"The Science Behind Oyster Restoration" Workshop

*** This event has been postponed

* Registration is required to participate in this event. Please register down below.

Want to learn more about the science behind oyster restoration and living shoreline construction?  Have you volunteered to help with an oyster restoration project, but would like to dig deeper into the topic?  Join us for a unique 4-hour immersive workshop on March 19th.  This intensive program exposes participants to the biology, ecology, and economics of oyster reef and living shoreline restoration projects.  In a half-day, you’ll get a complete overview of the restoration work being carried out by Florida Oceanographic Society.  You’ll even have a hands-on opportunity to build a section of oyster reef and living shoreline!

This workshop includes:

• An interactive classroom lecture focused on the "why" and "how" of oyster reef and living shoreline restoration projects
• A tour of a seagrass nursery
• A tour of a shellfish hatchery
• An opportunity to build shell bags out of a recycled oyster shell
• A hands-on, in-water opportunity to build a small section of oyster reef and living shoreline
• A chance to see how Florida Oceanographic scientists monitor the success of our restoration projects by examining oyster growth, water quality, and the organisms that colonize a restored oyster reef

This is a wet workshop – participants should be prepared to wade into thigh-deep water.  Close-toed shoes are required.  Old clothes that can get wet and muddy are recommended.  Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, sun glasses, a change of clothes and shoes, a towel, a reusable water bottle, and a small snack.  The classroom lecture, nursery and hatchery tours, and shell bagging will be held at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.  The field portion of the workshop will be held at an off-site location a few miles from the Coastal Center.  Parking is limited at the restoration location.  Van transportation is available on a first-come, first-served basis for 14 participants.  Carpooling to the event is encouraged.  Please enter through the employee gate at the south end of the Coastal Center parking lot.  The lecture will begin promptly at 8:30 am, so please arrive a few minutes early.

Registration fee: $5.00.  This workshop is free for active Florida Oceanographic Society Volunteers (select from pulldown menu below).  Registrants must be 18 years of age or older.