Truman T. Semans Center for Oyster Restoration and Innovation

CBF’s goal is to begin operations out of the new oyster center by spring of 2027, pending potential changes to the construction timeline.

As of early spring 2026, CBF has hired a contractor, and the permit application process has begun. Our goal is to have phase one of construction complete by the end of 2026 so that our oyster team can begin necessary operations by spring of 2027.

This property has been a popular place for Galesville residents to walk their dogs and access the waterfront. We intend to allow that to continue. We may have to close access during certain points of construction for safety reasons, but our goal is for this to be a welcoming, open community space.

Volunteers are key to CBF’s oyster restoration work, and we look forward to welcoming volunteer groups to the site when we’re up and running in 2027. If you wish to join our mailing list to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities, please fill out our volunteer form here.

Oyster restoration is a seasonal activity, with most work happening in the summer through early fall (May – October). During the restoration season, CBF has four full-time staff members who will be working out of the new center, as well as 3-4 seasonal interns. We also host larger volunteer events, where up to 30 visitors may be on site. There is ample parking available, and we always encourage carpooling and will remind guests that Galesville is a residential area and to drive with caution. Lastly, a handful of times per year we’ll need deliveries of cement or oyster shells. These large trucks will be uncommon and will have ample room to turn around onsite to limit any impact to side streets.

Dozens of generous private donors have made this vision possible. You can see a full list below.

At our new center, CBF hopes to grow 35-50 million oysters annually. While scaling up our oyster operations is one key goal of this new oyster center, another main goal is creating a hub for volunteers, partners, and community members to engage in hands-on oyster opportunities and experience the Bay in a new way. We will have more tanks to expand spat-on-shell production, and hopefully more volunteers to help us do it!

This property has a rich maritime history, most notably as the former Woodfield’s Fish & Oyster Company. Throughout the planning and construction process, CBF has been working closely with our architects and contractors to try and preserve as much of the original buildings as possible. We are also working to include historical and interpretive materials about the Woodfield property throughout our visitor’s center, including how the seafood company fits into the larger history of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

CBF has long been a leader in green infrastructure and eco-friendly operations. We plan to continue that legacy on this site by installing a living shoreline, rain gardens, and other stormwater management features that reduce pollution and help mitigate flooding. We plan to install solar panels, EV chargers, and other green solutions throughout the site.