With so many cars on the road in the nation's fourth largest city, Houston epitomizes urban sprawl. But it's also home to some beautiful parks and people who care about preserving and protecting their surroundings.
These six young professionals groups offer a great way for environmentally-involved Houstonians to pool their efforts towards making the city a greener place to live and work. Plus it's fun to socialize and network with those with similar interests.
What do they do? Through social and educational events, this Buffalo Bayou Partership YP group works to protect and revitalize the city's oldest and greatest body of water — the Buffalo Bayou.
Perks: Regular happy hours and events, subscription to Bayou Currents monthly e-newsletter, two free passes to ride the BBP's pontoon boat and a discount on select merchandise.
Cost: $50
Upcoming events: Enjoy the YPO Volunteer Event with BBP's Bayou Buddies, BPA's HEROns and GBF's Cast on Sept. 20. Also mark your calendar for Yappy Hour (for you and your dog) on Sept. 25 where young professionals will learn more about the December 2014 grand opening of the Buffalo Bayou Park dog park located at Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard.
Flock, The Houston Zoo's Young Supporters
What do they do? For those who love the Houston Zoo or adore animals, this is a great way to get involved and show your support.
Perks: Flock members enjoy four exclusive events at the Zoo each year, including three cocktail parties and the annual Beastly Brunch.
Cost: $150
Upcoming events: ZooZa at Hotel ZaZa on Aug. 13 and a fall cocktail event on Oct. 30.
What do they do? A group of environmentally and community-conscious young Houstonians aid Trees For Houston in the reforestation of our city's urban spaces.
Perks: Free social events throughout the year and enjoy discounts to all Trees For Houston events.
Cost: $50
What do they do? Urban Green strives to inspire new generations of supporters of Hermann Park with volunteer opportunities and outreach events throughout the year.
Perks: Ten percent off merchandise in the Conservancy Gift Shop, 10 percent off orders in Pinewood Cafe , subscription to HPC Parkside Newsletter, Hermann Park Centennial T-shirt, two tickets to ride the Hermann Park railroad (free unlimited train rides on second Saturday of each month), $10 off tickets to Urban Green’s signature events per year , half off tickets to the Hermann Park Conservancy's signature events.
Cost: $50 single, $75 dual
What do they do? The HEROns join the Bayou Preservation Association in its mission to protect and restore the city's 22 area waterways through activism, advocacy, collaboration and education. And let's not forget the parties, like this summer's "Backyard Bayou Bash."
Perks: Complementary entrance to all Bayou HEROns’ events, reduced ticket prices to BPA events, Bayou alerts and group paddling trips on a Houston bayou.
Cost: $50
Upcoming event: Bayou clean-up project in the fall. Date and time to be determined.
What do they do? The US Green Building Council's Emerging Professionals (EP Houston) group includes individuals from various industries who are committed to becoming and educating future leaders of sustainability.
Perks: Educational events, green film series, volunteer events and monthly social/networking events.
Cost: $35
Upcoming event: The group is hosting an "Intimate Gathering" on the 49th floor of The Houston Club on Aug. 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Also a B-Cycle Eco-Scavenger Hunt is planned at a future date.
The Bayou HEROns gathered for a party earlier this summer.
