History and background of the annual recertification pins you’ll see our members proudly wearing!
History of the re-certification pins
Key service awards achieved in 2025
| Initial Certification | |
| 250 hours | Anita Alvarez, Terri Bell, Billie Brinkle, Nicole Cloutier, Denise Correll, Janet Diaz, Kristi Lindgren, Julie Massey, Kathleen McClean, DeAnne Meeh, Lynn Porfirio, Sandy Richbook, Mary Ross, James Walpole, Mary Warwick |
| 500 hours | Ralph Faxel, Roger Free, Mason Gilfoil, Alyssa Goforth, Elisha Hehir, Elizabeth Hehir, Eowyn Johnson, Debra Morris, Margaret Pierce, Cliff Shock |
| 1000 hours | Mary Dobberstine, Jason Miles, Paul Morken, Mohammed Nasrullah, Kat Pollock, Sharon Tirpak, Liz VanOrstrand, Anne Woodson |
| 2,500 hours | Gene Fisseler, Lisa Hardcastle, Chris Mantooth, Tom Prouty |
| 4,000 hours | |
| 5,000 hours | Carolyn Miles, Chuck Snyder |
| 10,000 hours | |
| 20,000 hours | Marie Asscherick |
| 35,000 hours | Tom Solomon |
2025 Year End Awards
Each year our chapter recognizes outstanding service and contributions to natural resource restoration and education efforts with the “Treasures of the Bay Awards.” Congratulations to all our award winners!
| Dick Benoit Leadership Award: Awarded for extraordinary service, mentoring, leadership and dedication to our organization. | Stennie Meadours, Gene Fisseler |
| Julie Massey “Jump for Joy” Award: To recognize those members who shared extraordinary joy and enthusiasm for master naturalist projects with chapter members and / or the public. | Carlos Rios, Jenny Dudley |
| Sara Snell Education Award: Awarded in recognition of initiatives in education about the Galveston Bay ecosystem. | Denise Correll, Chris Mantooth |
| Beth Cooper Memorial Service Award: Awarded to a new chapter member (two years or less) in recognition of volunteer service and dedication to the chapter. | Darla Cox, Mary Ross |
| Corporate Award: Awarded to a corporation or company for leadership and unselfish investment in protecting and improving the Galveston Bay area environment. | Mike Stump, Solid Waste Manager City of Texas City |
| Non-Profit Award: Awarded to a non-profit organization whose initiatives and/or commitment in preservation, restoration, education, and/or beautification make a positive impact upon the Galveston Bay area community. | |
| Sammy Ray Researcher Award: Awarded for excellence in conducting environmental research of the Galveston Bay Area Ecosystem. | |
| Chapter Service Award: Awarded to an active Master Naturalist of the Galveston Bay Area Chapter for outstanding work and commitment to the success of our organization. | Meade LeBlanc, Lynn Smith, Patty Trimingham, Cindy Liening |
| Making a Difference Award: Awarded in recognition of an individual or individuals whose initiatives in preservation, restoration, education and/or enhancement of our natural world have improved and/or enriched the quality of the environment in the Galveston Bay area. | Ann Anderson, Sandy Parker, Chatt Smith, Mason Gilfoil |