Opportunities From: Galveston Bay Foundation

Get dirty helping grow the Bay!

The Gessner Center is Galveston Bay Foundation’s new visitor hub in Kemah, TX. It will be home to our aquatic nursery program—where we grow and prepare wetland plants that are critical to restoring habitat, improving water quality, and supporting the long-term health of Galveston Bay.

As an Aquatic Nursery Volunteer, you will assist GBF staff with hands-on plant care.

Depending on the needs of the nursery, may help with watering, weeding, trimming, shifting plants, repotting wetland plants, and removing algae buildup from nursery ponds.

Some workdays may also include planting in our wetland pools and will be communicated in advance.

If you would like to help rotate or retrieve plants from the aquatic pools, you are encouraged to bring tall rubber boots.

Expect to get dirty and muddy!

By caring for nursery plants that will be used in restoration, you directly support healthier wetlands and a healthier Galveston Bay.

No experience is necessary. Staff will show you everythingyou need to know. Be prepared to walk across uneven terrain. Restrooms will be available onsite.

Learn more about getting to and parking at GBF Headquarters↗

All minors must be accompanied by a registered guardian or approved chaperone.

Grow native plants. Restore the prairie.

At the GBF EcoCenter Greenhouse, staff and volunteers cultivate native plants to restore and manage coastal tallgrass prairie across the Galveston Bay region.

Every Thursday and Saturday from 8:00–11:00 AM, volunteers work in the nursery to support one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America. This work helps create habitat for wildlife and strengthens natural flood protection.

NOTE: Saturday shifts are currently postponed until further notice. We hope to resume shifts as soon possible and will be sure to send out an email when they resume.

As a Nursery Volunteer, you will:

Weed and pot plants Mix soil and rotate plants Clean and sort seeds Assist with seasonal nursery maintenance

No experience is necessary; we will show you what to do! Minors can volunteer alongside an parent/guardian or an approved chaperone. 

Getting There

Search for “EcoCenter Sponsored by Reliant” when using Google Maps - View site on Google.com . Alternatively, you can enter the coordinates (29.750970027078534, -94.91775406482465) into your maps application as you would a street address. From TX-99 and W Bay Rd/Old F-M Rd 1405 Head north to turn into Bayer Rd. Turn left on the restricted road; you will see an EcoCenter directional sign (its like a small yard sign with a blue arrow). Continue on the restricted road for 200 ft until you reach the EcoCenter on the left.
Note: The Ecocenter does not have a public address and is a part of the larger NRG Cedar Bayou campus. Getting here can be complicated without a map application. Feel free to contact Starla Lawhon-Dyer, Volunteer Coordinator, at (832)536-2255 before you come for more help with how to get there.

Your time in the nursery helps grow native plants that restore habitat, support wildlife, and protect communities around Galveston Bay.

Track the tide. Tally the debris.

Join Galveston Bay Foundation and our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to document the debris that reaches our shoreline.

This is more than a cleanup. This is community science and the data you help collect will tell the story of where debris comes from and how it moves through the Bay.

As a Marine Debris Survey Volunteer, you will:

Collect and remove trash from designated shoreline survey plots Help measure and mark survey areas using simple field tools Sort and identify debris by type to support NOAA data collection Record findings alongside staff and trained volunteers Assist with loading and unloading supplies

No experience needed. Staff will guide you through each step of the survey process.

This role involves walking on sand, mud, or uneven shoreline terrain while working outdoors. Dress for the weather and bring water.

Minors welcome. Volunteers under 18 must be registered with a parent or guardian and accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Your effort helps turn today’s data into tomorrow’s solutions for the Bay.

Make Wednesdays count for the coast

Join a growing community of volunteers who are restoring and caring for Galveston Bay’s habitats. Work alongside staff and fellow volunteers at our Gessner Center and see the impact of your efforts week by week.

This is a hands-on stewardship role where you will build practical skills, spend time outdoors, and be part of a team making visible progress each week.

As a Coastal Care Volunteer, you will:

Plant native species, remove overgrowth, and maintain habitat areas Use hand tools and assist with safe, organized fieldwork Help prepare and move tools, plants, and materials Learn directly from staff about coastal ecosystems and restoration

No experience needed. We provide all training, tools, and guidance. Just show up ready to help!

Restrooms and wifi available onsite. All tools and supplies provided. Minors (16+) welcome with a registered adult chaperone.

This role involves outdoor work in sun, mud, and uneven terrain. Review heat safety guidelines here.

Plan your visit and parking ↗

Your weekly effort restores habitat and helps create outdoor spaces where people can learn, explore, and connect with Galveston Bay.

Track the tide. Tally the debris.

Join Galveston Bay Foundation and our partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to document the debris that reaches our shoreline.

This is more than a cleanup. This is community science and the data you help collect will tell the story of where debris comes from and how it moves through the Bay.

As a Marine Debris Survey Volunteer, you will:

Collect and remove trash from designated shoreline survey plots Help measure and mark survey areas using simple field tools Sort and identify debris by type to support NOAA data collection Record findings alongside staff and trained volunteers Assist with loading and unloading supplies

No experience needed. Staff will guide you through each step of the survey process.

This role involves walking on sand, mud, or uneven shoreline terrain while working outdoors. Dress for the weather and bring water.

Minors welcome. Volunteers under 18 must be registered with a parent or guardian and accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Your effort helps turn today’s data into tomorrow’s solutions for the Bay.

Healthy bird populations are an indicator of a healthy Bay.

Join the Galveston Bay Foundation for a monthly bird survey led by Texas Master Naturalist and Lead GBF Volunteer, Lisa Hardcastle, at Sweetwater Preserve, a 140-acre GBF property that is not open to the public. This restored site includes coastal prairie, estuarine marsh, salt flats, freshwater wetlands, brackish wetlands, and coastal woodlots, which support a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.

All levels of birders are welcome! Bring your own binoculars and field gear.

Surveys take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 a.m. at the end of 103rd Street in Galveston. From there, participants will drive short distances to three survey areas. The survey typically lasts three to four hours, but volunteers may leave early if needed.

No restrooms on site. Conditions can vary, so wear closed-toe shoes (boots recommended) and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

DATA COLLECTION
Survey results will be submitted to GBF staff and eBird, and the eBird list will be shared with all registered participants. These data help document species use of restored coastal habitat in the Galveston Bay watershed.

Become a Certified Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitor

Help protect the health of Galveston Bay by collecting reliable, long-term water quality data. Through this hands-on, full-day training, you’ll gain the skills needed to monitor tidally influenced waters using Texas Stream Team Standard Core protocols.

You’ll work alongside experienced staff to learn classroom and field sampling methods used statewide to track the health of Texas waters, while becoming part of a network of volunteers committed to clean water.

No prior experience required. Supplies and materials are provided. Participants should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor instruction, short walks between locations, and a commitment to monthly monitoring after certification.

Be prepared to help set up the room for training and for an orientation on the flow of the day.

How Standard Core Monitoring Works Participate in classroom and field instruction on Texas Stream Team approved methods. Learn to collect and analyze water samples from tidally influenced sites. Commit to monthly monitoring at an assigned site using approved protocols. Submit data sheets after each monitoring event. Complete a final QC site visit with a trainer following classroom certification. What You’ll Gain Hands-on environmental science skills and field experience Certification through Texas Stream Team Standard Core Connection to a network of local volunteers protecting Texas waters The knowledge that your work informs real-world water protection decisions Training Day Overview

8:45 – 9:00 AM: Arrival, check-in, and room setup
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Classroom instruction on equipment, water quality parameters, & monitoring methods
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Lunch break
12:45 – 3:30 PM: Field demonstration, supervised practice, and individual certification
3:30 – 4:00 PM: Site assignment or scheduling for future site placement

Before Training

Please complete the following before attending:

Standard Core Training Module & Enrollment Form: Complete here ↗ Browse Open Monitoring Sites: View dashboard ↗ After Training

Following classroom certification, you’ll schedule a one-on-one field visit with a GBF Trainer or partner organization to complete your Quality Control check. This ensures you can confidently monitor independently and contribute reliable long-term data.

Learn more about Texas Stream Team through The Meadows Center ↗

Site Notes

This training takes place on Galveston Bay Foundation’s campus in the first building on the left. Restrooms and indoor classroom facilities are available onsite. Carpooling is encouraged.

View parking info ↗