Clean up and get muddy at Marsh Mania!
Join Galveston Bay Foundation for a special small-scale Marsh Mania restoration event at Paul Hopkins Park in Dickinson, TX.
We’ll start the morning by spending approximately 45 minutes removing debris from the park before heading to the water to plant smooth cordgrass that will restore native wetland habitat.
No prior planting experience needed! You’ll work in a small team led by an experienced Team Captain who will guide you through the cleanup and planting activities.
About Our Planting Site
Paul Hopkins Park ↗ is located along Dickinson Bayou and provides public access to an important waterway connected to Galveston Bay.
Through our partnership with Galveston County Parks and Cultural Services, volunteers will help care for this community space by removing debris and restoring native smooth cordgrass along the shoreline.
As a volunteer for this event, you will:
- Work with your Team Captain and fellow volunteers to remove debris from the park before planting begins
- Plant native smooth cordgrass in prepared planting areas
- Learn planting techniques from your Team Captain and GBF staff
- Follow cleanup, field, and tool-safety instructions
- Work alongside a small team of fellow volunteers
- Help gather and return cleanup and planting tools and supplies at the end of the event
What GBF will provide
- Cleanup supplies, plants, tools, and onsite instruction
- An experienced Team Captain to guide your group
- Breakfast will be provided
- An official Marsh Mania T-shirt
- Restrooms onsite
We will send confirmations one week before the event with more details on parking and where to check in.
No prior planting experience is required, but this is an active, muddy outdoor event. Be prepared for uneven terrain and for standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and getting wet in ankle- to knee-deep water.
How to prepare
- Wear lace-up, closed-toe shoes or fitted water booties. No Crocs, sandals, or loose rain boots. Rubber boots are not recommended as they will fill up with water when enter deeper water.
- Wear lightweight clothing you do not mind getting muddy or wet. Avoid jeans and other heavy materials.
- Bring sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, or protective clothing.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Begin hydrating before you arrive.
- Review GBF Heat Safety guidance ↗ before volunteering.
Bringing a minor? All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent, guardian, or approved adult chaperone. A parent or guardian must also complete the required waiver for each minor participant.
By the end of the morning, your team will have removed debris and restored habitat along a waterway connected to Galveston Bay.
