Captain Whitney Curry and Students aboard the Texas Floating Classroom at Seadrift.

While National Estuary Week is officially in September, October is when San Antonio Bay Partnership (SABP) brings the Texas Floating Classroom to the mid-Texas Coast. The boat called The Archimedes travels from Corpus Christi to provide hands-on educational experience about the ecology of the bays.

SABP chairman Allan Berger credits local donors for making the program possible. “Our sponsors have been very generous! A significant donation from the Formosa Environmental Trust allowed us to expand the program this year to include Rockport, Seadrift and Palacios. Donations from Dow Trust, Wood Family Memorial Trust, San Antonio River Authority, Caterpillar and several individuals and businesses allowed us to make over 50 boat trips.” Additionally, the acquisition of a traveling touch tank, was made possible by a Dow Gives Grant. This greatly extend the program’s reach by being able to take the bay critters to the student when students could not come to the bay.

Archimedes Captain Whitney Curry says the feedback from the students and teachers continues to be overwhelmingly positive. Before/after testing indicates that educational objectives are being met and the many smiles indicate that all aboard have had a fun experience. Two public tours on October 20th allowed folks of all ages to experience the wonders of San Antonio Bay as well.

If you missed this year’s program and want to be notified next October, contact Allan Berger at allanrberger@comcast.net You can become a sponsor by making your contribution online contribution for this or other SABP programs at sabaypartnership.org/support us.

Formosa General Manager Rick Crabtree (right) presents SABP Chair Allan Berger with a generous donation allowing more student experiences aboard the Texas Floating Classroom.