Purpose: To preserve and protect the Texas coast and its recreational resources. To defend the Texas Open Beaches Act. Our issues are water quality, beach access, erosion, and coastal development. Our goal is to stand on the beach 30 years from now and be able to say, “We made the right decisions.” We were founded in 1999. Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month in Houston. Programs: Respect the Beach – education program for schools; Blue Water Task Force – beach water testing; Rise Above Plastics – reduce plastic pollution; Ocean Friendly Gardens – reduce urban runoff. Children’s Activities: Science and education projects, beach activities, surf lessons. Volunteer Opportunities: Beach cleanups, public education programs, water testing, fundraising, government relations, public relations, and advertising. Publications: “Making Waves” – national publication (monthly publication also available on the web) Beachapedia – internet resource beachapedia.org/Main_P Ellis Pickett, Chairman (713) 906-3940 EllisPickett@comcast.net Pamela Walters, Secretary Media/Press/Speakers Bureau, Ellis Pickett