Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center

Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center

About

The Wetlands Center

, located on the banks of Goose Creek, opened on January 26, 1998. Eddie Gray, a member of the Goose Creek Stream Greenbelt Development Committee, sought the committee's permission to purchase an abandoned bowling alley and turn it into a wetlands center. In 1996, after the land was purchased, the Committee applied for and received a $350,000 matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop the center. Lee College and Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) also entered into agreements to support and use the facility. Each contributes funds annually. The center property encompasses six acres. The 14,000 square-foot building includes staff offices, meeting rooms, a science lab, a computer lab and a 9,000 square-foot exhibit hall. The Wetlands Center's 9,000 square foot Robert Craig Exhibit Hall features a variety of exhibits. Gator World , with its juvenile alligators and large wetlands mural, is always a favorite with visitors young and old. The Land of Milk and Honey highlights honeybees with a demonstration hive. The Coastal Connection Room houses aquaria with fresh and saltwater inhabitants collected from local bays and estuaries. Wings Over Wetlands, covering an entire wall,shows the diversity of birds that inhabit wetlands area. The snake exhibit is home to several native Texas snakes. The Bat Cave , thenewest exhibit, showcases Texas wildlife that live in caves. Wetlands Center staff provides toursif reserved in advanceor visitors may take a self-guided tour. Through education and recreation , the Wetlands Center aims to increase awareness, appreciation and understanding of wetlands, the environment and cultural history. Education lies at the heart of the Wetlands Center's mission.

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