The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail
The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail is a nature-based conservation, education and economic development initiative that connects 12 world-class sites on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County. This collaborative effort—spearheaded by local residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations—seeks to protect and enhance critical wildlife habitat and develop visitor facilities such as boardwalks, trails, and improved signage at locations across the Peninsula, from the Galveston Ferry to High Island. By drawing specific sites together under one symbolic trail, residents and partners hope to enhance visitors’ access and experiences as they explore some of the special historical, cultural and natural features of the peninsula, including forested, wetland, beach, and bay-side areas. Visitors to these sites will discover fun recreational and educational opportunities that will bring increased awareness of the area’s unique natural resources and help enhance the area’s economy. We anticipate the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail to be completed in 2026.
Sites
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Bolivar Yacht Basin Boat Launch
This site is at the public boat launch on the north end of Yacht Basin Road, near the intersection of Yacht Basin and Hamilton Avenue in Gilchrist. This site is an access point to East Galveston Bay, on the North side of Bolivar Peninsula, between Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach. It is approximately six miles from the ferry landing and two miles from the Gulf of Mexico.
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Crenshaw School of Environmental Studies
The bulk of this site is undeveloped and includes coastal prairie and coastal wetlands. Interpretive and wayfinding signs will help visitors with their experience at this site, provide visual aids for teachers and students, and guide visitors to other locations on the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail. Repaired boardwalks will provide sustainable access to habitat and offer opportunities for in-the-field learning about local ecosystems.
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Fort Travis Park
This short grass site owned by Galveston County has several historical military facilities. In addition to the rich historical opportunities here, the grasslands host many bird species that prefer the open parkland. The ship channel and surrounding waters provide premium viewing for birds and dolphins.
https://www.bolivarpeninsulatexas.com/Activities/Attractions/Fort-Travis-Seashore-Park
Project Benefits
© Joanne Kamo
- Increases the Houston-Galveston Bay area’s significance as a top destination for birding, swimming, boating and exploration. By highlighting, enhancing and connecting areas of interest from the Galveston Island Ferry to High Island, wildlife enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, families, photographers and the casual explorer may enjoy a wider range of opportunities when spending time on the Upper Texas Coast.
- Enhances the Bolivar Peninsula economy. Tourism is already a mainstay of the Bolivar Peninsula’s economy. In recent years, over 49,000 people have purchased Bolivar beach parking stickers each year, 10,000+ people have visited Houston Audubon sanctuaries annually, and 500-700 homes are rented out to visitors. The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail will build on this already significant economic driver by: (1) increasing the length of visitors’ stays, (2) extending the length of “peak” tourism season, and (3) providing new visitor experiences that attract both new and returning guests. By providing improved opportunities for visitors, the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail will support local businesses, create new business opportunities, and inject renewed strength into the local economy.
- Improves the visitor experience. This project will improve visitor attractions and make navigating to these destinations much easier. Trails, boardwalks, and improved parking areas will allow residents and visitors to see parts of the Peninsula that they’ve never experienced before. A cohesive system of signage will make navigating to, and learning about, each destination much easier.
- Raises awareness of the Peninsula’s unique natural resources. The Bolivar Peninsula is home to world-class natural resources—from Bolivar Flats to High Island. Enhancements at each of the 12 Nature Trail sites will provide guests with information about the history, culture, and incredible ecology of the Bolivar Peninsula. This, in turn, will help raise awareness of the Peninsula’s unique assets.
- Protects the Bolivar Peninsula’s natural resources. Removal of invasive plant species will enhance habitat for native species. This project will provide foraging and roosting habitat for Reddish Egrets (State Threatened), White-faced Ibis (State Threatened), White-tailed Hawk (State Threatened), and Piping Plover (Federally listed Threatened and Endangered populations, State Threatened). It may also provide protected nesting habitat for threatened and endangered sea turtles. This project will ensure that the Peninsula’s unique resources can be enjoyed—and treasured—by future generations.
The concept and plan for the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail were developed in collaboration with the High Island Independent School District, Galveston County, Peninsula Development Coalition, Galveston Independent School District, Bolivar Peninsula Historical Society, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Houston Canoe Club, and other valued partners.
This project is paid for with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury through the State of Texas under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act).
The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Texas or Department of the Treasury.
