HARC

A new episode of Energy Crossroads is here!

How is Texas balancing reliability, economic growth, and sustainability in a rapidly changing energy landscape? And what role do energy efficiency, innovation, and infrastructure play in shaping the state’s future? ⚡

In this episode, Adam Mueller, Program Lead at the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts), joins host Marina Badoian-Kriticos, HARC’s VP of Strategic Initiatives, and guest co-host Dr. Erin Kinney, HARC’s Manager of Coastal Resilience and Communities, for a conversation on the opportunities and challenges shaping energy in Texas.

🎧 Tune in now: bit.ly/EnergyCrossroads

🌳 Growing Houston’s tree canopy takes collaboration and the next generation of environmental leaders.

Through the ForUsTree internship program in partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), local young people gain paid, hands-on experience in urban forestry, conservation, and green careers while helping improve communities across the region.

From learning how native trees are grown at TreeLife Farms to supporting planting and community engagement efforts, interns are exposed to the many career paths connected to environmental work, including science, horticulture, logistics, and more.

Thank you to our partners at Student Conservation Association and TreeLife Farms for helping create meaningful opportunities for Houston’s future environmental stewards 💚

Learn more about ForUsTree forustreehtx.org

A sweet sign of progress at HARC!

Our friends at Alvéole recently completed a hive inspection and spotted a capped honey frame, an encouraging sign that our campus bee colony is thriving. 🍯

As the bees stay busy throughout the season, they're doing more than making honey. Pollinators play a critical role in supporting healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and resilient landscapes.

We're excited to continue supporting these tiny but mighty workers and sharing updates from the hive. 🌼

Learn more about HARC’s bees: https://bit.ly/HARCBees

“I got to see the students I work with everyday step into leadership roles and really shine.” — Gemma Rodriguez 🌳

As an environmental education intern with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), Gemma Rodriguez supported urban forestry and community engagement efforts through the ForUsTree partnership led by HARC.

One of her favorite moments during the internship was coordinating a tree planting event at Endeavour High School, where students helped lead the effort alongside volunteers and community members. Through the experience, Gemma was able to build strong relationships with students and help create opportunities for them to grow their confidence, leadership skills, and connection to their community.

Programs like ForUsTree not only help expand Houston’s tree canopy, but also empower young people to become environmental leaders in their own neighborhoods. 🏠🌳

Learn more about ForUsTree at forustreehtx.org

Is LID really taking off in Houston? 🌧️🌱

In these clips from HARC’s recent virtual LID event, panelists Isham Khan ( Greenrise Technologies), Steven Johnston ( Houston-Galveston Area Council), Tanzeem Chowdhury (Houston Public Works), along with HARC’s moderator, Dr. Ryan Bare, discuss what’s driving adoption, and what’s still holding it back.

From encouraging favorable regulation and incentives to growing private sector interest, they highlight how LID is gaining traction across the region. They also touch on the importance of coordination across planning, design, construction, and maintenance, and why visibility and proper training are key to long-term success.

The takeaway: LID is growing in Houston, but making it mainstream will take more incentives, raising awareness of its wide-ranging benefits, more real-world data, and continued collaboration.

Learn more about HARC’s LID in Houston project: https://bit.ly/LIDHTX