Conservation
Marsh Mania
The "Mania" began in 1999, when GBF hosted the first ever "Marsh Bash" for Galveston Bay. This one-day event set a national record when 1,500 volunteers planted nearly 70,000 stems of smooth cordgrass to create 14.5 acres of new habitat at eight sites around the bay. Marsh Bash 1999 was a huge success and earned GBF two awards: the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in the civic/nonprofit category and the First Place Gulf Guardian Award in the civic/nonprofit category from the Gulf of Mexico Program. Also, for breaking the record for the largest volunteer-based restoration event, GBF received a case of Florida oranges from Tampa BayWatch, our sister organization in Florida and the previous record holder!
Today, Marsh Mania is the nationally-recognized, signature community-based wetlands restoration and education event of the Galveston Bay area. The goal of Marsh Mania is to involve local citizens in hands-on wetlands restoration activities while increasing their awareness and appreciation of wetland habitats and functions. In eleven years, Marsh Mania has involved more than 5,450 community volunteers in the restoration of roughly 132 acres of vital salt marsh habitat at 54 sites around Galveston Bay.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Marsh Mania. Volunteers proudly identify themselves as "Marsh Maniacs" when they return each spring to participate in this annual event. Please visit our Events page for information on how to volunteer for Marsh Mania 2009!
