Galveston Island State Park protects 2,000 acres of upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem. Barrier islands like Galveston move and change constantly with the action of waves, wind, and tides to support a mosaic of coastal habitats, including beaches, prairies and wetlands. These habitats host a surprising variety of wildlife.
What to Expect: Join Kyle O’Haver Park Superintendent, on a trip that will cover his favorite areas of the park. These areas are host to salt marsh wetlands and prairie. Wetlands form a transition zone where land gradually gives way to water. In this murky world, many fish and marine animals begin their lives. Spotted seatrout, red drum, flounder, blue crab, and shrimp all depend on the shallow waters and tangles of seagrasses for refuge. Great blue herons, snowy egrets, and roseate spoonbills gather in the salt marshes to feed on fish and crustaceans. Additionally, wetlands protect the environment by filtering impurities from the water and soaking up excess water from storms.
We follow several trails that wind through prairie, oak mottes, freshwater ponds, bayou, marsh, and salt flats. These habitats contain numerous species of herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills, nesting and migrating shorebirds, rails, warblers, vireos, and sparrows. More than 300 bird species have been observed in the park.
What to Bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear closed-toed shoes.
Important Information: This is a meet-at-site trip. Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the festival.