Our Mission
The Texas Master Naturalist™ Program’s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. Coastal Prairie Chapter members volunteer mainly in Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton counties.
Fall 2025 Training Class
2025 Fall class enrollment will open on July 7th, 2025
If you are interested in upcoming training classes, click below.
Monthly Chapter Program – July 10th, 2025
“Guardians of the Bay”: How GBEP is Preserving a Texas Treasure with Matthew Abernathy
Join us on Thursday, July 10th at 7:00 PM at the Rosenberg Civic Center for an engaging evening with Matthew Abernathy, Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP), as he presents a comprehensive look at one of Texas’s leading coastal conservation efforts.The presentation will begin with an introduction to the National Estuary
Program and the origins of the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, including when and how it was established, its mission and purpose, and the geographic area it serves. From there, Matthew will provide an overview of the Galveston Bay watershed and GBEP’s operational area, offering valuable insight into the program’s day-to-day functions and long-term goals.
Attendees will also learn about some of the many successful projects and partnerships GBEP has developed over the years to help protect and restore Galveston Bay. The presentation will conclude with information on how individuals and communities can get involved with GBEP initiatives and make a difference in preserving this vital ecosystem. A Q&A session will follow, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speaker.Attendees will also learn about some of the many successful projects and partnerships GBEP has developed over the years to help protect and restore Galveston Bay. The presentation will conclude with information on how individuals and communities can get involved with GBEP initiatives and make a difference in preserving this vital ecosystem. A Q&A session will follow, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speaker.
About Our speaker:
Matthew joined the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP) in April 2022 as the Education and Outreach Coordinator. His primary role is to expand the program’s reach throughout the Galveston Bay watershed and help connect residents to Galveston Bay. He holds a Master of Marine Resource Management and a bachelor’s degree in Ocean and Coastal Resources, both from Texas A& M University – Galveston. Prior to working at GBEP, he worked for the Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department, the Galveston Bay Foundation, and the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, and has over 15 years’ experience in outdoor education, conservation, and land management. The primary focus of his work is introducing people to the unique species that live in the Houston-Galveston area and helping people better understand the importance of the ecosystems for both people and nature. When he’s not at work he enjoys spending time with his family, which usually involves watching baseball or going to the beach
Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time. The program starts at 7pm.
A Zoom option is available. After registering below, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Current Projects
- Seabourne Creek Nature Park is our signature project. Come visit us!
- 6/26/25 9:00am Monthly Insect Hike at Seabourne Creek Nature Park
- 7/10/25 7:00pm Monthly Chapter Program – “Guardians of the Bay”: How GBEP is Preserving a Texas Treasure with Matthew Abernathy
- 7/20/25 8:00am Monthly Nature Walk at Seabourne Creek Nature Park