The Galveston Island State Park supports a quintessential upper Gulf Coastbarrier island ecosystem, one that's shaped by changing winds, tides and waves,and functions as a transition between life in the ocean, life in fresh water andlife on land.

Photo by Joel Luks
Facing the gulf are most of the 66 campsites ($15 to $25 per night in additionto a $5 daily entrance fee) and an immaculate beach that together offer afamily-friendly place to take in the sights.

Photo by Joel Luks
Some trails are covered in seashells,

Photo by Joel Luks
The trails are flanked by upland tall grass and lower saltgrass, both plantsthat used to bloom all throughout the bay.

Photo by Joel Luks
Crabbing is allowed and encouraged. Fiddler crabs are everywhere.

Photo by Joel Luks
Where pollution and erosion had eliminated many micro-ecosystems, the buildingof a web of terraces and sand-filled tubes reclaimed seagrasses and marshes.

Photo by Joel Luks
For those that are looking for a more wet adventure, nine miles of paddlingtrails zigzag about more bayous, lakes and coves.

Photo by Joel Luks
The commingling of wetlands, grassland prairies, fresh water lagoons, saltwaterbayous, sandy beaches, dunes and reefs can be observed from the four-miles ofprimitive trails, boardwalks and wood observation decks.

Photo by Joel Luks
Long foot bridges

Photo by Joel Luks
A walk that begins at the Clapper Rail Trail

Photo by Joel Luks
and follows across Butterowe Bayou, onto Heron's Walk Trail and returns on EgretLoop reveals much of what's undiscovered in the more touristic zones.

Photo by Joel Luks
Green pathways morph into sandy walkways. . .

Photo by Joel Luks
. . . bursting with wildflowers and succulents.

Photo by Joel Luks
Some hardy plant species can survive on both fresh and saline waters.

Photo by Joel Luks
Camouflaged within the foliage I spotted white pelicans, a crested caracara,seagulls and a roseate spoonbill.

Photo by Joel Luks
The refuge supports a quintessential upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem,one that's shaped by changing winds, tides and waves, and functions as atransition between life in the ocean, life in fresh water and life on land.

Photo by Joel Luks
The 2,000-acre nature sanctuary suggests a glimpse of the complex biodiversity,including 500 species of birds, that tell the story of Galveston literally andmetaphorically.

Photo by Joel Luks