In response to the COVID-19 our chapter has changed the focus of our activities to help ensure the health and safety of our members. We have started Chapter Chats with our President and board members, initiated weekly advanced training sessions and continuing the education of our 2020 training class by utilizing video conference tools. We have also changed the format of our Facebook page to be both educational and fun for our chapter members and followers. Although we are not in the field, we are still finding ways to continue to serve our community as we have done so over the past 19 years.
For instructions on how to use our social media – ZOOM – see below
What is a Master Naturalist?
Many communities and organizations rely on volunteers to implement environmental education programs; to operate parks, nature centers, and natural areas; to provide leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts; and to educate landowners on the ecology and management of their biological resources.
The Texas Master Naturalist program develops local teams of “master volunteers” to provide educational and outreach services aimed at the better management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. The Texas Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other local partners. There are a number of Texas Master Naturalist Chapters – including the Galveston Bay Area Chapter.
Our mission
The mission of the Galveston Bay Area Chapter – Texas Master Naturalist is to:
– Preserve and restore our area’s natural resources
– Educate others about our local ecosystems
To help achieve this mission, our trained volunteers work with community programs designed to:
– Increase the appreciation of our natural environment
– Promote the maintenance and sustainable use of public open spaces
– Protect and preserve native flora and fauna and their habitats
In 2019 our chapters 201 active members delivered over 47,000 service hours and attended over 3,600 hours of advanced training.
We have a very active Chapter, working on a variety of projects. Our hard work was recently recognized by the State by awarding our Chapter with the 2019 Texas Master Naturalist Project Of The Year award for our Great Fishing Line Adventure project. In 2017 we also were awarded Texas Master Naturalist Project Of The Year award for the Injured Bird Response Team. In 2016, our on-going effort Confronting Plastic Pollution was named the Texas Master Naturalist Project Of The Year. Our efforts were further recognized in 2017 as a Gulf Guardian award winner in the EPA/Gulf of Mexico Program placing 1st place in the non-profit category.
In 2019, we celebrated our 18th anniversary as a Texas Master Naturalist chapter. We are governed by a Board of Directors and are supported by a number of outstanding organizations and agencies.
Contact us by email at gbacmembership20@gmail.com