Coastal Bend Bays Foundation, Corpus Christi

Established in 1991, the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation has long been a key player in preserving and protecting the natural resources of the Texas Coastal Bend. Through consensus, facilitation, communication, advocacy, research, and education, the foundation has been working to ensure the present and long-term health of the region’s coastlines.

The foundation’s four main community programs include:

• Earth Day – Bay Day: A free event engaging 12 coastal communities in litter cleanups, tree planting, recycling efforts, and sustainability education.
• Coastal Issues Forums: Monthly, free presentations by local experts that address critical environmental issues, educating the public on how they can make a difference.
• Adopt-a-Beach Coastal Cleanups: Events that bring together schools, groups, and individuals to tackle beach litter and protect the Texas coast.
• Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Awards Banquet: A celebration that raises awareness and builds partnerships within the local environmental community.

In 2023, these initiatives collectively reached over 10,000 individuals, provided more than 400 volunteer opportunities, and helped remove over 4,000 pounds of litter—efforts that continue to enhance the coastal environment for all.