AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to share the success of the Texas General Land Office's (GLO) 2026 Texas Coastal Roundup at East Beach (R.A. Apffel Park) in Galveston on Saturday, April 18. During this family-friendly event, more than 800 attendees enjoyed fun and educational exhibits from 48 organizations dedicated to coastal preservation.
"Galveston Island was my home for over a decade, and it is an honor to bring together organizations from across South Texas to educate Texans about coastal preservation," said Commissioner Buckingham. "This year's Coastal Roundup was our most successful yet! During the event, upwards of 800 Texans and their families enjoyed an incredible afternoon learning about how we care for our precious beaches and marine habitats. I want to thank all the GLO staff and 48 organizations that volunteered their time and resources to make this event a success. Through their dedication and commitment to preserving our coast, they are making a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas gives a birds of prey talk during the 2026 Coastal Roundup at East Beach (R.A. Apffel Park) on Saturday, April 18, 2026
Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, the GLO's Coastal Roundup offered non-stop entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages. Several organizations volunteered to put on special exhibits throughout the day. The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas gave a talk on birds of prey with three rescue birds, including an owl, hawk, and falcon, onsite. The Texana Center presented an exciting display of live snakes and an alligator.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) staff prepares to host the 2026 Coastal Roundup East Beach (R.A. Apffel Park) on Saturday, April 18, 2026
Attendees enjoyed a demonstration of Archimedes' Principle of buoyancy by Freese and Nichols Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering Inc. Beach enthusiasts also learned that the ocean water in Texas is more brown than blue due to naturally occurring sediment during demonstrations by Tetra Tech. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showcased a sea turtle carapace and several unique animal specimens and discussed coastal bird conservation.
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas's first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.
