Whether you are a full-time resident or a visiting winter Texan there is something for everyone in our Winter Nature Program. Come along with us as we explore the natural wonders of Galveston Island. Our Winter Nature Program runs from January – early March and includes outings and presentations that introduce you to birds, butterflies, sea turtles, beach life, and more. View the full calendar here and register for an event today.
Photo by Ron Wooten
Make plans to attend Galveston’s ever popular annual sea turtle symposium on Saturday, February 25, 2023! This informative and engaging seminar presented by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) will be in-person this year at Moody Gardens.
Presenters include Morgan Huette, Gulf of Mexico Program Coordinator for Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN), Dr. Chris Marshall, Director of the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at A&M Galveston, and Alicia Walker, Program Coordinator for Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK).
Click here to learn more.
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!
Art by Darrell Mitchell Jr.
Enjoy our 2022 collection of art and writing entries from the FeatherFest contest, “Welcome to Bird City!”. Children in grades 1-8 were asked to consider what a Bird City looks like to them and think about the possibilities for their real or imagined Bird City. Then, take their ideas, real or imaginary, and combine them with art and/or writing skills to create an artwork, story, poem, letter, or essay to enter in the contest.
Many thanks to all of the young writers and artists who shared their talents in this competition.
Our FledglingFest program is sponsored by The John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation.
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.
