Artist Boat-Outdoor Education

  Project Description:  This project supports Artist Boat’s Eco-Art & Eco-Tour Adventures to visitors, students, and community members in Harris, Galveston, and Chambers Counties.  These art and environmental educational experiences provide participants with a sense of place, an introduction to the restoration and conservation projects in the Lower Galveston Bay Watershed, a visual outreach tool in educating friends and family about the Upper Texas Gulf Coast’s history and beauty, and a unique experience founded in the traditions of naturalists, scientists, and artists.   Eco-Art and Eco-Tour adventures are kayaking and canoeing tours conducted on weekdays and weekends during spring, summer, and fall that combine art and science in interpretation of the current and historical significance and uses of Galveston Bay, describing restoration and conservation practices and methods at sites of significance, and promoting stewardship over the variety of unique ecosystems contained in out region’s coastal margins.  Tours are conducted at Galveston Island State Park, Scenic Galveston and Pierce Marsh Preserves, Armand Bayou, Trinity River Cypress Swamp, Moses Lake, Clear Creek, San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Site, and Christmas Bay. 

Eco-Art and Eco-Tour Adventures for the community will take place a total of 20 days, potentially serving 1,404 participants.  Most of the students will be from Galveston and the inner city of Houston. Over 50% of these students are economically disadvantaged and/or of ethnic minority descent.  Statistical breakdown of each participating group will be documented, recorded, and reported.

Partners:  Artist Boat, & the Texas Coastal Program

Total Contribution of all Partners:  $ 38,225