Galveston Bay Foundation

The Galveston Bay Foundation was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit organization to preserve, protect and enhance Galveston Bay - one of the world's most productive estuaries. Its balanced programs in advocacy, conservation, education, and research strive to ensure that Galveston Bay remains a beautiful and productive place for generations to come.

Visit http://www.galvbay.org

Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council

The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) is a community-based volunteer organization. It was formed in 2004 by a coalition of Galveston residents and with the support of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees and GMP, Inc. Over the years, the GINTC Board of Directors, Advisory Board and membership have expanded to represent a wide range of nature-related interests.

GINTC’s mission is to sponsor, support and develop nature-based educational and recreational activities, and promote the value of the natural habitats and resources of the Galveston area, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Galveston Island’s citizens and visitors.

Visit http://galvestonnaturetourism.org/

Galveston Island Tree Conservancy

In 2008, Hurricane Ike’s storm surge flooded much Galveston and destroyed 80 percent of the island’s tree canopy. Over 40,000 trees, many planted in the aftermath of the Great Storm of 1900, were destroyed. The storm created a stark landscape that greatly reduced the morale of our citizens. It also denied residents of the infrastructural benefits that urban forests provide: reduced storm runoff, cleaner air, improved water quality, shade and lower energy consumption. One senior US official described it as the worst loss of urban tree canopy in the nation’s history.

Although cutting down the Island’s trees was heartbreaking, most Galvestonians appreciated the removal of dead trees from their parks and streets. The creation of a Tree Committee by city council and the work of the new Galveston Island Tree Conservancy (GITC) set the stage for the development of a 5-yr. strategic plan.

Visit http://galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org/

Greater Houston Partnership

The principal objective of the Greater Houston Partnership, which traces its roots back to Houston's original Chamber of Commerce founded in 1840, is to build regional economic prosperity. The Partnership facilitates relocations and expansions in the Houston area; international outreach initiatives such as business development missions outside the U.S. and receiving foreign trade delegations; and strategic planning. The 10-county Houston region encompasses Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller counties.

Visit http://www.houston.org

Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition

Recreation. Economic development. Enhanced quality of life. These are the goals of the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition. Additionally, GBCC works to remediate flooding and other threats to the bayou for those who live within its reaches. From developing parks and trails to monitoring water quality, GBCC is the Greens Bayou advocate, bringing together individuals, organizations and public agencies to address the challenges and opportunities of the bayou.

A 501(c)3 organization, GBCC is funded by membership dues and grants. Volunteer committees in each section – or “reach” – of the bayou help determine the priorities and guide the projects of their respective areas.

Visit http://www.greensbayou.org/

Hermann Park Conservancy

Founded in 1992 as Friends of Hermann Park, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park – today and for generations to come. Through a public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy raises millions of dollars each year to enhance and maintain Hermann Park, one of Houston’s most historic and popular green spaces.

Through its successful working partnership with the City of Houston, the Conservancy raises funds and manages the design of projects to be undertaken in the Park, and then shares construction costs with the City. Thanks to the generous financial support of foundations, corporations, and individuals, the Conservancy has raised over $40 million for improvement projects in Hermann Park.

Besides raising funding for and managing impressive renovations, the Conservancy is also responsible for extensive reforestation efforts and maintenance initiatives in Hermann Park.

Visit http://hermannpark.org/

Houston Advanced Research Center

It is becoming more challenging to understand the complex relationship among society, technology and the natural environment. Our analysis has shown there is a lack of enough objective, applied research on the complex issues affecting our region to create permanent environmental and community improvement.  To accomplish its mission, HARC has adopted the sustainability science framework set out in the National Research Council's Our Common Journey. In this framework, the foundations of sustainability include biological, social, technological and geophysical systems research. A great deal of this knowledge and know-how already exists in these disciplines, but only a small fraction of it is currently being utilized by policy makers and other decision leaders. Two-way, dynamic processes are critical for transforming what one researcher or organization knows into something useful for the decision-making challenges and opportunities faced by others. This approach to sustainability must occur at a regional level so that stakeholders can be engaged and problems addressed.  HARC is well-positioned to fill a role demanded by scientific bodies, public officials and interest groups to provide the critical information required to promote sustainable development in our region. In its operating niche, HARC's role is to bridge the gap between basic research and technology commercialization, and basic science and policy implementation. In this role, HARC improves the flow of critical information and data in both directions between scientists and decision makers.  Related to its operating niche, HARC positions itself as a boundary organization. While remaining objective and non-partisan, a boundary organization promotes dialogue and cooperation between scientists who produce knowledge and the decision makers who use it. HARC is committed to sustainability, but is neutral regarding how, exactly, sustainability should be achieved. This grants our organization license to mediate among different viewpoints.

Visit http://harc.edu/

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world. This 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary provides education about the natural environment to Houstonians of all ages. It plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.

Visit http://houstonarboretum.org/

Houston Audubon Society

Houston Audubon is a chapter of National Audubon Society in an assigned 11-county area surrounding and including Houston. Its mission is to promote the conservation and appreciation of birds and wildlife habitat, which it accomplishes through acquiring and maintaining critical habitat as bird sanctuaries, education programs for children and adults, advocacy efforts, and land conservation projects. Its activities extend beyond Houston and its surrounding counties when necessary to accomplish a conservation purpose. Monthly membership meetings (September through May) are open to the public, as are most field trips and other activities. 

Visit http://houstonaudubon.org/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Houston Independent School District

HISD is the largest public school system in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. Its schools are dedicated to giving every student the best possible education through an intensive core curriculum and specialized, challenging instructional and career programs. Explore the links below to learn more about the district's history, purpose and goals, core ideology, and beliefs and visions. 

Visit http://houstonisd.org/HISDConnectDS/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=3e5608ae6b8fc010VgnVCM10000052147fa6RCRD

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world.

Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.  

Visit http://houstonzoo.org/

Houston-Galveston Area Council

H-GAC's mission is to serve as the instrument of local government cooperation, promoting the region's orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens.

H-GAC is governed by a Board of Directors composed of local elected officials who serve on the governing bodies of member local governments.  There are 35 members on the H GAC Board.

Visit http://www.h-gac.com/home/default.aspx

Katy Prairie Conservancy

The Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization focused on preserving at least 50,000 contiguous acres on the prairie. KPC is making significant progress toward this goal, with nearly 18,000 acres now protected – 13,000 acres through direct ownership and the remaining acreage through conservation easements, purchased development rights, and public ownership.

Visit http://katyprairie.org/

Matagorda County Birding Nature Center

Spanning 35 acres on the Colorado River, bird- and butterfly-watchers will love this breathtaking spot. Nature park includes an observation platform, nature trails, fishing piers, a wetlands area and pavilion. Six beautiful gardens help attract all kinds of bird and wildlife species.

Visit http://mcbnc.org/

Memorial Park Conservancy

Memorial Park Conservancy is engaged in a wide range of activities to preserve the park's native habitat, and at the same time, ensure the enjoyment of Memorial Park by the public. The Conservancy's 30-member volunteer Board of Directors works in partnership with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Houston Parks Board and other organizations. Houston City Council approved the park's Master Plan in 2004. The Conservancy is working to make the Master Plan a reality through fund raising, education programs and volunteer activities.

Memorial Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization funded with generous support from The Brown Foundation, Inc., Fondren Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., The Powell Foundation, The Wortham Foundation, numerous corporations and many individual contributors like you.

Visit http://memorialparkconservancy.org/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1