Native Garden

OVERVIEW

The Galveston Wharves has partnered with local environmental groups to plant and maintain native landscaping at the Royal Caribbean International cruise terminal at Pier 10. Clean Galveston awarded the port a $5,000 grant to fund plantings in eight beds in the terminal’s port-operated parking areas. Clean Galveston is a local non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of Galveston Island through litter control, education and advocacy.

Joined through compatible goals, Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, the Port of Galveston and the American Bird Conservancy teamed up, along with help from the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, to promote sustainability, as well as help protect resident and migratory birds in Galveston.

Native plants provide many benefits to people, wildlife and the entire ecosystem by helping:

• Conserve water
• Purify air
• Stabilize soil
• Mitigate flooding
• Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use
• Provide food and habitat for wildlife
• Support biodiversity and conservation

The project has many benefits. It’s good for the environment. It advances the port’s Green Marine environmental program, promotes sustainable landscaping, and informs terminal cruise visitors about the beauty and benefits of native plants. Nearly 2 billion birds migrate through Texas each spring and fall. Native plants provide valuable food and shelter for birds that stop over to rest and refuel or stay for some time. Some of the plants in the Pier 10 garden are native to Texas.

Sustainable landscaping is just one of the port’s Green Marine initiatives. From improving air quality to reducing waste, Galveston Wharves is looking to make long-term changes to improve the environment. Galveston is one of two Texas ports participating in the voluntary environmental program for North America’s maritime industry.