FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2015
Media contact: Lydia Saldaña lsaldana@tpwf.org 817-851-5729
Sea Center Texas to Improve Visitor Experience
Phillips 66 Donation will fund Wetlands Observation Walkway renovation and expansion
LAKE JACKSON- Visitors to Sea Center Texas will soon enjoy an enhanced experience in the popular wetlands observation area of the marine aquarium, fish hatchery and education center. A $75,000 corporate donation from Phillips 66 will fund improvements to the wetlands walkway to encourage greater use of the area for birding and other wildlife observation. The funds will also be used to bring the walkway into compliance with updated Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
“Sea Center Texas’ mission is a great fit with Phillips 66’s sustainability program,” said Karen Tripp, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs for Phillips 66. “We are delighted to support this new wetlands walkway.”
Sea Center Texas was built in 1996 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is the world’s largest redfish hatchery. The site’s visitor center educates through a “touch tank” and native Texas aquarium exhibits depicting a salt marsh, jetty, reef and open Gulf waters. The center’s wetland area is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail where more than 200 species of birds have been identified. Visitors can frequently see damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and turtles off the soon-to-be-improved walkway. The area also serves as an outdoor classroom where thousands of children and adults learn about the importance of wetland habitats.
“We’re very appreciative of this philanthropic donation by Phillips 66,” said Anne Brown, executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. “These improvements will provide enhanced access and a better experience for the many visitors who come through Sea Center each year.”
About 55,000 visitors come to Sea Center Texas annually and the facility has seen more than one million visitors since it opened. Admission is free.
“Educating the public about why wetland habitat is important is an essential part of our mission,” said David Abrego, director of Sea Center Texas. “These improvements will help us spread the message about the value of coastal conservation.”
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Since 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) has leveraged public funds with private philanthropy to advance Texas’ proud outdoor traditions and conserve our state’s wildlife, habitat, recreational areas and natural resources. Since its inception, TPWF has raised more than $100 million to help ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas.
About Phillips 66
Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is an integral asset in the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,000 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $49 billion in assets as of March 31, 2015. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.
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