Sightings of Sandhill Cranes have already been reported on Galveston’s West End! Soon we’ll have hundreds of these elegant birds wintering with us, as they take advantage of our milder climate and plentiful food resources.
To celebrate the arrival of these 3-4 foot tall, red-capped visitors, we invite you to join Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council in what’s been dubbed by the New York Times as “one of the quirkiest events in Texas” – Holiday with the Cranes!
For a unique holiday experience, spend a wild weekend in Galveston celebrating the return of the Island’s Sandhill Cranes at Holiday with the Cranes, Dec. 9 – 10, 2023. Join us for our indoor and outdoor nature activities combined with the ambience and warm hospitality of historic Galveston Island!
Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council is a membership organization that connects people with Galveston’s natural environment. One of the ways we do that is through our events like Holiday with the Cranes.
Join GINTC staff and volunteers as we explore the natural wonders of the East End Lagoon. The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve sits along Boddecker Road and encompasses 675 acres of coastal prairie and wetland with a beautiful half-mile nature trail. Walks are FREE but registration is required. Sign-up today to secure a spot for your entire family!
Galveston has taken wing once again, earning designation as a Bird City Texas community! We’re one of three Texas cities to achieve the prestigious hallmark this year. Thank you to our dedicated team, partners and advisors who helped make this happen.
Bird City Texas is an initiative of Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The community-focused certification program was created to help protect birds and their habitats where people live, work, and recreate.
Bird City Texas research shows that bird-friendly environments increase property values, help control insects and generate tourism dollars.
Read the full GINTC press release here.
A six-foot permanent sculpture of the elegant Eskimo Curlew, commissioned by Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council and part of The Lost Bird Project by Todd McGrain, was installed in Galveston Island State Park in March of 2020. The bronze Eskimo Curlew is the sixth sculpture of The Lost Bird Project.
Learn more about Galveston’s
Eskimo Curlew Sculpture
Enroll now in our Certified Nature Guide or Nature Ambassador course! These programs will provide a cadre of knowledgeable guides and ambassadors to help visitors and residents experience Galveston’s natural side.
Thanks to the Galveston Island Park Board for their tremendous support. We also appreciate the Galveston Bay Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists for providing the content for the coursework. Plus, kudos to Suzanne Becker, Bobette Brasfield, Cindy Liening, Maureen Nolan-Wilde, Diane Olsen, and Chris Roper for their enthusiasm and commitment to making these certifications a reality!
The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council thanks our members and volunteers, the City of Galveston, Galveston Park Board of Trustees, Galveston.com, and corporate members Casa del Mar Beachfront Suite, Coldwell Banker TGRE, Moody Gardens, Sand ‘N Sea Properties, and SOAR Vacation Rental Services, for supporting our efforts throughout the year.
