Welcome to the GBF Volunteer Hub!
Our Volunteer Hub is the best place to start your journey as a GBF volunteer, so you can find opportunities that speak to your passions and grow your impact for a thriving Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
➕ Do I need training?
Most activities are open without prerequisites. Our staff will teach you everything you need to know for community events. Only designated programs require specialized training, orientation, or enrollment. Continue reading below to learn which opportunities require training.
➕ Can families or friends volunteer together?
Yes. Many opportunities welcome families and small groups, but some are not suitable for younger children. Always review the age eligibility listed on the opportunity page. Some events allow Team registrations so you can sign up everyone at the same time.
➕ How do I register my minor?
When available, use the “Respond As Team” option to register together. You can also register on behalf of your child 13 an under. Children 13-17 can be registered using their own email address if they have one or a placeholder account if preferred. Read below for more information on how to register your minor.
➕ Is there a required commitment?
No. Most opportunities are flexible and you can participate as your schedule allows unless otherwise noted for specialized or dedicated roles. Staff can help answer any questions about late arrivals or early departures.
➕ Does Galveston Bay Foundation offer regular volunteer opportunities during the week and on weekends?
Yes. Regular weekday and weekend opportunities are available, but are dynamic. Times may change depending on the season and activities will vary depending on the needs of the program. Any open opportunities will be posted in our volunteer portal at volunteer.galvbay.org.
➕ Do you have volunteer opportunities for kids during the summer?
High school students interested in building leadership skills and representing GBF in the community are invited to participate in our Teens 4 the Bay Program.
Younger children and adolescents are welcome to join any open activity for which they are eligible. We will explicitly state on the opportunity page when a parent, guardian, or approved adult chaperone is required to accompany at an event. Visit volunteer.galvbay.org/need/and filter opportunities by age.
➕ Do you offer group volunteer opportunities?
Yes. Group service opportunities vary depending on program needs and staff availability. Visit volunteer.galvbay.org/group-volunteering/ to complete a group interest form.
Groups are also welcome to participate in any of our community volunteer events.
Start Your Journey Here
Whether you are new or returning, these steps help you get ready for a successful volunteer experience.
Create your volunteer account
If you have volunteered with us in the past 3 years, you are likely in our system. Try a “forget password” reset using the last email you sign up with.
If you have not volunteered with us before, click here to start the process. Follow the directions on the screen and reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@galvbay.org) if you need assistance.
NOTE: If you have a new email address or are having trouble logging into the site, contact volunteer@galvbay.org to have your profile updated and your password reset.
Registering & Volunteering with your minor
Age eligibility will always be posted on the opportunity page along with notes indicating whether your minor must be accompanied by a registered chaperone or parent/guardian. We do have opportunities where volunteers ages 16+ can volunteer independently.
Parental consent is required.
To register with your minor, sign up as a team when available. You will see a “Respond As Team” button on the opportunity page. If the button is not available, check the age eligibility to ensure you are looking at a family-friendly or group-friendly opportunity.
Follow the directions on the screen and reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@galvbay.org) if you need assistance. You can also read about joining as a team here.
For more help on how you can register your minor and sign consent, visit this help article on our system's support site at learn.getconnectedvolunteer.com.
Explore volunteer opportunities
You don’t have to create an account to browse all of our opportunities. All opportunities that are open and available to you are posted here including specialized roles (e.g., Water Monitor, Dolphin Research) that require an orientation or training.
An application or vetting process may be required for some specialized or dedicated roles. These roles typically have an enrollment period like Oyster Gardening or required training workshop like our Dolphin Research Program. These roles are posted seasonally depending on the program, and exact open dates vary from year to year.
Visit specific program pages for more information, sign up to receive alerts, or contact volunteer@galvbay.org with your questions about getting involved.
Sign up for a shift
Once you are logged in, you can now sign up for an opportunity by clicking the “Respond” button.
You will be prompted to sign our Service Waiver. Once you do, make sure to confirm your shift by clicking the “Respond” button again.
To confirm that you have successfully registered, go to your profile and see your registration under “Opportunity Responses”. Additionally, you will receive a confirmation email from the Volunteer Coordinator.
Dedicated volunteering and some specialized opportunities will require additional qualifications in addition to the service waiver. In those cases, you will be prompted to complete those qualifications or receive staff approval before your profile can be updated and to begin volunteering.
Track your hours & miles
Logging your hours supports volunteer recognition and helps us understand program needs. You can submit your hours directly through your profile.
You can also log your hours by checking in and checking out whenever you come out to volunteer. You can check in and out by:
- Using the Causer App Check in with staff to scan a QR code or complete paper check in.
- Logging in and selecting “Check-in/Out” from the “Options” dropdown on your “My Responses” page.
When you check out, you can enter any miles you travelled to volunteer; these miles are tax deductible. You can also print a report from your profile page, and we are happy to verify them anytime.
NOTE: If you are Texas Master Naturalist (TXMN), please log all of your hours and GBF will deduct them from our totals when appropriate. Be sure to note on your profile that you are a TXMN. We do have some private donations that require your volunteer hours and which do not conflict with TPWD grants.
Quick Links
- Whether you are new or returning, these steps help you get ready for a successful volunteer experience.
Volunteer Tracks
There are two volunteer tracks at GBF:
- Community Volunteers – Open opportunities with no prerequisites. Staff will teach you what you need to know at the event.
- Specialized & Dedicated Volunteers – Program-specific roles that require an orientation, training, or an enrollment period before you can participate.
Whenever you participate in a community volunteer opportunity, you are automatically designated as a Community Volunteer in our system. As you volunteer with different programs such as Water Protection, Stewardship, Dolphin Research, Oyster Restoration, or Habitat Restoration, your profile reflects that experience. Recurring opportunities fall into this category but also include special events like Marsh Mania or Bike Around the Bay.
Specialized & Dedicated Volunteers are vetted volunteers who complete required training or an application process, depending on the role. These opportunities are designed for individuals who are interested in deeper, ongoing involvement and supporting specific programs over time. These roles offer enrollment windows and trainings that will be posted program pages and via featured spotlight banners. They will also be advertised in our quarterly community wide email communications and your tailored notifications. If you have any questions about becoming a Specialized & Dedicated Volunteer, please contact volunteer@galvbay.org.
Specialized & Dedicated Opportunities - Training Required
These roles require an orientation, training, or an enrollment period before you can participate. Select an opportunity to learn more.
Recurring Opportunities - Open to the Public
These opportunities are posted regularly and are open to the community.
- EcoCenter Nursery
- Marine Debris Surveys
- Prairie Garden (Spring 2025)
- Aquatic Nursery (Spring 2025)
Priority Events
These events require the greatest number of volunteers and offer a clear way to support our mission. Event information will be added or updated throughout the year.
Trash Bash®
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Every March, the Galveston Bay Foundation partners with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to host the River, Lakes, Bays N Bayous Trash Bash®—the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas. With your support, you’ll help make this event a success by assisting with event setup, serving lunch, or helping with teardown. |
Houston Oyster & SeaFest
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The Houston Oyster and SeaFest (HOSF) is an annual Galveston Bay Foundation fundraiser that supports habitat restoration efforts and the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Enjoy culinary creations prepared by some of our oyster shell recycling partners and other Houston favorite restaurants, with all proceeds benefiting the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. |
Marsh Mania
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Marsh Mania is Galveston Bay Foundation’s annual, award-winning, community-powered marsh restoration effort. Each year in the spring or fall, volunteers plant native grasses in saltwater and freshwater marshes and connected coastal wetlands. This is a very popular event and spots often fill within hours. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates. |
Bike Around the Bay
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Bike Around the Bay (BAB) is Galveston Bay Foundation’s annual two-day bike ride fundraiser that showcases Galveston Bay and supports the Foundation’s work.Preparing for this event is a year-round effort to ensure a safe ride for thousands of riders and typically involves the support of 200–300 volunteers each year. There are numerous opportunities for individuals and groups in the weeks leading up to the event and during the event itself. Host a breakpoint or pitch in at the Finish Line. All volunteers will receive a volunteer event t-shirt and a chance to enjoy the excitement and food! All opportunities will be posted via on our Special Events & Festivals page. |
Notification List
When you create a volunteer account, you are automatically added to our general volunteer notification list. This allows us to share opportunities, updates, and reminders related to your volunteer activity.
As you volunteer with specific programs, you may also receive notifications related to those programs. These messages are based on your participation and help ensure you hear about opportunities that match your interests.
You are always in control of your notifications. You can update your email preferences or opt out at any time by logging into your volunteer profile and adjusting your communication settings.
We respect your time and inbox and aim to send only relevant, timely messages.
Recognition and Benefits
Volunteers contribute essential skills and energy that strengthen our community. To recognize your work, we offer:
- Food, snacks, or event-specific items for one-time and seasonal programs
- Skill-building and training opportunities
- A safe, well-prepared volunteer environment
- Community volunteers that have helped consistently throughout the year or with key priority events, GBF Dedicated Volunteers, Specialized Program Volunteers, and Program Partners receive an invitation to Bravos for the Bay, our annual volunteer appreciation event.
What to Expect
Just like Galveston Bay connects the waters of the land to the sea, our volunteers are the bridge between our mission and the community.
We value our volunteers and strive to provide you a positive and enriching experience every time you volunteer.
That means you will receive the information you need to volunteer confidently and safely in advance of your shift.
To prepare you for advanced roles, we will always strive to provide reasonable training sessions to prepare you for working with participants, equipment, or specialized settings.
All advanced roles require background checks and verification in order to keep our community safe.
We will provide first-aid certified staff for all field events and will provide basic first aid kits onsite for every event.
We will send you regular surveys to improve your experience and welcome your feedback on how to further support you and your fellow volunteers.
Volunteers Make This Possible
Hundreds of individuals, families, and friend groups contribute time each year. Their efforts support programs that could not operate without volunteer involvement.
Your time directly strengthens our community and the Bay.
