Opportunities From: Galveston Bay Foundation

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.

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!

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 Carter Clay, Nursery Operations, at cclay@galvbay.org (281)684-2858 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.

Help Native Plants Find New Homes

Every spring, Galveston Bay Foundation hosts a community native plant sale to help residents bring more habitat into their own backyards and neighborhoods. This year we will be concurrently hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop for those interested in learning about water conservation for the Bay.

As an Event Setup Volunteer, you will work alongside GBF staff to unload plants, organize them by species, and prepare the space for the next day’s visitors.

By helping us prepare plants for sale, you make it easier for residents to choose native species that benefit pollinators, birds, and the greater Galveston Bay watershed.

This is a physically active volunteer role involving light lifting and organizing. Restrooms are available onsite. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Please check in with GBF staff inside the BBQ shed upon arrival. You will receive a quick orientation and task overview before setup begins.

Parking & Where to Meet
We will meet at Walter Hall Park at the BBQ Shed adjacent to the Community Center. When entering the park, continue to go straight and park in the first parking lot. You will see a GBF truck and trailer in the next lot over. Give yourself enough time to park and use the restroom so you are ready to help at the start of your shift.

Help Native Plants Find New Homes

Every spring, Galveston Bay Foundation hosts a community native plant sale to help residents bring more habitat into their own backyards and neighborhoods. This year we will be concurrently hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop for those interested in learning about water conservation for the Bay.

As an Event Support Volunteer, you’ll help maintain plant organization, restock inventory as needed, and provide support to staff and customers throughout the event.

By helping us prepare plants for sale, you make it easier for residents to choose native species that benefit pollinators, birds, and the greater Galveston Bay watershed.

This is a physically active volunteer role involving light lifting and organizing. Restrooms are available onsite. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Please check in with GBF staff inside the BBQ shed upon arrival. You will receive a quick orientation and task overview before setup begins.

Parking & Where to Meet
We will meet at Walter Hall Park at the BBQ Shed adjacent to the Community Center. When entering the park, continue to go straight and park in the first parking lot. You will see a GBF truck and trailer in the next lot over. Give yourself enough time to park and use the restroom so you are ready to help at the start of your shift.

Help Native Plants Find New Homes

Every spring, Galveston Bay Foundation hosts a community native plant sale to help residents bring more habitat into their own backyards and neighborhoods. This year we will be concurrently hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop for those interested in learning about water conservation for the Bay.

As an Event Breakdown Volunteer, you will work alongside GBF staff to load any remaining plants, breakdown equipment, gather remaining plants, and load up the GBF trailer. 

By helping us prepare plants for sale, you make it easier for residents to choose native species that benefit pollinators, birds, and the greater Galveston Bay watershed.

This is a physically active volunteer role involving light lifting and organizing. Restrooms are available onsite. Refreshments will be provided.

Please check in with GBF staff inside the BBQ shed upon arrival. You will receive a quick orientation and task overview before setup begins.

Parking & Where to Meet
We will meet at Walter Hall Park at the BBQ Shed adjacent to the Community Center. When entering the park, continue to go straight and park in the first parking lot. You will see a GBF truck and trailer in the next lot over. Give yourself enough time to park and use the restroom so you are ready to help at the start of your shift.

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.

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.