Our Story
History, Mission and Commitment
Our history is as rich and interesting as our beloved Bay. In 1994, growing concerns over the development of the Bayport Container Terminal sparked interest in the need to save the lush Bayport wetlands. Citizens came together to question the environmental impacts of a huge container terminal located in the middle of a fragile ecosystem and between two established waterfront communities. In order to do this, residents and concerned neighbors began to organize and strategize and educate citizens about potential environmental and health risks. Charlotte Cherry applied to Waterkeeper Alliance and was accepted as a member of this advocacy group in September of 2001 so that our voice would combine with other Waterkeepers around the world. Galveston Baykeeper was formed as a program under Galveston Bay Conservation and Preservation Association (GBCPA) then split in 2006 to become a separate organization. Charlotte Wells became Galveston Baykeeper and continued to represent the organization as Waterkeeper until 2012.
Galveston Baykeeper (GBK) is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global environmental movement which began in 1966 with the Hudson River Fisherman's Association and grew to encompass waterways around the world.
Today, there are more than 200 Waterkeeper organizations that promote citizen advocacy on issues ranging from pollution to climate change affecting our waterways. Waterkeepers are scientists, teachers, and legal advocates for the health of their communities and waterways.
GBK is a grassroots organization committed to preserving and protecting the health of Galveston Bay and its watershed for our children, our economy and our future, through advocacy and education, and enforcement of the CWA.
GBK became a 501(c) 3 organization in 2009. Since its inception, GBK has provided project support and collaborated with other environmental advocates including Air Alliance Houston, Galveston Bay Foundation, Sierra Club, T.E.J.A.S., Friends of Cedar Bayou United, Houston Tomorrow, Surf Rider, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
See the Board of Directors for more information.
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Commitment: Galveston Baykeeper (GBK) is committed to the health and welfare of the community and the watershed that serves it. Our Volunteers are the most dedicated and focused individuals that not only have a passion for protecting our resources but have fun doing it! We are individuals from all backgrounds with diverse professional experiences. Artists, business owners, educators, financial analysts all volunteer their experience and time to Galveston Baykeeper. Why? Because we all live here on beautiful Galveston Bay and we care about the future of our community.
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Our Mission: GBK is a grassroots organization committed to preserving and protecting the health of Galveston Bay and its watershed for our children, our economy and our future, through advocacy and education, and enforcement of the CWA.
Would you like to help save the Bay? Together GBK and our membership reach out to our elected officials, citizens and the media to ensure a healthy Bay for future generations. Please join us in our efforts by donating or volunteering. Together we can and will make a difference. Read more about the history of Waterkeeper Alliance:
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