Welcome to Galveston Bay Foundation | 
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| The Galveston Bay Foundation was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit organization to preserve, protect and enhance Galveston Bay -- one of the world's most productive estuaries. Its balanced programs in advocacy, conservation, education, and research strive to ensure that Galveston Bay remains a beautiful and productive place for generations to come. |  |
Recent News
Bay Day at the Kemah Boardwalk set for June 1, 2013!
Mark your calendars and come join us for Bay Day 2013 at the Kemah Boardwalk on Saturday, June,1 2013! Bay Day is a one-day celebration presented by the Galveston Bay Foundation and numerous community partners. It is a fun event for families and adults that allows attendees to experience and learn more about Galveston Bay, the largest bay in Texas and one of the most productive estuaries in the country! Bay Day highlights include hands-on, interactive exhibits, activities and demonstrations that emphasize the beauty and value of Galveston Bay.
If you'd like to sign up to volunteer at Bay Day, please visit our volunteer opportunites page.
2013 Bay Gazer Photo Contest is Open!
Do you have photos that exhibit the natural beauty of Galveston Bay? Give GBF your best shot by submitting up to three photos to the Bay Gazer Photo Contest for a chance to win cash prizes and have your photo professionally framed and showcased around the Bay Area. Submissions are being accepted through May 26th. Then come out and join us at Bay Day, at the Kemah Boardwalk on June 1st, for photo judging and announcement of the winners! There are three aged-based entry levels starting from age 11 and up. Submissions must represent Galveston Bay scenes, animals or people within the last year (June 2012 - May 2013). Help celebrate nature through imagery with GBF by showcasing Galveston Bay through your lens! Learn more about the contest and submit your photos at http://galvbay.org/photo_contest.html.
Over 9,000 lbs. of Trash Removed from Armand Bayou During Trash Bash 2013!
On March 23, 615 volunteers collected over 6,000 lbs. of trash and over 3,000 lbs. of recyclable materials from six land-based and two water-based collection sites along and around Armand Bayou. We would like to thank all of the volunteers for their time and help in making this another successful Trash Bash!
To view photos from the day, visit our facebook photo album.
Clean Texas Marina of the Year Awarded to Marina Del Sol for Project with the Galveston Bay Foundation
Marina Del Sol was given the 2012 Clean Marina of the Year Award for the State of Texas for its efforts to improve water quality through a partnership with the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF). This award is part of the Clean Texas Marina Program through Texas Sea Grant. Each year, marinas apply for the award based on a specific project they are implementing to benefit the environment. Marina Del Sol’s ongoing Clean Water Partnership with GBF focuses on reducing pathogenic bacteria entering the water, which can come from boat sewage in addition to other land based sources like pet waste and sewer overflows. GBF regularly receives reports across Clear Lake 
and Galveston Bay regarding illegal boat sewage discharges into the water and the staff at Marina Del Sol is taking proactive steps to ensure that its tenants are educated on the issue and are helping to keep our bay fishable and swimmable. Click here for more information.
Amber Mckenna with Marina Del Sol (L) accepts the 2012 Clean Marina of the Year Award from Dewayne Hollin with Clean Texas Marina Program, and Lynda Hall with the Marina Association of Texas.
Reliant EcoShareSM Program to Benefit GBF and Help Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The Galveston Bay Foundation is pleased to announce the second year of The Reliant EcoShareSM, a way that Texans can support the Galveston Bay Foundation and offset their own carbon production at the same time. Reliant and EarthShare of Texas have launched a program that allows Reliant customers to help reduce their carbon footprints through the purchase of carbon offsets. And for each customer-purchased offset, Reliant will make a contribution to EarthShare of Texas and its participating organizations. As an EarthShare of Texas participating organization, the Galveston Bay Foundation will benefit from this program. For more information, visit the EarthShare of Texas website or go directly to reliant.com/ecoshare.
GBF Recycles 54 Tons of Oyster Shell in 2012
From January through December 2012, GBF recycled an estimated 54 TONS of oyster shell from Tommy’s Restaurant. Much of the shell collected in 2012 will be used to make oyster bars that will help enhance oyster reef habitat adjacent to GBF’s Sweetwater Preserve in West Bay. GBF is working to expand its oyster shell recycling program to multiple restaurants in 2013. Visit our Oyster Shell Recycling page to learn more about the program.
All recycled oyster shell is sun-cured for a 6-month minimum period on GBF''s property before going back to the bay.
Clean Water Partnership Launched with City of Nassau Bay
GBF launched a Clean Water Partnership with the City of Nassau Bay at the end of 2012, which will provide them with various hands-on opportunities to reduce bacteria levels in the bay. Paul Lopez, Public Works Director, states, “as a water front community we take great pride in protecting and preserving our waterways and natural resources. GBF is a highly respected organization in our community, and we are excited to be a Bay Ambassador!” Thus far, GBF led a marsh restoration demonstration and assisted with a shoreline cleanup at Nassau Bay’s annual Beautification Day, as well as trained a volunteer to carry out monthly water quality monitoring in the community. GBF is now collaborating with them to develop a rain barrel pilot program for residents, which will benefit both water quality and water-use efficiency.
Paul Lopez, Public Works Director, receives GBF’s Clean Water Partnership certificate on behalf of the City of Nassau Bay.
2012 Bike Around the Bay a Great Success!
Thanks to all the riders who joined us this year for Bike Around the Bay and for supporting the Galveston Bay Foundation! We hope cyclists enjoyed riding through our Galveston Bay communities and environment along the new 180-mile route, creating a full-loop around the bay for the first time. We'd like to especially thank all of our hardworking volunteers for making this year's Bike Around the Bay the best yet! Be sure to follow our facebook page for updates and pictures from this year's ride. Visit our Bike Around the Bay page for more details.
Riders are seen here starting day two along 61st Street In Galveston.
