Galveston Bay Foundation, Kemah

Galveston Bay is notably the seventh largest and second most productive estuary in North America and the largest and most productive estuary on the Texas Gulf Coast. The health and well-being of this coastal ecosystem is critical to the region. The Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) works to instill knowledge and appreciation of the Galveston Bay ecosystem, inspire participants to break down barriers and open themselves to new experiences, and empower students to become life-long advocates for a resilient Galveston Bay.

Through its Environmental STEM Education programs, GBF reaches over 10,000 students and teachers each year, providing a hands-on, immersive learning experience that connects students to the ecosystem in a meaningful way. By offering a variety of opportunities like field trips to the Bay, the Bay to Schools program, and the engaging “At Home with the Bay” video series, GBF opens doors for students to explore environmental science in dynamic and accessible ways. Its new Virtual Watershed Education and Training curriculum further expands opportunities, connecting students with NOAA and Texas A&M University researchers through an interactive 360° virtual format.

Through these efforts and collaborations with leading institutions, GBF is laying the foundation for a future generation of environmental advocates dedicated to preserving the Galveston Bay ecosystem for years to come.