Galveston Bay Foundation Conserves 23-acre Salt Bayou Property In San Leon

• December 26, 2024
• News

SAN LEON, TX—Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has permanently protected 23 acres of critical coastal prairie habitat located in San Leon, known as the Salt Bayou Preserve. Eventually, the preserve will be open to the public for passive recreation and enjoyment, bringing much-needed natural space access to the coastal communities of San Leon, Bacliff, and Dickinson. GBF will implement habitat management efforts to enhance the ecological health and biodiversity of the property.

“Coastal prairie is our native ecosystem,” said Matt Singer, GBF’s Director of Land Conservation. “The prairie historically spanned for thousands of miles along the Gulf Coast and into Mexico. Now, less than 1% of coastal prairie habitats remains intact, and the remnant high-quality grasslands are almost entirely located in Texas. Every piece of prairie protected is a critical resource, and re-establishing community connections to the local ecosystems is an integral part of Galveston Bay Foundation’s mission.”

Thanks in part to local San Leon resident Emmett Brandon and his family, this essential habitat is protected forever. The Brandon Family generously donated a portion of the land’s value to facilitate the transaction. This lasting gift will allow future generations to create meaningful connections to the land.

“I grew up on the coastal prairie. I remember looking for miles across the prairie, inhabited by quail, prairie chickens, alligators and all the little critters that come with, now mostly gone. My hope was that at least a small part of it could be saved for future generations to enjoy so they too can make great memories,” said Mr. Brandon.

This project has been funded in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement no. 4T-02F24301 to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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.