Construct a raised boardwalk through Texas State Aquarium's saltwater marsh.

Grant Information
Categories	Environment , Education
Location	Texas
Cycle Year	2010

Organization Information
Organization Name (provided by applicant)	Texas State Aquarium Association
Organization Name (provided by automatic EIN validation)
Secondary Addressee
EIN
Website	http://www.texasstateaquarium.org

Contact Information
Contact Name	Mary Mcqueen
Phone	(361) 881-1255
E-mail	mmcqueen@txstateaq.org
Address	2710 North Shoreline Blvd. Corpus Christi TX 78402

Additional Information
Used for	The Texas State Aquarium will construct a raised, interpretive boardwalk through our existing marsh wetland to give our visitors a direct view of the animals, flora, and fauna which are native to these coastal habitats. Interpretive graphics will discuss the importance and fragile nature of these ecosystems as well and provide ways to help preserve these unique, sensitive habitats. Shade areas, seating, and an education pavilion will also be constructed for the comfort of our guests and to facilitate group tours and school groups.
Benefits	Wetlands serve multiple purposes critical to the health of the Gulf of Mexico by providing nurseries for marine organisms, resting spots for migrating bird populations, homes for terrestrial animals, and natural barriers against pollution and storms. The Wetlands Walk will allow the 500,000 plus visitors to the Aquarium to better observe these wetlands and learn about their importance to our shared environment while fostering responsible attitudes and behaviors to preserve these delicate ecosystems.
Proposal Description	The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to foster deeper appreciation and public understanding of the Gulf of Mexico and to promote wise stewardship of its precious resources. We accomplish this goal by providing quality educational programs about native animals and habitats for school children and the general public. In addition to our 501(c)(3) educational institution designation, the Aquarium is also fully accredited by and a member of the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Beyond telling the story of wild animals and wild places, the Aquarium is deeply dedicated to integrating the important lessons of conservation and preservation into our curriculum and interpretive exhibit graphics. The result is a cohesive story of local wildlife with compelling messages on the value of diverse South Texas habitats, key environmental issues facing the animals that occupy these sensitive ecosystems, as well as what we, as individuals, can do to positively affect conservation of our precious natural resources. Constructing a raised boardwalk through our existing marsh wetland is paramount to this mission. The objectives for constructing the Wetlands Walk through our existing salt marsh are to introduce our 500,000 annual guests to a natural saltwater marsh habitat and allow them to observe the flora, fauna, and many shorebirds which are native to the area; to educate over 65,000 students who participate each year in our instructional programs; to enrich the understanding and appreciation of the fragile saltwater marsh ecosystem; and to encourage individual responsibility and proactive habits in order to conserve and preserve these wetlands so that future generations may enjoy them. Today, the only way to view the marsh is from the outside looking in. The raised Wetlands Walk will enable guests to enter the marsh for more direct views of the native plants and animals and facilitate both a better understanding and deeper appreciation for this unique and sensitive habitat. In addition to watching the various shorebirds such as gulls and pelicans, visitors will be able to see examples of the crucial vegetation such as black mangrove and spartina grasses that comprise our precious Texas coastal marshes. Wetlands serve multiple purposes which are critical to the health of the Gulf of Mexico. They provide nurseries for marine organisms, resting spots for migrating bird populations, homes for terrestrial animals, and natural barriers against pollution and storms. Our construction plans will include adequate seating and shade structures in order for our educational staff to conduct instructional programs and enhanced guided tours to interpret these fragile ecosystems. The US Army Corps of Engineers has approved the plans for this boardwalk and have granted us the permit necessary to begin construction. The proposed budget for this project is estimated at $90,050, which includes all materials, labor, and insurance needed for completion as well as the interpretive graphics components. The budget for realizing the renovation and expansion is as follows: Construction $57,750.00 Insurance fees $14,000.00 Graphics/interactives $ 7,500.00 Design fees $ 5,800.00 Contingency $ 5,000.00 Total $90,050.00