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More than 8,000 acres of saltwater wetlands and more than 80,000 of freshwater wetlands have been lost in the Galveston Bay system over the last two decades.
The staggering numbers come from the Galveston Bay Foundation, which is actively working to improve the situation, in part because the wetlands serve as a habitat for wildlife and provide a buffer for storm surge. As the wetlands vanish, we become more vulnerable to flooding and water quality issues.
That’s why their work is so important and why I was honored to emcee the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Guardian Gala earlier this month. For those of you who may not be familiar with the GBF, let me share a bit about what they do.
The foundation was created in 1987 with the goal of preserving and protecting Galveston Bay. Since then, 17,500 acres of the Bay have been conserved, including 1,250 acres just last year.
Bob Stokes has been the president of the Galveston Bay Foundation for 20 years! His goal is to lead the foundation in its mission to protect the Bay’s natural resources and promote sustainable practices. “Give our kids and grandkids the opportunity to swim in the bay without worrying about getting sick. To gaze out over West Bay watching a sunset with the knowledge that we have a clean and healthy Galveston Bay.”
The image below shows volunteers out actively working to beautify the bay.
Through the years, the foundation has established programs in habitat restoration, land conservation, water quality, research, advocacy, and education, with a particular focus on STEM initiatives.
Here are some of the key accomplishments of the GBF:
- 9,248 - Students engaged through environmental education
- 237 - Tons of oyster shells were recycled - Zach Lashway did a story on this work. You can watch it here.
- 1,300+ - Dolphins observed and identified in Galveston Bay
- 6,000+ - Pounds of trash were collected at the annual Trash Bash event this year
- 2,000+ - Volunteers participated in GBF events this year
One of the most exciting developments for the foundation is the Gessner Center, set to open in 2026. This new education center and headquarters for the Galveston Bay Foundation will serve as a hub for learning and community engagement. An image of what it will look like when complete is below. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for early next year in Kemah.
Our home is worth protecting:
At this month’s gala, the GBF premiered a stunning video showcasing the incredible work the foundation is doing to protect and preserve Galveston Bay. It’s an inspiring watch that truly captures the heart of the mission. Click the image below to experience it for yourself!
