Join Conservation Florida in volunteering with St. John’s RIVERKEEPER. They have partnered with CCA Florida and Jacksonville University to launch a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) program in the Jacksonville area. Vertical Oyster Gardens consist of recycled oyster shells that are strung together to create habitat for new oysters along with many other species of marine invertebrates. A single adult oyster has the ability to filter up to 50 gallons of water per day and each VOG can accumulate dozens of new oysters in just a few months.

The goal is to distribute hundreds of VOGs throughout the Jacksonville area to improve water quality and create new oyster habitats. Jacksonville University will be incorporating a research aspect into this project with plans to monitor the VOGs following the deployments. The first step is an assembly workshop to build the first batch of VOGs.

RSVP HERE.

Volunteers can expect to take part in the following tasks:

• Shovel shells into buckets/ wheelbarrow and bring to work site

• Cut rope lengths, burn ends, make ends tight so shells can string easily, tie a knot at one end of the rope

• Drill hole in each shell with drill press

• String shells and tie off ropes

Learn more from this video on Instagram.

Useful Items to Bring:

• FULL reusable water bottle

• Closed-toe shoes

• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)

• Bug spray

• Work/gardening gloves

Safety Precautions:

• Everyone must register/sign a liability waiver to participate.

• An adult must accompany youth under 18 years of age.

• Do not try to pick up items too heavy for you to lift. When in doubt, seek help.

• Take breaks as needed, protect yourself from the sun, and drink plenty of water.

• Follow all instructions given by workshop leaders.