BIG GIFT FOR THE BAY

Galveston Bay rises with $2 million gift to protect ecosystem

Steven Devadanam
Apr 29, 2019, 10:01 am
Local wildlife still faces challenges in Galveston Bay. Photo by Andrew Hancock

This article originally appeared on CultureMap.

Lovers of Galveston Bay know that the ecosystem has been beset by challenges, after being ravaged by Hurricane Harvey and the Deepwater Horizon spill, and last year, receiving a C grade for its overall wellness.

Even more challenging, Galveston Bay has lost more than 35,000 acres of intertidal wetlands since the 1950s.

But now, hope floats, with the news that the Galveston Bay Foundation has received a $2.3 million award to continue to restore and create marsh habitat in the Dollar Bay/Moses Lake complex in Galveston Bay. The gift comes courtesy of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), with funding through the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, a funding source created from Deepwater Horizon oil spill penalties.

The area has already seen restoration work in the same area, including a 1,600-foot section of rock breakwater structures constructed in 2002, a 2,400-foot section constructed in 2012, and 1.3-mile section completed in 2018. Galveston Bay Foundation volunteers have planted smooth cordgrass to reestablish fringing marsh and will continue to do so in this next phase, according to the foundation.

Continue reading on CultureMap to learn about the breakwaters that will be constructed.

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LABOR DAY 2019

The 8 best ways to celebrate Labor Day in Houston

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown will thrown another Labor Day Luau. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown/Facebook

This article originally appeared on CultureMap.

Labor Day is upon us, which means fall is fast approaching and, soon, we will no longer have to deal with this scorching-hot weather for much longer. It's that first Monday in September where we celebrate all the accomplishments hard-working men and women have made throughout history in building, shaping, and molding this country.

Labor Day is also a great day to kick back, and we've rounded up eight fun events to enjoy your long weekend.

a'Bouzy

Our favorite champagne dispensary will have a Labor Day brunch where bottles of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut will be served for $49. This is a must for those who've always wanted to pop bottles and dance around like Damon Dash in old Jay-Z videos. Reservations are required. 10 am-6 pm.

El Segundo Swim Club

H-Town's only private outdoor swim club and bar will have special hours and access this Labor Day Weekend. On Friday, access is free, but it's $20 Saturday through Monday. Food is available for purchase during peak hours via food truck. 3 pm-sunset (11 am-midnight Saturday; noon-midnight Sunday; noon-7 pm Monday).

Gallery Auctions, Inc.

If your idea of a fun Labor Day is bidding for stuff during an auction, these guys have a special day for you. Along with bidding for furniture, antiques, etc. the Astros Shuttle Crew will be on hand, giving away two pairs of Astros tickets. They also have lite bites for breakfast and a complementary bar during the entire auction. 8 am-4 pm.

ISKCON of Houston

Labor Day is also Houston's Free Day of Yoga. So, get all loose and limber and one with your body with a free yoga class at this temple's main hall (taught by local yoga queen Farida Morsi), followed by lunch at Govinda's. Bring some extra cash and enjoy wonderful vegetarian cuisine together. 10 am.

Lone Star Flight Museum

The hallowed museum has a bevy of things planned for Labor Day. You can take tours inside the DC-3, talk to the mechanics, make and take crafts, and step in the simulators, which will be open all weekend. Plus, there will be free hot dogs, chips and drinks — and this is all for a mere $5. 9 am-5 pm.

Continue on CultureMap to see what's going on at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, and much more.

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