Galveston Bay Foundation's Get Hip to Habitat Restoration Event Sponsored by Samson

On Tuesday, May 20, DESCO volunteers joined students from Anahuac High School, employees from the firm Samson Resources, and staff from the Galveston Bay Foundation at the organization’s Snipe Woods property for a day of outdoor education and habitat restoration. The kids were split into four groups focusing on different activities: tree planting, water-quality testing, marsh planting, and fish seining.

DESCO Senior Biologist Arthur Perkins led the group of kids who were tasked with planting trees. He taught them about the risks posed by invasive, non-native species such Chinese tallow. The group dug up tallow saplings and replaced them with willow oak trees. The group also flagged young oaks that had been planted the previous year so they wouldn’t be stepped on by the volunteers.

DESCO VP Gary Kowalski came prepared to work in the water. He was wearing a pair of hip waders and was quickly singled out to lead the group seining fish along with Rani Henderson of the Galveston Bay Foundation. The students were able to identify many of the species on their own, including menhaden, croaker, shrimp, one small drum, one large mullet, and one blue crab. (This last specimen evoked the most excitement from the kids.)

DESCO’s Senior Ecologist Ally Altemose and Regulatory Permit Coordinator Jackie Gilliam (along with her son Nolan Gilliam) joined the students restoring marsh habitat. The Anahuac High School students had grown 10 large buckets full of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in preparation for this project. The boundaries of the restoration area were defined by a low breakwater running parallel to the bank. Students were instructed how to use the tools and shown how to properly space the plants. Then, pairs of students teamed up with DESCO volunteers and got to work. The students caught on quickly and were able to revegetate the area in no time.

As to be expected of high school students, there was horseplay and splashing intermixed with the hard work and learning. The students were knowledgeable and appreciative of the coastal marsh and took pride in their contributions to this restoration project. Along the way, they gained an even greater understanding of this unique habitat. DESCO is grateful to have been a part of this experience, giving back to the community and inspiring a love for the environment.