Opportunities From: Galveston Bay Foundation

At the GBF EcoCenter Greenhouse, staff & volunteers cultivate native plants to restore & manage native coastal tallgrass prairies in four counties that surround Galveston Bay.

Every Thursday and Saturday, 8-11:00 am volunteers work in our native plant nursery to help heal one of America’s rarest and most endangered landscapes: the Coastal Tallgrass Prairie.

This is not just gardening – this work creates homes for wildlife and builds a natural shield against floods; you’re growing a legacy for future generations.

You will help with general nursery maintenance including but not be limited to:

Weeding and potting plants Mixing soil and rotating plants Cleaning and sorting seeds seasonal maintenance as needed.

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.comFrom TX-99 and W Bay Rd/Old F-M Rd 1405Head 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.

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.

Our Marine Debris Survey Program is a partnership with National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to help measure the amount and types of marine debris that wash up on our shoreline.

You will assist staff in conducting this survey by collecting and documenting your findings. Once the survey is complete we will clean up any remanining trash in the area. 

Tasks will include:

Cleaning up trash Helping measure each plot Helping identify objects  Helping unload and load supplies

MINORS
Parents or guardians must register and complete a waiver for minors (under age 18). All minors must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian or approved chaperone over the age of 18.

No experience is necessary; we will show you what to do!  

Cheer for the Bay
Galveston Bay Foundation is one of the official charity partners for the Run for a Reason program which raises support for local nonprofits during the Houston Marathon. We setup a cheer station to help motivate runners racing for the Bay.

As a cheer volunteer, you will make hoopla for runners as they pass the station. Volunteers will also assist with simple setup and takedown of the cheer area.

Your participation supports the success of our runners whose donations are helping fuel Galveston Bay Foundation’s work to protect the Bay today so we can preserve it for tomorrow.

All materials will be provided on site. No prior experience is needed. Bring your friends or family!

Want to run in the race? Learn more on fundraisers.hakuapp.com

Our Marine Debris Survey Program is a partnership with National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to help measure the amount and types of marine debris that wash up on our shoreline.

You will assist staff in conducting this survey by collecting and documenting your findings. Once the survey is complete we will clean up any remaining trash in the area. 

Tasks will include:

Cleaning up trash Helping measure each plot Helping identify objects  Helping unload and load supplies

MINORS
Parents or guardians must register and complete a waiver for minors (under age 18). All minors must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian or approved chaperone over the age of 18.

Start the Day Strong for Trash Bash®

Trash Bash® is the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, and GBF proudly hosts the Bay Area Park site. With nearly 500 participants joining us from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Event Support Volunteers play a key role in getting the day off to a smooth start.

As an Event Support Volunteer, you will help with setting up registration, passing out event supplies and t-shirts, and tearing down registration.

By ensuring a smooth and organized start to the event, you directly expand our ability to clean up more waste and increase the impact Trash Bash® has on the health of Galveston Bay.

No experience is necessary. Bring your family and friends! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and are welcome to join us for lunch at 11:30. 

Helping as a support volunteer doesn't stop you from being a part of the action! Register on h-gac.com to cleanup after your shift either by land or by water.

Help Fuel the Cleanup Crew

Trash Bash® is the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, and GBF proudly hosts the Bay Area Park site. With nearly 500 participants joining us from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Event Support Volunteers play a key role in getting the day off to a smooth start.

As a Lunch Support Volunteer, you will work alongside the GBF staff in several ways to help make the lunch at our event a success! You will help with setting up the lunch area, food prep, serving food to participants, and tearing down the lunch area at the end.

By ensuring a smooth and organized start to the event, you directly expand our ability to clean up more waste and increase the impact Trash Bash® has on the health of Galveston Bay.

No experience is necessary. Bring your family and friends! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and are welcome to join us for lunch at 11:30. 

Helping as a support volunteer doesn't stop you from being a part of the action! Register on h-gac.com to cleanup before your shift either by land or by water; just be ready to help with lunch by the start of your shift.

Help Close Out Trash Bash®

Trash Bash® is the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, and GBF proudly hosts the Bay Area Park site. With nearly 500 participants joining us from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Event Support Volunteers play a key role in getting the day off to a smooth start.

As a Wrap-Up Volunteer, you will help GBF staff clean the event area, organize and pack materials, and ensure the site is left better than we found it.

By ensuring a smooth and organized start to the event, you directly expand our ability to clean up more waste and increase the impact Trash Bash® has on the health of Galveston Bay.

No experience is necessary. Bring your family and friends! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and are welcome to join us for lunch at 11:30. 

Helping as a support volunteer doesn't stop you from being a part of the action! Register on h-gac.com to cleanup before your shift either by land or by water; just be ready to help with lunch by 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 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.