Galveston Bay is one of Texas’s most cherished natural treasures and a mong its m any inhabitants, oysters hold a special place . As we strive to balance human activity with environmental stewardship, the importance of oysters in Galveston Bay has never been clearer. This blog is meant to give you background on why these remarkable mollusks matter, how local initiatives are making a difference, and how recycling oyster shells is crucial for their future. The Ecological Significance of Oysters Check out how these oyster hometown heroes perform a host of vital functions in Galveston Bay: Water Filtration: Oysters are natural filter feeders. One oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, removing excess sediment and particulates. This helps maintain the bay's water quality and clarity, benefiting other marine life and improving overall ecosystem health. Habitat Formation: Oyster reefs create complex structures that serve as essential habitats for a variety of marine species. These reefs offer shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and other organisms, fostering a diverse and productive marine community. Shoreline Protection: Oyster reefs act as natural barriers against coastal erosion. Their presence helps stabilize sediments and reduce the impact of storm surges, providing a buffer that protects both natural and human-made shorelines. Recycling Oyster Shells: A Simple Yet Effective Solution A very promising strategy for addressing oyster reef depletion is recycling oyster shells. Organizations from states along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coast states are implementing this approach. When oysters are consumed in restaurants, their shells can be repurposed to help rebuild reefs. Here’s how this process works and why it’s so effective: Collection and Cleaning: We use our truck and trailer and custom dump truck to collect discarded oyster shells from restaurants that participate in our recycling program, the shells are then dumped at one of our curing sites where they stay quarantined for at least six months to remove any residual contamination. This step is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the shells are suitable for reef restoration. Reef Restoration: Once fully cured, the shells are transported to designated restoration sites in Galveston Bay. These sites are carefully chosen to optimize reef development and ensure the best conditions for oyster larvae to settle and grow. The recycled shells serve as a foundation for new oyster reefs, providing a substrate where young oysters can attach and thrive. Ongoing Monitoring: Restoration efforts are complemented by regular monitoring to assess the health and growth of the reefs. This data helps refine techniques and ensure that restoration projects are achieving their goals. Our Local Clear Lake, Galveston , and Houston Restaurants are Making a Difference Nearly 40 restaurants from Houston to Galveston are leading the charge in oyster shell recycling. These partnerships have proven invaluable. By participating in our shell recycling program, these establishments contribute directly to the health of Galveston Bay. Take a look at our restaurants who are incorporating shell recycling into their sustainability practices, recognizing the broader environmental benefits of their contributions. The Future of Oysters in Galveston Bay The restoration and protection of oyster reefs in Galveston Bay is a collaborative effort that involves the community, businesses, and conservation organizations. As we continue to recycle oyster shells and support reef restoration initiatives, we enhance the resilience of the bay’s ecosystem and help secure a future where oysters can thrive. In essence, the health of Galveston Bay is intricately linked to the health of its oyster populations. By embracing shell recycling and supporting reef restoration, we contribute to a balanced and thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone—from the smallest marine organisms to the local communities who cherish this unique and beautiful bay. So next time you enjoy oysters, remember that your shell could be part of a larger effort to restore and protect one of our most vital natural resources. Together, we can ensure that Galveston Bay remains a vibrant, healthy, and resilient environment for generations to come.

Galveston Bay, a vital ecosystem and economic hub along the Texas coast , faces recurring threats from natural disasters like hurricanes. To safeguard this region, innovative approaches such as living shorelines have emerged as a crucial defense mechanism. What is a Living Shoreline? Living shorelines represent a sustainable alternative to traditional hard infrastructure like seawalls and bulk heads. They utilize natural elements such as native plants, oyster reefs, and /or rock to stabilize coastal areas. These features not only mitigate erosion but also enhance biodiversity and water quality, making living shorelines ideal for enhancing the resilience of sensitive estuaries like Galveston Bay. Our Kemah Headquarters Living Shoreline  Our 905-foot Living Shoreline was constructed at our Kemah headquarters in the summer of 2021 to reduce wave energy that might otherwise erode the shoreline.  During normal conditions, the rock breakwater slows waves coming in from Bay, allowing sediment to fall out of those waves and build new land between the living shoreline and the existing shoreline. In the newly created calm area between the breakwater and the shoreline, native marsh grass was planted to restore 3 acres of intertidal marsh complex. The marsh also helps slow water flow and stabilize soil along the shoreline, reducing further erosion. During the landfall of Hurricane Beryl, our breakwater reduced wave energy and protected against storm-surge. The marsh vegetation helped stabilize the soil in the marsh and a secondary bulkhead stopped any erosion where the water met the land. These multiple lines of defense were hugely beneficial for our property and shoreline!  Resilience Against Hurricanes Our Gulf Coast is no stranger to hurricanes, which can cause extensive damage to coastal communities and ecosystems. Living shorelines act as resilient defenses by: Absorbing Wave Energy: The natural components of living shorelines dissipate wave energy, reducing the force that reaches inland areas. They also build land by allowing sediment to build between the rock breakwater and the shoreline, providing further protection for the property. Maintaining Shoreline Integrity: Unlike rigid structures that will fail over time, living shorelines adapt to changing environmental pressures, maintaining their effectiveness over time. Supporting Community Resilience: By protecting critical habitats and coastal infrastructure, living shorelines enhance the overall resilience of communities along Galveston Bay. By investing in living shorelines, we not only protect our communities but also ensure the long-term health and vitality of Galveston Bay for generations to come. Are you interested in a living shoreline for your property? A common response to erosion control is to install a bulkhead. Unfortunately, bulkheads can increase erosion on adjacent, unprotected shorelines and are prone to structural failure over time. Galveston Bay Foundation offers property owners assistance in creating individually designed living shoreline structures for your unique situation and property. For more detailed information about living shorelines or the services we provide, contact Sally Clark at sclark@galvbay.org .

HOUSTON, TX PHOTOS About Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way.

GALVESTON, TEXAS— The Galveston Bay Foundation has permanently protected 63 acres of critical coastal habitat on Galveston Island, known as Redfish Cove. This special piece of land includes coastal wetlands, prairie, and upland buffers, all of which are important to the native wildlife on Galveston Island. The acquisition was funded by the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and supported by the Galveston Bay Estuary Program.  This conservation project supports the West Bay Conservation Initiative to acquire and protect critical habitats surrounding West Galveston Bay before they are lost. “Conserving high-quality habitat around Galveston Bay is extremely important for sustaining our local wildlife and fisheries populations. As we continue to experience growth and development throughout the region, we must invest in the protection of remaining natural areas on Galveston Island," says Galveston Bay Foundation Director of Land Conservation, Matt Singer. Redfish Cove includes over 40 acres of estuarine and tidal wetlands, which provide important habitats to water-dependent wildlife such as the Eastern Black Rail. The land also includes a unique shell hash beach, which is an important nesting resource for shorebirds as well as Diamondback Terrapin turtles. By conserving these vital habitats, Galveston Bay Foundation is also protecting important corridors for marsh migration. As sea level rise threatens to drown wetlands, natural upland buffers are needed for coastal habitats, and the wildlife that depend on them, to migrate to in the future. As the name suggests, Redfish Cove contains high-quality fishery habitat for many commercially valuable species, including the namesake redfish, alongside seagrass beds that are home to sea turtles. “As Galveston Island continues to grow, it is important to conserve open space across the island to preserve the culture of the island. We all love the island for its open space and habitat and natural beauty. While the habitat benefits are important, keeping this tract undeveloped will also help maintain a piece of that culture,” said Galveston Bay Foundation President, Bob Stokes. To improve wildlife habitat values within Redfish Cove, Galveston Bay Foundation will conduct habitat management including establishing maritime forests, removing invasive species, and creating new oyster reefs. These activities will benefit migratory birds that visit Galveston Island and marine life within West Bay. About Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way.

Houston, TX (November 2, 2023) – Today, Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) and Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) have released the 2023 Galveston Bay Report Card , an annual citizen-driven, scientific analysis of the health of Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay Report Card looks at data and trends found in the Bay and surrounding watersheds, an area spanning more than 7,118 square miles, and including communities in Galveston, Sugar Land, Conroe, and beyond. Originally developed in 2015 through community input and engagement, the Galveston Bay Report Card seeks to ensure that the communities in and around Galveston Bay have a voice in shaping the information they receive about the Bay’s health. Overall, the Report Card’s yearly findings aim to identify and communicate the challenges, opportunities, and areas where the Bay needs community support. The Report Card also seeks to inspire people to take action to protect and preserve the Bay for future generations to come. Lisa Scobel, GBF’s Marine Debris Programs Coordinator, explains, “An integral part of the Galveston Bay Report Card is ensuring that we continue to listen and engage with the communities that live and work near Galveston Bay, since ultimately, they are the ones most impacted by its health. This year, we continued this commitment by working with the crabbing community in Chambers County, and as a result, we are working on materials written in Vietnamese, including a brochure, educational handout, and translated Galveston Bay Report Card website, to continue those conversations, and help tailor the Report Card to meet community needs.” The 2023 Galveston Bay Report Card’s results are based on analyzing data collected throughout 2022 on 18 ecosystem indicators. These indicators are organized into six categories: water quality; pollution events and sources; wildlife; habitat; human health risks; and coastal change. Each of these categories and their underlying indicators are graded like a school report card from “A” to “F”, with “A” meaning the indicator is in excellent condition, and “F” meaning it is in critical condition. Some indicators can also receive an “I” where there is insufficient data available to provide a grade. This year, the Report Card’s notable findings were in the areas of water quality, wildlife, and coastal changes as follows: Water Quality Most categories received an “A”. Overall, the levels of nutrients and dissolved oxygen found in the 2022 water samples were at acceptable levels for supporting diverse and healthy aquatic life. The water quality issues that do arise are primarily due to runoff and wastewater from human activity. Some watersheds received lower grades, such as Barker Reservoir, which received a “C” for nitrogen and an “F” for phosphorus. As the “F” grade is considered critical, the current levels of phosphorous could likely negatively impact fish and wildlife in the water and action is required to reduce these levels. Too much of these nutrients can lead to algae blooms, which can deplete oxygen in the water. To keep excess nutrients out of waterways, it is important to prevent over-fertilization of lawns and to help control excess erosion as soil can carry phosphorus into waterways. Wildlife Most bird populations are holding steady, earning a “C” grade. However, this year, the roseate spoonbill, tri-colored heron, and laughing gull all showed a moderate population decline, going from a “C” to a “D”, while the snowy egret maintained a “D”. Overall, shellfish and finfish categories continued to earn a “C”. Sand seatrout and bay anchovy improved from a “C” to a “B”, and the spot declined from a “B” back to a “C”. Coastal Changes Sea level rise continued to increase, earning an “F” again. As this continues and weather patterns change, alternating between extremes of drought and flood and extreme heat and cold, measurable changes in the physical environment of Galveston Bay should be expected. The water temperature for Winter 2022 was 10% higher than the average values for the previous 15 years for the first time since the creation of the Report Card. This brought the grade down from an “A” to a “B”. Winter water temperature is an important indicator for invasive species and can indicate overall warming that can impact bacteria production and stress Galveston Bay organisms. Water temperatures will need to be monitored for their potential impacts on other indicators. Human Health Risk In most areas of the Bay, seafood continues to remain safe to eat. However, due to oyster fishing closures at the end of 2022, the Seafood Safety grade dropped from a “C” to a “D.” While these specific closures and related oyster consumption concerns are no longer relevant today, it is a reminder to monitor local seafood advisories in your area. HARC’s Research Scientist in Coastal Ecology, Dr. Erin Kinney, highlights, “We are really pleased that we were able to collect more data this year, bringing us closer to pre-Covid levels in terms of our ability to collect and analyze data. The more information we are able to collect, the better we’re able to paint a more complete picture of the health of Galveston Bay. This also helps us to better understand what is impacting the Bay and how best to protect it as a community. Even with all the changes going on around the Bay and its watersheds, our Bay is resilient, and our collective action will help keep it healthy and resilient for years to come.” In addition to providing a yearly snapshot of the state of the Bay, the Galveston Bay Report Card provides several tools, suggestions, and resources to show people how they can play a role in keeping the Bay healthy. The Galveston Bay Report Card website, www.galvbaygrade.org, provides information on how to recycle, reduce trash, and tackle pollution. The What You Can Do tool provides practical tips on how to help the Bay based on a person’s interest and availability. The Galveston Bay Foundation’s events page www.galvbay.org/events provides an overview of upcoming events, such as beach clean ups, and other opportunities to get involved. --Ends-- About the Galveston Bay Foundation Established in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves as the leading voice for the Bay. The mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve and protect Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. You will find Galveston Bay Foundation in schools, communities, on the water, and on the ground, working in six main program areas: education, habitat restoration, water protection, land conservation, advocacy, and research. For further information, contact us at 281.332.3381, visit galvbay.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram . About Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) HARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research hub providing independent analysis on energy, air, water, resilience, and climate equity. Its research activities support the implementation of policies and technologies that promote sustainability based on scientific principles. HARC applies science to drive solutions for a sustainable and equitable future. For further information, visit HARCresearch.org or connect via Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook , or Twitter .

LA PORTE, TEXAS— The Galveston Bay Foundation has permanently protected a 106-acre property in La Porte, Texas known as Taylor Bayou Forest. The permanent protection of this property will protect local air quality, wildlife habitat, and open space. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded the acquisition with funds from a Department of Justice settlement and Galveston Bay Foundation is donating a perpetual conservation easement to the Texas Land Conservancy to ensure Taylor Bayou Forest will remain protected forever. Without this effort, the property would have likely been developed in the near future and the ecological value of the land would have been lost. The $3.7 million dollar property contains a natural forest adjacent to Taylor Bayou, a waterway that flows into Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. The Galveston Bay Foundation plans to conduct invasive species management to enhance the ecological health of the property. The property also sits across the street from Bayshore Elementary and the Foundation will look for opportunities to allow those students to visit and connect with the natural area in the future. “We are very excited to permanently conserve this property. The project protects some of the last remaining natural habitat in La Porte and provides many benefits to the residents of La Porte. This is a big win for the local community and for Galveston Bay,” says Galveston Bay Foundation Director of Land Conservation, Matt Singer “This project will result in the conservation and protection of over 100 acres of undeveloped land, with benefits for both the local community and fish and wildlife,” said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “We very much appreciate the great work of the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Texas Land Conservancy, and we want to express special recognition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas for its successful prosecution of the Clean Air Act case that gave rise to the Community Service Payment used by NFWF to fund this project.” "Texas Land Conservancy is thrilled to embark on this new partnership with the Galveston Bay Foundation and grateful for the opportunity to forge a stronger connection to this area of Texas. As we unite on this project, we envision a future where this area becomes a source of pride and inspiration for both our local neighbors and fellow Texans across the state because we aren’t just protecting a forest; we are preserving a legacy that will allow future generations to see and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our natural world,” says Texas Land Conservancy Conservation Director, Stephen Ramirez. We are thankful to the many community members who helped champion this project. In the coming months, we plan to host a community celebration in the neighborhood as a thank-you to all who helped preserve this special land. About Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way. About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation  Since their creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation's largest private conservation grant-maker. They work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. NFWF supports conservation efforts in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Their projects are rigorously evaluated and awarded to some of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, as well as some of the smallest. NFWF focuses on bringing all parties to the table, getting results, and building a better future for our world.  About Texas Land Conservancy  The Texas Land Conservancy has been protecting land in Texas since 1982. Their mission is to conserve natural areas in Texas and to protect the physical and ecological integrity of their water, wildlife habitat, native plant communities, and scenic landscapes. They work with communities, private landowners, governments, and other partners to protect these natural treasures for the benefit of present and future generations.

Marsh Mania is a nationally recognized, award-winning community-based marsh restoration event that has been a cornerstone of the Galveston Bay area since its inception in 1999. It is an initiative that has restored more than 213 acres of vital salt marsh habitat involving over 8,000 volunteers in its rich history. During this year's 24th Annual Marsh Mania , over 90 volunteers from the community and corporate groups gathered for a hands-on marsh planting with the goal to not only restore our precious marshlands but also to increase awareness and appreciation of wetland habitats and their functions. There were 14,200 stems of marsh grass planted at the Candy Abshier Wildlife Management area as we educated volunteers on the upcoming National Estuaries Week . “We are so grateful to the community and corporate sponsors who help bring Marsh Mania to life every year. Our success would not be possible without their support, and the hard work of the Galveston Bay Foundation staff who plan the event itself,” says Galveston Bay Foundation Volunteer Manager, Elisa O’Neal. Our constant success with Marsh Mania is made possible thanks to generous support from Aramco , Marathon Petroleum Foundation , CITGO , United Airlines , Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund , Transocean , John P. McGovern Foundation, Reliant an NRG Company , Ports America , Odfjell , and Houston Pilots . Thank you for your contributions and for supporting Galveston Bay for generations to come. About Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Foundation is a conservation nonprofit that has served as guardian of Galveston Bay since 1987. Our mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We work to facilitate a true cross-section of Bay interests through creative, inclusive and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges confronting Galveston Bay. We envision a future Bay that is brimming with vitality, connected to people, and contributing to the community in every possible way.

The Land Trust Accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Galveston Bay Foundation is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation! The public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission , an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance , conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. “Going through the accreditation process made the Galveston Bay Foundation a stronger and more efficient organization overall. We continue to follow all the appropriate standards and practices and look forward to our second re-accreditation,” says Galveston Bay Foundation President, Bob  Stokes.  In addition, the "Land Trust Accreditation is the gold standard and ensures our landowners, stakeholders, and supporters that GBF is up for the challenge of perpetual conservation,” said Suzanne Simpson, Land Acquisition Manager at Galveston Bay Foundation. The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Galveston Bay Foundation complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. You can review the full list of standards here .  Click below  to learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org . Comments on Galveston Bay Foundation’s application will be most useful by August 20, 2023. Thank you in advance, and if you have any questions, please reach out to our Communications and Marketing Manager, Kimberly Meza at kmeza@galvbay.org or 281-923-3278.

Media Contact: Anthony Oppermann Communications and Marketing Manager aoppermann@galvbay.org 832-536-2259 KEMAH, Texas – Oct. 27, 2022 – Bike Around the Bay, the annual two-day cycling event along the Upper Texas Coast, was held this past weekend and raised more than $500,000 in support of the Galveston Bay Foundation and its work to preserve and enhance the Bay for future generations. The weekend festivities also included the announcement of LyondellBasell as the new title sponsor of the ride. A total of 1,275 riders registered to participate in this year's event, which featured a two-day, 170-mile route from Baytown to Galveston and back as well as one-day, 20- and 40-mile routes on Galveston Island. Video highlights from the ride can be viewed here. A longtime community partner of the Galveston Bay Foundation, LyondellBasell returns as the title sponsor of Bike Around the Bay beginning in 2023. The company was instrumental in starting the event in 2007. “Everything old is new again,” said Galveston Bay Foundation President Bob Stokes. “We are thrilled our partnership with LyondellBasell has come full circle and they will again be the presenting sponsor of Bike Around the Bay. We look forward to working together to make this event even better for our riders and their supporters.” In addition to its sponsorship of Bike Around the Bay, LyondellBasell has supported the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Rain Barrel Program since 2014. During that time, more than 2,800 rain barrels have been distributed throughout the Houston-Galveston region creating the potential to conserve more than 3 million gallons of water. “LyondellBasell is proud to be a dedicated supporter of Galveston Bay Foundation and we are honored to be returning as the presenting sponsor of Bike Around the Bay,” said Elizabeth Weiss, LyondellBasell Manager of Global Corporate Citizenship. “We are committed to Advancing Our Planet and being a responsible, good neighbor in the communities where we operate.” A signature event since 2007, Bike Around the Bay has taken place each fall except for 2008. That year’s ride was canceled due to Hurricane Ike, and instead, riders and volunteers participated in a “Clean Up Around the Bay Ike Recovery Event.” Next year’s Bike Around the Bay ride is scheduled for Oct. 21-22, 2023. For more information about the event, including opportunities to ride, volunteer, support a rider's fundraiser, or become a sponsor, visit bikearoundthebay.org About Galveston Bay Foundation Established in 1987, Galveston Bay Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. It implements diverse programs in land preservation, habitat restoration, water protection, youth education, and advocacy. For further information, contact the Foundation at (281) 332-3381, visit galvbay.org or connect via Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn .

https://youtu.be/F473xEqtfpg A llison Baldwin knows many of the students at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena likely will never have the opportunity to experience the wetlands around Galveston Bay. “We don’t have as ready access to the aquatic environment that a lot of the students down in Galveston do,” she said. The same can be said for Hailey Louviere’s students at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School, also part of Pasadena ISD. "A lot of them, they’re not going to leave the Pasadena and Houston area,” Louviere said. That’s where Wetland Connections comes in. A signature component of the Galveston Bay Foundation’s education curriculum , Wetland Connections is a year-long program that connects students in grades 6-12 to Galveston Bay through a series of classroom STEM workshops. In these workshops, students learn about the importance of Bay animals, human impacts on the wetlands, and how to become environmental leaders who take action in their community. The program culminates in a spring field trip to a local wetland on Galveston Island where students become scientists in the field and use the skills they learned throughout the year to study the environment around them. It is the students’ favorite part of the program, according to Louviere, whose class is participating in Wetland Connections for the second time. “They talked about it so much after the experience,” she said. Spots in Wetland Connections are limited, and schools must apply to be considered for participation in the program. Seventeen schools from across the Houston metro area were selected this year. Mini wetland habitats delivered to each school campus are an integral part of the program. Each pond contains several stems of native smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) that students study throughout the year by gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. The number of stems in each pond can double or even triple, and at the conclusion of the program, the plants are used in Galveston Bay Foundation’s marsh restoration projects. Delivering ponds to schools is just one of the many touchpoints Galveston Bay Foundation education team members get to have with students. “We start to create relationships with them and actually see that ownership that they’re taking in their wetlands and see that change in them,” said Megan Sambilay, an Education Coordinator with the Galveston Bay Foundation. Louviere sees the change in her students, as well, especially when they get out in the field. “The way they are in the classroom and the way they are out there is completely different,” she said. “I feel like they’re so much more involved in it.” While Baldwin said her students don't particularly enjoy getting dirty, the hands-on approach to learning about environmental science through Wetland Connections creates a more engaging experience for them. "Anything that they can actually put their hands on is hugely beneficial to any student,” Baldwin said. “Because now that they’re using their hands, they’re so much more engaged and they actually want to learn about what they’re doing without even realizing it.” Seeing her students begin to understand and care about the need to conserve and restore wetland habitats is what the program is all about for Louviere. “Having that lightbulb moment for them is so great,” she said.

https://youtu.be/eymtfxtqEqs A recent trip to Galveston Bay Foundation’s Sweetwater Preserve was anything but a typical day in the office for a group of volunteers from Aramco Americas. Ties and sport coats were swapped out for Kelly green T-shirts and waders. No florescent lighting in this workspace, just abundant sunshine occasionally filtered by soft white clouds. The volunteers got a head start on National Estuaries Week last Thursday by planting approximately 3,000 steams of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in roughly two hours as part of Fall 2022 Marsh Mania. “To see some of my co-workers who are always dressed up in their suits and ties be out here in the water up to their waist, it was a lot of fun,” said Stephanie Palmer, Corporate Communications Advisor with Aramco Americas. National Estuaries Week , observed Sept. 17-24 in partnership with Restore America’s Estuaries, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, and the Association of National Estuary Programs, is celebrated annually to increase public awareness of estuaries and to encourage people to become involved in the protection of these important natural resources. Galveston Bay is the largest estuary in Texas and seventh largest in the United States. The hands-on work done by the group from Aramco Americas was the latest in a series of volunteer restoration activities that have taken place around Sweetwater Lake in Galveston since 2014. “It’s a great way for them to get to see our work firsthand but also to really help us in a larger-scale effort restoring more acres of marsh and oyster reef all at once,” said Haille Leija, Galveston Bay Foundation’s Habitat Restoration Manager. Work over the past 8 years has included the construction of a living shoreline to combat erosion taking place along the western shoreline of Sweetwater Lake. Because the lake is a lower energy environment, recycled oyster shells have been used to create a reef structure offshore, which slows down wave action enough to allow marsh grass to be planted and grow behind it. In addition to protecting the shoreline, both the saltwater marsh and oyster reef provide critical nursery habitat for fish, shrimp, and crabs that are commercially fished offshore and throughout other parts of Galveston Bay. “Not only are you getting shoreline protection with these two barriers, the oyster reef and the marsh, you’re also creating that amazing intertidal habitat that’s providing that nursery area for all of those species to come in and utilize,” Leija said. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a slowdown in work at the site; however, it is Leija’s hope to complete the living shoreline project within the next year or two. The finish line would not be in sight without the effort of hundreds of volunteers who have contributed to the project. “We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers,” Leija said. “They help us make light of very heavy work.” The opportunity to get out of the office and make a positive impact in the community has kept some Aramco Americas volunteers coming back for nearly a decade or more. “The participation speaks for itself,” Palmer said. “We come out here year after year. Our employees are very vocal about what activities they like to do, and to be honest, Marsh Mania is one of the favorites.”

"What do you give somebody who has everything?” asked Marian Cornelius. While searching for a gift with extra special meaning, Marian and her husband Austin came across a unique option: adopt a dolphin. “When we go out on our boat, seeing the dolphins in our backyard is really phenomenal,” Marian said. “So, we thought it was a really cool idea to adopt a dolphin and have some kind of ownership.” For the past several years, the Corneliuses have been members of the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program’s Dolphin Society . People become members of the Dolphin Society by symbolically adopting and even naming bottlenose dolphins cataloged by the program. Adoption and naming proceeds directly support the program’s research to better understand the dolphins that live in Galveston Bay. The adopted dolphins have become popular family gifts, and Marian and Austin have had fun with it, too. “Around baseball season we were like, ‘Alright, we’re giving Astro.’” Marian said. Membership in the society includes an adoption kit (delivered electronically) in addition to a quarterly newsletter that informs members of the program’s latest research as well as the most recent sightings of named and adopted dolphins throughout the Bay. “It’s just really the gift that keeps on giving, so we kept doing that more and more and more,” Austin said. To date, the Corneliuses have also named three dolphins – Sheba, Shiner, and Olive – and plan to name a fourth soon. The names selected for the dolphins are in honor of deceased family pets. It is the couple’s way of remembering them while also helping to support the study of Galveston Bay’s bottlenose dolphin population. “We might be crazy, but a lot of times Shiner will be doing something that Shiner our dog did,” Austin said. “He’s always around the ladies, or something like that, and loves being in this part of the Bay. We’re like, ‘Shiner would have loved that, too!’” The couple has learned a lot about dolphins through their membership in the Dolphin Society. For Austin, finding out dolphins reside in Galveston Bay was a bit of a surprise, and he was not alone. “I grew up in Katy, and I didn’t even know we had dolphins an hour away from where I grew up,” he said. “Coming to learn that was pretty fun. And then, we’ll bring friends out on our boat, and they don’t even know that dolphins exist in our region, the greater Houston area. It’s fun to let them experience that for the first time.” As a Kemah native who grew up near Galveston Bay, Marian was especially interested in learning how environmental factors, such as water salinity, impact the dolphins’ movement throughout the Bay. She cited the influx of freshwater from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 that forced the dolphins to find areas with a higher salinity as an example. “It makes sense, but I just never really thought about it,” Marian said. “When we had all that rain, it affected where the dolphins went. That was kind of an eye-opener.” After living in Houston's Heights neighborhood for 12 years, the Corneliuses recently moved to Kemah with their two sons Leo, 3, and Graham, 1. Their proximity to the Bay has allowed both boys to see dolphins in their natural habitat while also reiterating to Marian and Austin the importance of protecting it. “It’s just so cool seeing their excitement,” Marian said. “We need to protect our Bay for the future. We need more awareness to keep the Bay safe for future generations.” The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program was established in 2014 as a partnership between the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Click here for more information on becoming a member of the Dolphin Society.