Volunteers Make a Difference

Writing about volunteer conservation efforts has been an ongoing endeavor for me since I began writing articles for Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine many years ago. It’s a constant reminder that volunteers hold a special place in the conservation of our coastal resources. As a lifelong resident of the Texas coast, volunteer and employee of Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) for the past 32 years, I have always been struck by the incredible beauty and diversity of the natural resources that surround us. From the sandy beaches and waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the sprawling wetlands and marshes of the inland bays that are home to an array of wildlife and habitat, the Texas Gulf Coast is truly a special place.

However, as with any natural ecosystem, the Texas Gulf Coast is constantly facing challenges and threats that can put its beauty and biodiversity at risk. From the impacts of pollution and development to the effects of general recreational use and commercial fishing, the health of the Gulf Coast is something that requires our ongoing attention and care.

CCA Texas remains one organization that is doing important work to protect and conserve the Texas Gulf Coast. Founded in 1977, CCA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to conserving the natural resources of the Gulf Coast, with a particular focus on sound science-based fisheries management and coastal habitat. CCA Texas is set apart from other organizations by a strong volunteer-driven committee system that works with staff to help ensure healthy coastal resources for future generations.

Through a variety of programs and initiatives, CCA works to protect and enhance the coastal and marine environments of the Texas coast. This includes efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices, restore damaged habitats, and advocate for policies and regulations that support the conservation of marine resources.

One way that you can get involved and help support the work of CCA is by volunteering your time and resources. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week, or you're looking for a more long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

CCA Texas currently has fifty-nine local chapters across the state. These chapters are the local connection and grassroots energy of the organization. Each chapter hosts an annual fundraising and membership banquet. The funds raised and membership generated at these events are vital in CCA Texas’s advocacy and habitat restoration and creation efforts. Local chapters are an excellent opportunity to volunteer your time and energy to make a difference in the conservation of Texas’s coastal resources.

Other volunteer opportunities you might consider joining include one of the many local beach cleanups, crab trap cleanups, or habitat restoration projects that CCA Texas and other organizations support and execute. These programs give volunteers the opportunity to get hands-on experience conserving and protecting the Texas coast, while also learning about the importance of these ecosystems and the challenges they face. Be sure to mark your calendar for two major upcoming events: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) 21^st Annual Crab Trap Cleanup will take place February 17 through 26, 2023 with the main facilitated volunteer event on February, 18, 2023. Also, Friends of Padre will host the 28^th Annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup on February 25, 2023. CCA Texas is proud to continue its support of both these very important events. Prime examples of events where volunteers make a huge difference.

Another way to volunteer is to get involved in CCA Texas’s many conservation efforts. This might include things like participating in research and monitoring projects, advocating for policies and regulations that support the conservation of marine resources through public comment when afforded the opportunity, or helping educate the general public about the importance of conserving our coastal resources through sharing the efforts and mission of CCA Texas and being the example for conservation through your personal actions.

One of the most recent and significant efforts of volunteers across the state was the efforts to see the Mesquite Bay Complex closed to oyster harvest from Carlos reef to the Second Chain of Islands in Ayers Bay. This effort would not have been possible without a dedicated and educated effort by volunteers from across the state. The Aransas Bay Chapter, located in Rockport, was a driving force in this effort from the early stages to the end. A core group of volunteers from this group held numerous meetings with local community members and recreational fishermen, visited with and shared observations with the local TPWD Coastal Fisheries team, traveled and commented to the TPWD Commission in Austin numerous times, and simply stayed engaged and never gave up in the effort to help make change for a more sustainable resource. These volunteer efforts made a difference, a difference that will help ensure the protection for these important oyster reefs in Texas for years to come. An effort that has been repeated through the years in many instances. With a vision, an educated group, and a tenacious effort, what many think is unattainable is possible.  The Aransas Bay Chapter was honored by the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation and was awarded the 2022 Conservation and Environmental Stewardship Award for non-profits for CBBF.

Volunteering with CCA isn't just about hard work and getting your hands dirty. It can also be a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. And by working alongside others who are also passionate about conserving Texas coastal resources, you too can make new connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. One of the greatest satisfactions of being involved with CCA Texas for me personally is the long list of friendships and opportunities to work with dedicated conservationists from across the state, and I think I can speak the same for all the Assistant Directors at CCA Texas that work with local volunteers. CCA Texas volunteers are second to none and you are the energy of the organization.

So if you're looking for a way to make a difference in your community and give back to Texas’s coastal resources, consider volunteering with the Coastal Conservation Association Texas. You'll be making a positive impact on Texas’s coastal resources, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're doing your part to protect this special place for future generations.