W i n t e r 2 0 1 3I n T h i s I s s u e :

A l s o I n s i d e :

his year, the Galveston Bay Foundation celebrates a very significant milestone-our

25th anniversary since our founding in 1987. Our first 25 years have been full of projects and programs in pursuit of our mission. Some of these include the preservation, protection, and restoration of over 16,500 acres of habitat around Galveston Bay; the protection of over 16 miles of Galveston Bay shorelines from continued erosion; the involvement of over 6,600 citizens in planting approximately 200 acres of marsh at 70 sites through 14 consecutive years of “Marsh Mania” events; outreach and education of tens of thousands of school children through programs such as Bay Ambassadors, the Children’s Art Calendar, Get Hip to Habitat, Bay Day, and education booths; the continuance of the wetland permit review committee for 23 years; success in

bringing the National Estuary Program to Galveston Bay and in support of the passage of state and federal legislation on behalf of the Bay; involvement with the national consortium, Restore America’s Estuaries, for 16 years; and our instrumental role in Galveston Bay being named as a “Great Water” by America’s Great Waters’ Coalition.

While we’ve commemorated our 25th anniversary throughout the year, perhaps our biggest celebration to-date has been our Guardian of the Bay Award Luncheon, held on October 2 at the River Oaks Country Club. Luncheon co-chairs, Laura & George A. Pontikes, Jr. and William E. (Bill) King joined nearly 500 guests to commemorate our 25th anniversary as well as to honor Kirby

Galveston Bay Foundation celebrates 25 years of protecting Galveston Bay at the Guardian of the Bay Award Luncheon

GBF CeleBrates 25 Years

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Continued on page 7

2012 Bike Around the Bay a Great Success

Letter From Our President

Redfish Raft-Up 2012

Support GBF Through Workplace Giving

Students Illustrate the Beauty and Multiple Uses of Galveston Bay

National Estuaries Day Celebrated at Fall Marsh Mania

GBF Welcomes New Education Coordinator

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7

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GBF Creates Water Quality Reporting Site

GBF Young Professionals Group Growing

Spotlight on GBF Volunteers

Page 3Page 2 Page 10Page 6

“The mission of The galveston Bay Foundation is To preserve, proTecT, and enhance The naTural resources of The GalvesTon Bay esTuarine sysTem and iTs TriBuTaries for presenT users and for posTeriTy.“

n October 18, 2012, our nation marked the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water

Act (“CWA”). It was a signifi cant anniversary, as the Act is known in the conservation and environmental community as one of the most successful environmental laws that has ever been passed. Since the Act’s passage, the discharge of organic wastes from publicly owned treatment waste treatment facilities around the country has dropped by 46%, and more than a billion pounds per year of toxic pollutants have been removed from our nation’s waterways. The rate at which wetlands are being lost has declined approximately 90% since the early 70s, and the amount of oil spilled into our waters has fallen to one tenth of 70s levels. Beyond these facts and fi gures, you can see the difference in Galveston Bay. The Bay is undoubtedly cleaner today than in 1972, and we have the CWA to thank for that success.

However, some also look at the Act as a glass half-full/half empty picture. Despite the law’s target of making all of the nation’s waters fi shable and swimmable by 1985, an estimated 35% of U.S. waters remain unfi t for fi shing and swimming today. Robert Adler, an environmental lawyer who wrote a book on the CWA’s 20th anniversary, says that while the CWA has been successful in reducing pollution from major sources, it has been less effective at curbing pollutants from nonpoint sources—runoff from cities, farms, and other intensive land uses. Nonpoint source runoff has not been subject to nearly as strict a regulatory regime, and the consensus is that those programs have not been as successful. This, too, is apparent around Galveston Bay, as nearly all of our major tributaries fail to meet all of our water quality standards. Our partner entity, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, identifi es contaminated storm water runoff as the top water quality problem facing Galveston Bay.

Bob StokesPresidentExt. 211

Matthew AbernathyConservation ProgramsOutreach SpecialistExt. 203

Rachel BarskiEducation CoordinatorExt. 212

Trey BartschMarketing Coordinator & Gazette EditorExt. 208

Charlene BohanonWater Quality OutreachSpecialistExt. 215

Jessica CurranMembership CoordinatorExt. 213

Rani HendersonManager of EducationProgramsExt. 212

Scott A. JonesDirector of AdvocacyExt. 209

Julie MintzerDirector ofCommunity ProgramsExt. 207

Daniella O’ConnorDatabase and Administrative AssistantExt. 208

Sharon RoarkDirector of DevelopmentExt. 204

Clint SchubertGrants Billing SpecialistExt. 202

Matt SingerConservation LandsManagerExt. 206

Courtney SmithVice President of OperationsExt. 214

Philip SmithDirector of ConservationExt. 210

Justine TownsendAccounting ManagerExt. 202

Lee Anne WildeLiving Shorelines ProgramManagerExt. 205

In addition to the problems with nonpoint source runoff, the scope of the CWA has been signifi cantly narrowed through judicial interpretation. Beginning in 2001 with the SWANCC decision and continuing with later decisions like the Rapanos decision, the United States Supreme Court has signifi cantly limited the defi nition of “water of the U.S.” and “navigable waters” so that many of our freshwater wetlands are no longer protected under the CWA. These decisions have had signifi cant negative impact locally, as thousands of acres

of freshwater wetlands in the watershed surrounding Galveston Bay have been fi lled in the last ten years. Fortunately, the current Administration is considering a rules package that will restore these protections to the CWA, but it is unclear if and when those

rules will be fi nalized. (You may still submit comments at www.whitehouse.gov encouraging the Administration to make these rules fi nal.)

In summary, we have had incredible successes over the last 40 years with the Clean Water Act, and there is much of which we can be proud. Our nation’s waters and Galveston Bay have truly benefi ted from the Act. But we cannot take those successes for granted. The job is far from done, and there are forces working to weaken to CWA as it enters its fi fth decade. To continue to succeed in our efforts to preserve and protect Galveston Bay, it is imperative that we ensure a strong and vibrant CWA stays in place.

40 Years oF the Clean water aCtFrom Our President:

To continue to succeed in our efforts to preserve and protect Galveston Bay, it is imperative that we ensure a strong and vibrant CWA

stays in place.

Bob Stokes, Galveston Bay Foundation President

G a l v e s t o n B a y Fo u n d a t i o n1

To continue to succeed in our efforts to preserve and

rules will be fi nalized. (You may still submit

stays in place.

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W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 2

he Galveston Bay Foundation launched its new affiliate young

professionals group, The Cast, in spring 2012. Cast members raise awareness of the importance of Galveston Bay and become leaders in Houston’s conservation community, helping GBF better fulfill its mission. The Cast is a diverse group of working professionals who engage in a variety of recreational, educational, and service events and gather to celebrate the bay during quarterly happy hours. In addition, a Cast collegiate group provides unique field experience and professional networking opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level students.

GBF thanks our former legal intern Clayton Forswall, and friends Lauren Bricker, Melissa Denman, and Frank Donnelly, founding Cast committee members, for their vision and drive to launch a young professionals group this year. Special thanks also goes to Rebecca Gregg, a senior at Texas A&M in Galveston and a 2012 summer intern at GBF, for her work to establish a collegiate group and promote GBF’s programming to student organizations throughout the greater Houston area. With their leadership and endless energy, GBF looks forward to growing an active young professionals group

with members who enjoy serving as ambassadors for and stewards of the bay.

Since the group’s launch in April, Cast members have participated in GBF’s Marsh Mania grass planting event celebrating National Estuaries Day on September 29 and celebrated at happy hours taking place at Ragin’ Cajun and Boheme Café & Wine Bar in Houston. November events included attending The Progressive Forum featuring Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., networking with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Bayou Buddies at a happy hour at J. Black’s, and celebrating GBF’s 25th anniversary with GBF members and volunteers on November 27. To celebrate the holidays this December, Cast members attended a watch party of League City’s 51st Annual Christmas Lane Boat Parade at Portofino Harbour Marina at special invitation from GBF Trustee Philip Kropf.

GBF looks forward to seeing existing and new Cast members at happy hours and project events in the new year. The Cast committee will meet in January (and regularly throughout the year) to discuss partnership and project ideas. We are interested in growing our leadership committee in 2013. If you’re a young professional or a college student interested in serving on The Cast leadership committee, please contact Jessica at jcurran@galvbay.org or (281) 332-3381 x213.

For more information on the benefits of Cast membership or to join the group, please visit The Cast website at www.galvbay.org/thecast.html. You can stay up-to-date on current

events by liking our group page on Facebook. Questions? Contact Jessica at jcurran@galvbay.org or (281) 332-3381 x213.

Unique social and service events and fieldwork opportunities draw working professionals and college students to “The Cast” to become stewards of the bay

GBF’s YounG ProFessional GrouP launChed and GrowinG

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Top and middle: Young professionals attend The Cast happy hour at Boheme Cafe & Wine Bar this summer. Bottom: Cast members Clayton and Emily Forswall plant marsh grass at Marsh Mania.

Please minimize your use of the garbage disposal so you do not accidently contribute to sewer overflows. Instead of putting vegetables and fruits down the disposal, compost them or throw them in the trash. Place non-compostable items like meat in the trash. And never place any fats, oils or grease (FOG) in the disposal or any other drain; they can cause clogs in your plumbing or in sewer lines and lead to overflows of untreated sewage that drain to the bay.

G a l v e s t o n B a y F o u n d a t i o n3

ore than 750 riders, ranging in age from nine to 85, pedaled 180 miles

around Galveston Bay during the sixth annual Bike Around the Bay on October 13 and 14. For the third year in a row, Shell was the title sponsor of this two-day event that raises awareness of Galveston Bay and the importance of the Galveston Bay Foundation’s conservation and restoration work. The combined generosity of Shell, several other event sponsors, and the personal fundraising efforts of more than 960 registered cyclists raised more than $310,000. These funds enable GBF to continually improve the ride and carry out our mission of preserving, protecting, and enhancing Galveston Bay.

GBF President Bob Stokes stated, “This ride supports our efforts to preserve wetlands, protect natural habitat, and enhance the water quality of the bay. We give riders a front-row seat to the bay during this ride, and it helps in our education work and advocacy.”

This year was particularly momentous as it marked the fi rst time that Bike Around the Bay cyclists circumnavigated Galveston Bay. Cyclists began and ended their ride

in Mont Belvieu, passing through several bay

area communities and natural areas throughout the weekend. On day one, cyclists rode

by the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and through High Island (the highest point on the Gulf Coast between the Yucatan Peninsula and Alabama) before stopping for lunch at Stingaree Restaurant & Marina. This lunch stop, manned by GBF Board Member Mike Petit and friends as well as Stingaree employees, is a highlight for riders as the seating area overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway in Crystal Beach. Cyclists then enjoyed a ride on the Bolivar Ferry to Galveston Island, where they stayed overnight. A dinner at Moody Gardens Hotel and Conference Center provided an opportunity for cyclists to visit with friends, family, and other riders and to learn more about GBF’s work to preserve the bay over the last 25 years.

On the second day, cyclists crossed over the Galveston Causeway, rode along the Texas City levee and through the bayside communities of Kemah and Seabrook, enjoyed lunch prepared by longtime Bike Around the Bay volunteers and served by CenterPoint Energy volunteers at Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte, and conquered the Fred Hartman Bridge on their way back to Mont Belvieu.

The Fred Hartman Bridge has always been one of the most defi ning highlights of Bike Around

the Bay and a feature of the route that cyclists prepare for and talk about throughout the ride. This year, the bridge gained more signifi cance. During Bike Around the Bay 2010, cyclists John Clem and Rese Fox met and became friends. On day two of this year’s ride, cyclists climbing to the top of the bridge passed over a spray painted sign reading, “Rese, will you marry me?” Rese said yes to John’s proposal at the top of the Fred Hartman Bridge, and they celebrated their engagement and another successful ride at the fi nish line. Congratulations, John and Rese!

Views of Galveston Bay throughout the ride are another highlight of Bike Around the Bay. Senator Rodney Ellis, one of this year’s cyclists, shared, “There’s really no way you would experience what Galveston Bay has to offer

unless you’re on a bicycle. You get to see a lot of things that you really wouldn’t pay attention to if you’re in a car. It’s a real chance to get up close and personal with the bay.” Ellis also credits Shell for its involvement with the ride, stating, “You don’t realize what an important role energy companies, like Shell, play in protecting this bay. I appreciate Shell for doing it and hope they will continue to do so for many years to come.”

GBF showcases Galveston Bay to a new record number of registered cyclists, as the ride continues to grow and improve

BiKe around the BaY raises environmental awareness

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Continued on page 9

We give riders a front-row seat to the bay during

this ride, and it helps in our education work and

advocacy.

- Bob StokesGBF President

We give riders a front-row seat to the bay during

advocacy.

Bob StokesGBF President

W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 4

A BIG thanks to our top 20 fundraisers in 2012!

Russ BoullionMichael McKenzieBob StokesScott AspelinJason HughesMadeline WoodsDavid FreemanDavid EskinsMorris OlivierJonathon MooreRick HauckCourtenay CliffordTheodore BrooksBlaine Douglas

Greg BlackburnSteven MugridgeJulienne SugarekLythia PowellKim LyrtleBen DavilaKira MatukaitisPaul Hesson

And a special thanks to Jeff Myerson, GBF Board Member, and Bob Stokes, GBF President, for riding in Bike Around the Bay 2012!

G a l v e s t o n B a y F o u n d a t i o n5

or the eighth year, bay enthusiasts came by the hundreds to join in the fun

and listen to Kelly McGuire play from the Star Gazer yacht during Redfi sh Raft-Up. The event is held each year on Labor Day at Redfi sh Island to bring awareness to Galveston Bay, with a percentage of the profi ts donated directly to the Galveston Bay Foundation. This year’s event sold out early, with 100+ people reserving their spot on the Star Gazer, which included dinner and drinks and up-close access to the concert.

he Galveston Bay Foundation partners with EarthShare of Texas to provide

an opportunity for city, state, federal, and corporate employees to support environmental organizations through workplace giving and payroll deduction. If you work for a participating company or government agency, please consider GBF when making your workplace giving decisions!

For a list of participating government agencies and companies, visit EarthShare of Texas’s Workplace Giving website, www.

Redfi sh Raft-Up began in 2002, when the owner of Star Fleet Yachts, Tom Lober, had the idea to hold a party on the Bay each year to benefi t GBF. Sadly, Tom passed away in 2009. Since then, Redfi sh Raft-Up has continued each year in memory of Tom Lober.

Amy Alton, Tom’s daughter and current owner of Star Fleet Yachts, explains the importance of the event: “Not only is the Redfi sh Raft-Up important because of our customers, but it’s

important because of our staff members who love working it, and our company as support

to the Galveston Bay Foundation.”

GBF would like to thank Star Fleet Yachts for their continuous support of the Galveston Bay Foundation, as well as Maritime Sanitation, the Port of Houston Authority, and Dow Chemical for sponsoring for this year’s event.

earthshare-texas.org/workplace-giving-campaigns.org.

Galveston Bay Foundation codes for a few of the largest participating agencies including: Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): 182557 State Employee Combined Campaign (SECC): 035599 Houston Combined Municipal Campaign (HCMC): 1484 Houston Independent School District (HISD): 192 City of Austin (COACCC): 1813

If your company or agency does not offer EarthShare of Texas as a workplace giving option and you would like more information, please contact Jessica Curran at (281) 332-3381 x213 or jcurran@galvbay.org.

To learn more about EarthShare of Texas and their work to support the Galveston Bay Foundation and over 70 other local, regional, and national environmental and conservation organizations, visit www.earthshare-texas.org.

Annual party on Galveston Bay brings awareness to the Bay and helps fund GBF restoration projects

Government and corporate employees can easily contribute to GBF through payroll deduction

redFish raFt-uP 2012

suPPort GBF throuGh worKPlaCe GivinG!

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Not only is Redfish Raft-Up important because of our customers, but it’s

important because of our staff members who love working it, and our company as support to the Galveston Bay Foundation.

- Amy AltonOwner, Star Fleet Yachts

Not only is Redfish Raft-Up important because of our customers, but it’s

important because of our staff members who love working it, and our company as support to the Galveston Bay Foundation.

Below: Attendees on the Star Gazer and on personal watercraft enjoy music by local musician Kelly McGuire.

W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 6

ave you ever wondered who to call when you see water pollution, or

what happens after you report a potential violation to an enforcement agency? GBF has developed the Galveston Bay Action Network (GBAN), a web app that allows you to map your water pollution reports and send them to GBF and provides links to contact information for submitting reports to local authorities. Submitting a GBAN report is quick and simple, can be done from a computer or smartphone, and allows you to upload a video or photo of the incident. GBAN also contains categories for reporting positive actions that you take to keep our water clean, such as picking up trash and properly disposing of cooking grease. You can even choose for your report to be posted anonymously, which is an attractive option for those who want to do the right thing but may not be comfortable with their name being broadcast.

The goal of GBAN is to use the power of internet technology and citizen involvement to make reporting water quality concerns easier. GBF believes that community members can be extremely powerful advocates for clean water when they know their efforts are leading to positive results for our bay. GBAN has the ability to bridge the communication gap between citizens submitting a report and enforcement action being taken by allowing GBF to track and follow up on these reports. As a GBAN user, you will have the option to setup a profi le page for managing your reports and can earn badges in recognition for your reporting activity. You can also choose to receive email alerts when new reports are posted by selecting your area of concern on the map and specifying the types of reports that interest you.

Check out the Galveston Bay Action Network at www.galvbay.org/GBAN and start submitting reports and positive actions today! For questions or to request for your group to receive a live demo, contact Charlene Bohanon at cbohanon@galvbay.org. Please help us spread the word about GBAN and recruit your friends to “Be the Eyes on Your Bay!”

Galveston Bay Action Network (GBAN) tracks water pollution reports and positive actions to improve water quality

GBan Created For water QualitY rePortinG

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Those wishing to report water pollution or view our interactive map, can visit www.galvbay.org/gban.html

G a l v e s t o n B a y F o u n d a t i o n7

alveston Bay represents many things to the people who live,

work, and recreate nearby--a profitable commercial fishery, international shipping channel and port, petrochemical capitol, tourism and ecotourism destination, recreational haven, and an intimate way of life. To the abundance of plants and animals found in Galveston Bay, it is a 600+ square mile haven of shelter and food sources consisting of diverse habitats such as marshes, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, riparian woodlands, rookery islands, mud and sand flats, and open bay water and bottom.

GBF’s educational programs aim to increase the recognition of the positive quality-of-life benefits that a healthy Galveston Bay system provides for the entire Houston-Galveston region. One of the ways in which we strive to do so is through our annual Galveston Bay Children’s Art Calendar.

Each year, fifth graders from the Galveston Bay area depict the beauty and multiple uses of Galveston Bay through artwork. In preparation for this, GBF’s education staff provides students with an introduction to Galveston Bay through our popular Bay Ambassador presentation. Students then do their own research and convey their new knowledge and views of the bay through the visual arts.

Out of the hundreds of artworks prepared by students, GBF selects fourteen winners to be highlighted in the annual Galveston Bay Children’s Art Calendar. GBF works to widely distribute these one-of-a-kind calendars to inspire people to recognize and respect the multitude of ways that Galveston Bay benefits us all.

The calendar is currently in production, so be on the lookout for your 2013 calendar in January!

GBF showcases the natural beauty of Galveston Bay through the annual childen’s art calendar.

students illustrate the BeautY and multiPle uses oF Galveston BaY

www.galvbay.org

G

Corporation, Congressman Gene Green, and Cynthia and Don Stevenson for their continued stewardship of Galveston Bay. Some of GBF’s original trustees, including Jim Blackburn, George Bolin, Glenda Callaway, Frank Fisher, Terry Hershey, Ray Holbrook, Frank Smith, and Sharron Stewart were in attendance at the event and were recognized for their roles in founding GBF in 1987. Current trustees presented GBF President Bob Stokes with a gift of appreciation for his contributions toward GBF’s success.

From the beginning, the Galveston Bay Foundation was designed to involve a true cross-section of Bay interests to address issues and concerns related to Galveston Bay, and this approach continues today. Keynote speaker, The Honorable James A. Baker, III, praised the Galveston Bay Foundation for its consensus building approach and spoke about the multiple benefits of the proposed Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area. Local news celebrity and Galveston supporter, Frank Billingsley, emceed this year’s event, and luncheon guests included community and industry notables Philamena and Arthur Baird, Berdon Lawrence, John Nau, Joe Pyne, and former Houston Mayor Bill White.

We sincerely thank you for all that you have done to help us get where we are today and to guide us in embarking on our next 25 years. The Galveston Bay Foundation is a community-based organization, and our activities simply do not happen without the support of our members, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.

GBF Celebrate 25 Years(continued from cover)

W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 8

2012 Guardian of the Bay Award LuncheonThank you to our Sponsors

Guardian

Kirby Corporation ~ Kathrine G. McGovern/McGovern Foundation

Protector

Apache Corporation ~ Bill King/Southwest Airport Services ~ NRG EnergySatterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. ~ Cynthia and Don Stevenson/Madlin Stevenson Foundation

Advocate

Exxon Mobil Corporation ~ The Friedkin Group ~ Burkely and Tim Herbert KBR, Inc. ~ John W. Lodge, III/Lodge Lumber Company

Martin Marine ~ The Modern Group, Ltd / The Will Crenshaw FamilyDoug Pitcock ~ Port of Houston Authority ~ Rosemary and Matt Schatzman ~ Shell and Motiva

Texas Corinthian Yacht Club ~ Texas Waterway Operators Association ~ Vinson & Elkins LLP

Donor

The AECOM and Gahagan & Bryant Joint Venture ~ Amegy Bank ~ Baker Botts L.L.P.Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors ~ Buffalo Marine Service, Inc. ~ CenterPoint Energy

City of Nassau Bay ~ DeMontrond Automotive Group ~ The Dow Chemical CompanyDoyle, Restrepo, Harvin & Robbins, LLP ~ East Harris County Manufacturers Association

Icon Bank of Texas ~ Jackson, Gilmour & Dobbs, PC ~ Kirksey ~ Janiece Longoria ~ Merrill Lynch/Peter S. MeyerMethodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center ~ Ocean Shipholdings ~ Rowan Companies, Inc.

SeaRiver Maritime, Inc. ~ Kathy and Mike Sutton ~ U.S. Pipeline, Inc.

Friends and Sponsor Couples

Patsy and Michael Andrews ~ Andrews Kurth ~ Denise and Philip Bahr ~ Susan and Jim BakerCindy and John Bartos ~ Thomas Bell ~ Frank Billingsley ~ Ginger and Jack Blanton

Peter H. Brown ~ Kristina and George Busceme ~ Cheryl Byington ~ Glenda Callaway/Ekistics Corporation Michael and Rebecca Cemo Family Foundation ~ Margi and Rocky Chase

Laura and Bruce Crawford ~ George A. Dodge ~ Ellen and Frank Donnelly, Jr. ~ Gracia and Robert DuncanDebbie Pontikes Ellis ~ Nanette and Jerry Finger ~ Charlotte and Jimmy Fontenot

Marion S. Hargrove ~ Stacy and Scott Humphries ~ Courtney and Curtis Hutcheson ~ Johnson Space Center Federal Credit Union ~ Elizabeth Winston Jones ~ Lynn and Ty KellyAnn and Tom Kelsey ~ Roger M. Rowe and Helen W. Lane, PhD ~ Winkie and Jerry Mohn

Rachel and John Moody ~ Kenneth A. Newberry ~ Michaela and Taylor Norris ~ Cabrina and Stephen OwsleyPappas Restaurants ~ Elizabeth and Mike Petit ~ Ellen and Stoney Petit

Jennifer Smith and Peter Ragauss ~ Susan and Barrett Reasoner ~ Beth Robertson ~ Regina Rogers Samson Energy Company, LLC ~ T. Adger Satterfield ~ Katherine and Frank Smith

JJ and Gerry Spedale ~ Star Fleet ~ Sterling Associates ~ Valero Refining Judy and Terrance Vinson ~ Randa Duncan Williams ~ Wallace S. Wilson ~ Betsy and Jim Winn

Left: GBF original trustees gathered at our special Founders’ Table (front Row, left to right) Frank Smith, Terry Hershey, Glenda Callaway, Sharron Stewart; (second row, left to right) Ray Holbrook, Frank Fisher, George BolinTop Right: U.S. Congressman Gene Green, Helen Green, The Honorable James A. Baker, III Bottom: Current trustees present a gift of appreciation to GBF President Bob Stokes. (Left to right) Bill King, James Doyle, Don Stevenson, Cynthia Stevenson, Macey Stokes, Bob Stokes, George Pontikes

Rachel Barski joined GBF as the Education Coordinator in September 2012. Rachel received a B.S. in Communication with a minor

in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. She has been an educator for the past four years and has spent much of her recent time fostering an integrated approach between indoor and outdoor education. She enjoys watching students/children use their time to explore the vast outdoors.

GBF welComes new eduCation Coordinator

G a l v e s t o n B a y F o u n d a t i o n9

GBF is grateful for Shell’s continued support of Bike Around the Bay, both the company’s generous fi nancial contribution and the investment of time, volunteers, and other resources that help ensure a successful ride. We also greatly appreciate the commitment of returning and new cash and in-kind sponsors including Accenture, Albemarle Foundation, Bike Barn, Burns & McDonnell, CenterPoint

Energy, Insperity, The Moody Foundation, Momentum Audi, Port of Houston Authority, Reliant an NRG company, Samson Energy, Sonic Automotive, Waste Management, and Whole Earth Provisions Company. For the second consecutive year, Reliant, an NRG company, retired 500 metric tons of carbon

on the Chicago Climate Exchange to offset the carbon generated by Bike Around the Bay, while Whole Earth Provisions contributed $10 gift certifi cates for all Bike Around the Bay cyclists and volunteers.

Several corporate supporters engaged employees and clients in creating company cycling teams. These included a CenterPoint Energy team captained by GBF Board

Member Jeff Myerson, a team of more than 50 cyclists from Shell/Motiva, and teams from Accenture, Albemarle, Bike Barn, and Burns & McDonnell. These cyclists genuinely appreciate their company’s support of the ride. Todd Nunnally, program general manager for Shell, said, “It’s an important part of our

social investment and allows us to make commitments to the environment, create an event our employees and the community can participate in and benefi t the Galveston Bay Foundation.”

Volunteer support is integral to the success of Bike Around the Bay, and most all cyclists comment on the kindness, hospitality, and overall number of volunteers who help them throughout ride weekend. From on-site registration and breakpoint volunteers to SAG team members and motorcycle marshals, volunteers can be found at nearly all points along the ride. They provide Gatorade and snacks at over 15 breakpoints, provide directions and moral support along tougher portions of the route, and help ensure rider safety.

‘Shell on Wheels’ motorcycle volunteer Chad Slater said, “Seeing the fi rst bike rider approaching the fi nish line was an emotional moment for me. It told a story of valor, goal setting and triumph despite how big the challenge is. I am already looking forward to serving the needs of this event next year and possibly riding…that’s pedaling, not throttling!”

Save the date for next year’s ride! Bike Around the Bay is scheduled for October 12 and 13, 2013. “Like” Bike Around the Bay on Facebook for registration and other updates, and visit www.bikearoundthebay.org for general ride information.

Bike Around the Bay 2012 was made possible thanks to the following sponsors:

THE MOODY FOUNDATION

You don’t realize what an important role energy companies, like Shell, play in protecting this bay. I appreciate Shell for doing it and hope they will

continue to do so for many years to come.

- Rodney EllisTexas State Senator

I appreciate Shell for doing it and hope they will continue to do so for many years to come.

n September 29, 2012, nearly 200 GBF volunteers helped to restore

Galveston Bay wetlands. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of National Estuaries Day and the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, GBF hosted a special Marsh Mania event to plant smooth

cordgrass (Spartina alternifl ora) at a marsh restoration site located on the Moses Lake shoreline of The Nature Conservancy’s Texas City Prairie Preserve. Marsh Mania is an annual GBF event that involves local citizens in hands-on marsh restoration activities while increasing their awareness

and appreciation of Galveston Bay wetlands and the many services they provide. In fourteen years, nearly 7000 “Marsh Maniacs” have restored over 200 acres of wetlands around Galveston Bay. Marsh Mania is supported with funding from the National Partnership between NOAA’s

national estuaries daY CeleBrated at Fall marsh mania O

Bike Around the Bay (continued from page 3)

W i n t e r 2 0 1 3 10

Volunteers are pictured here planting marsh grass at Marsh Mania in Texas City.

very effort that the Galveston Bay Foundation makes to preserve the bay is

spearheaded by GBF staff, but it’s success is due in large part to the hard work of volunteers who share a love for Galveston Bay that help assure that these efforts come to fruition. Many volunteers spend countless hours working behind the scenes assisting in GBF events year-after-year wishing for nothing in return but the gratifi cation of knowing they’ve helped preserve Galveston Bay.

During this season of thanks, we recognize Dick and Lisa McGonigle, two of our most dedicated volunteers who have been actively involved in GBF events for more than six years. The volunteering duo has volunteered with several environmentally focused groups over the years, which stems from their interest in the outdoors. “Our love for fi shing, birding, kayaking and conservation issues led us to Galveston Bay Foundation’s doorstep. After many years of memberships in and support from the

sidelines of other conservation heroes, our involvement in GBF (among numerous other organizations)…has allowed a couple of thirsty souls to pitch in, get our hands dirty and feel good.”

Dick, a practicing trial lawyer, board member of Scenic Galveston, and avid outdoorsman, and Lisa have managed to fi nd time in their busy schedules to remain devout in helping to preserve our coastal ecosystems. Both are actively involved in most GBF events, including Marsh Mania, Trash Bash, Bike Around the Bay, and

Redfi sh Raft-Up. Both Lisa and Dick are avid paddlers and have brought along their kayaks to a number of

our water-based efforts. For the last two years,

Lisa joined us in our on-the-water effort

at Trash Bash at Armand Bayou, and Dick was

able to come in 2011.

Dick and Lisa can also be found paddling around at Redfi sh Raft-Up, an event that Dick describes as one of the “greatest parties on the bay.” Enjoying the camaraderie and music, Dick and Lisa paddle from boat to boat visiting with friends and fellow bay enthusiasts.

Dick shares his perspective on volunteering for GBF and why it’s remained important for both him and Lisa: “It is amazing how so few volunteers can make such a difference in protecting our

Galveston Bay with the pressures of industry and 6 million people crowding around the bay. It’s equally amazing how resourceful and dedicated nonprofi t organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation can channel energy and conviction with limited funds into results that can shape and protect the world we pass on to our children. It’s quite humbling to be one of the smallest cogs in the machinery.”

If you’re inspired by the McGonigles and interested in becoming a volunteer and helping GBF continue our mission of preserving, protecting, and enhancing Galveston Bay, please contact Julie Mintzer at jmintzer@galvbay.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON: volunteers lisa and diCK mCGoniGle

E

working behind the scenes assisting in GBF events year-after-year wishing for nothing in return but the gratifi cation of knowing they’ve helped preserve Galveston Bay.

During this season of thanks, we recognize Dick and Lisa McGonigle, two of our most dedicated volunteers who have been actively involved in GBF events for more than six years. The volunteering duo has volunteered with several environmentally focused groups over the years, which stems from their interest in the outdoors. “Our love for fi shing, birding, kayaking and conservation issues led us to Galveston Bay Foundation’s doorstep. After many years of memberships in and support from the

of Scenic Galveston, and avid outdoorsman, and Lisa have managed to fi nd time in their busy schedules to remain devout in helping to preserve our coastal ecosystems. Both are actively involved in most GBF events, including Marsh Mania, Trash Bash, Bike Around the Bay, and

Redfi sh Raft-Up. Both Lisa and Dick are avid paddlers and have brought along their kayaks to a number of

our water-based efforts. For the last two years,

Lisa joined us in our on-the-water effort

at Trash Bash at Armand Bayou, and Dick was

able to come in 2011.

Dick shares his perspective on volunteering for GBF and why it’s remained important for both him and Lisa: “It is amazing how so few volunteers can make such a difference in protecting our

Galveston Bay with the pressures of industry and 6 million people crowding around the bay. It’s equally amazing how resourceful and dedicated nonprofi t organizations like the Galveston Bay Foundation can channel energy and conviction with limited funds into results that can shape and protect the world we pass on to our children. It’s quite humbling to be one of the smallest cogs in the machinery.”

If you’re inspired by the McGonigles and interested in becoming a volunteer and helping GBF continue our mission of preserving, protecting, and enhancing Galveston Bay, please contact Julie Mintzer at jmintzer@galvbay.org.

Community-based Restoration Program and Restore America’s Estuaries and through the donation of marsh vegetation from NRG Energy.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NAT

ION

ALO

CEANIC

AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTR

ATION

Marsh Mania 2012 is made possible thanks to the following sponsors:

...our involvement in GBF (among numerous other organizations)…has

allowed a couple of thirsty souls to pitch in, get our hands dirty and feel good.

- Dick McGonigleGBF Volunteer

...our involvement in GBF (among numerous other organizations)…has

allowed a couple of thirsty souls to pitch in, get our hands dirty and feel good.

Photos in this issue of the GBF Gazette

contributed by:

Gene FisselerAndrew HancockMaggie SweeneyHugh Hargrave

GBF Staff

GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION17330 Highway 3Webster, TX 77598

p: 281.332.3381f: 281.332.3153www.galvbay.orggbf@galvbay.org

GBF is a 501(c)(3) organization affi liated with EarthShare of Texas and

with Restore America’s Estuaries.

GBF Gazette underwriting provided by our valued partner, the Port of Houston

Authority.