About
The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, also known as the EEL, is a joint legislative effort to preserve wildlife and nature. Additionally, their vision is to provide locals and visitors with a natural, educational experience. The community inspired this plan and brought it to the Board of Trustees in 2019.
This is an ongoing project. In their plans for the future, there will be campgrounds, walking trails, channel side fishing, and more. Spanning nearly 700 acres of diverse habitat, there is plenty to work with and work on in the coming years! The Lagoon offers a great educational experience for kids - this is a popular field trip destination on the island. You can find educational signs throughout the lagoon offering photos and descriptions of the wildlife and flora you may find in the area.
EEL Preservation Efforts
This is one of Galveston's largest undeveloped areas. Further, it's important to educate people on the significance of this diverse landscape. In this site alone, there are contains both tidal and non-tidal wetlands, beach dunes, a freshwater pond, black mangroves and upland prairie, along with an extensive marine coastline. Therefore, this site is crucial to a large array of animals and birds. The goal is to balance the amount of human development in this area in order to preserve the natural habitat while funding improvements. For example, one goal of the group is to remove all invasive species and debris. Meanwhile, adding native plant materials.
Birding At The Preserve
This is a prime location for those who love birdwatching! The wetlands are the optimal environment for plenty of species to thrive. They've adapted over time to prosper in wet areas that many other birds would not. Some species of bird you may find here include ducks, geese, pelicans, loons, and more. There are educational plaques in a few areas of the park with more information.
Nature & Wildlife
This diverse habitat is grounds for many types of insects, reptiles, and flora! Insects such as dragonflies, butterflies, and others can be found sprawled throughout the lagoon. In addition, it is home to reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, invertebrates and more. As for wildflowers, there are so many different species that you'll find various plants blooming all year round! Find the signs around the park for detailed information on the wildflowers in the lagoon.