This incredible recycling program shows you the ins and outs of protecting our waterways in an unexpected way.

More than 8,000 acres of saltwater wetlands and more than 80,000 of freshwater wetlands have been lost in the Galveston Bay system over the last two decades. The staggering numbers come from the Galveston Bay Foundation, which is actively working to improve the situation, in part because the wetlands serve as a habitat for wildlife and provide a buffer for storm surge. As the wetlands vanish, we become more vulnerable to flooding and water quality issues.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your shucked oyster shells at a restaurant? Traditionally, they would be tossed in the trash with other table scraps, but recent conservation groups are turning that trash into treasure.

Galveston Bay is vitally important to the greater-Houston area. From recreation to industry and trade, the bay is a critical part of our life.

The Water My Yard program uses local weather data in sponsored areas to provide free weekly watering advice.

GALVESTON, Texas – The Galveston Bay Foundation and the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) released this year’s official report card results for Galveston Bay. After looking at 22 factors divided into six different categories, it was determined that Galveston Bay’s overall health was graded at a C, which means “adequate for now.”Here is the breakdown:Human health risk: The bay received a C for this category. Habitat: This category received a D. People can support local restoration efforts, and volunteer or donate to help with projects. Water quality: While you may be expecting a poor grade in this category, this is the highest rank Galveston Bay received. Pollution events and sources: Galveston Bay received a C in this category, but the fix is simple.

You can now explore Galveston Bay with a virtual field trip. It’s all part of a weekly video series from the Galveston Bay Foundation called, “At Home with The Bay.”The videos cover a wide range of conservation topics related to the Bay, like oysters, wetlands, bay biodiversity and microscopic ecosystems. Each video features a virtual lab, conservation craft, talk with a bay biologist and an activity of the week. “It’s important for everyone to learn about Galveston Bay, because we’re all connected. The Galveston Bay watershed goes all the way north of Dallas, all the way down to the Bay, so everything you do, where you live, directly affects the Bay and the animals that live there,” said Wilems.