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Galveston Bay Foundation
national estuaries daY CeleBrated at Fall marsh mania
O
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 alterniflora) 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
Bike Around the Bay (continued from page 3) GBF is grateful for Shell’s continued support of Bike Around the Bay, both the company’s generous financial 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
on the Chicago Climate Exchange to offset the carbon generated by Bike Around the Bay, while Whole Earth Provisions contributed $10 gift certificates for all Bike Around the Bay cyclists and volunteers.
social investment and allows us to make commitments to the environment, create an event our employees and the community can participate in and benefit the Galveston Bay Foundation.”
Several corporate supporters engaged employees and clients in creating company cycling teams. These included a CenterPoint Energy team captained by GBF Board
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.
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 Ellis Texas State Senator
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
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
Bike Around the Bay 2012 was made possible thanks to the following sponsors:
THE MOODY FOUNDATION
‘Shell on Wheels’ motorcycle volunteer Chad Slater said, “Seeing the first bike rider approaching the finish 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.