EXPLORE GALVESTON'S STORIES WITH THE 1839
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The 1839
Tides, Turtles, and TallgrassDesk 08

A Year-Round Celebration of Coastal Life

Where the sky meets the sea, Galveston's wild rhythms continue—quiet, vibrant and enduring. Every season offers another reminder that the island is alive and we are part of its story.

Sea turtle swimming through coastal water
Galveston, observedThe island is alive around us.

Published from the Nature desk

The field note

A Ghost Wolf stands among wildflowers and cordgrass on Galveston Island

The Oldest BOI

Before the seawall, before the Strand, before anyone put a name on this island, there was the marsh. Dusk comes slowly to the West End, the way it comes to a place that is in no hurry to be seen. The light doesn't fade so much as it dissolves — gold bleeding into…

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More from the desk

Wild Galveston, closely observed

Water, weather, wildlife and the practical stewardship an inhabited barrier island requires.

A roseate spoonbill flying low over a coastal wetland.
Education

BOI: Galveston's Wildest Natives

Icons of Survival: The Wild Truth Beneath Galveston BOI: Born on the Island – Galveston’s Wildest Natives (Born On the Island — and born to survive) A vivid exploration of Galveston’s native animals and…

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The Secret Life of Sea Turtles (and How to Respect It)
Education

The Secret Life of Sea Turtles (and How to Respect It)

Unveiling the Hidden Importance of Turtles in Galveston The Secret Life of Sea Turtles (and How to Respect It) “The turtles have heard the call of Galveston’s shore for millions of years—now, we must…

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The island is alive around us.

Inside the Nature desk

Water, weather, wildlife and coastal habitats are not scenery here. They shape how Galveston lives—and what responsible stewardship requires.

Eco-friendly tips

Small choices, visible coast

Reduce single-use plastics by bringing reusable bags, bottles and containers. The simplest habits can meaningfully reduce waste that reaches marine life.

Walk, bike or use public transportation when practical. Lower-emission travel also makes it easier to experience the island at street level.

Participate in local beach cleanups. These events are a practical way to contribute and help care for Galveston Island's beaches.

Support local conservation efforts by donating or volunteering with organizations dedicated to preserving the island's natural habitats and wildlife.

Galveston beach, Gulf water and flowering dune vegetation
Join the movement

Natural beauty is not just a backdrop

From coastal wetlands to historic dunes, every part of the island supports native plants, birds, marine life and the people who call Galveston home.

Beach cleanups, sea-turtle protection, sustainable seafood, habitat restoration and plastic reduction all turn stewardship into something practical.

Scientists, educators, conservation groups, businesses and neighbors each hold part of the work. Every small step can help preserve the coastline for the next generation.

From the calendar

13th Annual Ohana Surf Dogs Competition
Events

13th Annual Ohana Surf Dogs Competition

Surfing dogs compete at 28th Street and Seawall Boulevard on July 18, raising funds for the Galveston Island Humane Society; spectators attend free.

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Seagulls along a wind-roughened shoreline beneath heavy clouds.
Events

East Beach Bucket Brigade Tour

Discover what makes Galveston's shoreline special with a free Bucket Brigade tour at East Beach, where expert guides lead hands-on explorations of coastal ecosystems. These interactive 45-minute tours…

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A sea turtle swimming over seagrass
Events

World Sea Turtle Day Beach Cleanup

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM This World Sea Turtle Day beach cleanup was listed for Tuesday, June 16, from 10:00 AM to noon at Murdoch's, 2215 Seawall Boulevard. The original event listing did not preserve an…

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Sources and further reading

What Is Important To You?

Your connection to Galveston's natural beauty matters. Help us uncover overlooked stories that protect and celebrate the environment.

Take the Nature survey