They are seeking approximately 10 to 12 participants who will attend a conference on the subject to be held in Houston late in Fall, 2002. Presenters will be asked to give a preliminary version of a publishable paper on some aspect of the environmental history of Houston from one of a variety of possible perspectives including historical, geographic, archeological, and architectural, and within one of a variety of chronological periods. The conference is intended to appeal to a broad audience in the Houston area with an interest in the environment and environmental policy. Therefore, the presentations are not intended to appeal strictly to an academic audience or be presented as if one was attending an academic conference.

The final papers, however, (to be completed sometime after the conference) should be of publishable quality. The book will, in some broad fashion, be similar to those already in print (St. Louis, New Orleans, San Antonio, and so forth). Authors will be given financial compensation and travel expenses to participate in this program.

Some authors already have been identified, but anyone interested in participating or knowing of someone who should be contacted, should send an email to Martin Melosi.