Back the Bay

Roots & Range: Stewarding Working Lands of the Coastal Prairie
2026-02-20 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Indiangrass Preserve, 31975 Hebert Rd, Waller, TX, 77484
February 20 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CST
Indiangrass Preserve
31975 Hebert Rd., Waller, TX 77484
This hands-on, field-based workshop is designed for landowners, land managers, and conservation practitioners, and features TCPI partners and on-the-ground learning.
Registration Link: https://coastalprairieconservancy.eventcalendarapp.com/roots-and-range-stewarding-working-lands-of-the-coastal-prairie
Agenda & Speakers:

9:00–9:15 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions
9:15–10:35 a.m. | Site Tour & Forage Inventory Demonstration
Stephen Deiss, Coastal Prairie Conservancy
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Prescribed Fire on Working Lands: Planning & Practice
Greg Pleasant, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
(Live burn demonstration, conditions permitting)
12:00–1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Ask the Experts
1:00–1:50 p.m. | Reading Your Land
Clint Faas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
2:00–2:50 p.m. | Managing Working Lands for Wildlife
Faith Chase, Wildlife Habitat Federation
2:50–3:00 p.m. | Wrap-up & Final Questions

Refreshments and lunch are provided. Registration is $40.

All About Grants and More
2026-02-17 08:00 - 15:00 | TX
Harris County Department of Education
Conference Center
6300 Irvington Blvd., Room 502
Houston, TX 77022

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8 a.m.—3:30 p.m.

Check out the HCDE website for more information.

Informal Science Education of Texas Conference
2026-02-11 - 2026-02-13 | Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Herman Park Rd, Houston, TX, 77030
February 11 – 13, 2026 – Houston Museum of Natural Science
For more information, visit the ISEA 2026 Conference Page.

Houston Environmental Educators Meetup
2026-01-28 09:00 - 15:00 | University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX, 77058, United States
January 28, 2026 – University of Houston-Clear Lake
Register Online

Tentative Itinerary
9 – 9:30 a.m. Forest Room at UH-Clear Lake
Coffee & Chat (note: support sustainability by bringing your own cup)

9:30 – 11 a.m. Atrium 2
Collaborative Dialogue & Round Table

11 – 12 p.m. Forest Room
Chili Lunch provided by Texas Association for Environmental Education (TAEE) and HEB (note: support sustainability by bringing your own bowl & utensil)

12 – 2:30 p.m. A Hike Through the Ecosystems
Dress to be outdoors. Visit different habitats and see how the campus utilizes partnerships to teach & restore!

2:30 p.m. Forest Room
White Elephant Gift Swap & Social (bring a random gift and swap it with someone else for something else random!)

Parking instructions will come shortly.

What is this group?!? An informal community of educators, outreach and volunteer coordinators, park staff, public or private school teachers, health officials and/or community engagement folks just trying to improve the well-being of people, wildlife and the environment in the Houston area. Join us. Invite a friend. We are better together… and we start by getting to know one another. Contact matthew.abernathy@tceq.texas.gov to learn more about the Zoom chats.

Putting Down Roots Fall Planting Festival
2025-11-08 09:00 - 13:00 | TX
Join the Coastal Prairie Conservancy for the annual Putting Down Roots Fall Planting Festival at the Indiangrass Preserve. This free, family-friendly event invites volunteers of all ages to help restore one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America, the coastal prairie. Planting runs from 9 AM to 12 PM, with interactive activity stations and refreshments available until 1 PM. All planting supplies, free hot dogs and veggie dogs, and a variety of educational activities for kids and adults will be provided. Enjoy live bluegrass music from the Fire Ants String Band as you dig in and help bring the prairie to life. This event is a hands-on opportunity to learn about prairie conservation and make a lasting impact. Native seedlings planted during the event are grown locally in the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Native Plant Nursery and by Great Grow Out volunteers. Whether you’re planting, learning, or just enjoying the community atmosphere, Putting Down Roots offers a meaningful way to connect with Texas’ natural heritage.

Attendees can register here: https://www.coastalprairieconservancy.org/cpc-events/stewardship-saturday-sep9-94e76-8secn-g8w62-lnmz4-wrmls-8w5xz-cygs2-6cyh4-l8l5e-3cdlg-hkfb6-ptjh9-sfrx9-kj92n

This is a video of last year’s festivities for reference: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCZKpJUpR40/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXZ5cDN5cDJ3bmV6cw==

Spook-a-Clean
2025-11-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Arthur Storey Park, 77400 W Sam Houston Parkway S, Houston, TX, 77036
Halloween-Themed Bayou Cleanup for Houston Birds

​Did you know Houston’s bayous play a crucial role in supporting birds and wildlife? The bayous create a variety of habitats that provide nesting, feeding, and resting areas. Migratory birds rely on Houston and its bayous with millions of birds stopping and flying through during Fall migration, as well! Houston is so important for birds that it is a designated Urban Bird Treaty City working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to create bird-friendly environments and connect Houstonians with nature through bird related activities. Help us remove harmful trash from Brays Bayou to improve our waterways for the birds and us!

Join us for a hauntingly fun family-friendly event with local exhibitors, activities, giveaways, and more!

Plus participate in our Costume Swap!
Donate gently used costumes and select new-to-you styles for next year’s festivities.

Galveston Bay Estuary Program at Johnson Library
2025-10-22 17:30 - 18:30 | Johnson Library, 3517 Reed Road, Houston, TX, 77051
Matthew Abernathy, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP), will present How We Back the Bay: An Overview of the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, a comprehensive overview of the GBEP, including its mission, purpose, history, and projects.

Galveston Bay Estuary Program at Stanaker Library
2025-10-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Stanaker Library, 611 S Sgt Macario Garcia Dr, Houston, TX, 77011

Galveston Bay Estuary Program at Collier Library
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Collier Regional Library, 6200 Pinemont, Houston, TX, 77092

Marsh Mania
2025-09-27 09:00 - 13:00 | TX
Fall Marsh Mania
9:00 am-1:00 pm | Galveston Bay Foundation
Two Plantings – One Mission
Prairie Planting at GBF Headquarters – Kemah, TX (Ages 6+)
Freshwater Marsh Planting at Armand Bayou – Pasadena, TX (Ages 12+)
The time has come to roll up your sleeves, lace up your boots, and get your hands in the dirt for Galveston Bay! Whether you’re planting in on watery edges or grassy prairie, you’ll be one of the reasons the Bay’s wildlife and water quality stay healthy and vibrant!
This year’s Marsh Mania is extra special with 2 plantings! We’re back at it again, doing what we do best, restoring interconnected coastal habitats for our marshes.
At Armand Bayou, we’ll plant freshwater marsh vegetation along waterways feeding Clear Lake and flowing out to Galveston Bay. Breakfast will be provided.
At GBF’s Kemah Headquarters, we’ll enhance our prairie habitat, boosting the water filtration power of our bioswales while supporting pollinators and birds. Lunch will be provided.
No prior experience needed — we’ll provide tools, training, and guidance. All volunteers get a free event T-shirt and GBF swag.
After you register, all you need to do is show up ready for outdoor work — that means clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, a water bottle, and sun protection.
Ready to dig in and make an impact?
Registration is FULL! We have started a waitlist.
Kemah Waitlist
Armand Bayou Waitlist

Bolivar Flats Beach Cleanup
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Rettilon Road, Port Bolivar, TX, 77650
Please help us clean up the shoreline at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary during Houston Bird Week! Your efforts will help prepare the sanctuary for the thousands of migrants coming through during fall migration and help provide clean habitat for our beach-nesting birds! Houston Audubon will provide gloves, grabbers, trash bags, and water to refill your reusable containers. Please dress accordingly for the weather and sun protection.
Meet at the vehicular barrier located on the beach ~3/4 mile west of Rettilon Rd in Port Bolivar. From the ferry landing, take Highway 87, 3 miles, turn Right on Rettilon Rd, turn right at the beach and drive 3/4 mile to the barrier.

Squawk Walk
2025-09-27 07:30 - 12:00 | Exploration Green Phase I, 16350 Diana Ln, Houston, Texas, 77062, United States
The Squawk Walk is an event at the Green that celebrates the role that the Houston area plays in the lives of birds. The event is co-sponsored by Houston Audubon and is held in September during Bird Week. Attendees are encouraged to register for guided bird walks (approximately one mile in length) on our ADA accessible trails. Texas Master Naturalists are on hand to answer questions and help spot and identify bird species. The event is appropriate for guests five years old and older.

The public is welcome to walk all our lake loop trails throughout the day. Be sure to remember to bring your cameras, binoculars, drinking water, and walking shoes.

Houston Association of Sea Kayakers General Meeting
2025-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Los Cucos, 17386 Northwest Fwy, Jersey Village, TX, 77040
Matthew Abernathy, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP), will be present a comprehensive overview of the GBEP, including its mission, purpose, history, and projects.

Houston Audubon's Bird Week Kick-off Party
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Burnett Bayland Park, 6206 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX, 77081, United States
Celebrate with many local community partners through nature games, crafts, dance performances and much more. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this FREE and one of a kind event you’ll never forget. Remember to bring your reusable water bottle!
Register to attend by using the link below.
https://houstonaudubon.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/houstonaudubon/event.jsp?event=4806&

Texas Adopt-A-Beach 2025 Coastwide Fall Cleanup
2025-09-20 08:30 - 12:00 | TX
TIME: Check-in opens at 8:30 am and we clean until noon!
LOCATION: Multiple locations along the Texas coast. View locations on this map!
PLAN AHEAD:

Pre-register your group online.
Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of drinking water and a hat.
Adopt-A-Beach will provide all necessary cleanup supplies, but consider bringing your own set of garden or work gloves to use and a reuseable water bottle.
Download the CleanSwell app before the cleanup to track the trash you find!
Review our Frequently Asked Questions! English or Spanish

Online registration will remain open until 11 am on Saturday, September 20th.
For more information, contact the Site Coordinator listed for the site you want to visit. You can also call the Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach program at 1-877-TX-COAST (892-6278).
About the Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program:
Texas Adopt-A-Beach is an all-volunteer beach cleanup program dedicated to keeping Texas beaches clean and educating our communities about the detrimental effects of marine debris on people and our environment.

Clean Galveston
2025-09-20 07:30 - 11:45 | Artist Boat Headquarters, 13330 Settegast Rd, Galveston, Texas, 77554
Come help clean up the Artist Boat 3-mile wildlife corridor on Highway 3005 and Stewart Road between 8 Mile Road and 11 Mile Road. These roads are in need of a deep clean.
The road debris that has accumulated along this 3-mile stretch includes materials, substances, and objects that are foreign to the normal roadway environment.
The Artist Boat 3-Mile Wildlife Corridor Garbage Conservation Clean-Up Project will beautify these highly trafficked stretches of roadway adjacent to conserved land where wildlife can be harmed.
This project will utilize Artist Boat Sea Citizen volunteers to responsibly pick up thousands of pounds of liter, recyclables, and debris. The recyclables that are collected by the volunteers will be sent to a nearby recycling facility for processing.
Incorporating recycling into the event is truly the perfect way to help the environment for future generations. Roadside debris will be collected in a roll off trash dumpster and transported by a local waste management disposal company.

Registration – https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/artistboat/items/656885/availability/1816098027/book/?full-items=yes&g4=yes

What’s included

Safety equipment, safety instructions, trash bags, shuttle service to cleaning zone, and lunch.

What’s not included

Single use water bottles.

Itinerary

Date: September 20, 2025
In recognition of National Estuary Week
7:30 AM – Volunteer Arrival at Corral Parking Lot
8:00 AM – Clean Up Begins
10:30 AM to 11:45 AM – Lunch at the Artist Boat Eco-Art Barn

Galveston Bay Foundation Marine Debris Surveys - Texas City Dike
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:30 | Texas City Dike, 2010 5th Ave N, Texas City, Texas, 77590
Upcoming Surveys:

Texas City Dike

Wednesday, July 16th , 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Sign up here: https://x.gldn.io/e/6beOwo5jUTb

Galveston Bay Foundation Marine Debris Surveys - Seawolf Park
2025-07-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Seawolf Park, 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77550
2025 Marine Debris Survey – Seawolf Park
Galveston Bay Foundation

Role Description
You will help GBF staff collect and document the types of debris within each plot. Once the survey is done we will then pick up the remaining trash in the area.
Eligibility

Ages: 18+

Purpose
We survey and monitor specific areas to track types and amounts of marine debris over time. With volunteers like you, we collect vital information to share with our partners.
Vibe
Lets see the good and trashy!

Location
Galveston, TX 77550 (sign up to see exact location)

World Ocean Day
2025-06-07 11:00 - 16:30 | R.A. Apffel East Beach Park, 1923 Boddeker Rd, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States
Join the Artist Boat on Saturday, June 7 at R.A. Apffel East Beach Park in Galveston to celebrate World Ocean Day.
World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate, working in collaboration with youth leaders and a wide range of organizations. It’s about how we can create a better future with an abundant ocean and a stable climate, by working together.
In addition to the main event on June 7, several other events are happening around Galveston Island from June 5 – 15 in conjunction with World Ocean Day. Check out the 2025 World Ocean Day Flyer for more information.

SPLASh BioBLitz in Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Herman Brown Park, 400 Mercury Dr., Houston, TX, 77013
World Migratory Bird Day 2025
​World Migratory Bird Day is an annual global celebration of the incredible journeys birds take across continents, connecting ecosystems and cultures. The 2025 conservation theme, “Shared Spaces – Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities,” highlights the urgent need to protect migratory birds from threats like habitat loss, light pollution, window collisions, pesticides, outdoor cats, and plastic pollution.
Cities like Houston play a crucial role in providing habitat for millions of birds during fall and spring migration each year. ​This makes it especially important for us to take action in keeping our outdoor spaces bird-friendly. Join us as we raise awareness and take action for migratory birds!
This free, family-friendly event will feature nature-themed activities for all ages and a bioblitz using iNaturalist to help participants discover the biodiversity in our community.

Wetland Walkabout at Exploration Green
2025-05-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Exploration Green Phase I, 16350 Diana Ln, Houston, Texas, 77062, United States
The Conservancy helps celebrate American Wetlands Month on the first Saturday in May. This includes our annual chalk drawing contest – guests of all ages and drawing skill levels are welcome to join the fun – as well as rain barrel demonstrations and other activities. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
Don’t forget your binoculars to view the wildlife.

2025 Earth Day Celebration
2025-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX, 77507, United States
Join us in celebrating Earth Day by meeting some of the animals that call ABNC home and learn why every day is Earth Day at ABNC.
Activities will include live animal demonstrations, seed ball making, dip netting, mini Bayou Safari Tours, and more!

7th Annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium
2025-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, Texas, 77030
GBEP is working with partners throughout Texas to plan the 7th annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium. The event will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Houston Zoo.
Registration is free and opens, along with the call for presentation and poster abstracts, on Monday, January 6, 2025.
For more information, visit www.texasplasticpollutionsymposium.com.

Trash Bash
2025-03-29 08:00 - 13:00 | TX
The River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® will celebrate the 31st annual cleanup of our Galveston Bay watershed on Saturday March 29, 2025!
​Trash Bash® is the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas. Thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors who continue to join us to “Clean It Like You Mean It !”®

Beautify the Bucket
2025-03-10 - 2025-05-26 | Artist Boat Headquarters, 13330 Settegast Rd, Galveston, Texas, 77554
The Beautify the Bucket Art Contest occurs each Spring, prior to the World Ocean Day Festival, and allows participants to take an active role in beautifying Galveston Beaches and improving stewardship behaviors. Individuals and groups of all ages can participate in beautifying a bucket.
Participants in the competition paint a blue trash barrel destined for Galveston Beaches based on the following themes:

Ocean & Bay Organisms
Marine & Aquatic Debris
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Galveston Beach & Bay Recreational Activities
Houston Ship Channel

After the competition, the barrels will be added to Galveston’s Beaches where they will be enjoyed by visitors and encourage proper disposal of trash to reduce marine debris. The number of buckets are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Trash barrels remain the property of our partner, the Park Board of Trustees of Galveston Island.

Annual Health and Wellness Fair
2025-03-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Lonestar College – Kingwood, 20000 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, Texas, 77339
Lonestar College – Kingwood will be hosting its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The event will include information on health and wellness with a connection to nature and the outdoors.
The event will be at the SCC Building from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
For more information, email Dr. Brian Shmaefsky (brian.r.shmaefsky@lonestar.edu).

NatureFest
2025-03-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Dr., Humble, Texas, 77338
Come visit GBEP’s booth at Jesse H. Jones Park’s 2025 NatureFest. This annual event introduces visitors to local environmental organizations, outdoor activities, and native plants and wildlife. This is a free family event.

Texas Envirothon Workshop
2025-02-15 09:00 - 15:00 | Long Acres Ranch, 2335 Richmond Parkway, Richmond, Texas, 77469
This one-day workshop for teachers and educators will provide an introduction to Envirothon, including:
• Explore 2025 theme: Forest Stewardship
• Learn about the 4 core topics
• Tips for guiding Envirothon teams
• Network with experienced advisors
• 6 hours SBEC credits
For more information or to register, please see the linked flyer below.
2025 Texas Envirothon Teacher Workshop v2

Black Girls Do Engineer Symposium
2025-01-18 11:00 - 13:00 | University of Houston, 4455 University Drive, Houston, Texas, 77204
The Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE) Symposium is January 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the University of Houston Downtown. This inspiring event will highlight energy innovation and sustainability as BGDE members present their innovative projects to industry professionals. Register here to join us.

3rd Annual Ghost Wolves Town Hall
2025-01-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77554
Learn about Galveston’s ghost wolves from experts and researchers at this free event.
What’s new?!
• Exciting announcement about ghost wolf and red wolf research!
• Lastest updates about local ghost wolf pack activity!
• New eco-centric development in Galveston — YES, it is possible!!
Registration is required and information is included in the flyer linked below.
TownHall_flyer2025
*Event will be held in the 3D Auditorium at Moody Gardens*
