The University of Houston-Clear Lake established the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) to address issues of environmental concern. Since then, the institute has become a leader in building partnerships in research, education and outreach. EIH conducts and funds research on regional environmental issues. It encourages academic activities and public discussion on natural resource conservation, pollution prevention, public policy, and societal issues. EIH supports environmental solutions that balance environmental health and related social issues with economic well being.
EIH is making a difference through environmental education. EIH's environmental education goal is to increase the environmental literacy of the citizens of the greater Houston-Galveston area. EIH provides technical assistance and professional development opportunities for educators emphasizing environmental and science education. Educator workshops and credit courses are offered through public and private schools, higher education, nature centers, parks, and other environmental education providers.
The institute also provides the community with a source of knowledge oriented to the conservation of biodiversity and non-renewable and renewable resources. EIH offers research, consultation, workshops, technical assistance, internships, and access to environmental information to objectively expand the knowledge base of Houston's diverse communities. Currently, EIH supports and conducts research on a variety of environmental topics including wetland restoration, air quality, fisheries conservation, water quality, invasive species, environmental sociology and history.
The public outreach program includes the creation and dissemination of information via public presentations, educational displays, lay-language reports and environmental data analysis. EIH provides seminars and workshops to interested citizens and technical audiences on subjects ranging from air and water quality to environmental history. The EIH historian and GIS specialists work with local scientists and the public to help evaluate changes in landscape use and demographics and impacts on the local environment.
Partially funded by the Texas Legislature, research and outreach projects are also supported by grants from state and federal agencies and by donations from corporations, foundations and individuals. Many of the projects are made possible by the collaboration of a diverse group of partnership organizations from the public and private sectors.
