Back the Bay

World Ocean Day
2025-06-07 11:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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*

From Grey to Green: Building Resilient Communities with Green Infrastructure
2024-10-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Evelyn Meador Library, 2400 N. Meyer Ave, Seabrook, Texas, 77586
Join Matt Abernathy, Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP), for a presentation about Green Infrastructure. Learn about what Green Infrastructure is, why is it important, and how green infrastructure projects can help to improve water quality and mitigate flooding by working with nature.

Creek Bash
2024-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Dr., Humble, Texas, 77338
Nothing ruins scenic waterways faster than litter. Join us to help keep Spring Creek clean and make a positive impact on our shared environment by picking up trash. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants can earn volunteer service hours for community organizations and Texas Master Naturalists. Closed-toed shoes and long pants required.
MyImpactPage – Volunteer Introduction and Guide (betterimpact.com) or email JesseJonesPark@pct3.hctx.net to register.

Deer Park Prairie Work Day
2024-09-28 08:00 - 12:00 | Deer Park Prairie, 1222 Purdue Ln, Deer Park, Texas, 77536
Join us for our monthly workday at Deer Park Prairie.
Dive into hands-on conservation work at Deer Park Prairie. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, your involvement helps us nurture this unique ecosystem. Be prepared with sturdy shoes, a water bottle, hat, and sun protection. Volunteers can bring gloves, loppers, and hand saws if they have them, but NPAT will provide necessary tools.
We will be focusing on the southwest corner of the prairie and working to clear the southern end of the west fence line. Activities will include clearing, applying herbicide, mowing, and removing woody debris.
Registration is required. RSVP – Deer Park Prairie September Work Day (tickettailor.com)

Squawk Walk
2024-09-28 07:30 - 10:30 | Exploration Green Phase I, 16350 Diana Ln, Houston, Texas, 77062, United States
Squawk Walk is back at Exploration Green! Squawk Walk is an event held at Exploration Green in Houston, Texas to celebrate the role the city plays in the lives of birds. This event is co-sponsored by Houston Audubon and will be held on Saturday, September 28 during Bird Week, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to register for free guided bird walks. Texas Master Naturalists will be on hand to answer questions. To join us for this guided tour of Avian life around Phase 1, just click the link below and sign up.
This event is great for everyone aged 5 and up. Children under 12 must have a parent or guardian with them. There will be a maximum of 10 people on each tour, so please register one slot for each person in your group. Tours are expected to last 45-60 minutes and are wheelchair accessible. Bring your own binoculars and don’t forget your water and camera.

Woodland Park Cleanup
2024-09-22 08:00 - 11:00 | Woodland Park, 212 Parkview St., Houston, Texas, 77009
We’re so glad you’ll be joining SPLASh and Houston Audubon at our cleanup on September 22 from 8am – 11am at Woodland Park! Please register below for yourself and anyone from your family or group who may be attending with you.
The exact meeting location can be found here: 212 Parkview St, Houston, TX 77009

All volunteers are required to sign waivers. Sign our Liability Waiver Here!
Printed copies will be available at the cleanup, as well.

Bathrooms: No bathrooms on site but available at local gas stations/marts.

If you want to learn more about SPLASh or have any questions about our cleanup events, visit www.splashtx.org or email us at splashtx@abcbirds.org!

Thank you to Friends of Woodland Park and Houston Audubon for partnering on this cleanup event!

Birds of Moody Gardens Bird Walk
2024-09-22 07:00 - 11:00 | Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77554
Join Houston Audubon on a guided tour to see the birds of Moody Gardens during Houston Bird Week! Explore the birds on the property, visit the penguins in the Aquarium, and stroll through the canopy of the tropical Rainforest Pyramid! Bring your reusable water bottle.
Meet at the tram stop at the North end of the West parking lot.

Houston Bird Week Kickoff Party
2024-09-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Burnett Bayland Park, 6206 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX, 77081, United States
Join Houston Audubon, Harris County Precinct 4 and Madres del Parque as we kick-off Houston Bird Week in style! Celebrate with many local conservation 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.
In partnership with Houston Audubon, Madres del Parque, Harris County Precinct 4, Memorial Hermann, Texas Master Naturalist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Student Conservation Association, CRECEN, Connect Community, Octavio Palomo, MARLA, BakerRipley, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and Latino Outdoors.
Houston Bird Week Kickoff Party

Bolivar Flats Beach Cleanup
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | TX
Please help us clean up the shoreline at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary during 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.
Please let us know you’re coming by registering online.

Bird Walk at E.R. and Ann Taylor Park
2024-09-16 08:00 - 17:00 | E.R. & Ann Taylor Park, 1850 Reed Rd., Houston, Texas, 77051
Join Zoe Gapayao from the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, along with Houston Audubon and Nature Heritage Society for a guided bird walk at E.R. & Ann Taylor Park! This park is a 26-acre forest oasis in southern Houston. Standing at the entrance to the park, at 1850 Reed Road, one has a clear view of the skylines of downtown and the Texas Medical Center. The bustling environment of Almeda Road begins at the next intersection. But inside the gates, a tranquil world of birdcalls, grapevines and ancient oak trees awaits. A 1.08-mile nature trail takes hikers through the woods. Scattered within the forest are bird watching blinds, designed so that viewers can observe wildlife without scaring it off, boardwalks to keep visitors out of the occasional puddle, and an elegant, 2-story tall viewing stand looking out on the wilderness pond ecosystem and the surrounding forest.
Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, weather appropriate gear, and bug spray. Bring your reusable water bottle.
We will meet at the pavilion.

One Less Plastic Pledge - East Beach Cleanup
2024-07-27 09:00 - 12:00 | R.A. Apffel East Beach Park, 1923 Boddeker Rd, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States
Join SPLASh for this cleanup event at Galveston’s East Beach in support of the One Less Plastic Pledge.

For more information, email CDannenfelser@abcbords.org.

One Less Plastic Pledge Cleanup
2024-07-27 09:00 - 11:00 | University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX, 77058, United States
GBEP is partnering with the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake to do a campus cleanup in support of the One Less Plastic Pledge.
For more information, you can email gbep@tceq.texas.gov or oakley@uhcl.edu.

One Less Plastic Pledge - Brock Adventure Park Cleanup
2024-07-27 08:30 - 11:00 | Brock Park, 8201 John Ralston Rd, Houston, Texas, 77044
Join the Galveston Bay Foundation at Brock Adventure Park for this cleanup in support of the One Less Plastic Pledge.
For more information, email LScobel@galvbay.org.

One Less Plastic Pledge - Jones State Forest Cleanup
2024-07-27 08:30 - 11:00 | Jones State Forest, 1328 FM 1488, Conroe, Texas, 77384
Join the Texas A&M Forest Service for this cleanup event at Jones State Forest in Conroe.
For more information, email jaden.kelly@tfs.tamu.edu.

Galveston Bay Council Quarterly Meeting
2024-07-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Harris-Galveston Subsidence District Office, 1660 W. Bay Area Blvd, Friendswood, TX, 77546, United States
This will be the July meeting of the Galveston Bay Council.
For more information about the Galveston Bay Council, you can visit the GBEP website or email Lisa Marshall, GBEP Program Manager, at Lisa.Marshall@tceq.texas.gov.

One Less Plastic Pledge - Galveston Cleanup
2024-07-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Menard Park, 2222 28th Street, Galveston, Texas, 77550
Join the Turtle Island Restoration Network for a cleanup on Galveston Island on July 5.
For more information, contact maggie@tirn.net.

One Less Plastic Pledge
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-31 | TX
GBEP and its partners are helping to raise awareness of the issues associated with single-use plastics. We are asking that people pledge to reduce their use or remove from use at least one single-use plastic item during the month of July.
Additionally, GBEP and its partners will be hosting events throughout July and providing information and resources to support this effort.
