The Matagorda Bay Foundation (MBF) is a non-profit dedicated to the wise stewardship of central Texas’ estuaries and the coastal watersheds that sustain the natural resources of the Matagorda, Lavaca, Espiritu Santo and San Antonio Bays.

 

The MBF is currently in negotiation to purchase a large coastal island (Dog Island, approximately 1,000 acres total) located across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Mad Island Marsh Wildlife Management Area, and adjacent to the Colorado River Delta in West Matagorda Bay (see map at link below). 
The island includes both wooded uplands on the northern fringe along the Intracoastal Waterway, and pristine tidal marsh habitats along the bay. The wooded upland habitats of the island not only provide habitat for native Texas species, they are also part of a critical wooded corridor that serves as critical resting areas during the spring passerine bird migration from South America. Biologists from the Smithsonian and Cornell University make annual trips to the area to tag migratory songbirds at the nearby Texas Nature Conservancy, Clive Runnells Mad Island Marsh preserve. 

 

The proximity of the island’s marshes to the Colorado River delta ensures adequate salinities, sediments, and nutrients to sustain their growth and expansion. Potholes and bayous interlace throughout the marsh and increase access and use of the area by critical estuarine species like shrimp, crabs, redfish, and spotted seatrout. 
It is MBF's plan to take ownership of this unique and highly productive area to preserve and enhance its natural heritage for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations of Texans.

 

The MBF is currently seeking donations to secure this acquisition. For questions or more information on how to help, please go to https://matbay.org/contact/  for email or phone.  Or contact Bill Balboa, Matagorda Bay Foundation Executive Director at
bbalboa@matbay.org    

 

 

About the Matagorda Bay Foundation: