East End Lagoon Nature

If you love hiking, bird watching, and water sports, an oasis is waiting to be discovered: East End Lagoon Nature Preserve.

A noteworthy feature of the preserve is its ADA-accessible trail, made possible through the efforts of the Galveston Island Park Board, the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, and a grant from the GLO Coastal Management Program. 

This trail represents an early step in the broader vision of providing a natural experience for all, allowing visitors to explore the dynamic interplay of man and nature on a barrier island​. 

For those who enjoy fishing and kayaking, the lagoon offers ideal conditions. Anglers often fish around the mouth of the lagoon, while kayakers and canoeists can paddle along its calm waters​​. 

Additionally, the beach side of the lagoon features Big Reef, a notable sand spit isolated by the entrance to Galveston Bay, which is a haven for shorebirds, gulls, and terns. 

This area is affluent in birdlife, attracting species like the Black Skimmer, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, and various terns and gulls​​.

The preserve is also a riot of colors, thanks to the perennial blooming of wildflowers. From salt-tolerant plants to prairie plants, the lagoon is constantly adorned with coastal flowers. 

The presence of Black Mangrove, a species unique to the Gulf and Florida Atlantic coasts in the U.S., adds to the area's ecological significance​. 

Despite its proximity to busy sea lanes, East End Lagoon Nature Preserve is a thriving example of coexistence between human activities and natural habitats​.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

East End Lagoon Nature Preserve expands to around 684 acres, offering a rich habitat for various birds and marine mammals thriving in its unique brackish waters. 

The preserve is managed by the collaborative efforts of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees, the City of Galveston, and the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council. A cherished project, the preserve was significantly influenced by former Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas, whose family spent many summers here.

One fascinating feature of the preserve is its upcoming developments. The Park Board has received a federal grant to construct an open-air pavilion, which will function as a visitor education center. This addition aims to enhance the educational aspect of the preserve, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Bolivar Peninsula ecology.

East End Lagoon Nature Preserve includes tidal and non-tidal wetlands, beach dunes, a freshwater pond, black mangroves, upland prairie, and an extensive marine coastline. This diversity makes the preserve a refuge for a wide range of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, offering a kaleidoscope of wildlife for nature enthusiasts.

Getting There

Here's a step-by-step guide to East End Lagoon Nature Preserve from Galveston:

• Start on Broadway Avenue J in Galveston, heading towards the shore.
• Continue onto Seawall Blvd. As you drive, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Follow Seawall Blvd to the east end of Galveston Island. It's a straight drive.
• As you reach the island's tip, you'll be compelled to turn right onto Boddeker Drive.
• Continue on Boddeker Drive until you reach the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve.

Cost

The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve does not charge an entry fee.