Beaches, bayous and coastal prairie! Galveston Island offers an amazing natural array of fauna, flora and lots of opportunity to enjoy and explore the outdoors even in the winter months. Whether you are visiting the island or call it home, please come along and be introduced to the wonderful natural world of Galveston Island. Join us for any or all of the winter activities.
Most of the activities REQUIRE an RSVP, sign up info is noted on each activity.
Date: January 1, Thursday
Time: 6:45am – 7:45am
Leader: Regina Lillibridge
Where: Galveston Island State Park: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Meeting location within the park: Beachside day-use by the turtle statue
Questions: Call 409.737.1222 or email regina.lillibridge@tpwd.texas.gov
Cost: Entry fee of $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 & under
Ring in the new year by taking a beach sunrise walk with a ranger! This is a great way to set an intention of getting outside and getting some exercise. Join people all across the nation as we hike on New Year’s Day and help us ring in the new year! This walk has very little shade, so hats and sunglasses are highly recommended. Plan ahead – you will get sandy. All ages welcome, including your canine companions. We will walk about 1 mile on pavement, packed sand, and loose sand. Please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, weather appropriate clothing and beach appropriate shoes.
For more details click the link here.
Date: January 1, Thursday
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Leader: Kyle O’Haver, Galveston Island State Park Superintendent
Where: Galveston Island State Park: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Meeting location within the park: Observation Tower parking lot
Questions: Call 409.737.1222 or email regina.lillibridge@tpwd.texas.gov
Cost: Entry fee of $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 & under
Start the year off right with a peaceful morning bird walk, led by park ranger and birder extraordinaire Kyle O’Haver. This special hike offers a chance to connect with nature, observe local birdlife, and enjoy the beauty of Galveston Island as the new year begins. It’s a perfect way to set an intention for getting outside, staying active, and appreciating the natural world. Join fellow nature enthusiasts across the country as we celebrate the first day of the year with a hike. This walk has very little shade, so hats and sunglasses are highly recommended. We will walk about 1 mile on gravel, turf, boardwalks and uneven terrain. Please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, weather appropriate clothing and trail appropriate shoes. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will have limited pairs for you to borrow.
For more details click the link here.
Date: January 2, Friday
Time: 7:00am – 9:30am
Leader: Greg Whittaker
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd. Galveston
Meeting Location: West parking lot North tram stop at Moody Gardens
Free, No RSVP needed
A 3.6-mile walking route around Moody Gardens property recording all species and individuals of birds encountered. This habitat is a combination of upland marsh, intertidal saltmarsh, bay, and woodlot. We will mainly use paved pathways with manicured landscape areas, but there will be some walking through a bit higher grass, marsh habitat and possibly moist/muddy conditions depending on rain and tides. Restrooms are available in buildings along the route. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and wear closed toed walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
For more details and the Moody Gardens Houston Audubon survey calendar click the link here.
Date: January 3, Saturday
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Leader: Jack Evins, Certified Nature Guide and FeatherFest Birding Leader
Questions, contact: info@gintc.org or call 409-789-8125
Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Free, Click here to register
Join our GINTC Certified Nature Guide for a nature outing at the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. As you explore the Preserve, you will learn about the unique habitats present and view a variety of birds that depend on the Preserve for food and shelter. Dependent on seasonality, outings can last up to 1.5 hours. You are free to leave as it suits you. Minor participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: January 6, Tuesday (exhibit runs through January 24)
Where: Galveston Art League
Address: 2117 A Postoffice Street
Art pieces from Artist Boat’s Marine Debris Art Contest will be on display. These marine debris art pieces are comprised primarily of marine debris and demonstrate the effects aquatic trash can have on our ocean and the life that depends on it. Be sure to stop by the exhibit running until the awards ceremony on January 24th to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Date: January 8, Thursday
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Co-Leaders: Eowyn Johnson, GINTC & Jenny Dudley, Texas Master Naturalist
Questions, contact: info@gintc.org or call 409-789-8125
Location: East End Lagoon, Boddecker Rd, Galveston, 77550
Free, Click here to register
A nature sound map is an interactive map for listeners to explore immersive natural soundscapes. Join us at the East End Lagoon and learn how to create a sound map. Can’t wait? Check out our Activities for Anytime and start creating a Sound Map today. We will also have a chance to walk the East End Lagoon trail and enjoy the sights as well as the sounds. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and closed-toed walking shoes. This activity is suitable for children in the third grade or older. Minor participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: January 9, Friday
Time: 7:00am – 8:30 am
Leader: Greg Whittaker
Questions: Call 409.683.4101
Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Free, Click here to register. Limited to 5 participants.
Date: January 9, Friday
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Leader: Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalist
Questions: Call 409.763.8854
Location: Wortham Auditorium in the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Avenue Galveston, TX 77550
Free, no RSVP needed
Date: January 9, Friday
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm (come-and-go activity)
Co-Leader: Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council
Co-Leader: Galveston County Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSoT)
Questions, contact: info@gintc.org or call 409-789-8125
Location: 2310 Sealy Ave, Wortham Auditorium in the Rosenberg Library
Free, No RSVP necessary
Come get your hands dirty in this fun, family-friendly come-and-go activity which will start immediately following Nature Story Time (see previous event). Making seed balls is a way to help prep native seeds on their journey to turn landscape into a haven for the local wildlife. Get a head start on your Spring planting preparations and take advantage of the opportunity to consult with a NPSoT member with any of your native planting and landscaping questions.
Date: January 9, Friday
Time: 6:30pm
Facilitator: Kristine Rivers
Where: Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Free, Click here to register.
NOTE: When registering a team, 1 person will register the whole team. One team is allowed up to 4 people only.
Back by popular demand, GINTC is hosting Texas Wildlife Trivia Game again! The team with the highest score at the end wins! 4 people max per team, only one person will need to register the entire team. Please arrive earlier if you plan on ordering food and drinks, the game will start promptly at 6:30pm.
Date: January 10, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: January 10, Saturday
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Leader: Galveston Island State Park Ranger
Where: Galveston Island State Park: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Meeting location within the park: Observation Tower parking lot
Questions: Call 409.737.1222 or email regina.lillibridge@tpwd.texas.gov
Cost: Entry fee of $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 & under
Bundle up and bring your binoculars—it’s winter on the island, and the birds are flocking in! Join us for a fun and feather-filled adventure as we explore the basics of birding, learn how to identify our island’s winter residents, and keep an eye out for some rare and surprising visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, this guided walk is sure to be a hoot for all ages! Please bring insect repellent, water, weather appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes that can get wet.
For more details click the link here.
Date: January 13, Tuesday
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm, Meet and Greet: 6:00pm
Where: Wortham Auditorium, Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy
Free, No RSVP necessary
Winter Birding at the Texas City Dike
Presenter: Kristine Rivers
Program Description: Winter offers some of the most exciting birding on the Texas City Dike, especially if you take your time exploring its many micro-habitats. Join Kristine Rivers of Birding for Fun as she shares personal videos of the wide variety of species you can see this time of year. You’ll enjoy close views of gulls, terns, shorebirds, waders, ducks, raptors, and more while learning ID tips you can use in the field. She’ll also share insight on how to plan your visit to maximize species variety.
Date: January 17, Saturday
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
Field Trip Destination: Texas City Dike
Free, No RSVP necessary
More information regarding this field trip, including where to meet, will be provided at the monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13th. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please call 409.789.8125 to inquire.
Date: January 17, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: January 19, Monday
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Co-Leaders: Regina Lillibridge, GISP and Eowyn Johnson, GINTC
Where: Galveston Island State Park (Nature Center): 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Cost: Entry fee of $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 & under
GINTC is partnering with the Galveston Island State Park to introduce you to geocaching. This global “treasure hunt” is sure to get you outside and take you to some interesting spots. During this outing you will learn what a geocache is and how to start finding geocaches. In no time, you’ll be finding caches and logging “smileys.” Geocaching is a great way to learn more about an area and is a pefect Activity for Anytime!
Date: January 24, Saturday
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Leader: Galveston Island State Park Ranger
Where: Galveston Island State Park: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Meeting location within the park: Observation Tower parking lot
Questions: Call 409.737.1222 or email regina.lillibridge@tpwd.texas.gov
Cost: Entry fee of $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 & under
Bundle up and bring your binoculars—it’s winter on the island, and the birds are flocking in! Join us for a fun and feather-filled adventure as we explore the basics of birding, learn how to identify our island’s winter residents, and keep an eye out for some rare and surprising visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, this guided walk is sure to be a hoot for all ages! Please bring insect repellent, water, weather appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes that can get wet.
For more details click the link here.
Date: January 24, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: January 24, Saturday
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Galveston Art League Gallery
Address: 2117 A Postoffice Street
This is your last chance to view art pieces entered into Artist Boat’s Marine Debris Art Contest. Did your favorite piece win the People’s Choice Award? Come out and celebrate the winners who helped bring awareness to the problem by transforming marine debris into unique art pieces.
Date: January 29, Thursday
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Co-Leader: Turtle Island Restoration Network
Co-Leader: Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council
Where: Turtle Island Restoration Network Conservation and Education Center, 1028 Broadway Ave. J
Cost: Free; Click here to register
Join Turtle Island Restoration Network and GINTC for a Marine Debris Art Workshop and let your imagination flow! Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love to do art this workshop is for everyone. You are invited to bring CLEAN debris you may wish to incorporate into your work, but this is not necessary.
Date: January 30, Friday
Time: 6:30pm
Facilitator: Kristine Rivers
Where: Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Free, Click here to register.
NOTE: When registering a team, 1 person will register the whole team. One team is allowed up to 4 people only.
Back by popular demand, GINTC is hosting Texas Wildlife Trivia Game again! The team with the highest score at the end wins! 4 people max per team, only one person will need to register the entire team. Please arrive earlier if you plan on ordering food and drinks, the game will start promptly at 6:30pm.
Date: January 31, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 6, Friday
Time: 7:00am – 9:30am
Leader: Greg Whittaker
Where: Moody Gardens West parking lot North tram stop
FREE, No RSVP needed
A 3.6-mile walking route around Moody Gardens property recording all species and individuals of birds encountered. This habitat is a combination of upland marsh, intertidal saltmarsh, bay, and woodlot. We’ll mainly use paved pathways with manicured landscape areas, but there will be some walking through a bit higher grass, marsh habitat and possibly moist/muddy conditions depending on rain and tides. Restrooms are available in buildings along the route. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and wear closed toed walking shoes and dress for the weather.
For more details and the Moody Gardens Houston Audubon survey calendar click the link here.
Date: February 6, Friday
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Co-Leaders: Eowyn Johnson, GINTC & Jenny Dudley, Texas Master Naturalist
Questions, contact: info@gintc.org or call 409-789-8125
Location: Oppenheimer Bird Observatory
Free, Click here to register
A nature sound map is an interactive map for listeners to explore immersive natural soundscapes. Join us at the Oppenheimer Bird Observatory and learn how to create a sound map. There is limited parking at this site, and participants are encouraged to car pool. Can’t wait? Check out our Activities for Anytime and start creating a Sound Map today. We will also have a chance to walk the trail and enjoy the sights as well as the sounds. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and closed-toed walking shoes. This activity is suitable for children in the third grade or older. Minor participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 7, Saturday
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Leader: Jack Evins, Certified Nature Guide and FeatherFest Birding Leader
Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Free, Click here to register
Join our GINTC Certified Nature Guide for a nature outing at the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. As you explore the Preserve, you will learn about the unique habitats present and view a variety of birds that depend on the Preserve for food and shelter. Dependent on seasonality, outings can last up to 1.5 hours. You are free to leave as it suits you. Minor participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 9, Monday
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Presenter: Maureen Nolan-Wilde
Where: East Beach Pavilion, 1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston
Click here to register
So, what exactly is a “sea bean” and where can you find them while visiting the Galveston/Bolivar coastline? This session deals with the what, where, and why of sea beans. We will be covering the most common to the rarest sea bean and other treasures found along our wanders along the beachfront. So come join us and learn about sea beans and tour East Beach as we search for sea beans.
Date: February 10, Tuesday
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Co-Leaders: Regina Lillibridge, GISP and Eowyn Johnson, GINTC
Where: East End Lagoon, Boddeker Road
Cost: FREE
GINTC is partnering with the Galveston Island State Park to introduce you to geocaching. This global “treasure hunt” is sure to get you outside and take you to some interesting spots. During this outing you will learn what a geocache is and how to start finding geocaches. In no time, you’ll be logging finding caches and logging “smileys.” Geocaching is a great way to learn more about an area and is a pefect Activity for Anytime! Minor participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 10, Tuesday
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm, Meet and Greet: 6:00pm
Where: Wortham Auditorium, Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy
FREE, No RSVP necessary
Join us for our monthly meeting where we celebrate and learn about birds. Topics covered could include identification, behavior, conservation efforts, and more.
Date: February 13, Friday
Time: 7:00am – 8:30 am
Leader: Greg Whittaker
Where: Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Questions: call 409.683.4101
Free, Click here to register– limited to 5 participants
Date: February 13, Friday
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Leader: Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalist
Questions: Call 409.763.8854
Location: Fox Room in the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Avenue Galveston, TX 77550
Free, no RSVP needed
Date: February 14, Saturday
Time: 8:00am-12:00pm
Free, No RSVP necessary
Details: More information regarding this field trip, including where to meet, will be provided at the monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10th. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please call 409.789.8125 to inquire.
Date: February 14, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 17, Tuesday
Time: 8:30am – 11:30am
Leader: Brenda Gonzales
Meeting Location: South parking lot of the Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens, then caravan style
Free, Click here to register
Join GINTC’s volunteer and Texas Master Naturalist, Brenda Gonzalez, for a caravan-style crawl highlighting some of the best birding spots in Galveston’s West End. We’ll watch for birds and wildlife along the way as we explore each location before moving to the next hotspot. Participants are encouraged to bring along a camera and/or binoculars. We will meet at the South parking lot of the Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens; carpooling is encouraged. Please plan to dress for the weather, as it is likely to be chilly and windy. Please bring water, insect repellent, and wear closed toed walking shoes appropriate for wet and sandy conditions. Easy to moderate activity level.
Date: February 21, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: February 27, Friday
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Leader: Sarah Belles, American Bird Conservancy
Where: Fort San Jacinto Historic Point, Seawall Blvd.
Cost: Free; Click here to register
Date: February 27, Friday
Time: 6:30pm
Facilitator: Kristine Rivers
Where: Directions will be emailed with registration confirmation.
Register your team here!
NOTE: When registering a team, 1 person will register the whole team. One team is allowed up to 4 people only.
Back by popular demand, GINTC is hosting Texas Wildlife Trivia Game again! The team with the highest score at the end wins! 4 people max per team, only one person will need to register the entire team. Please arrive earlier if you plan on ordering food and drinks, the game will start promptly at 6:30pm.
Date: February 28, Saturday
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Where: Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston
Registration and more details coming soon!
Must be 12 or older to attend. 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Before the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles head to Galveston beaches for nesting season this spring, make plans to learn about these fascinating creatures at Sea Turtle Saturday on February 28th, at an informative and engaging seminar presented by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC). Participants will hear presentations from representatives of Turtle Island Restoration Network, the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at Texas A & M University, and the Houston Zoo Senior Veterinary. Presentation topics and registration information coming soon. Light breakfast, coffee and juice served.
Date: February 28, Saturday
Time: Multiple time slots available
Leader: Artist Boat
Where: Coastal Heritage Preserve
Click Here to Register and for More Information
Come to a volunteer work day and make your mark on the Coastal Heritage Preserve! You can help Artist Boat remove invasive species, treat fire ants, pick up trash, and plant native plants! The Coastal Heritage Preserve is 1,039 acres, and volunteers can help keep this large area as natural as possible to allow the local wilderness to thrive. Help Artist Boat restore these wetlands & coastal prairies to their natural beauty and enjoy spending time in this exclusive natural area of Galveston. Youth participants must be at least 11 years old, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
