INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
Gulf of Mexico | Galveston TIDE Campaign
The Campaign
Building on 35 years of sea turtle and ocean conservation leadership across the world, Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) continues its commitment to the long-view of saving marine life and their ocean and coastal habitats. The Gulf of Mexico is a hotspot that meets all key criteria for the establishment of a permanent facility and program footprint: sea turtles, universities offering opportunities for college chapters and internships, supporter base spanning volunteers and donors, local program community investments, strategic coverage for ocean and/or watershed issues, and visitor and school experiential education opportunities.
For 35 years, TIRN has been the backbone and heartbeat of outstanding sea turtle and ocean conservation and education programs in Galveston, TX. Whether it is students returning from hands-on activities at the beach or graduate students collecting shoreline sediment samples for microplastic research, TIRN is synonymous with excitement, learning, activism, sharing, conservation and community!
With generous support from the community, TIRN has established itself as an award-winning organization conducting ocean and watershed education, conservation and science programs on land and at sea, impactful policy and advocacy on behalf of marine life and habitat, and innovative watershed-level restoration projects Through the work of its diverse and committed community of volunteers, supporters and staff, TIRN has kindled an enduring and deep-seated passion for protecting the Gulf of Mexico.
To remain relevant to the changing environmental needs and interests of the sea turtle, wildlife and human communities it serves, TIRN must plan for the future – thinking forward and focusing on opportunities that will ensure its continued vibrancy, growth and leadership for the next 30 years, while fostering long-term program, advocacy and financial sustainability.
TIRN has launched a $1 Million Gulf of Mexico TIRN the Tide Campaign as a next step in the organization’s strategic expansion that will ensure its continued leadership on the Upper Texas Coast and marine issues facing the Gulf of Mexico. The focal point of this expansion is a Conservation and Education Center that will allow TIRN to be more responsive to the diverse communities it serves, reach and engage new audiences, strengthen both the delivery and impact of its programs for children and adults, and support the needs of visitors
and volunteers through interactive hands-on ocean and coastal exhibits, and education and volunteer programs in Galveston, Texas. This plan will improve the delivery of its mission in bold, innovative, and exciting ways by creating a niche that maximizes programmatic impact.
To seed this new initiative and succeed in creating a 21st century facility that educates, excites and inspires, TIRN needs the broad and enthusiastic involvement of expanding its friends, volunteers, donors and members. TIRN calls on all those who cherish and appreciate the Gulf of Mexico to participate in championing the initiative through generous and spirited philanthropy
PHASE I
Background Analysis, Identify Priorities and Acquire Building
PHASE III
Site Design, Interpretive Plan and Operations Plan
PHASE V
Fully Functioning Facility, open to the Public
PHASE II
Post-Acquisition Finance Campaign to Retire Short-Term Loan
PHASE IV
Facility Development (e g Education, Outreach, Advocacy, Gift Shop) and Positioning and Marketing Plan
EXPAN
Volunteer Opportunities for All Ages
“TIRN” THE TIDE
Working with communities, parents and teachers to develop engaging programs, we inspire volunteers of all ages to perform beach clean ups, civic involvement, fishing line recycling, and reduction of single-use plastics for the saftey of sea turtles, marine life and coastal residents. Our hundreds of volunteers help us cleanup the more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year, killing untold species of wildlife and destroying ecosystems. Gulf of
Mexico | Galveston TIDE Campaign
DING
Sea Turtle Response & Rescue
We protect and restore populations of endangered sea turtles and marine biodiversity on the Texas coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Since its inception, Turtle Island Restoration Network has been the sponsor of the 1-866-TURTLE-5 sea turtle hotline for the entire Texas coast and continues to raise awareness of the need to report any nesting, injured, or deceased sea turtles to local authorities.
Experiential Education Programs
In the last decade, Turtle Island Restoration Network has reached more than 30,000 students and teachers in Texas to inform and inspire them about sea turtles and the Gulf ecosystem Our vision is to have a critical-mass of people in communities all over the world share a common understanding of the intrinsic value of biodiversity and a permanent commitment to acting as wise, willing and able stewards of life in the Earth’s oceans and on its lands.
Fighting Threats to Marine Life
We protect sea turtles, sharks, marine mammals, and seabirds from myriad threats like industrial overfishing, destruction of coastal and riverine habitat, and the threat of climate change from fossil fuel projects. Turtle Island Restoration Network works closely with individuals and organizations in our community to fight environmental degradation and save threatened coastal resources
ESTABLISHING WORLD
Providing Migratory Species like Sea Turtles, Sharks
Marine Protected Areas & Time Area Clo
Restoring Critical Habitats
...from the redwood-forested creekbanks of California to the deep-sea coral reefs of the Gulf of Mexico to the biodiverse waters of Cocos Island to the sea grass beds of Okinawa...
WIDE COVERAGE
and Salmon with Comprehensive Protections
Oceans, Watershed & Marine Life Policy
Marine Science & Research
The Need
To address the increasing impacts of global warming, extreme weather events and overwhelming plastic pollution, it is imperative to expand wildlife rescues and rehabilitation, implement innovative adaptive conservation action, and increase community engagement and education on the Upper Texas Coast Like the rest of the world, the region is struggling with increased alienation from nature, dependence on digital media, and underfunded in-school and after-school programs that deliver enrichment activities like field trips and science-based learning opportunities
Thus, TIRN has identified the following five strategic needs in the Gulf of Mexico:
Increase the reach and effectiveness of TIRN’s advocacy programs to protect marine life and other wildlife
Increase the impact and reach of our ocean education programs
Increase our visibility and access to stakeholders and the general public
Ensure the long-term infrastructure necessary to support our mission, volunteers and staff
Broaden and increase our funding and supporter base to accomplish these strategic needs and provide ongoing operational support
To meet these strategic needs and organizational expansion goals, TIRN is moving ahead with the planning and development of an improved and expanded Conservation and Education Center (Phases II – V) the center will serve as a free venue for hands-on positive experiences with nature that can pique interests in science and conservation, launch a life-long appreciation for ocean and coastal habitats and the wildlife they sustain, feed a deeper understanding of the interdependence of the environment and people, inspire kids and adults to become environmental activists, and serve the human and wildlife community in Galveston and along the Upper Texas Coast.
There is great demand for TIRN’s unique programs and services. Our momentum is growing and now is the time for us to build from our strength.
TIRN is uniquely positioned to continue and expand its conservation leadership role. Through our office in Galveston, we have a solid track record of engaging volunteers each year in handson conservation programs; establishing strategic partnerships and collaborations with organizations, agencies and universities; educating thousands of school children and families, and developing civic action campaigns that motivate local residents to protect endangered sea turtles, other marine wildlife and the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.
Goals of the Center
• Offer an interactive learning environment that features the unique habitats and wildlife of the Upper Texas Coast, while helping to preserve the critically valuable Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, mobilizing ocean activists, and building pride of place for children and adults residing in the region
• Create programs for children and youth that offer hands-on learning experiences about oceans and coastal wildlife
• Become an admission-free destination venue that protects wildlife and complements other area visitor sites such as Moody Gardens and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, thus enhancing the island for the residents and nearly 7 million visitors per year
• Turns visitor donations into services and programs supporting the organization, its mission, wildlife, and residents of all ages in the community
Exhibits & Programs
• Digital interpretive displays and interactive ocean and coastal exhibits designed to educate people about natural resources and the environment
• Opportunities to partner with ocean conservation organizations for a powerful collaboration that will enhance visitor, student and volunteer experiences
• Sea turtle and ocean education experiences and field-trip opportunities for schools and classes
• Environmental education hub to influence multiple outcomes – enhancing knowledge, skills, attitudes and interests associated with civic engagement, scientific curiosity and environmental literacy
• Meeting spaces for conferences and small classes catering to community and nonprofit organizations
• Public outreach services including presentations and open workshops promoting environmental awareness and interaction within the community
• Small gift shop as an income stream
GALVESTON & THE GULF OF MEXICO
FOR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN
• Classroom Field Experiences and Presentations
Providing hands-on science programs aligned with Texas state standards, tailored to specific age groups, that build excitement about sea turtles, marine habitats, and conservation
• Community-Based Action Projects
Working with parents and teachers to develop engaging programs including beach clean ups, civic involvement, fishing line recycling, and reduction of single-use plastics
• Career-Building Internships
Mentoring college students and recent graduates through an immersive internship program, preparing them to tackle the most pressing conservation issues of our time
FOR THE COMMUNITY
• Volunteer Opportunities
Adult volunteer engagement including docent positions and leading program opportunities
• Programs
Inviting the community to get involved in conservation through stimulating guest speakers, art, film and new technology
• Event Space
Meeting and event space that can be used by nonprofits, community groups, and schools
FOR MARINE LIFE AND HABITATS
• Fishing Reforms
Reduce over-fishing and improve fisheries management and gear type through local, regional and national policy
• Community Laboratory
Establish a comprehensive community education and action model to be replicated across the United States
• Climate Change and Petrochemical Advocacy
YEARS
Expand TIRN’s advocacy and research efforts spanning climate change mitigation and petrochemical industry impacts 35
lifting up human and wildlife communities now and into the future
JOIN US IN FIGHTING FO
Location
TIRN’s future Gulf of Mexico Conservation and Education Center, located at 1028 Broadway Street, Galveston, TX, is a 3,100 square foot building sharing a main thoroughfare with other tourist attractions including the Moody Mansion, Galveston Children’s Museum and the 1892 Bishops Palace.
The site is well-suited to accommodate an outreach center with adequate room for educational and interpretive displays and exhibits With three exterior accesses, including an ADA ramp the large rooms offer an abundance of natural and recessed lighting. A second story can be used as offices and a break-out classroom It has plenty of off-street parking, garage for equipment storage and a spacious inviting front porch and yard space can accommodate outdoor educational activities and displays. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, it is also a convenient short walk to the beach where outdoor educational activities can take place.
“If we are going to l healthy planet for o children, grandchil and future generat we must provide th space to allow the s of a major shift awa from the current paradigm of how th human species view relationship with ou environment.
–TODD STEINER Executive Director
R A BLUE-GREEN PLANET
Goals of the Center
Ready to make a difference in conservation and marine education in the Gulf?
Join us in our campaign to raise $1 Million to support the Conservation and Education Center today.
Your gift will accomplish the following:
• Increase the reach and effectiveness of our ocean education and advocacy programs
• Ensure the long-time infrastructure support needed to continue to execute our mission
• Symbolize your lasting commitment to marine conservation and to inspiring future generations to protect our waterways and oceans
Through donor recognition opportunities, we will honor the commitment of our most generous supporters of this campaign For more information about sponsorship naming opportunities, please contact Eleni Gast, Development Manager, at egast@tirn.net.
Turtle Island Restoration Network is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit with a 4 star Charity Navigator rating and $3 million+ annual budget.
