flood Control Coali- sponsors and administers Project WILD and tion is involved with the Future Conditions Project WILD Aquatic nationally. WET in the Flood Hazard Boundary study, Cypress Creek City, a national initiative, focuses on urban Stormwater Management Plan, and the North water issues. Team WET Schools is a compan- Houston Emergency Preparedness Committee. ion program to WET in the City that empowers urban youth to become responsible stewards of Major Events: Boy Scout/Girl Scout Annual our water resources. Flying WILD, a new Tree Reforestation Event, Dec. national bird education initiative for middle Speakers Bureau: Speakers are provided upon schools, was launched in 2004. request; for example, there is a presentation on Publications: Available only through a six-hour erosion. training workshop: Project Wild K-12 Activity Meeting Time: Third Wednesday of each month, Curriculum and ActivityGuide, Project WILD 7:30 pm, at Lake Forest Utility District Office, Aquatic K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide, 14223 Lakewood Forest Drive. See information Science and Civics: Sustaining Wildlife, WET in and map on Web site. the City Curriculum and Activity Guide, and Volunteer Opportunities: Contact us to discuss Flying WILD: An Educator’s Guide to Celebrat- your personal interests. ing Birds. Available for purchase: Proyecto WILD, WILD School Sites Guide, Taking Action Guide, Exploring School Nature Areas video, WET in the City Spanish Language Stu- dent Pages, and Water Watchers: Conserving Water at Your Home and School. Children’s Activities: Multi-disciplinary envi- ronmental education activity guides for K-12 educators.

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CEC Member Organizations

Earth Foundation Earth Share of Texas 5401 Mitchelldale, Suite B-4 814 West 23rd Street Houston, Texas 77092 Austin, Texas 78705 (713) 686-9453/fax: (713) 686-6561 (512) 472-5518/fax: (512) 472-4930 (800) 566-6539 1-(800) GREENTX [email protected] [email protected] www.earthfound.com www.earthshare-texas.org Cynthia Everage, Director Max Woodfin, Executive Director Purpose: To promote rainforest and coral reef Edie Muehlberger, Co-Director preservation through education, activism, and Purpose: To support the work of its participating financial support. Working in 10,000 schools organizations through payroll deduction charita- around the nation. ble campaigns at public and private work sites in Major Events: Purchase of threatened rainfor- Texas. est in Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Publications: Newsletter and annual report. and Panama. Speakers Bureau: Max Woodfin and Edie Children’s Programs: Provides teachers and stu- Muehlberger. Speakers available for campaign dents with rainforest curriculum and rainforest activities and special events. preservation projects. Over $8 million has been Children’s Activities: Participating organizations raised by students for rainforest conservation. provide a variety of children’s programs. Call (512) 472-5518 with your requirements. Volunteer Activities: Call for volunteer information.

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East Texas Herpetological Electric Auto Association Society Houston Chapter P.O. Box 141 Dale Brooks, President Katy, Texas 77492-0141 8541 Hatton (713) 934-7668 Houston, Texas 77025 [email protected] (713) 218-6785/fax: (713) 663-8755 www.eths.org [email protected] Buzz Jehle, Treasurer www.heaa.org Clint Pustejovsky, Education Ben Chamberlain, Vice President (713) 975-7744 Dave Doherty, Vice President 25206 Grogans Mill Road Ken Bancroft, Houston Chapter Founder The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Purpose: Promotion and advancement of electric (281) 367-4963 vehicles – charging into the future. [email protected] Major Events: A.P.S. electric 500 (sponsor). Purpose: To promote an understanding and Also, electric car showing at: Houston Autora- appreciation of reptiles and amphibians among the ma, CEC Houston Earth Day, and Texas Recy- general public. To encourage captive breeding. cles Festival. Publications: Bimonthly 32-page newsletter. Speakers Bureau: Dale Brooks or Ben Cham- Major Events: Combined Conference, Breeder berlain. Expo, and Education Exhibit, Sept. Children’s Activities: Sponsor high school pro- Speakers Bureau: Speakers with live specimens jects involving conversion and go-cart type cars. and PowerPoint presentations about the natural Meeting Time: Third Thursday of each month, history and captive care of reptiles and amphib- 6:30-8:30 pm, Houston Environmental Center, ians are available. Presentations can be 3015 Richmond at Eastside, Suite 280. designed to meet the needs of each group. Volunteer Opportunities: School projects, car Children’s Activities: Children invited to all shows. meetings. Meeting Times: Jan, Mar, May, July, Nov: third Friday, 7:30 pm, Houston Zoo, Brown Educa- tion Center, Gate 5. See Web site to confirm meeting date before attending. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers help with the newsletter, conference, and conduct educa- tional programs for children.

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CEC Member Organizations

Environmental Educators’ Environmental Institute Exchange of Houston Lawrence Spence, President EIH, UHCL 2112 Crockett Street 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 540 Houston, Texas 77007 Houston, Texas 77058-1098 (281) 684-0288 mobile phone (281) 283-3950/fax: (281) 283-3953 (281) 391-3368 office phone and fax [email protected] [email protected] www.eih.uh.edu Terri Ficker, Vice-President Dr. George Guillen, Executive Director (713) 722-9391 (281) 283-3950 [email protected] [email protected] Darlene Conley, Treasurer Dr. Brenda Weiser, Director of Environmental Jesse Jones Park Education 20634 Kenswick Drive (281) 283-3960 Humble, Texas 77338 [email protected] (281) 446-8588 [email protected] Alecya Gallaway, Historian (281) 283-3792 Purpose: To bring together people having [email protected] interest or expertise in the areas of environ- mental, natural history, and ecological educa- Theresa Presswood, UHCL Communications tion, and to allow for the mutual exchange of Director ideas, methods, and information concerning (281) 283-2026 environmental education in the Greater Hous- [email protected] ton area. Purpose: EIH is the environmental education, Publications: Member e-mail network pertain- outreach, and research component of the Uni- ing to environmental education. versity of Houston system. It serves as a contact Meeting Time: Quarterly, 5:30 pm, first point for the community to access the expertise Wednesday of Feb, May, Aug, and Nov. and resources of the university. Additionally, Locations vary. Call or check Web site before EIH partners with agencies, community and attending. environmental groups, and businesses to conduct research and outreach projects in the Houston region. EIH focuses on four areas: pollution pre- vention, environmental policy, natural resource conservation, and environmental education. Activities include teacher workshops, facilitation and public outreach, conferences, and service learning. Meeting Time: Advisory Board meets biannually. Volunteer Opportunities: Student volunteers for events and service learning projects.

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Flower Garden Banks Friends of Texas Wildlife National Marine Sanctuary P.O. Box 535 1200 Briarcrest, Suite 4000 Tomball, Texas 77377-0535 Bryan, Texas 77802 (281) 255-8885 (979) 846-5942/fax: (979) 849-5959 (832) 237-1167 [email protected] [email protected] www.flowergarden.noaa.gov www.friendsoftexaswildlife.org Shelley Du Puy, Education & Outreach Coord. Lett Guzman, President (979) 846-5942, ext. 106 [email protected] [email protected] Bonnie Fezette, Co-Vice-President Kelly Drinnen, Education Specialist Diane Walton, Co-Vice-President (409) 766-3572 [email protected] Gerry Legg, Secretary Purpose: To serve as trustee for the sanctuary’s natur- Evelyn Heyde, Treasurer al resources, to conserve, protect, and enhance their Purpose: Care and rehabilitation of wildlife, biodiversity, ecological integrity, and cultural legacy. public education concerning wildlife, and pro- Publications: Quarterly newsletter, Reef Ren- moting the co-existence of wildlife and humans dezvous; Web site, www.flowergarden.noaa.gov; through education. color brochure with overview of sanctuary Publications: The Wildlife Release, quarterly. program and reef habitats within Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Major Events: Tabling at various Earth Day events in Apr; Scout Fair in spring; Texas Programs: Education/Outreach - includes teacher Recycles Day Fair, Nov. workshops, distribution of informational materials, participation in community events, and annual Speakers Bureau: Contact Lett Guzman. agency meeting with a field expedition. Children’s Activities: Native wildlife education Research/Monitoring - includes coordinating all with live mammals, raptors and reptiles. research activities within sanctuary boundaries. Programs for schools, businesses, and scouts Resource Management - includes buoy mainte- on request. nance, regulations and enforcement, and coopera- Meeting Time: Second Saturday of the month at tive programs with other regulatory agencies. Samuel Matthews Park in Tomball, TX, from Major Events: Annual Down Under, Out Yonder 10 am - 2 pm Please call for details. Education Workshop - July 23-27, 2005. Competi- Volunteer Activities: Care of injured and tive application process; formal and informal educa- tors call for applications at end of Jan 2005. orphaned wildlife; office help; grant writing; public relations work; grounds maintenance; Speakers Bureau: A limited number of requests for only construction of cages for the animals. the Houston/Galveston area can be accommodated. Children’s Activities: Participation in communi- ty events; activity sheets for children available. Meeting Time: None at this time. Quarterly meetings planned to begin in 2005 or 2006. Volunteer Opportunities: None at this time. Planned to begin in 2005 or 2006.

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Galveston Bay Conservation Galveston Bay Foundation & Preservation Association 17324-A Highway 3 P.O. Box 323 Webster, Texas 77598 Seabrook, Texas 77586 (281) 332-3381/fax: (281) 332-3153 (281) 326-3343/fax: please call to arrange [email protected] [email protected] www.galvbay.org www.gbcpa.net Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson, Chair Jim Blackburn, Chair Bob Stokes, President (713) 524-1012 [email protected] Alicia Strogen, VP, Development & Outreach Katie Chimenti, Vice-Chair Glenda Callaway, CEC Delegate (281) 286-9750 Purpose: To preserve, protect, and enhance the [email protected] natural resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine Randa McCartney, Office Manager system and its tributaries for present users and (281) 326-3343 for posterity. To accomplish this mission, the [email protected] Foundation has targeted four goals: advocacy, conservation, education, and research. Purpose: To monitor activities and proposed activities that impact the bay/shore environ- Publications: GBF Gazette, a bi-monthly ment and the Galveston Bay area human com- newsletter covering bay-wide issues, projects, munity, with the intent to modify or prevent events, and news. activities that may have adverse environmental Programs: Educational presentations and field effects. trips; wetlands habitat restoration; monitoring Publications: Making Waves, quarterly newslet- and responding to proposed activities in the bay; ter; Galveston Bay Conservancy, e-mail effecting changes in government policies to pro- newsletter (can be joined from Web site tect and enhance the bay and habitat; monitor- www.gbcpa.net). ing and advocating for improved scientific knowledge of the bay. Programs: Galveston Bay Baykeeper Program, Charlotte Cherry. Contact office at Major Events: Trash Bash; GBF Gala; Marsh (281) 326-3343. Mania; Bay Day. Call for more information. Speakers Bureau: Please call GBCPA at Children’s Programs: Bay ambassadors: lessons (281) 326-3343 or e-mail [email protected]. for school classes; Bay Day Celebration; youth outdoor expeditions. Volunteer Activities: Please call GBCPA at (281) 326-3343 or e-mail [email protected]. Volunteer Opportunities: Conservation planti- ngs, development and fundraising, educational programs, wetlands permit review committee, volunteer habitat monitoring, Bay Day Celebra- tion, Marsh Mania, and Trash Bash.

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Galveston Bay Estuary Galveston/Houston Program Association For Smog 711 West Bay Area Blvd., Suite 210 Prevention (GHASP) Webster, Texas 77598 John D. Wilson, Executive Director (281) 332-9937/fax: (281) 332-8590 3015 Richmond, Suite 201 www.gbep.state.tx.us Houston, TX 77098 (713) 528-3779 Helen Drummond, Program Director [email protected] [email protected] www.ghasp.org Dale Thomas, Contact Person [email protected] Purpose: GHASP is dedicated to improving the Houston region’s hazardous air through public Purpose: To provide comprehensive ecosystem education, participation in the state and federal management through collaborative partnerships planning process, and active advocacy in appro- to preserve Galveston Bay’s multiple uses. Uses priate venues. include: commercial fishing, recreation, tourism, wastewater discharge, shipping and Publications: Danger in the Air: Toxic Air Pollu- transportation, industry, and petroleum. tion in the Houston-Galveston Corridor (Dec 1996); Grandfathered Air Pollution: The Dirty Publications: State of the Bay report; Galveston Secret of Texas Industries (Apr 1998), prepared Bay Virtual Ecotour (CD Rom); Drive and in cooperation with the Lone Star Chapter of Discover guided tour around the bay. the Sierra Club; Trees & Our Air: The Role of Programs: Habitat restoration; protection of Trees and Other Vegetation in Houston-Area Air bay habitats; assistance with storm water and Pollution (Jan 1999); How Bad is Houston’s waste water treatment issues; facilitation of pol- Smog? (2002); Where Does Houston’s Smog icy issues affecting the bay’s future; reporting Come From? (2003); Smoke in the Water (2003); on the condition of the estuary; granting funds Who’s Counting? The Systematic Underreporting for education of children and adults; volunteer of Toxic Air Emissions (June 2004), prepared in events such as Trash Bash and Marsh Mania; cooperation with the Environmental Integrity researching and dealing with new problems and Project; Mercury in Galveston and Houston Area threats to the bay; seafood safety consumption Fish (Oct 2004). program; and Galveston Bay conservation Meeting Time: Third Thursday of the month: assistance program. 7 pm, new volunteer/new visitor orientation; Major Events: Biennial State of the Bay Sym- 7:30 pm, meeting. posium, Jan 25, 2005; workshops; Estuary Day celebrations. Speakers Bureau: Contact Suz Rosenberg or Steven Johnston. Meeting Time: Quarterly Galveston Bay Coun- cil meetings and Council subcommittee meet- ings posted on GBEP Web site. Children’s Activities: Educational videos, posters, and power point presentations showing the beauty and value of Galveston Bay and its associated habitat.

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CEC Member Organizations

Greater Houston Preservation Gulf Coast Institute Alliance 3015 Richmond, Suite 250 712 Main Street, Suite 110 Houston, Texas 77098 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 523-5757/fax: (713) 523-3057 (713) 216-5000/fax: (713) 216-2143 [email protected] [email protected] www.gulfcoastideas.org www.ghpa.org www.livablehouston.org Ramona Davis, Executive Director David Crossley, President [email protected] Purpose: To improve quality of life in the Gulf David Bush, Director, Programs and Information Coast region, encouraging research and communi- [email protected] cation about urban issues, and working to find grounds for collaboration among leaders working in Thomas McWhorter, Director, Historic the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Neighborhoods Council [email protected] Strategy: Leads and facilitates the quality of life movement known as Smart Growth/Livable Purpose: To promote the preservation and appre- Communities. GCI seeks a dynamic economy ciation of Houston’s architectural and cultural that revitalizes neighborhoods, protects green historic resources. space, increases mobility choices, improves air Publications: For Preservation, quarterly newsletter; and water quality, and encourages safe, comfort- Historic Neighborhoods Council e-newsletter, monthly. able, interesting pedestrian environments. Programs: Preservation advocacy, Good Brick Publications: Bi-monthly e-mail newsletter: Gulf Awards, Historic Neighborhoods Council, archi- Coast Growth News. tectural walking tours, realtor programs, Heritage Major Events: Community-wide stakeholder Education Program, heritage tourism promotion. conferences. Major Events: Cornerstone Dinner presenting the Speakers Bureau: Contact David Crossley Good Brick Awards, Jan 28, 2005; National His- toric Preservation Week, May 9-13, 2005. Meeting Time: Fourth Wednesday, 11:30 am, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Speakers Bureau: GHPA can provide speakers to 3555 Timmons Lane, 2nd Floor. discuss the economics of historic preservation and the value of preservation in enhancing Houston’s Volunteer Opportunities: Contact David Crossley. quality of life. Meeting Time: Historic Neighborhoods Council, last Saturday of each month. Architectural walk- ing tours, fourth Sunday of each month. Annual membership meeting, Oct. See Web site for details. Volunteer Opportunities: Architectural walking tour docents and ticket sellers. Historical research and photographic documentation of historic build- ings for the Historic Neighborhoods Council. Peri- odic cleanups of historic neighborhoods and cemeteries. Other opportunities may be available. E-mail [email protected] with any questions.

52 CEC Environmental Resource Guide CEC Member Organizations

Harris County After-School Help Endangered Animals - Initiative (ASI) Ridley Turtles (HEART) 6300 Irvington Blvd. Carole Allen, Chair Houston, TX 77022-5618 P.O. Box 681231 (713) 696-1336 Houston, Texas 77268-1231 www.afterschoolzone.org (281) 444-6204/fax: same Robert Sanborn, Executive Director/CEO [email protected] Education Foundation of Harris County www.ridleyturtles.org Shannon Bishop, CASE Director Al Barr, Committee Member Harris County Department of Education 7303 Carl Road Ext. Lisa Caruthers, ASI Coordinator Spring, Texas 77373 Harris County Department of Education, CASE (281) 443-6629 [email protected] [email protected] Purpose: The Harris County After-School Ini- Sea Turtle Hotline: (1-866) TURTLE-5 (1-866- tiative is a partnership between the Education 887-8535). Please call if you see a sea turtle, Foundation of Harris County and CASE (the eggs, or hatchlings on the beach. The caller will Cooperative for After-school Enrichment), a be given the telephone number of a sea turtle division of Harris County Department of Edu- biologist or agency representative. This trained cation. Harris County’s ASI is a collaborative individual will go to the beach where the turtle network of quality after-school opportunities was found as soon as possible after asking the for Harris County children made possible by caller a few questions. support from the Houston Endowment. This Purpose: To work for the preservation of endan- new Initiative will construct a web-based clear- gered turtles and to be involved in the interna- inghouse of after-school programs and activi- tional project to save Kemp’s Ridley Turtle. ties, expand the field by establishing model HEART is an affiliate of the Sea Turtle Restora- after-school projects, create a set of local stan- tion Project. dards that are responsive to the issues and the Publication: Newsletter on line at needs of our community, and continuously seek www.ridleyturtles.org out funding opportunities for high-quality after- school programming. Meeting Time: Third Tuesday of the month, Mercer Arboretum, 7:30 pm. Report given dur- Children’s Activities: ASI seeks out and ing Piney Woods Wildlife Society meeting, Sept connects quality environmental and arts service through May. providers with after-school programs in Harris County. Children’s Programs: For classes and scout troops: The HEART Council Certificate can be Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Lisa Caruthers, earned, includes education and communication (713) 696-1336. with legislators.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 53 CEC Member Organizations

Hermann Park Conservancy Houston Advanced Research 6201-A Golf Course Drive Center (HARC) Houston, Texas 77030 4800 Research Forest Drive (713) 524-5876/fax: (713) 524-5887 The Woodlands, Texas 77381 www.hermannpark.org (281) 363-7904/fax: (281) 363-7914 Jane Anderson Curtis, Board Chair www.harc.edu Doreen Stoller, Executive Director Marilu Hastings, Director, Strategic Development [email protected] (281) 364-4021 Remer Craig Daniel, Projects Manager [email protected] Barbara Jo Harwell, Conservation Director Tom Carroll, Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer (713) 524-5876, ext. 338 (281) 363-7912 [email protected] [email protected] Lydia Hickey, Office Administrator Purpose: HARC is a nonprofit organization that serves at the boundary of science and society to Lila Jimenez, Community Development Manager promote sustainable development in our region. Matthew Marcinek, Volunteer Coordinator We use the tools of science, policy, and technolo- gy to provide new knowledge about the complex Purpose: The Hermann Park Conservancy is a balance between environmental, social, and eco- citizens’ organization dedicated to the steward- nomic issues in our region. In a non-partisan and ship and improvement of Hermann Park, today collaborative manner, HARC is a conduit from and for generations to come. basic research to action that fosters the imple- Publications: Annual Report; Hermann Park mentation of policies and technologies based on map; Parkside newsletter; Web site: rigorous principles of social behavior, natural www.hermannpark.org. science and engineering. Programs: Field Studies 101, Trees in Publications: www.harc.edu Community, Natural Guard. Programs: Selected programs are air quality Major Events: Annual 5K Fun Run, Feb 2005; research management; fuel cells and clean energy; An Evening in the Park Gala, Apr 28, 2005; green buildings; sustainability indicators; the Annual Friends of Hermann Park Golf Tourna- urban heat island; valuation and conservation of ment, Oct 2005; Holiday Lights in Hermann natural resources; and public acceptance of clean Park, weekends Nov 25 through Dec 31, 2005. technology. Speakers Bureau: Doreen Stoller, Executive Speakers Bureau: Please call. Director. Children’s Activities: Family Adventure Day (spring and fall). Volunteer Opportunities: The Natural Guard in Hermann Park. Visit www.hermannpark.org for more information, or contact Matthew Marcinek, Volunteer Coordinator, at (713) 524-5876, ext. 332.

54 CEC Environmental Resource Guide CEC Member Organizations

Houston Arboretum & Houston Audubon Society Nature Center 440 Wilchester Boulevard 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77079 Houston, Texas 77024 (713) 932-1639/fax: (713) 461-2911 (713) 681-8433/fax: (713) 681-1191 [email protected] [email protected] www.houstonaudubon.org www.houstonarboretum.org Sally J. Tyler, Director of Development Chris A. Beavers, Executive Director [email protected] (713) 681-8433, ext 28 Mary Anne Weber, Education Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Lori Hutson, Volunteer/Public Relations Coordinator Deb Taylor, Volunteer Coordinator (713) 681-8433, ext. 26 [email protected] [email protected] Rare Bird Alert: (713) 369-9673 Pat Marks, Education & Conservation Manager Audubon Docent Guild: (713) 464-4900 (713) 681-8433, ext. 23 Texas Rare Bird Alert: (713) 369-9673 [email protected] NARBA: (800) 458-2473 Purpose: To provide nature education to people Purpose: Promote the conservation and appreci- of all ages and to act as a haven and sanctuary ation of birds and wildlife habitat. for native plants and animals. Publication: Bi-monthly newsletter, The Naturalist. Publications: Web site; bi-monthly newsletter for members, annual report. Programs: Field trips, monthly Sanctuary Semi- nars, monthly membership meetings, speakers, Programs: Free Urban Nature Series programs, and Texas Rare Bird Alert, and NARBA Bird two Sundays per month - call for details; Guided Alert. Tours on Saturdays; Girl & Boy Scout workshops; tours for Scouts; also see Children’s Activities. Major Events: Spring Migration at High Island Sanctuaries (Mar-May); Birdathon (Apr); For Major Events: Arbor Day, third Saturday of the Birds Gala (every other Oct); Sunday in the Jan; ArBOOretum, Saturday prior to Hal- Woods (every other Oct); Christmas Bird loween. Counts (Dec-Jan). Speakers Bureau: Contact for details. Speakers Bureau: Contact Mary Anne Weber, Children’s Activities: Tadpole Trooper classes program with live birds. for 3- and 4-year-olds; monthly classes, and Meeting Time: Second Wednesday of the month summer and winter camps for ages 5-12; birth- (Sept-May) at Houston Zoo, Brown Education day parties available. School programs include Center, Gate 5, 7:30 pm Guided Field Experience & Discovery Room. The hands-on Discovery Room is open Tuesday Children’s Activities: Community Outreach Pro- through Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm grams with live birds, Titmouse Club for preschoolers, tours, Sunday in the Woods (Oct), Volunteer Opportunities: Docents for schools, home-school classes, summer camp. weekend tour guides, trail workers, Discovery Room volunteers, and volunteers for Informa- Volunteer Opportunities: Teachers, tour guides, tion Desk, Gift Shop, and Library. field research/field work, clerical, public rela- tions, advocacy, events, fundraising, speakers, field trip guides.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 55 CEC Member Organizations

Houston-Galveston Area Houston Geological Society Council 10575 Katy Freeway, Suite 290 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120 Houston, TX 77024 Houston, Texas 77027 (713) 463-9476/ fax: (713) 463-9160 (713) 627-3200/fax: (713) 993-4508 [email protected] www.h-gac.com www.hgs.org Jeff Taebel, Director of Community and Envi- Bruce Woodhouse, Environmental Engineering ronmental Planning Committee Chair (713) 993-4560 [email protected] Stephen Levine, President Cheryl Mergo, Solid Waste Program Manager David Rensink, President-Elect (713) 993-4520 Purpose: To stimulate interest and promote [email protected] advancement in the geosciences; to disseminate Todd Running, Clean Rivers Program Manager and facilitate discussion of geological informa- (713) 993-4549 tion; to enhance professional interaction among [email protected] geoscientists; and to aid and encourage academic training in the geosciences. Purpose: H-GAC is a voluntary association of 132 local governments and local elected offi- Meeting Time: Environmental Committee din- cials in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning ner meetings held the second Wednesday of Region of Texas. Its service area is 12,500 each month, Sept through June. square miles and contains over 4.9 million peo- ple. H-GAC’s mission is to serve as the instru- ment of local government cooperation, promoting the region’s orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens. Publications: Web site www.h-gac.com Programs: Designs plans for solid waste man- agement programs, land use, economic devel- opment, flood control, and water quality. H-GAC acts on behalf of local governments to receive funding, develop the regional solid waste management plan, provide technical assis- tance and GIS services, and implement local and regional projects. C&E programs include the Texas Clean Rivers Program and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District. Major Events: Listed on Web site. Meeting Time: Meetings listed on Web site. Volunteer Opportunities: Listed on Web site.

56 CEC Environmental Resource Guide CEC Member Organizations

Houston Outdoor Learning Houston Parks Board Academy 2001 Kirby Drive, Suite 814 2731 Houston Avenue Houston, Texas 77019 Houston, TX 77009 (713) 942-8500/fax: (713) 942-7664 (713) 224-4652/fax: (713) 880-0633 [email protected] [email protected] www.hpbinc.org www.holainfo.com Roksan Okan-Vick AIA, Executive Director Daniel & Laura Zimmerman, Co-founders [email protected] Stephanie O’Leary, Board Member Trent Rondot, RLA, Project Coordinator (832) 654-8721 [email protected] [email protected] Deborah Rule, Executive Assistant Purpose: HOLA seeks to immerse students in [email protected] challenging, adventure-based outdoor and envi- ronmental opportunities, created specifically to Purpose: Houston Parks Board is a nonprofit correlate with academic curriculums, encourage organization committed to expanding, enhancing curiosity, develop problem-solving ability, and and protecting Houston’s park system. Houston build self-confidence, thereby increasing knowl- Parks Board advises the Mayor and City Council edge, motivation, strength, and responsibility on park matters, providing growth and direction for one’s own learning. for Houston’s parks. Publications: Footprints, weekly newsletter; Web site. Publications: 2004/2005 Biannual Report. Programs: Full-time school, grades 6-12; adven- Programs: Park land acquisition and park capital ture-based, experiential curriculum integrating improvement projects; collaboration with other outdoor and environmental education into aca- green groups; neighborhood partnership pro- demics; extensive field trips and domestic and gram; placement of commemorative benches and international travel; community service; nature commemorative trees within Houston-area studies and ethics; natural history, habitat, and parks. plant and native species studies; outdoor skills Speakers Bureau: Contact Roksan Okan-Vick, education including backpacking, primitive Trent Rondot (PowerPoint presentation). earth, canoeing/kayaking, scuba diving, and Children’s Activities: Playground For All Chil- more. dren at Hermann Park; development of tradi- Major Events: Annual Fall Backpacking Trip, tional and water playgrounds in various Sept/Oct; Annual Trip Abroad in Mar/Apr; Houston-area parks. Trash Bash & Beach Clean-up; Earth Day; Meeting Times: Fourth Tuesday of each month, Summer Outdoor Adventure Program, except July, Aug and Dec. June/July. Volunteer Opportunities: Adopt-A-Park. Children’s Activities: Summer programs for children ages 9 and up. Volunteer Opportunities: Fundraising, grant writing, clerical; tutors for students; volunteer teacher assistants.

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CEC Member Organizations

Houston Renewable Energy Houston Society for the Pre- Group (HREG) vention of Cruelty to Animals 809 Shirleen Drive (HSPCA) Seabrook, TX 77586 900 Portway Drive [email protected] Houston, Texas 77024 www.txses.org/hreg (713) 869-7722/fax: (713) 869-5857 [email protected] Mike Ewert, President (281) 483-9134 www.houstonspca.org [email protected] Amber Muster, Humane Education Chris Boyer, Vice-President Alice Sarmiento, Community Outreach Manager (281) 286-2714 Programs: The HSPCA offers free programs for Charlie Mauch, CEC Coordinator second-grade classes and higher. Programs edu- (713) 524-2492 cate children to be respectful, kind, and compas- [email protected] sionate toward all living things. Programs Purpose: HREG is a local chapter of the Texas available on domestic animals, pet overpopula- Solar Energy Society, with a mission to further tion, spaying and neutering, animal rights, the development of renewable energy and wildlife needs, and endangered species. Speak- related arts, sciences, and technologies, with ers, field trips on site, brochures, and mobile concern for the ecological, social, and economic adoptions are available. fabric of our community and state. Members Speakers Bureau: Please call for more information. support local events, host workshops, and in general work to educate the community on the benefits of renewable energy. Meeting Time: Last Sunday of Jan, Apr, July, Oct, 2 pm, at the TSU School of Technology. Volunteer Opportunities: Call or e-mail Mike Ewert.

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Houston Zoo, Inc. Hug-A-Habitat (affiliated 1513 North MacGregor Drive with Piney Woods Wildlife Houston, TX 77030 Society, Inc.) (713) 533-6500/fax: (713) 533-6802 2514 Bycreek [email protected] Houston, Texas 77068 www.houstonzoo.org (281) 444-0343 [email protected] Philip Cannon, President & CEO Karen Stockton, Pianist-storyteller Rick Barongi, Zoo Director Purpose: Outstanding nature photography is Tyler Ahnemann, Curator of Education choreographed to a live musical performance (713) 533-6553 and narration. These concerts deal with appreci- [email protected] ation and conservation of the natural world - as conceived by a concert pianist/naturalist. Kelly Zuniga, Development Director Programs: Multimedia live concerts with piano, Brian Hill, Director of Public Affairs singing, and storytelling performances, or nature (713) 533-6531 slide show. Enjoy The Wetlands, Local Lepi- [email protected] doptera, The Monarch Mystery, Big Thicket, Purpose: To provide a unique and inspirational Machu Picchu, or Texas Legends. Call for pricing. experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Publications: Wild Life members magazine, Zoo- fari News, annual report, conservation annual report, educational brochures. Programs: Lecture series, workshops for teachers, Wild Wink overnights, Night Prowl evening tours, Scout badge workshops, ZooMobile outreach and family programs, discovery and Wild Art classes, Spanish language classes, on-site school programs, Zoo camps. Call (713) 533-6550 for reservations. Major Events: Zoobilee (members’ annual event), Mar 5, 2005; Zoo Boo (annual Halloween event), Oct; Zoo Friends’ Ball/Family Picnic (alternating annual fundraising events); Winter Wild (annual winter holiday event), Dec. Speakers Bureau: Call Amy Sackett at (713) 533-6557. Children’s Activities: Visit the Zoo’s Web site for children’s classes and activities. Also, Children’s Zoo, Petting Zoo. Volunteer Opportunities: Many opportunities for teenagers and adults. For information call (713) 533-6532 or visit the Zoo’s Web site.

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CEC Member Organizations

International Center for the Jesse H. Jones Park & Solution of Environmental Nature Center Problems (ICSEP) 20634 Kenswick Drive 6000 Reims Road, Suite 4403 Humble, Texas 77338 Houston, Texas 77036-3056 (281) 446-8588/fax: (281) 446-8832 (713) 527-8711/fax: (713) 783-3651 (call first) [email protected] [email protected] www.cp4.hctx.net/jones www.icsep.com Darlene Conley, Director Joseph L. Goldman, Ph.D., C.C.M., Technical [email protected] Director Mike Howlett, Naturalist Purpose: To anticipate or detect environmental [email protected] problems and design and demonstrate their Purpose: Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a solutions using scientific methods in concert with 275-acre, Harris County Precinct 4 nature park dedi- nature. To provide environmental information. cated to environmental and natural history, educa- Publication: Newsletter; brochures. tion, wildlife conservation, and passive recreation. Speakers Bureau: Contact Joseph Goldman. Publications: Quarterly: The Parkscape - Harris County Precinct 4 parks. Monthly: The Cypress Major Events: Sustainable development and air Log - Jesse Jones Park volunteer newsletter. sampling workshops; Earth Day Celebration, Apr Programs: Jones Park offers a variety of guided Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Joseph Goldman. tours and free educational programs ranging from the lifestyles and customs of local early settlers to the environmental benefits of nature. Also, volun- teer Don Olhausen provides educational programs on moths and butterflies and cultivates specimens at Jones Park’s Butterfly Nursery. Major Events: Pioneer Day, Nov 5, 2005; Texas Heritage Day, Feb 19, 2005; NatureFest, Mar 5, 2005; An Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dec 3, 2005. Speakers Bureau: Our Web site features a yearly updat- ed “Outreach Directory.” Hard copies are also available. Children’s Activities: Summer Nature Camp - children 5-12 years old; Junior Conservation Coalition - ages 13- 15 years old; Tadpoles Club - ages 3-4; also, wide vari- ety of children’s programs throughout the year. Regular Meetings: Jesse Jones Park volunteers, last Monday of each month, 7 pm, at the nature center. Volunteer Opportunities: Many opportunities avail- able, such as Nature Trail Guide, Homestead Guide, Office Aide, Horticultural Aide, Arts and Crafts Teacher, just to name a few.

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Katy Prairie Conservancy Keep Houston Beautiful 3015 Richmond, Suite 230 5909 West Loop South, Suite 670 Houston, TX 77098-3114 Bellaire, Texas 77401 (713) 523-6135/fax: (713) 523-6145 P.O. Box 460648 [email protected] Houston, Texas 77056-8648 (713) 839-8855/fax: (713) 839-8880 www.katyprairie.org [email protected] Mary Anne Piacentini, Executive Director www.houstonbeautiful.org [email protected] Mrs. Robin Blut, Executive Director Shelly Pollock, Education Manager [email protected] [email protected] Purpose: To reduce litter, increase recycling, and Wesley Newman, Land Manager bring about a long-term improvement in atti- (936) 931-5564/fax: (936) 372-5028 tudes and trash-hauling habits. [email protected] Publications: Clean Neighborhoods Manual; City Purpose: To preserve a sustainable portion of of Houston Recycling & Neighborhood Cleanup the Katy Prairie for the benefit of its wildlife Handbook; Guide to Earth Quilt Gardens; Recy- and all Texans forever. cling Activity Book for Kids; A Guide to Creat- Speakers Bureau: Speakers available for com- ing Environmental Outdoor Learning Centers; munity, birding, nature, wildlife, school, and E-newsletter; Adopt-an-Esplanade Guide. outdoor groups. Programs: Adopt-A-Block Program; weekend Board Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month, cleanups; beautification projects; training work- 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Houston Environmental Center, shops. Suite 280. Major Events: Mayor’s Proud Partners Awards Major Events: Quarterly tours of the Katy Luncheon; Keep Houston Beautiful Day; Annu- Prairie; special events; educational field trips; al Keep 5 Alive Cleanup; Annual Bar Associa- annual meeting; viewing platform open to the tion Cleanup; Texas Recycles Day. public, at site 100 on the Great Texas Coastal Speakers Bureau: Robin Blut, (713) 839-8855. Birding Trail, Upper Texas Coast; Annual Christmas Bird Count on Jan 1. Children’s Activities: Little Kids’ Litter Party, Recycled Art Contest, and Clean Getaway. Volunteer Opportunities: Fundraising, adminis- trative, outdoor education, community out- Meeting Time: Quarterly meetings: Jan, Apr, reach, workdays, preserve maintenance, field Aug, Nov. Call for date, location and time. days. Volunteer Opportunities: Clean-up and beautifi- cation, clerical, artists, special event information booths.

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CEC Member Organizations

Kids Environmental Education Kids on the Bayou Project, Inc. (KEEP) P.O. Box 440490 P.O. Box 440490 Houston, TX 77244 Houston, TX 77244 (281) 759-8343/fax: (281) 759-8313 (281) 759-8343/fax: (281) 759-8313 [email protected] [email protected] Duncan A. Ragsdale, Program Coordinator Duncan A. Ragsdale, President Programs: Environmental educational programs (281) 759-8343 in the Houston area for K through College, with [email protected] an emphasis on bayous, urban watershed hydrol- Diane Kerr, Director of Programs ogy, non-point source pollution, and urban ecol- (832) 875-6343 ogy. Coordination of after school science [email protected] programs, service learning projects, field trips, presentations, professional development work- Rita Williams, Director shops, and schoolyard habitats. Kids on the Purpose: To teach, restore and preserve the rich- Bayou is affiliated with KEEP. ness of our environment through outreach to chil- dren, their parents and teachers, through schools and home schooling. Publications: Writings on Wildness, an essay and ten activities for children, published in the envi- ronmental supplement to Holt, Rinehart and Win- ston’s biology textbook. Programs: In partnership with Hermann Park Con- servancy, KEEP is responsible for teaching students and training teachers at the 80-acre Bayou Park- land facility on Almeda Road in Hermann Park. Also, KEEP offers after-school programs in several school districts in the Greater Houston area. Speakers Bureau: Call (281) 759-8343. Major Events: Environment in Education Confer- ences in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dal- las/Fort Worth; Summer Convocation of Youth Leaders. Meeting Time: For schedule, contact Duncan Ragsdale at (281) 759-8343. Children’s Activities: All activities, including day camps and service learning, are geared toward children, as well as their teachers, parents, men- tors, and youth leaders. Volunteer Opportunities: Teaching, service learn- ing and more. Please call for details.

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Kingwood College Science Leadership Houston, Inc. Outreach 3015 Richmond, Suite 290 20000 Kingwood Place Houston, Texas 77098 Kingwood, Texas 77339-3801 (713) 529-8392/fax: (713) 529-8394 (281) 312-1609/fax: (281) 312-1653 [email protected] [email protected] www.leadershiphouston.org www.kc.nhmccd.edu Purpose: Leadership Houston, founded in 1981, is a Brian Shmaefsky, Ph.D., Professor of Biology nonprofit community leadership organization dedi- cated to identifying and developing adult leaders Programs: Expert speakers on a variety of science top- representative of the greater Houston area. Each ics, K through 12 programs, and science workshops. year, Leadership Houston selects a class of existing Topics: acid rain, biotechnology, forensic science, food and emerging leaders, who are trained throughout microbiology, habitat measurements, horticulture, pol- the year to better understand and address the com- lution, and population ecology. Project and science fair plex issues facing the Houston area and enhance judging, career and health fair speakers. their leadership skills. Class members are selected Speakers Bureau: Speakers and workshops avail- based on their involvement and commitment to able. Please call for more information. their communities. Publications: The Leader, quarterly newsletter. Programs: Undergraduate –10-month program; alumni events; luncheons. Major Events: Leadership Houston Gala; Leader- ship in Action Awards. Children’s Activities: Youth Leadership Forum, May. Volunteer Opportunities: Help with gala activities, other volunteer opportunities.

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League of Women Voters of Legacy Land Trust the Houston Area P.O. Box 980816 2650 Fountain View Drive, Suite 328 Houston, Texas 77098-0816 Houston, Texas 77057-7631 (713) 524-2100/fax: (713) 524-2100 (713) 784-2923/fax: (713) 784-2984 [email protected] [email protected] www.llt.org www.lwvhouston.org Jennifer Lorenz, Executive Director Judy Hollinger, President [email protected] (713) 665-4458 Bill Turner, Chairman [email protected] [email protected] Carolyn Mata, Natural Resource Coordinator Purpose: Legacy Land Trust conserves open Purpose: To encourage the informed and active space with wildlife habitat, aesthetic, ecological, participation of citizens in government and to educational and recreational values throughout influence public policy through education and the 13-county Houston area. advocacy. Publications: www.llt.org. Publications: Monthly newsletter; voters guide Programs: Annual surveys on permanently pro- before each election; voters key every Feb; video tected properties. As of 2005, 11 conservation documentary on Houston government; video on easements totaling more than 2,000 acres have Harris County government. been completed. Speakers Bureau: Contact Lula Blake at Major Events: “Take A Walk on the Wild Side” (713) 780-0250. event at the Montgomery County Preserve, with Meeting Time: Monthly forums sept through naturalist-guided tours through the 71-acre pre- May, free and open to the public, on various pub- serve in Spring, TX. lic policy issues. Contact LWV office at (713) Speakers Bureau: Contact office to schedule. 784-2923. Children’s Activities: Butterfly counts; nature Volunteer Opportunities: Assist in office with walks to learn to identify mushrooms, trees, voter information and with research and advocacy birds, and other aspects of nature. around program issues; call office. Meeting Time: Third Wednesday of every month. Volunteer Opportunities: Flora and fauna identi- fication, inventory of properties, legal assistance with conservation easements, and removal of invasive plant species.

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Memorial Park Conservancy Mercer Arboretum & P.O. Box 131024 Botanic Gardens Houston, Texas 77219 22306 Aldine Westfield Road (713) 863-8403 Humble, Texas 77338 [email protected] (281) 443-8731/fax: (281) 443-6078 www.memorialparkconservancy.org [email protected] Peter Tyler, Executive Director www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer Purpose: The Memorial Park Conservancy is Greg Harmison, Program Manager dedicated to the preservation of the native (281) 443-8731 habitat of Memorial Park for future genera- [email protected] tions; to public use, enjoyment, and education Purpose: To establish and maintain a versatile in accordance with the conditions of the con- botanical facility for Houston and the greater Gulf veyance to the city by the Hogg family; and to Coast region, serving the general public, the horti- the on-going support of the Houston Parks culture industry, and the scientific community. Department. Publication: Quarterly newsletter, Parkscape, Speakers Bureau: Contact Peter Tyler for more published by Harris County Precinct 4 Parks. information. Programs: Various education programs offered Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Peter Tyler throughout the year focused on gardening and for more information. plant related topics. Major Events: March Mart plant sale, Mar 18-19, 2005; summer plant sale in June. Children’s Activities: In the works. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are an essential part of Mercer and are involved in all aspects of the gardens including gardening, teach- ing, fundraising, and guiding tours. Volunteers donate thousands of hours to Mercer each year.

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METRO (Metropolitan Transit Mothers for Clean Air Authority) Environmental 3100 Richmond, Suite 309 Planning Houston, Texas 77098 1201 Louisiana (713) 526-0110/fax: (713) 526-0550 Houston, TX 77208-1429 [email protected] P.O. Box 61429 www.mothersforcleanair.org Houston, Texas 77208-1429 Jane Laping, Executive Director (713) 739-4000/fax: (713) 739-6963 [email protected] www.ridemetro.org Sharon Braiteh, School Health Coordinator Frank Wilson, President & CEO [email protected] (713) 739-4000/fax: (713) 739-6963 Polly Ledvina, Vice-President Rhonda Boyer, Manager, Environmental Plan- (713) 524-4578 ning [email protected] (713) 739-6836/fax: (713) 739-4081 Purpose: To educate ourselves and the public [email protected] concerning Houston-Galveston air quality and Barbara Ogilvie, Director, Capital & Environ- its effects on health; to encourage participation mental Planning in learning about air quality; to do what we can (713) 739-4684/fax: (713) 739-4081 as a community to prevent air pollution and Purpose: To provide public transportation to reduce exposure, particularly of children. the 1,280-square-mile region encompassing Publications: Clearing the Air, quarterly newslet- Houston and its surrounding suburbs. ter; e-mail list. Speakers Bureau: Ernest Chou (713) 739- Major Events: Tour of Houston Ship Channel on 4888/fax: (713) 739-3815. M.V. Sam Houston - first Sunday in Nov. Meeting Time: Board of Directors meeting Children’s Activities: Ozone Theater - an inter- fourth Thursday of the month, 9 am, at 1201 active activity that teaches K-2 and grades 3-5 Louisiana, 16th floor. about air pollution. Speakers Bureau: Jane Laping, (713) 526-0110. Volunteer Opportunities: Jane Laping, (713) 526-0110. Volunteers are needed for a vari- ety of tasks including staffing booths at special events and health fairs, and helping with chil- dren’s activities. Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.

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Native Plant Society of Natural Legacy Texas: Houston Chapter P.O. Box 541125 P. O. Box 131254 Houston, Texas 77254-1125 Houston, TX 77219-1254 (713) 696-1336/fax: (713) 696-1340 [email protected] www.naturallegacy.com www.npsot.org Lisa Caruthers, Executive Director Linda Knowles, Secretary [email protected] Glenn Olsen, Public Relations Chairperson Michael Barone, Chairman of the Board (281) 345-4151 Purpose: Natural Legacy is a community-based Purpose: To promote conservation, research, organization focused on building the awareness and utilization of native plants and plant habi- and knowledge of youth in the areas of land tats of Texas that attract birds and butterflies stewardship, nature education, and creative use through education, outreach, and example. of space. We provide youth with hands-on expe- riences in their surrounding natural environment Publications: A bi-monthly newsletter address- while allowing them to be artistically expressive. ing plant and habitat issues across the state. A Through its work, Natural Legacy educates quarterly newsletter covering native plants of youth, enhances landscapes, and establishes a the Houston area, as well as the activities and base for a stronger community. projects of the Houston chapter. Programs: Year-long in-residence and after- Programs: Our monthly meetings host speakers school environmental art and nature awareness who present and discuss various topics, includ- programs that are community based. We also ing landscaping with native plants, trees, com- lead youth land stewardship projects and out- posting, and habitat gardening. door field experiences. Major Events: WildScapes: Landscaping with Speakers Bureau: Contact office. Native Plants to Attract Wildlife, a workshop devoted to educational issues related to habitat Children’s Activities: Student Environmental Art gardening; includes a native plant sale and Council (high school); School Nature and Art nature related books. Annual Symposium, a Programs (elementary and middle school). symposium with various programs discussing Community Activities: Partner with community native plants and plant habitats across the state. organizations to create neighborhood landscapes Speakers Bureau: Contact Glenn Olsen. that promote environmental education, art, and beneficial areas for wildlife. Meeting Time: Meetings are at 7 pm, the third Thursday of the month (Feb - Nov) at Houston Volunteer Opportunities: Please call for informa- Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr. tion. Volunteers needed for program instruction, development, leading field experiences, and out- Volunteer Opportunities: Plant rescues, Mead- door nature center construction. ow Project, school habitat programs.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 67 CEC Member Organizations

The Nature Conservancy Nature Discovery Center 1724-B Sunset Blvd. 7112 Newcastle Houston, Texas 77005 Bellaire, TX 77401 (713) 524-6459/fax: (713) 533-0803 (713) 667-6550/fax: (713) 667-7654 [email protected] [email protected] www.nature.org www.naturediscoverycenter.org Carter Smith, State Director Jenni Malone, Executive Director (210) 224-8774 [email protected] [email protected] Jeni Howell, Administrative Assistant Calene Lebeau [email protected] (713) 524-6459 Anne Eisner, Outreach Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Niki McDaniel, Director of Communications Purpose: To develop, in children and adults, life-long (210) 224-8774 curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature. [email protected] Publications: Quarterly newsletter; Nature At Your Purpose: To preserve the plants, animals, and Doorstep: Real World Investigations for PriMary natural communities that represent the diversi- Students (book); Birds of Russ Pitman Park (pam- ty of life on Earth by protecting the lands and phlet); Discovery Trail Guide (pamphlet). waters they need to survive. Programs: School field-trip programs, teacher work- Publications: Quarterly national magazine. shops, children’s classes, in-service day camps and Major Events: Annual luncheon. summer day camps, adult lectures, birding walks, adult and family wildlife watching field trips, interac- Speakers Bureau: Speakers available; please tive exhibit rental, outreaches, birthday parties. call. Major Events: Family events: Earth Day (Mar 5); Children’s Activities: Educational programs at Spring Fling (Apr 16); Pumpkin Patch (Oct); Holiday preserves around the state. Call for details. Market (Nov 28 - Dec 15). Adult events: Bellaire Volunteer Opportunities: Various events and Home Tour (Apr); Tom Koch/Don Nelson Open Golf office support. Call the office. Tourn. (spring); Twilight in the Park (Oct). Speakers Bureau: J. Malone, A. Eisner, M. Beauchemin. Children’s Activities: Discovery Rooms, Tue – Fri, 12 - 5:30 pm; Story Time Wed, 1 and 4 pm; Nature Detectives (ages 3-5), Eco-Explorers (ages 5-10); Scout programs. Regular Meetings: Adult Lecture Series (free), first Wed of the month, 7 pm; Board of Directors Meet- ing, third Tue of the month, 7 pm. Volunteer Opportunities: School field trip guide; Discovery Room docent; special event activity sta- tions; gardening and park maintenance; day camp counselors (teens).

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Nature Heritage Society Nature to Go! P.O. Box 330594 4226 Manorfield Drive Houston, Texas 77233-0594 Seabrook, Texas 77586 (713) 738-8016/fax: (713) 738-8017 (281) 474-5732 [email protected] [email protected] Glenn S. Miller, Executive Director Margaret Frick, Speaker JaMar Lang, Program Instructor Programs: Presentations are a dynamic mix of Shirley Thomas, Office Manager slides, video, live animals, and hands-on activi- ties. Programs are available for groups of all Purpose: To increase natural heritage opportu- ages. Programs include bats, snakes, bugs, or nities in urban and rural communities and to customized programs. Speaker specializes in provide professional services related to natural interactive, activity-based learning. Call for pric- science education in public schools. ing. Also offers consultations in the areas of Projects: Management of programs conducted environmental education, science education, and for Houston ISD, Houston Parks Department, outdoor activities for elementary and intermedi- Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Forest Service, ate schools and other organizations. U.S. Forest Service, and other local and national affiliations, including environmental education- curriculum development, water conservation projects, and urban forestry projects. Programs: Nature in-reach to neighborhoods, environmental scholars partnerships; nature teachers; Urban Doves (for women); We Are Nature (for Youth and Adults); Naturetum Site partnerships. Major Events: American Naturetum Confer- ence, Feb. Children’s Activities: After-school Environmental Education Programs (for grades K-12); We Are Nature Programs (for children and families). Volunteer Activities: Project Learning Forest guides - for tours of nature centers and parks. Nature Service Corps - service learning for youth and adults. Please call for details on these and other volunteer opportunities.

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CEC Member Organizations

Outdoor Nature Club The Park People, Inc. 2007 Wilderness Point Drive 3015 Richmond, Suite 210 Kingwood, Texas 77339-2238 Houston, TX 77098 (281) 358-5407 P.O. Box 980863 www.OutdoorNatureClub.org Houston, Texas 77098-0863 (713) 942-PARK (7275)/fax: (713) 942-8429 Calvin Blakley, President [email protected] [email protected] www.parkpeople.org Charles Smith, Executive Vice President (713) 977-5730 Glenda Barrett, Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] Mary Dodson, Conservation Vice President Anne Thobae, Director of Development (713) 974-3089 [email protected] [email protected] Anne Moriniere, Director of Administration Purpose: To cooperate in the enjoyment and [email protected] study of nature; to further conservation of nat- Purpose: Working with the city, county, state, ural resources and foster interest in them, and and community to preserve, enhance, increase, to work toward the establishment and mainte- and celebrate area parks and green space; speak- nance of natural sanctuaries and preserves. ing out when parks are threatened; planting Publications: Newsletter, Nature Notes; trees and wildflowers across the Houston area; ornithology group newsletter, The Spoonbill; initiating park preservation programs. yearbook with activity calendar. Publications: The Park People Leaflet (quarter- Speakers Bureau: Dick Whanger, Education ly), Harris County TreeRegistry 2005, and Memo- Outreach Chairman (713) 723-0858. rial Park: A Priceless Legacy by Sarah Emmott. Major Events: Monthly field trip; monthly sub- group meetings and field trips. Monthly open Programs: People to the Parks excursions in house with camping at the 650-acre Little spring and fall; wildflower and tree plantings in Thicket Nature Sanctuary near Evergreen, TX. fall and winter. Meeting Time: Second Thursday, 7:30 pm, Speakers Bureau: Contact Glenda Barrett. Sept-May at Bayland Community Center, Major Events: A Green Tie Affair annual 6400 Bissonnet. awards dinner, Apr; “An Evening at the IMAX” Children’s Activities: Birding field trips. party, fall; annual meeting, fall. Volunteer Opportunities: Through membership. Volunteer Opportunities: Project planning, spe- cial events, tree and wildflower planting, and administrative support.

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Piney Woods Wildlife Planned Parenthood of Houston Society, Inc. and Southeast Texas, Inc. P.O. Box 189 3601 Fannin Spring, Texas 77383-0189 Houston, Texas 77004-3998 fax: (713) 522-9047 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/piney- [email protected] woodswildlifesociety/ www.pphouston.org Kathy Coward, President (281) 893-1816 Peter J. Durkin, President and CEO [email protected] (713) 522-6240 Carole Allen, First Vice President Rebecca White, Senior Vice President, Commu- (281) 444-6204 nity Services [email protected] (713) 522-6363 Purpose: A nonprofit organization for people Larissa Lindsay, Web site Manager interested in nature and dedicated to the study (713) 522-6363 and protection of the environment. Elena Marks, Board Chair Publication: Monthly newsletter, The Pine Warbler. Purpose: To ensure the right and ability of all Speakers Bureau: Carlos Hernandez individuals to manage their sexual and reproduc- (281) 878-5558. tive health by providing health services, educa- tion and advocacy. Major Events: Monthly field trips; Spring Creek Christmas bird count; Jesse H. Jones Park Publications: Newsletter; annual report. winter bird count. Speakers Bureau: Larissa Lindsay, (713) 522- Meeting Time: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6363, online requests at www.pphouston.org. Sept-May, 7:30 pm, Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Major Events: Luncheon to commemorate Roe Aldine Westfield Rd., Houston. Free and open vs. Wade decision, Jan; tennis tournament, to the public. spring; fall fundraiser. Family/Community Education: Counseling, sex- uality education, and world population pro- grams. Call Meryl Cohen, VP for Education, (713) 522-6363. Volunteer Opportunities: Assistance needed in the clinics, library, school programs, also in clinic defense and in public affairs. Call Sylvia LeBlanc, Director of Volunteers, (713) 522-6363.

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Rice Design Alliance Safe Water Foundation Linda Sylvan, Executive Director of Texas 6100 Main Street, Anderson Hall, Room 149 Martha Bevis Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005 11419 Shadow Way (713) 348-4876/fax: (713) 348-5924 Houston, Texas 77024-5234 [email protected] (713) 461-6048 www.rda.rice.edu Purpose: To provide scientific and medical liter- Barbara Amelio, President-Elect ature research on fluoride; to interact with Debner + Company national grassroots organizations and with scien- 2000 Bering, Suite 100 tists in fluoride research; to promote education Houston, TX 77057 on fluoride toxicity and accumulation, fluorida- tion, and increasing fluoride in the food and bev- Sara Tovar erage chain, and other sources of fluoride (713) 348-4876 exposure. [email protected] Publications: Information about fluoride and Carrie Rushing, Program Administrator fluoridation. (713) 348-5583 [email protected] Purpose: Dedicated to the advancement of architecture, urban design, and the built envi- ronment in the Houston region through educa- tional programs, the publication of Cite, and active programs to initiate physical improve- ments. By sponsoring lectures, seminars, sym- posia, exhibits, and tours, RDA seeks to involve the public. Publication: Cite: The Architecture and Design Review of Houston, published quarterly. Major Events: RDA Spring 2005 Lecture Series, Built Brazil, Jan-Feb, 2005; RDA Annu- al Architecture Tour, Apr 2-3, 2005; Rice Design Alliance Hometown Tours; RDA Gala; more events to be announced later. Volunteer Opportunities: Docents needed for annual spring house tour, RDA fall gala, and other events.

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SCENIC GALVESTON, Inc. SCENIC HOUSTON An Affiliate of SCENIC TEXAS, Inc. & Scenic A chapter of SCENIC TEXAS, Inc. America Friends of the Estuary Networking Guild 3015 Richmond, Suite 220 20 Colony Park Circle Houston, Texas 77098 Galveston, Texas 77551 (713) 629-0481/fax: (713) 629-0485 Phone: (409) 744-7431 or (979) 234-2096 Deborah January-Bevers, Executive Director fax: (409) 744-1456 or (979) 234-7131 [email protected] [email protected] Purpose: To preserve and enhance the scenic www.scenicgalveston.org character of Houston’s visual environment, Evangeline Whorton, Executive Board Chairman through public policy advocacy and improve- Lalise L.W. Mason, Habitat Restoration ment projects. (713) 664-1870 Publications: Scenic Views newsletter, legislative [email protected] alerts as needed, brochures, articles. Leo Reitan, Long-Range Planning Speakers Bureau: Contact Deborah January- (281) 482-4369 Bevers Richard C. Kirkpatrick, Vice-Chairman Meeting Times: To be announced. (409) 739-9096 Volunteer Opportunities: Young Friends Initia- [email protected] tives, Scenic Action network, assisting with spe- Purpose: Dedicated as scenic habitat conservation cial events, outreach. Contact the office for more preserves, Scenic Galveston’s mission is perma- information. nent protection and restoration of its 900-acre John M. O’Quinn I-45 estuarial corridor and the contiguous 1500 acres of undeveloped coastal habitat on the Virginia Point peninsula. Publications: Regular updates and project news to members, volunteers, agency partners, and Estuary Friends. Major Events: SG wetlands work days, 2nd Thurs- days, 3rd Saturdays; plant/bird/water quality moni- toring; regular estuary and Virginia Point clean-ups; Trash Bash each spring, partnering with GLO. Children’s Activities: Developing Susan McGuf- fey’s “Little Peoples” educational marsh off the I- 45 corridor to the east of the Santa Fe overpass bridge. Limited marsh planting and related oppor- tunities for older youth groups. Volunteer Opportunities: Estuary work days; students, birding groups, paddlers and others engaged in non-intrusive public use.

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CEC Member Organizations

Sheldon Lake Environmental Sierra Club—Houston Learning Center, Sheldon Regional Group Lake State Park P.O. Box 3021 15315 Beaumont Highway at Park Road 138 Houston, Texas 77253-3021; Club line: (713) 895-9309 Houston, Texas 77049 http://lonestar.sierraclub.org/houston (281) 456-2800/fax: (281) 456-8456 www.sierraclub.org www.tpwd.state.tx.us Evelyn Merz, Executive Committee Chair Tom Olson, Education Director (713) 664-8228 [email protected] [email protected] Robert Comstock, Superintendent Frank Blake, Conservation Chair [email protected] Purpose: A 2800-acre natural preserve domi- nated by the 1200-acre Sheldon Lake. George Batten, Newsletter Liaison [email protected] Programs: Educational programs on natural (713)665-1505 history, wetlands habitats, pond ecology, fish- [email protected] ing, canoeing, composting, and native plant gardening. Field trip site, conservation pro- Purpose: To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild gramming and nature walks are available. places of the earth; to practice and promote the Texas Wildscape Demonstration Garden pro- responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and vides information and ideas on landscaping for resources; to educate and enlist humanity to pro- wildlife. tect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives. Publications: Bayou Banner, monthly (call for free copy); Web site. Major Events: Ongoing trips, workshops, out- ings, and classes; Yard Sale, spring; Annual Auc- tion, at Dec meeting; and political endorsements for elections. Meeting Time: First Thursday, 7:30 pm, Central Presbyterian Church, 3788 Richmond @ Timmons. Children’s Activities: Inner City Outings pro- gram. Contact Lorraine Gibson at [email protected] for local and state outings opportunities for children and teens. Volunteer Opportunities: Conservation issues such as sprawl, air quality and forestry; Political Committee endorsements; legislative issues and letter writing; trail maintenance on Lone Star Hiking Trail (2nd Sat each month); training for leading outings; training for Inner City Outings Program. Call (713) 895-9309.

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Spay-Neuter Assistance Surfrider Foundation, Program, Inc. (SNAP) Texas Chapter P.O. Box 70286 P. O. Box 563 Houston, TX 77270 Liberty, TX 77575 (713) 862-3863/fax: (713) 880-3172 www.surfrider.org/texas [email protected] John Lumley, Chairman www.snapus.org (281) 794-0020 Sean Hawkins, Founder & CEO [email protected] [email protected] Terry HallMark, Vice Chairman Shelly Bingle, Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] Ellis Pickett, Secretary Maggi Jones, Public Relations (713) 906-3940 (713) 524-7626 [email protected] Purpose: To stop the destruction of healthy Purpose: The protection and enjoyment of the dogs and cats by increasing the availability and state’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, use of animal sterilization services. This will be through conservation, activism, research and accomplished by: 1) Performing high-quality education. sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats to pre- Publications: Making Waves, monthly; State of vent homeless animals from being born. 2) the Beach, annually. Educating the public about dog and cat over- population, sterilization programs, and respon- Programs: Blue Water Task Force - beach water sible animal stewardship. 3) Making wellness monitoring; Reach the Beach - educational pro- services available to dogs and cats to promote gram on beach ecology, erosion and coastal the health and well-being of animals and peo- issues for schools and civic groups; Beachscape, ple. 4) Providing exemplary services by caring, coastal mapping program. friendly, and professional staff, free of charge Major Events: Surf Stomp, annual spring for financially disadvantaged families and at fundraiser; Beach Bash, annual fall fundraiser, reduced cost for the general public through Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program, spring and fall; clinic facilities. Earth Day Festival, Apr; Westheimer Street Fes- Publications: Quarterly newsletter, The SNAP tival. Review, for members. Meeting Time: Monthly, from Jan to Oct, with a Major Events: SNAP Gala in Sept. presentation by a speaker each month. Check Web site for date, time, and place. Speakers Bureau: Contact Shelly Bingle at (713) 862-3863 or e-mail [email protected]. Volunteer Opportunities: Contact volunteer coordinator through www.surfrider.org/texas. Volunteer Opportunities: Register at www.sna- pus.org to receive e-mail newsletter with cur- rent volunteer opportunities.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 75 CEC Member Organizations

Texans for Alternatives to Texas Master Naturalist, Gulf Pesticides (TAP) Coast Chapter 3015 Richmond, Suite 270 3033 Bear Creek Drive Houston, Texas 77098 Houston, Texas 77084 (713) 523-2827 (281) 855-5600/Fax: (281) 855-5638 [email protected] [email protected] www.nopesticides.org gcmn.tamu.edu Charlotte Wells, Executive Director Teri MacArthur, Information Officer (713) 523-2827 Purpose: The Texas Master Naturalist Program is [email protected] jointly sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife and Gordon Waggett, Esq., President Texas Cooperative Extension of Texas A&M. All (713) 961-4641 members have completed training and volunteer [email protected] hours to achieve certification as Master Natural- Brad Hendricks, Board Member ists. Certified volunteers are available to speak to (713) 867-0378 community groups, organizations, and to assist in [email protected] projects that promote preservation or restoration of natural habitats. Purpose: Pesticides are a threat to our health and the environment. Many city and county municipalities, schools, civic associations, com- mercial pest-control companies, landscaping companies, and private citizens are using haz- ardous pesticides, which have been linked to cancer, neurological problems, birth defects, and reproductive disorders. Infants and chil- dren are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticides, yet approximately 90 percent of all Americans use pesticides – over 2 billion lbs. per year. The primary mission of TAP is to educate consumers and policymakers to the health risks of pesticides and to encourage the use of alternatives in urban environments. Publications: Recipes for Alternatives to Pesticides, a CD Rom of safe alternatives and how to use them; newsletter for members. Speakers Bureau: Call for information. Volunteer Opportunities: Speakers bureau, liaisons with schools, special events.

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Texas Public Interest Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Research Group (TexPIRG) Coalition, Inc. 3100 Richmond, Ste 309 595 Wycliffe Houston, TX 77098 Houston, TX 77079 (713) 480-6630/fax: (512) 479-0400 P.O. Box 19030 [email protected] Houston, Texas 77224 www.texpirg.org (713) 468-8972/fax: (713) 468-8282 Bill Blome, Field Organizer www.twrc-houston.org (713) 933-2252 Pamela Heard, President, Board of Directors [email protected] Dawn Archer, Vice President, Board of Directors Luke Metzger, Advocate Janice Naae, Database Coordinator (512) 479-7287 [email protected] Purpose: To promote environmental conserva- tion through public education and rehabilitation Stephanie Gros, Field Organizer of native Texas wildlife. [email protected] Publications: Creature Comforts, a newsletter for Purpose: TexPIRG is an advocate for the public Friends of TWRC, and Wildlife Review, a interest. TexPIRG speaks up and takes action newsletter for volunteers and the general public. when consumers are cheated, the natural envi- ronment is threatened, or the voices of ordinary Programs: Educational programs offered to citizens are drowned out by special interest lob- TWRC volunteers and rehabilitators. byists. TexPIRG uncovers threats to public Major Events: Annual IWRC Basic and health and well-being and fights to end them, Advanced Skills classes. using the tools of investigative research, media exposes, grassroots organizing, advocacy, and Speakers Bureau: Lecturers available to educate litigation. TexPIRG’s mission is to deliver per- groups, clubs, and organizations concerning a sistent, result-oriented, public interest activism variety of wildlife subjects. that protects our environment, encourages a Volunteer Opportunities: Assist with day-to-day fair, sustainable economy, and fosters respon- shelter functions; rehabilitate wildlife in your sive, democratic government. home. Publications: Newsletter, three times a year; Web site www.texpirg.org; e-mail alerts, weekly. Major Events: Texas Environmental Leadership Conference.

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CEC Member Organizations

Trees for Houston The Trust for Public Land 3100 Weslayan, Suite 305 1113 Vine Street, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77027 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 840-8733/fax: (713) 840-8734 (713) 226-7200/fax: (713) 226-7229 [email protected] www.tpl.org www.treesforhouston.org Linda Shead, Program Director Kathy Lord, Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] Anjali Kaul, State Development Director David R. Graham, President 815 Brazos Street, Suite 400 Michael M. (Mack) Fowler, Chairman Austin, TX 78701 Purpose: Dedicated to the orderly and orga- (512) 478-4644 nized planting of street trees along residential Purpose: To conserve land for people to and commercial thoroughfares in Houston. improve the quality of life in our communities Publications: Monthly TreE-mail online and to protect our natural and historic resources newsletter; quarterly newsletter; Annual for future generations. TPL works with individu- Report; and the Web site, www.treesforhous- als, agencies, and nonprofit organizations ton.org. throughout the greater Houston/Galveston Bay area to identify and evaluate properties that may Programs: Tree Planting; Trees for Schools; be conserved for open space. TPL provides tech- Urban ForesTree Keeper classes (adult). nical, planning, programming, and grant-writing Major Events: Arbor Day Awards, Jan; Root assistance to help build the capacity of local gov- Ball, Apr; Annual Meeting, May. ernments to acquire, protect, or restore these valuable lands and improve the quality of life in Speakers Bureau: Kathy Lord. local communities. Children’s Activities: School presentations for Publications: Land & People, a semi-annual third and fourth grades. national magazine; The Trust for Public Land – Volunteer Opportunities: Tree planting; taking Texas, a state newsletter. educational programs into Houston schools; Programs: Galveston Bay Land Conservation special projects. Initiative; Conservation Finance (public). Speakers Bureau: Call the office. Volunteer Opportunities: Call the office.

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Urban Harvest White Oak Bayou 1900 Kane Street Association Houston, TX 77007 P.O. Box 920510 (713) 880-5540/fax: (713) 880-5545 Houston, TX 77292-0510 [email protected] (713) 864-3008 www.urbanharvest.org Fred Lazare, President Bob Randall, Ph.D., Executive Director 1015 Grovewood [email protected] Houston, Texas 77008 Laurel Smith, Ph.D., President (713) 880-9376 [email protected] Jim Mackey, Vice President Gary Edmondson, Dir., School & Youth Garden Services 6002 De Lange [email protected] Houston, Texas 77092 (713) 683-8075 Kara Masharani, Volunteer and Outreach Coord. [email protected] Teresa Matlock, Treasurer 2105 Gostick Street Purpose: To build communities from the ground up by Houston, Texas 77008 promoting ecologically sustainable urban land use and (713) 864-3008 horticultural practices to grow food and reduce hunger. Purpose: A nonprofit citizens’ organization dedi- Publications: Quarterly newsletter; gardening cated to preserving, restoring, and maintaining books, including Year Round Vegetables, Fruits natural wildlife habitats along the bayou. and Flowers for Metro Houston by Bob Randall, Ph.D.; and free pamphlets. Publication: Quarterly newsletter. Speakers Bureau: Organic education classes, approxi- Speakers Bureau: Bayou slide show and talk. mately 5 per month on organics, sustainable food gar- Meeting Time: Second Wednesday of the month, dening, and gardening for wildlife; How to Start a 7:30 pm, Heights Firehouse, Yale at 12th St. Community Garden class, twice monthly; and Perma- Volunteer Opportunities: Bayou clean-ups, tree culture classes on materials and energy conservation planting, bikeway development, Little Thicket using natural principles - see www.permaculture.org. park development. Major Events: Annual fruit tree sale, Jan; quarter- ly Community Gardens meetings, held in various gardens; periodic organic produce tastings; Fall Harvest Celebration, Nov; annual Fundraising Gala; weekly farmers’ market, Saturday, 8-noon, at 3100 Richmond. Children’s Activities: School gardens; outdoor classroom workshops for teachers; summer youth classes through MECA; and gardening instruction in the Old Sixth Ward Garden. Volunteer Opportunities: Building gardens, committee support, public outreach, clerical, garden-team support, and gardening at our Old Sixth Ward Garden. See Web site for detailed description of volunteer opportunities.

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Wildlife Rehab & Education Willow Waterhole Green- 2476 Bolsover, PMB 340 space Conservancy, Inc. Houston, Texas 77005-2518 9407 Brown Leaf (713) 643-WILD (9453) Houston, Texas 77096 www.wrande.org (713) 479-2662/fax: (713) 479-2670 [email protected] Sharon Schmalz 951 Power Street www.wwgc.org League City, TX 77573 Howard Sacks, President (281) 332-8319 (713) 479-2662 [email protected] [email protected] Purpose: To provide care for injured and Ed O’Rourke, Treasurer orphaned native wild animals with the goal of (713) 664-4343 returning them to the wild, and to educate [email protected] those interested in native wildlife and the reha- Robert Schwartz, Recording Secretary bilitation process. (713) 723-7230 Publications: Quarterly newsletter, Wren; [email protected] annual report. Jay Broadfoot, Communications Director Speakers Bureau: Call Sharon Schmalz (713) 721-5256 (281) 332-8319. Can bring safe, non-releasable [email protected] wild animals, if appropriate. Purpose: To assist the partnership of the Harris Major Events: Educational seminar on wildlife County Flood Control District and the City of rehabilitation, oiled wildlife rehabilitation Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and workshops. others, in developing a major park in southwest Meeting Time: Cent/W – contact Sheryl Rogers at Houston. The park, with permanent lakes, will (713) 432-1359; S/E – 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 pm, be co-located with a large stormwater detention contact Sharon Schmalz at (281) 332-8319. site adjoining Willow Waterhole Bayou, part of a major flood control project on Brays Bayou. Children’s Activities: Children’s activity book, lectures in schools (all levels) and other youth Meeting Dates: There are usually meetings in groups. Call Sharon at (281) 332-8319. Apr and Nov. Please e-mail or check Web site for details. Volunteer Areas: Wildlife rehabilitation, speak- ers bureau, journalism, fundraising, publicity. Speakers Bureau: Call for details.

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The Woodlands GREEN (GrassRoots Education Envi- ronmental Network) P.O. Box 9934 The Woodlands, Texas 77387 (281) 210-3900 [email protected] www.thewoodlandsgreen.org Purpose: To educate the community concerning natural resource conservation, recycling, reduc- tion of solid waste, and responsible actions that protect the environment and its inhabitants. Publications: Newsletter and various lists: where to recycle, environmentally harmful products and less toxic, environmentally friend- ly alternatives, environmental books in the Montgomery County Library. Major Events: The Woodlands Earth Day in Apr; also co-sponsor Walk in the Woods Lecture Series (Feb-Apr and Aug-Oct). Meeting Time: Quarterly at WCSC, 8203 Mil- lennium Forest Drive. Contact Christina West (281) 292-5876 or see Web site. Children’s Activities: Earth Day festivities; school lectures. Volunteer Opportunities: Earth Day, education- al exhibits, docents, speakers, Earth Sculpture Project. Contact Lynne Aldrich at (281) 210-3926.

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Other Environmental Organizations

Other Environmental Organizations

American Society of Land- Harris County Soil and Water scape Architects: Conservation District Houston/Gulf Coast Section 10808 Huffmeister Road Chip Perry, ASLA Section-Chair Houston, Texas 77065 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 1290 (281) 469-7856/fax: (281) 469-7005 Houston, TX 77098 www.harriscoswcd.org (713) 523-7161 Houston Archeological www.asla.org Society (HAS) BikeHouston, Inc. 9330 Oratorio Court P.O. Box 25372 Houston, TX 77040 Houston, TX 77265-5372 (713) 983-8105 Bikeline: (713) 222-2453 (BIKE) www.houstonarcheology.org www.bikehouston.org Houston Bicycle Club, Inc. The Children’s Museum of P.O. Box 52752 Houston’s EcoStation Houston, Texas 77052 1500 Binz (713) 935-2810 Houston, Texas 77004 www.hbc.stevens.com (713) 522-1138 Houston Museum of www.cmhouston.org Natural Science Edith L. Moore One Hermann Circle Drive Nature Sanctuary Houston, Texas 77030-1799 440 Wilchester Boulevard (713) 639-4629/fax: (713) 639-4767 Houston, Texas 77079 www.hmns.org (713) 932-1639/fax: (713) 461-2911 Lone Star Wildlife Rescue, Inc. www.houstonaudubon.org P.O. Box 1194 Endangered Species Cypress, Texas 77410 Media Project (281) 356-9393 1813 Missouri Street www.lonestarwildlife.org Houston, Texas 77006 Mercer Arboretum & (713) 520-1985/fax: (713) 681-1622 Botanic Gardens www.bayoucitylive.com 22306 Aldine Westfield Road Gulf Coast Turtle and Humble, Texas 77338 Tortoise Society (GCTTS) (281) 443-8731/fax: (281) 443-6078 1227 Whitestone www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer Houston, Texas 77073 (281) 443-3383/fax: same www.gctts.org

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Other Environmental Organizations

Moody Gardens Upper Texas Coast Water- One Hope Boulevard Borne Education Center Galveston, Texas 77554 P.O. Box 9 (800) 582-4673/fax: (409) 683-4929 Anahuac, Texas 77514 www.moodygardens.org (409) 267-3547/fax: (409) 267-3758 Newsom’s Wildlife Company Vegetarian Society P.O. Box 2027 of Houston New Caney, Texas 77357 2476 Bolsover, # 231 (281) 399-1686/fax: (281) 399-1419 Houston, Texas 77005-2518 [email protected] Voice Mail: (713) 880-1055 www.newsomswildlife.com www.vshouston.org Returned Peace Corps Volunteers—Gulf Coast Chapter P.O. Box 980393 Houston, Texas 77098-0393 (713) 779-7525 www.peacecorps.gov River Oaks Garden Club 2503 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77098-1321 (713) 523-2483/fax: (713) 523-4306 www.riveroaksgardenclub.org Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center 3997 River Drive Houston, Texas 77017 (713) 640-2407/fax: (713) 640-8473 Texas Association of Environmental Professionals 5090 Richmond Avenue #432 Houston, Texas 77056 www.taep.org Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 4700 Avenue U, Building # 303 Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 741-4338/fax: (409) 741-4321 www.tmmsn.org

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 83 84 CEC Environmental Resource Guide Key Regional Agencies

Key Agencies in the Houston/Galveston Region

Government Agen- United States Coast Guard cies Marine Safety Office United States Army Corps of Houston-Galveston Engineers Galveston District MSO Houston - Galveston Post Office Box 1229 P.O. Box 446 Galveston, TX 77553-1229 Galena Park, TX 77547-0446 (713) 671-5100 www.swg.usace.army.mil www.uscg.mil/d8/mso/hougal Public Affairs: (409) 766-3004 Description: Addresses oil spills, spill preven- Galveston District Regulatory Branch: tion, hazardous material releases into navigable (409) 766-3930 waters, shipping regulations, and environmental Description: Broad oversight of land use and protection in coastal waters. Also inspects mer- development in the Gulf Coast region; more chant vessels for compliance with US and inter- specifically, handles permits for development in national regulations. wetlands as well as attendant compliance mat- Provides custom programs with speakers for ters. The Corps regulates work (e.g.,dredging) groups of all ages. For more information, contact and structures (piers, boathouses, etc.) in the Ed Mosley. Please allow at least four weeks to navigable waters within the bay system of the request a presentation. Gulf Coast.

85 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

Key Regional Agencies

United States Fish United States Environmental & Wildlife Service Protection Agency 17629 El Camino Real, Suite 211 www.epa.gov Houston, Texas 77058 Region 6 (281) 286-8282 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 (281) 488-5882 (fax) Dallas, Texas 75202 [email protected] (888) 884-2478 www.fws.gov (214) 665-6444 Description: Several traveling trunks include www.epa.gov/earth1rg6 everything from slide programs, publications, Houston Office curriculum, and specimens available to school 10625 Fallstone Road groups. Biologists work with area schools to Houston, Texas 77099 develop schoolyard habitats. Contact Ron (281) 983-2100 Jones, Wildlife Biologist. Description: Dedicated to the improvement and City of Houston preservation of the quality of the environment; For a complete listing of departmental numbers the protection of human health and the produc- for the City of Houston, please refer to tivity of natural resources on which all human pages 89-90. activity depends; and the implementation and enforcement of federal environmental laws.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 86

Key Regional Agencies

Harris County Cooperative Harris County Flood Extension—Cylinder Gardens Control District Outreach & Ecology Education Michael D. Talbott, P.E., Director 2 Abercrombie Drive 9900 Northwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77084 Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: (281) 855-5600 Main Number: (713) 684-4000 fax: (281) 855-5638 fax: (713) 684-4102 Citizens’ Service: (713) 684-4197 http://harris-tx.tamu.edu Environmental Services: (713) 684-4124 Description: Cylinder Gardens class, offered by Federal Projects: (713) 684-4040 volunteer groups, targets third-graders, providing www.hcfcd.org individual gardens for each student, and teaches leadership through observing and investigating. [email protected] Ecology education is part of the learning. Description: The District’s mission is to devise the county-wide flood damage reduction plan, implement the plan and maintain the infrastruc- ture – with appropriate regard for community and natural values. The district strives to assimi- late best management practices into the design, construction, and maintenance of projects so that each is designed for minimal environmental impact and maximum public acceptance and environmental quality. Because the District can- not fund activities not related to flood damage reduction, the District actively seeks partner- ships to facilitate multi-use of lands and conservation objectives.

87 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

Key Regional Agencies

Harris-Galveston Coastal Better Business Bureau Subsidence District Environmental Program Ronald Neighbors, General Manager 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200 1660 West Bay Area Blvd. Houston, Texas 77027 Friendswood, Texas 77546 (713) 868-9500 Phone: (281) 486-1105 (713) 867-4947 (fax) fax: (281) 218-3700 [email protected] www.subsidence.org www.bbbhou.org [email protected] Description: The BBB has launched a new envi- Description: Controls and issues water well per- ronmental program that invites interested per- mits for Harris and Galveston Counties and sons from Houston area businesses to join offers information on subsidence. together to share successful environmental poli- cies and strategies, develop environmental tips for homeowners and businesses, discuss environ- mental crisis management techniques, and dis- cuss ways to self-regulate business practices that impact the environment. For more information, contact Bo Wittman.

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Area City Departments

Area City Departments

City of Houston District I Carol Alvarado www.ci.houston.tx.us (713) 247-2011 Area City Departments fax: (713) 247-3067 City of Houston At-Large www.cityofhouston.gov Position 1 Mark Ellis (713) 247-2014 Mayor: Bill White fax: (713) 247-3519 P.O. Box 1562, Houston, TX 77251-1562 Position 2 Gordon Quan 901 Bagby St., City Hall Annex, 3rd floor (713) 247-2013 (713) 247-2200/fax: (713) 247-1067 fax: (713) 247-2580 [email protected] Position 3 Shelley Sekula-Gibbs www.ci.houston.tx.us/citygovt/mayor (713) 247-2005 Office of Environmental Policy fax: (713) 247-3322 Pamela Berger, Ph.D., (713) 437-6168 Position 4 Ronald C. Green Council Members (713) 247-2012 District A Toni Lawrence fax: (713) 247-1424 (713) 247-2010 Position 5 Michael Berry fax: (713) 247-1858 (713) 247-2006 District B Carol Mims Galloway fax: (713) 247-2998 (713) 247-2009 Address for all members: 900 Bagby / City fax: (713) 247-2707 Hall Annex/First Floor / Houston, TX 77002 District C Mark Goldberg E-mail for all members: first initial.last (713) 247-2004 [email protected] fax: (713) 247-3322 Controller: Annise D. Parker District D Ada Edwards [email protected], (713) 247-1440 (713) 247-2001 fax: (713) 247-2196 City Secretary: Anna Russell, (713) 247-1840 District E Addie Wiseman Citizen’s Assistance Office: (713) 247-2907 (713) 247-2008 City Council meetings are conducted on Tues- fax: (713) 247-3322 days at 2:00 pm and Wednesdays at District F M.J. Khan 9:00 am each week. (713) 247-2002 fax: (713) 247-1851 Any citizen may speak before Council on a District G Pam Holm Tuesday beginning at 2:00 pm To reserve time (713) 247-2007 to address City Council (up to three minutes), fax: (713) 247-3250 contact the City Secretary's office prior to the commencement of the meeting. All Council District H Adrian Garcia meetings are open to the public. (713) 247-2003 fax: (713) 247-1252 City Switchboard: (713) 247-1000 Houston Service Center: 311

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 89

Area City Departments

Houston Departments Recycling Health and Human Services Westpark Consumer Recycling Center Filing Complaints/Air Quality (outdoor) 5900 Westpark and Information, (713) 640-4200 Solid Waste Management Air Pollution Index/Air Pollution Record- Main Phone, (713) 837-9103 ing, (713) 640-4358 Recycling, 311 Daily Pollen/Mold Spore Count, Heavy Trash, 311 (713) 247-5846 Household Hazardous Waste, (713) 551-7355 Mosquito Control, (713) 440-4800 Residential Electronic Scrap Recycling, Animal Control, (281) 999-3191 (713) 551-7355 Occupational Health and Radiation Control, Illegal Dumping, 311 (713) 640-4359 City of Baytown Restaurant Inspection, (713) 794-9200 www.baytown.org Brownfields Coordinator, (713) 837-9020 Mayor: Calvin Mundinger Housing and Community Development P.O. Box 424 Community Development, (713) 868-8300 Baytown, TX 77522-0424 Housing Authority, (713) 260-0500 Street: 2401 Market St. Baytown, TX 77520 Parks and Recreation (281) 420-6501 General Information, (713) 845-1101 City Clerk: Gary Smith Community Outreach, (713) 845-1000 (281) 420-6504 Forestry, (713) 867-0378 Council Members Park Special Events, (713) 437-6482 District 1 Mercedes Renteria Planning and Development (281) 420-6501 Main Phone, (713) 837-7701 District 2 Scott Sheley Police Department (281) 422-8008 General Information, (713) 308-1600 District 3 Vacant District 4 Don Murray Environmental Investigation Unit (report (281) 420-6501 illegal dumping or other environmental violations), (713) 525-2728, or 24 hours District 5 Ronnie Anderson (713) 222-3131 (281) 420-6501 Public Works and Engineering District 6 Sammy Mahan (281) 420-6501 Main Phone, (713) 837-0050 Water Quality Information, (713) 842-4000 City of Bellaire Mayor: Cynthia Seigel Water Conservation, (713) 837-0473 7008 S. Rice Ave. Ditch Cleaning/Storm Sewer Cleaning, Bellaire, TX 77401 (713) 837-0600 (713) 662-8222/ fax: (713) 662-8212 Status of City Water Wells, (713) 837-0600 Council Members Wastewater, (713) 641-9100 District 1 Phil Nauert Water Customer Service, (713) 371-1400 District 2 John F. Monday District 3 Peggy Faulk District 4 Debra M. Davidson

90 CEC Environmental Resource Guide Area City Departments

District 5 Pat McLaughlan City of Sugar Land District 6 John Jeffrey Mayor: David G. Wallace Bellaire Recycling Center P.O. Box 110 4400 Edith (at Newcastle) Sugar Land, TX 77487-0110 Bellaire, Texas 77401 (281) 275-2700/fax: (281) 275-2316 (713) 662-8173 Council Members [email protected] At Large 1 Thomas Abraham www.bellairerecycles.org (281) 275-2710 City of Conroe fax: (281) 275-2710 Mayor: Tommy Metcalf At Large 2 Daniel O. Wong P.O. Box 3066 Telephone (281) 275-2707 Conroe, TX 77305-3066 fax: (281) 275-2721 (936) 539-4431/fax: (936) 525-4777 District 1 Dennis C. Parmer Mayor ProTem: Jay Ross Martin (281) 275-2710 (936) 760-4607 fax: (281) 275-2710 City Council District 2 Cyril Hosley District 1 Pat George (281) 275-2710 (936) 760-4607 fax: (281) 275-2710 District 2 Webb Melder District 3 Russell C. Jones (936) 760-4607 (281) 275-2710 District 3 Duke Coon fax: (281) 275-2710 (936) 760-4607 District 4 Michael Schiff District 4 Jerry Streater (281) 275-2710 (936) 760-4607 fax: (281) 275-2710 City of Galveston City of West University Place Mayor: Lyda Ann Thomas Mayor: Burt Ballanfant P.O. Box 779 3800 West University Blvd. Galveston, TX 77553-0779 West University Place, TX 77005 (409) 797-3511 (713) 668-4441 fax: (713) 349-2705 Council Members Mayor ProTem: Steven Segal District 1 Patricia Bolton-Legg Council Members (409) 797-3510 District 1 Mike Farley District 2 Cornelia Harris-Banks District 2 Teresa Fogler (409) 797-3510 District 3 Steven Segal District 3 Joe Jaworski (409) 797-3510 District 4 Mike Woods District 4 Barbara Roberts West University Recycling Information (409) 797-3510 3826 Amherst West University Place, Texas 77005 District 5 Danny Weber (713) 662-5839 (409) 797-3510 West University Recycling Dropoff District 6 Jackie Cole Recycle Express (409) 797-3510 5004 Dincans Houston, Texas 77005

91 CEC Environmental Resource Guide 92 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

Area County Departments

Area County Departments

Austin County Chambers County www.austincounty.com www.co.chambers.tx.us General Information: (979) 865-5911 Environmental Health: (409) 267-8424 Carolyn Bilski, County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, County Judge One East Main 404 Washington St. Bellville, TX 77418 Anahuac, TX 77514 (979) 865-5911 x101/fax (979) 865-8786 (409) 267-8295/fax (409) 267-4453 Commissioner Pct 1: Harlan Schrader Commissioner Pct 1: Mark Huddleston (979) 865-2126/fax (979) 865-2674 (409) 296-8250/fax (409) 296-3228 Commissioner Pct 2: Wilbert Frank, Jr. Commissioner Pct 2: Judy Edmonds (979) 357-4780/fax (979) 357-4785 (409) 267-8345/fax (409) 267-6685 Commissioner Pct 3: James R. Duke Commissioner Pct 3: W.E. “Buddy” Irby (979) 885-3308/fax (979) 885-1201 (281) 576-2243/fax (281) 385-5635 Commissioner Pct 4: David Hubenak Commissioner Pct 4: Bill Wallace (979) 478-7121/fax (979) 478-7453 (281) 383-2011/fax (409) 573-1823 Brazoria County Colorado County www.brazoria-county.com www.rtis.com/reg/colorado-cty Environmental Health: (979) 864-1600 Emergency Management: (979) 733-0184 John Willy, County Judge Floodplain Coordinator: (979) 732-2435 111 Locust Health Department: (979) 732-3662 Angleton, TX 77515 A.G. “Al” Jamison (979) 864-1200/fax (979) 849-4655 P.O. Box 236 Commissioner Pct 1: Donald “Dude” Payne Columbus, TX 78934 (979) 265-3953/fax (979) 265-5409 (979) 732-2604/fax: (979) 732-9389 Commissioner Pct 2: Commissioner Pct 1: Doug Wessels James D. “Jim” Clawson (979) 234-2071/fax (979) 234-2071 (979) 863-1548/fax (979) 849-4837 Commissioner Pct 2: Herbie Helmcamp Commissioner Pct 3: Jack Harris (979) 725-8416/fax (979) 725-8416 (281) 331-3197/fax (281) 331-6586 Commissioner Pct 3: Tommy Hahn Commissioner Pct 4: Larry Stanley (979) 732-3270/fax (979) 732-3270 (979) 798-2158/fax (979) 798-4032 Commissioner Pct 4: Darrell Gertson (979) 234-2633/fax (979) 234-3832

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 93 Area County Departments

Fort Bend County Harris County www.co.fort-bend.tx.us www.co.harris.tx.us Environmental Health: (281) 342-7469 (713) 755-5000 Emergency Management: (281) 342-6185 Animal Control: (281) 999-3191 Robert E. “Bob” Hebert, County Judge Drinking Water: (713) 439-6266 301 Jackson St. Flood Control: (713) 684-4000 Richmond, TX 77469 Environmental Services: (713) 439-6270 (281) 342-3411/fax (281) 341-8609 Health Services: (713) 439-6000 Commissioner Pct 1: Tom D. Stavinoha (281) 344-9400/fax (281) 342-0587 Pollution Control: (713) 920-2831 Commissioner Pct 2: Grady Prestage Mosquito Control: (713) 440-4800 (281) 403-8000/fax (281) 403-8009 Robert Eckels, County Judge Commissioner Pct 3: W.A. “Andy” Meyers 1001 Preston (281) 494-1199/fax (281) 242-9060 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 755-4011/fax (713) 755-8379 Commissioner Pct 4: James Patterson (281) 980-2235/fax (281) 980-9077 Commissioner Pct 1: El Franco Lee (713) 755-6111/fax (713) 755-6114 Galveston County Commissioner Pct 2: Sylvia Garcia www.co.galveston.tx.us (713) 755-6220/fax (713) 755-8810 Environment/Consumer Health: Commissioner Pct 3: Steve Radack (409) 938-2300 (713) 755-6306/fax (713) 755-8928 Pollution Control: (409) 938-2251 Commissioner Pct 4: Jerry Eversole Environmental Services & Recycling Depart- (713) 755-6444/fax (713) 755-8801 ment: (409) 741-4639 Liberty County James D. Yarbrough, County Judge www.co.liberty.tx.us 722 Moody Galveston, TX 77550 General Information: (936) 336-4558 (409) 766-2244/fax (409) 766-2290 Lloyd Kirkham County Judge Commissioner Pct 1: Eddie Barr 1923 Sam Houston, Room 201 (409) 770-5333/fax (409) 770-5338 Liberty, TX 7757 (936) 336-4665/fax (936) 336-4640 Commissioner Pct 2: Eddie Janek (409) 925-8151/fax (409) 925-3556 Commissioner Pct 1: Todd Fontenot (936) 587-4922/fax (936) 587-5027 Commissioner Pct 3: Stephen Holmes (409) 770-5806/fax (409) 949-9144 Commissioner Pct 2: Lee Groce (281) 592-1172/fax (936) 298-9737 Commissioner Pct 4: Ken Clark (281) 316-8745/fax (409) 770-5249 Commissioner Pct 3: Melvin Hunt (281) 592-3571/fax (936) 593-0178 Commissioner Pct 4: Norman Brown (936) 258-5202/fax (936) 258-9685

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 94 Area County Departments

Matagorda County Commissioner Pct 3: www.co.matagorda.tx.us James “Buddy” Reynolds Environmental Health (979) 244-2717 (936) 295-7984/fax: (936) 730-1528 Greg B. Westmoreland, County Judge Commissioner Pct 4: Tim Paulsel 1700 Seventh Street (936) 344-6558/fax: (936) 344-0701 Bay City, TX 77414 Waller County (979) 244-7605/ fax (979) 245-3697 www.co.waller.tx.us Commissioner Pct 1 Mike Pruett Natural Resources Conservation Service: (979) 245-3914/fax (979) 245-2110 (979) 291-1901, ext 3 Commissioner Pct 2: George Deshotels City Office: (936) 372-3880 (979) 863-7861/fax (979) 863-2155 County Clerk: Cheryl Peters Commissioner Pct 3: Leonard Lamar (979) 826-7711 (361) 972-2719/fax (361) 972-6109 Owen Ralston, County Judge Commissioner Pct 4: Percy Carroll 836 Austin St. (361) 588-6866/fax (361) 588-7126 Hempstead, TX 77445 Montgomery County (979) 826-7700/fax (979) 826-7722 www.co.montgomery.tx.us Commissioner Pct 1: Leroy Singleton, Sr. Environmental Health: (936) 336-4558 (979) 826-2425/fax (979) 826-4441 Alan B. Sadler, County Judge Commissioner Pct 2: Frank Pokluda 300 N. Main (979) 372-3491/fax (979) 936-5206 Conroe, TX 77301 Commissioner Pct 3: Milton Whiting (936) 539-7812/fax (936) 760 6919 (713) 703-1571/no fax Commissioner Pct 1: Mike Meador Commissioner Pct 4: Louis Canales (936) 539-7815/ax (936) 539-7874 (281) 375-5231/fax (281) 934-3520 Commissioner Pct 2: Craig Doyal Wharton County (936) 539-7816/fax (936) 760-6954 www.co.wharton.tx.us Commissioner Pct 3: E.E. Chance Emergency Management: (979) 532-1123 (936) 539-7817/fax (281) 298-7321 John W. Murrile, County Judge Commissioner Pct 4: Ed Rinehart 309 East Milam (936) 521-8919/fax (936) 521-8918 Wharton, TX 77488 Walker County (979) 532-4612/fax (979) 532-1970 www.co.walker.tx.us Commissioner Pct 1: Mickey Reynolds Natural Resources Conservation Service: (979) 532-1991/fax (979) 532-6029 (936) 532-1123 Commissioner Pct 2: D.C. “Chris” King Danny Pierce, County Judge (979) 335-7541/fax (979) 335-6029 1100 University Ave. Commissioner Pct 3: Phillip Miller Huntsville, TX 77340 (979) 543-0091/fax (979) 543-0092 (936) 436-4910/fax (936) 436-4914 Commissioner Pct 4: Jimmy Kainer Commissioner Pct 1: B.J. Gaines (979) 543-3561/fax (979) 543-9062 (936) 295-3641/fax (936) 295-3641 Commissioner Pct 2: Robert Earl Autery (936) 295-6963/fax (936) 294-0761

95 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

State of Texas

Texas Elected Officials

Governor of Texas Capitol Address: www.governor.state.tx.us P.O. Box 12068 Rick Perry Austin, TX 78711 Office of the Governor Phone: (512) 463-0104 Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428 District Address: (512) 463-2000/fax: (512) 463-1849 P.O. Box 8069 Hotline: 1-800-252-9600 The Woodlands, TX 77387 Phone: (281) 364-9426 Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst Senate District 5 Capitol Station Steve Ogden (R) P.O. Box 12068 Capitol Office: CAP GE.4 Austin, Texas, 78711-2068 Capitol Address: (512) 463-0001/fax: (512) 463-0039 P.O. Box 12068 1-800-441-0373 Austin, TX 78711 The lieutenant governor serves as president Phone: (512) 463-0105 of the state senate. District Address: 7607 East Mark Dr., Ste. 241 Texas Senate College Station, TX 77840 (For 13-county region) Phone: (979) 694-2609 www.senate.state.tx.us Austin address for all state senators: Senate District 6 P. O. Box 12068 Mario Gallegos, Jr. (D) Austin, Texas 78711-2068 Capitol Office: EXT E1.804 Phone (512) 463-01+senator’s district number Capitol Address: fax: (512) 463-0326 P.O. Box 12068 e-mail: [email protected] Austin, TX 78711 Phone: (512) 463-0106 Texas State Senators District Address: Senate District 3 P.O. Box 41 Todd Staples (R) Galena Park, TX 77547 Capitol Office: EXT E1.808 Phone: (713) 678-8600 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068 Senate District 7 Austin, TX 78711 Jon Lindsay (R) Phone: (512) 463-0103 Capitol Office: EXT E1.704 District Address: Capitol Address: 504 E. Hodges St. P.O. Box 12068 Palestine, TX 75801 Austin, TX 78711 Phone: (903) 729-7717 Phone: (512) 463-0107 Senate District 4 District Address: Tommy Williams (R) 15531 Kuykendahl, Ste 251 Capitol Office: CAP GE.7 Houston, TX 77090 Phone: (281) 583-1011

96 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

State of Texas

Senate District 11 Senate District 18 Mike Jackson (R) Kenneth Armbrister (D) Capitol Office: EXT E1.806 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068 P.O. Box 12068 Austin, TX 78711 Austin, TX 78711 Phone: (512) 463-0118 Phone: (512) 463-0111 District Address: District Address: 3205 E. Mockingbird 1109 Fairmont Parkway Victoria, TX 77904 Pasadena, TX 77504 Phone: (361) 572-8061 Phone: (713) 948-0111 Environmentally Important Senate District 13 Senate Committees Rodney Ellis (D) Capitol Office: CAP 3E.6 Health and Human Services Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068 P.O. Box 12068 Capitol Station Austin, TX 78711 Austin, Texas 78711 Phone: (512) 463-0113 (512) 463-0112 District Address: Jane Nelson, Chair 440 Louisiana, Ste 575 Natural Resources Houston, TX 77002 P.O. Box 12068 (713) 236-0306 Capitol Station Senate District 15 Austin, Texas 78711 John Whitmire (D) (512) 463-0118 Capitol Office: CAP 1E.13 Kenneth L. Armbrister, Chair Capitol Address: Texas State Representatives P.O. Box 12068 Austin contact information for all representatives: Austin, TX 78711 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0115 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: Phone: (512) 463-0600 803 Yale e-mail: [email protected] Houston, TX 77007 Phone: (713) 864-8701 Speaker of the House Tom Craddick (R) Senate District 17 Capitol Office: CAP 2W.13 Kyle Janek (R) Capitol Phone: (512) 463-1000 Capitol Office: CAP 3E.16 District Address: 500 West Texas, Ste 880 Capitol Address: Midland, TX 79701 P.O. Box 12068 District Phone: (432) 682-3000 Austin, TX 78711 Phone: (512) 463-0117 House District 13 District Address: Lois W. Kolkhorst (R) 7777 Southwest Freeway, Ste 102 Capitol Office: EXT E1.510 Houston, TX 77074 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (713) 272-8929 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0600 District Address:

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State of Texas

P.O. Box 1867 Livingston, TX 77351 Brenham, TX 77834 Phone: (936) 327-5181 Phone: (979) 251-7888 House District 23 House District 15 Craig Eiland (D) Rob Eissler (R) Capitol Office: E1.204 Capitol Office: EXT E1.314 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0502 Phone: (512) 463-0797 District Address: District Address: 8419 E.F. Lowery Expressway P.O. Box 1110 Texas City, TX 77591 Magnolia, TX 77353 Phone: (409) 938-0656 Phone : (281) 252-8692 House District 24 Larry Taylor (R) House District 16 Capitol Office: EXT E2.714 Ruben W. Hope (R) Capitol Address: Capitol Office: EXT E2.310 P.O. Box 2910 Capitol Address: Austin, TX 78768 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0729 Austin, TX 78768 District Office: Phone: (512) 463-0726 174 Calder Road, Ste. 116 District Address: League City, TX 77573 2040 Loop 336 West, Ste. 116 Phone: (281) 338-0924 Conroe, TX 77304 Phone: (936) 539-4622 House District 25 Dennis Bonnen (D) House District 17 Capitol Office: EXT E2.602 Robert L. “Robby” Cook (D) Capitol Address: Capitol Office: EXT E2.204 P.O. Box 2910 Capitol Address: Austin, TX 78768 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0564 Austin, TX 78768 District Office: Phone: (512) 463-0682 122 E. Myrtle District Address: Angleton, TX 77515 P.O. Box 217 Phone: (979) 848-1770 Eagle Lake, TX 77434 House District 26 Phone: (979) 234-2493 Charlie Howard (R) House District 18 Capitol Office: EXT E2.306 John Otto (R) Capitol Address: Capitol Office: EXT E1.418 P.O. Box 2910 Capitol Address: Austin, TX 78768 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0710 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: Phone: (512) 463-0570 13401 Southwest Fwy. District Office: Sugar Land, TX 77478 101 W. Church, Ste. 005 Phone: (281) 565-9500

98 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of Texas

House District 27 House District 127 Dora F. Olivo (D) Joe Crabb (R) Capitol Office: EXT E2.806 Capitol Office: CAP 1N.7 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0494 Phone: (512) 463-0520 District Address: District Address: P.O. Box 2130 1110 Kingwood Dr., #200 Missouri City, TX 77459 Kingwood, TX 77339 Phone: (281) 208-8806 Phone: (281) 359-1270 House District 28 House District 128 Glenn Hegar (R) Wayne Smith (R) Capitol Office: EXT E2.506 Capitol Office: EXT E2.810 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0657 Phone: (512) 463-0733 District Address: District Address: P.O. Box 1008 Lee College, Rundell Hall #111, 511 S. Katy, TX 77492 Whiting St. Phone: (281) 391-8883 Baytown, TX 77520 Phone: (832) 556-2002 House District 29 Glenda Dawson (R) House District 129 Capitol Office: EXT E2.312 John E. Davis (R) Capitol Address: Capitol Office: EXT E2.610 P.O. Box 2910 Capitol Address: Austin, TX 78768 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0707 Austin, TX 78768 District Office: Phone: (512) 463-0734 2404 Grand Blvd., Ste. 130 District Address: Pearland, TX 77581 1350 NASA Rd. 1, #212 Phone: (281) 412-9438 Houston, TX 77058 Phone: (281) 333-1350 House District 126 Peggy Hamric (R) House District 130 Capitol Office: CAP GW.7 Corbin Van Arsdale (R) Capitol Address: Capitol Office: EXT E1.412 P.O. Box 2910 Capitol Address: Austin, TX 78768 P.O. Box 2910 Phone: (512) 463-0496 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: Phone: (512) 463-0661 7915 FM 1960 West #325 District Address: Houston, TX 77070 12777 Jones Road, Ste. 175 Phone: (281) 890-1200 Houston, TX 77070 Phone: (281) 469-9130

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 99 State of Texas

House District 131 House District 135 Ray Allen (R) Gary Elkins (R) Capitol Office: CAP GN.7 Capitol Office: EXT E1.408 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0694 Phone: (512) 463-0722 District Address: District Office: 5322 W. Belfort, Ste. 104 9601Jones Road, Ste. 215 Houston, TX 77035 Houston, TX 77065 Phone: (713) 885-0102 Phone: (832) 912-8380 House District 132 House District 136 William A. “Bill” Callegari (R) Beverly Woolley (R) Capitol Office: EXT E2.608 Capitol Office: EXT E1.404 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0528 Phone: (512) 463-0696 District Address: District Address: 1550 Foxlake Dr., Ste. 114 2200 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 625 Houston, TX 77084 Houston, TX 77056 Phone: (281) 578-8484 Phone: (713) 629-6313 House District 133 House District 137 Joe M. Nixon (R) Scott Hochberg (D) Capitol Office: CAP 4S.2 Capitol Office: CAP 4N.5 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0514 Phone: (512) 463-0492 District Address: District Address: P.O. Box 2910 7011 Harwin, Ste. 230 Austin, TX 78768 Houston, TX 77036 Phone: (713) 785-7373 Phone: (832) 252-7336 House District 134 House District 138 Martha Wong (R) Dwayne Bohac (R) Capitol Office: EXT E1.406 Capitol Office: EXT E2.414 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0389 Phone: (512) 463-0727 District Address: District Address: 3015 Richmond Ave., Ste. 190 2600 Gessner, Ste. 212 Houston, TX 77098 Houston, TX 77080 Phone: (713) 526-9664 Phone: (713) 460-2800

100 CEC Environmental Resource Guide State of Texas

House District 139 House District 143 Sylvester Turner (D) Joe E. Moreno (D) Capitol Office: CAP 1W.05 Capitol Office: EXT E1.212 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0554 Phone: (512) 463-0614 District Address: District Address: 6915 Antoine St., Ste. E 1026 Mercury Dr. Houston, TX 77091 Jacinto City, TX 77029 Phone: (713) 683-6363 Phone: (713) 675-8596 House District 140 House District 144 Kevin Bailey (D) Robert E. Talton (R) Capitol Office: CAP 1N.10 Capitol Office: CAP GW.6 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0924 Phone: (512) 463-0460 District Address: District Address: 507 Sam Houston Pkwy., #310 3622 Fairmont, TX 77504 Houston, TX 77060 Pasadena, TX 77504 Phone: (281) 847-9000 Phone: (281) 487-8818 House District 141 House District 145 Senfronia Thompson (D) Rick Noriega (D) Capitol Office: CAP 3S.6 Capitol Office: EXT E2.718 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0720 Phone: (512) 463-0732 District Address: District Address: 10527 Homestead Road 2900 Woodridge, Ste. 305, Chase Bank, Gulfgate Houston, TX 77016 Houston, TX 77087 Phone: (713) 633-3390 Phone: (713) 649-6563 House District 142 House District 146 Harold V. Dutton (D) Al Edwards (D) Capitol Office: CAP 1W.10 Capitol Office: CAP 1N.8 Capitol Address: Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0510 Phone: (512) 463-0518 District Address: District Address: 8799 N. Loop East, Ste. 305 4913 _ Griggs Road Houston, TX 77029 Houston, TX 77021 Phone: (713) 692-9192 Phone: (713) 741-8800

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State of Texas

House District 147 Environmentally Important Garnet F. Coleman (D) House Standing Committees Capitol Office: CAP GW.17 Address for all committees: Capitol Address: P. O. Box 2910 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78768 Austin, TX 78768 Agriculture and Livestock Phone: (512) 463-0524 (512) 463-0762 District Address: Richard "Rick" Hardcastle, Chair P.O. Box 88140 Energy Resources Houston, TX 77288 (512) 463-0774 Phone: (713) 520-5355 G.E. "Buddy" West, Chair House District 148 Environmental Regulation Jessica Cristina Farrar (D) (512) 463-0776 Capitol Office: CAP GW.4 Dennis Bonnen, Chair Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Natural Resources Austin, TX 78768 (512) 463-0802 Phone: (512) 463-0620 Robert Puente, Chair District Address: Public Health P.O. 30099 (512) 463-0806 Houston, TX 77249 Jamie Capelo, Chair Phone: (713) 691-6912 House District 149 Public Safety Hubert Vo (D) (512) 463-0849 Capitol Office: CAP E2.304 Transportation Capitol Address: (512) 463-0818 P.O. Box 2910 Mike Krusee, Chair Austin, TX 78768 Committee on Urban Affairs Phone: (512) 463-0568 (512) 463-9904 District Address: Robert Talton, Chair 7474 S. Kirkwood, Ste. 205 Houston, TX 77072 Phone: (281) 498-6343 House District 150 Debbie Riddle (R) Capitol Office: EXT E2.208 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 Phone: (512) 463-0572 District Address: 3648 FM 1960 West, Ste. 106 Houston, TX 77068 Phone: (281) 537-5252

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State of Texas

State Agencies Soil and Water Conservation Board www.state.tx.us/agency/agencies.html 311 North 5th Street Public Utility Commission Temple, Texas 76501 of Texas P. O. Box 658 www.puc.state.tx.us Temple, Texas 76503 (512) 936-7001 (254) 773-2250 or (800) 792-3485 fax: (254) 773-3311 Commissioners Barry Smitherman, Chair Description: Works in conjunction with local Julie Parsley soil and water conservation districts to Paul Hudson encourage the wise and productive use of the state’s soil and water resources by implement- Description: Regulates the electric utility ing the constitutional provisions and state and telecommunications industries, including laws relating to the conservation and protec- local exchange carriers and dominant long tion of our soil and related resources. distance carriers. Texas Attorney General Railroad Commission Greg Abbott of Texas 300 West 15th Street P. O. Box 12967 Austin, Texas 78701 Austin, Texas 78711-2967 (512) 463-2009/fax: (512) 463-2063 (512) 463-7288/fax: (512) 463-7161 www.oag.state.tx.us Victor Carrillo, Chair Write to: www.rrc.state.tx.us P.O. Box 12548 Houston District Office Austin, Texas 78711-2548 1706 Seamist Dr. Suite 501 [email protected] Houston, TX 77008-3135 (713) 869-5001/fax: (713) 869-9621 Natural Resources Division Description: Regulates railroads, terminals, P. O. Box 12548 wharves, express companies, and the oil and Austin, Texas 78711-2548 gas industry to prevent waste of resources (512) 463-2012/fax: (512) 320-0052 and to protect property rights and the envi- Description: Enforcement of environmental ronment; also regulates trucks and buses in and energy law. intrastate service. Houston Consumer Protection Office 808 Travis, Suite 300 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 223-5886/fax: (713) 223-5821 Description: Files lawsuits enforcing state law.

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State of Texas

Texas Department of Texas Forest Service Agriculture Headquarters 1700 N. Congress Ave. 301 Tarrow, Suite 364 Stephen F. Austin Building, 11th Floor College Station, Texas 77840-7896 Austin, Texas 78701 (979) 458-6640/fax: (979) 458-6610 www.agr.state.tx.us James B. Hull, Director and State Forester Commissioner, Susan Combs www.txforestservice.tamu.edu (512) 463-7476/fax: (512) 463-1104 Bayou Region Urban Forestry Program Gulf Coast Regional Office 2020 North Loop West, Suite 106 5425 Polk Houston, Texas 77018 Houston, Texas 77023 (713) 688-8931/fax: (713) 688-8947 (713) 921-8200/fax: (713) 666-6102 Mickey Merritt, Forester Regional Director, Jennifer Bailey Description: Provides statewide leadership Description: Regulates agricultural, horticul- and professional assistance to assure that the tural, and related industries, promoting the state's forest, tree, and related natural sale of Texas agricultural products. resources are wisely used, nurtured, protected, and perpetuated for the benefit of all Texans. Department of State Texas Forest Service, Jones State Forest Health Services 1328 FM 1488 Commissioner of Health Conroe, Texas 77384 Eduardo Sanchez (936) 273-2261/fax: (936) 273-2282 (512) 458-7375/fax: (512) 458-7477 John Warner, Urban District Forester www.dshs.state.tx.us [email protected] Houston Regional Office Programs: Experts speak to elementary 5425 Polk Ave., Suite J school age children on urban forestry and Houston, Texas 77023 related topics. Boy Scouts of America Description: Protects the health and safety of forestry pins and badge assistance. Programs the public and the environment of the state include urban forestry projects; nature walks, of Texas. insect diseases, and fire prevention. Texas Department of Texas General Land Office Transportation Stephen F. Austin Building 7901 North IH-35 1700 North Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78761-5426 Austin, Texas 78701-1496 (512) 832-7000 (512) 463-5001/fax: (512) 475-1558 www.dot.state.tx.us (800) 998-4GLO (4456) Local Office www.glo.state.tx.us 7721 Washington Avenue Commissioner, Jerry Patterson Houston, Texas 77007 (512) 463-5256 (713) 802-5000/fax: (713) 802-5400 Description: Manages the state’s interest in Gary K. Trietsch, PE, District Engineer 20.5 million acres of land. This includes bring- Description: Maintains state highways and ing in revenue from these lands and protect- registers automobiles. ing them to ensure viability for future generations. Also administers the Oil Spill Response Program.

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State of Texas

Adopt-A-Beach Program Texas Parks and Wildlife—Urban Program 1 (877)-TX-COAST (1(877) 892-6278 14320 Garrett Road http://www.glo.state.tx.us/adopt-a- Houston, Texas 77044 beach/about.html (281) 456-7029/fax: (281) 456-8216 Texas Commission on Environmental Diana Foss, Urban Biologist Quality (TCEQ) www.tpwd.state.tx.us P. O. Box 13087 Biologists primarily available for technical Austin, Texas 78711-3087 guidance concerning habitat development, (512) 239-1000 including schoolyard habitats. Occasional on- www.tceq.state.tx.us site educational programs include topics relat- Houston Office ing to bats, urban wildlife, and the use of 5425 Polk, Suite H native plants to attract wildlife. Biologists Houston, Texas 77023 offer information resources about Texas (713) 767-3500/fax: (713) 767-3520 non-game species. Description: Provides regulatory oversight Texas Water for the protection of air, water, and land Development Board resources in Texas from pollution. P. O. Box 13231, Capitol Station 1700 North Congress Avenue Texas Parks and Austin, Texas 78711-3231 Wildlife Department (512) 463-7847/fax: (512) 475-2053 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 www.twdb.state.tx.us (512) 389-4800 Houston Office www.tpwd.state.tx.us 3920 FM1960 West, Suite 330 Houston, TX 77068-3547 Description: Conservation of wildlife, parks, (281) 895-0722/fax: (281) 895-0724 waters, and all outdoors. Description: Considers financial assistance Texas Parks and Wildlife— requests for water supply, wastewater treat- Education Services ment (sewage), flood control, municipal solid (800) 792-1112/fax: (512) 389-8042 waste and agricultural projects. Linda Roe, Education Services Workshops include Hunter Safety Educa- tion, Boater Safety Education, Angler Edu- cation, Outdoor Woman, Project Wild, Aquatic Wild, and Electronic Field Trips. Additional programming focuses on outdoor, wildlife, and environmental education. Texas Parks and Wildlife—Hunter Education 1502 FM 517 E. Dickinson, Texas 77539 (281) 534-0126/fax: (281) 534-0122 www.tpwd.state.tx.us Heidi Rao, Specialist [email protected] Hunter education as well as presentations about native wildlife, tracks, pelts, and hunting safety.

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State of Texas

Texas Wildlife Damage Political Parties Management Service Box 29 Federal Building 2320 LaBranch Houston, Texas 77004 Democratic Party (713) 718-3841 of Harris County www.aphis.usda.gov Gerry Birnberg, Chair 1445 N. Loop West, Suite 110 Ryan McCreary, Wildlife Damage Manage- Houston, TX 77008 ment Biologist (713) 802-0085 [email protected] [email protected] Description: The largest wildlife damage www.hcdp.org management service in the United States. Created to help alleviate damage or other Harris County Green Party problems caused by or related to the pres- Organizing Committee ence of wildlife. Technical assistance and Nathalie Paravicini, Chair direct control are offered to help people P.O. Box 10497 solve problems with wildlife. Presentations Houston, Texas 77206-0497 available for groups interested in urban (713) 866-6285 wildlife. [email protected] www.harriscountygreenparty.org www.txgreen.org www.gp.org Libertarian Party of Texas Pat Dixon, Chair [email protected] PO Box 56426 Houston, TX 77256 (800) 422-1776 www.lptexas.org Republican Party of Harris County Jared Woodfill, Chair 3311 Richmond Avenue, Suite 218 Houston, TX 77098 (713) 838-7900/fax: (713) 838-7901 www.harriscountygop.com Texas Reform Party P. O. Box 126437 Fort Worth, Texas 76126 (817) 249-2751

106 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

Area Universities

Area Universities

Houston Baptist University Environmental Club 7502 Fondren Road Kevin Dudney Houston, Texas 77074 (713) 520-7157 Main Line: (281) 649-3000 [email protected] www.hbu.edu www.ruf.rice.edu/~enviclub College of Science and Mathematics Vegetarian Club Doris Warren, Dean Kevin Dudney (281) 649-3000 ext. 3013 (713) 520-7157 Department of Biology [email protected] Avin S. Brownlee, Chair www.ruf.rice.edu/~veggie (281) 649-3000 ext. 2382 University of St. Thomas Department of Chemistry 3800 Montrose Stephen H. Wentland, Chair Houston, Texas 77006 (281) 649-3000 ext. 2371 Main Line: (713) 522-7911 Department of Mathematics & Physics www.stthom.edu Ernest Pyle, Chair Biology Department (281) 649-3000 ext. 2495 Donald R. Frohlich, Chair Rice University (713) 525-3165 6100 Main Street [email protected] Houston, Texas 77005-1892 Chemistry Department Main Line: (713) 348-0000 Gerald L. Gries, Chair www.rice.edu (713) 525-2136 Department of Bioengineering [email protected] (713) 348-5869 Environmental Studies Department of Chemical Engineering Ravi Srinivas, Chair (713) 348-4902 (713) 525-3804 Civil and Environmental Engineering [email protected] Department South Texas College of Law (713) 348-4949 1303 San Jacinto Department of Earth Science Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 348-4880 Main Line: (713) 659-8040 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Depart- www.stcl.edu ment Environmental Law (713) 348-4919 Olga Moya, Chair Energy & Environmental Systems Institute (713) 646-1873 (Shell Center for Sustainability) (713) 348-4700 Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Recycling Coordinator Houston, Texas 77004 (713) 348-5272 Main Line: (713) 313-7011 Office of Student Activities www.tsu.edu (713) 348-4097

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 107 Area Universities

College of Science and Technology Department of Environmental Science (713) 313-7265 Theron Sage, Chair Biology Department (281) 283-3776 Desiree Jackson, Ph.D., Chair School of Computer Science (713) 313-1032 Alfredo Perez-Davila, Chair Chemistry Department (281) 283-3700 John Sapp, Ph.D., Chair School of Business & Public Administration (713) 313-7003 Environmental Management Program Environmental Toxicology Department Richard Allison, Ph.D., Director and John Sapp, Ph.D., Chair Professor of Environmental Management (713) 313-7003 (281) 283-3251 Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Environmental Justice Clinic Lisa B. Gossett, Ph.D., NAEP Faculty Chap- (713) 313-4455 ter Sponsor, Associate Professor & Program Chair of Environmental Management University of Houston— (281) 283-3257 Central Campus 4800 Calhoun University of Houston— Houston, Texas 77204 Downtown Main Line: (713) 743-2255 One Main Street www.uh.edu Houston, Texas 77002 Main Line: (713) 221-8000 Biochemistry and Biology Department Stewart Dryer, Chair www.dt.uh.edu (713) 743-2626 Engineering and Technology Department Chemical Engineering Department Alberto Gomez-Rivas, Ph.D., Chair Michael P. Harold, Chair (713) 221-8591 (713) 743-4300 Glen Merrill, Ph.D., Chair (713) 221-8168 Environmental Engineering Department Dr. Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan, Director Env. Science & Ecology Department (713) 743-4250 Glen Merrill Ph.D., Chair (713) 221-8168 Environmental Law Program Victor B. Flatt, Chair University of Texas School of Public Health (713) 743-2155 1200 Herman Pressler Blvd. Houston, Texas 77030 University of Houston— Main Line: (713) 500-9000 Clear Lake www.sph.uth.tmc.edu 2700 Bay Area Boulevard Environmental Sciences & Occupational Houston, Texas 77058 Health Department Main Line: (281) 283-7600 Irina Cech, Chair www.cl.uh.edu (713) 500-9227 Department of Biology Cynthia Howard, Chair (281) 283-3745 Department of Chemistry Ramiro Sanchez, Chair (281) 283-3782

108 CEC Environmental Resource Guide

Environmental Hotlines

Environmental Hotlines

Cancer Information Service Environmental Violations Hot National Institute of Health Line, Texas Commission on (800) 422-6237 Environmental Quality Provides information about cancer, and refer- (888) 777-3186 rals to proper sources for answers to questions. Texas residents can use this line to report environmental violations. They will be routed Chemtrec Center Non-emer- automatically to the closest TCEQ regional gency Services, Chemical office. Callers after business hours may leave Manufacturers Association a recorded message. (800) 262-8200 Provides referrals for regulatory, safety, and Harris County Pollution health, and general product information. Control Hotline (713) 920-2831 Chemtrec Emergency Hotline, This number can be used to report pollution Chemical Transportation incidents in Harris County. Emergency Center (800) 424-9300 Household Hazardous Waste Identifies unknown chemicals, advises con- Information Line, City of cerning response methods and procedures for Houston handling chemicals and situations, provides (713) 551-7355 help in contacting shippers, carriers, manu- Provides information about safe disposal and facturers, and product response teams. storage of household hazardous waste, as well as suggestions for less toxic products for City of Houston home and garden. Recycling Hotline 311 (in Houston) Keep Texas Beautiful www.ci.houston.tx.us (800) CLEANTX (253-2689) www.cityofhouston.gov Provides information about the 400 affiliates Answers questions about where and what to associated with Keep Texas Beautiful, a non- recycle. Provides information about Hous- profit organization focusing on various pro- ton’s curbside recycling program and drop- grams including recycling, teacher information, off locations. outreach training, and solid waste management. Consumer Product Safety Lone Star Notification Center Commission (800) 669-8344 or (713) 223-4567 (800) 638-2772 An underground-line locating service operated by Provides information about consumer safety the Utility Coordinating Committee. and guidelines for asbestos, formaldehyde, National Institute of lime, and air pollutants, as well as product Occupational Safety & Health, recall information. Centers for Disease Control (800) 356-4674 Provides information about topics such as air quality and work-place hazards.

CEC Environmental Resource Guide 109

Environmental Hotlines

National Pesticide Texas Environmental Hotline, Information Center Texas Commission on (800) 858-7378 Environmental Quality Provides information about pesticide prod- (800) CLEAN UP (253-2687) ucts, basic safety practices, health and envi- www.cleanup.org ronmental effects, as well as clean-up and Provides community-specific environmental disposal procedures. information on many topics, including recy- National Response Center Hotline, cling, composting, waste disposal, and air and United States Coast Guard water quality. (800) 424-8802 Texas Marine Mammal Allows individuals to report chemical spills Stranding Network and accidental releases of oil and hazardous (800) 9-MAMMAL (962-6625) substances. This number can be used to report stranded Oil Spill/Hazardous marine mammals along the Texas Gulf Coast. Materials Hotline, Texas Texas Smoking General Land Office Vehicle Program (800) 832-8224 (Polluting Car) Hotline This number can be used to report oil spills Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in the state of Texas. (800) 453-SMOG (7664) Poison Control Center, www.smokingvehicle.org Houston Allows individuals to report polluting vehicles (800) 222-1222 by giving the license number of the offending Gives advice for emergency treatment of vehicle. Information about how to curb excess poisoning, accidental ingestion, and inten- pollution is then sent to the vehicle’s owner. tional drug overdoses. Open 24 hours, seven USGS Information Clearing- days a week. house, United States Public Laws Update Service, Geological Survey Office of the Federal Register (888) ASK-USGS (275-8747) (202) 741-6043 www.ask.usgs.gov Lists pending public laws signed or vetoed Answers questions and sends materials to by the President. Updated as information interested persons about water resources becomes available. (including public drinking water), natural haz- Sea Turtle Hotline ards, biological resources, and other subjects. (866) TURTLE-5 (887-8535) EPA Hotlines and Special Call if you see a sea turtle, eggs, or hatch- Phone Numbers lings on the beach of the Texas Gulf Coast. Asbestos Information (for schools only) Soil & Water Conservation (202) 554-1404 Hotline, Soil and Water Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse, Conservation Society EPA Public Information Center (800) THE SOIL (843-7645) (800) 438-4318 Answers questions and sends materials to Provides information and materials about students and teachers interested in soil con- indoor air quality. servation and other environmental topics.

110 CEC Environmental Resource Guide Environmental Hotlines

EPA Region 6 Public Information Center Wetlands Information (800) 887-6063 Hotline www.epa.gov/earth1rg6 (800) 832-7828 Provides public information about EPA, its Provides information regarding wetlands pro- programs and activities, and offers a variety of tection, and offers instructions for reporting general, non-technical information materials. violators. Provides updates on legislation RCRA/Superfund Hotline regarding wetlands protection, and distributes (800) 424-9346 educational material upon request. Provides assistance to the public and regulat- FEMA Fraud ed community in understanding EPA’s regula- (800) 323-8603 tions and policy regarding RCRA, CERCLA, Federal Agency Information and underground storage tanks programs. (800) 688-988 Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/safewater Provides the public and the regulated commu- nity with information about the policies and regulations regarding the Safe Drinking Water Act and Amendments; also accepts requests for some drinking water publications. Small Business and Asbestos Ombudsman (800) 368-5888 Provides advice and information to small businesses about complying with EPA regu- lations and problems encountered by small- quantity generators of hazardous waste, and to other small businesses with environmental concerns. Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance, Information Service Hotline (202) 554-1404 Provides general and technical assistance concerning TSCA. Staff will help obtain guidance concerning TSCA regulations, including PCB and asbestos issues.

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