If you would like to participate in the program as a new oyster gardener, join our email list to be notified when registration opens for 2025 season or complete our volunteer form.
These workshops are required for all new oyster gardeners. You will get the supplies and training necessary to grow your own oysters. Workshops last about two-hours, during which you will learn about oyster ecology, the importance of oysters to the Chesapeake Bay, and how to care for your oyster garden. You will also construct four oyster gardening cages that you will use to grow your oysters.
Once the cages are finished, each registered participant will receive two bags (roughly one bushel, approximately 2,000 baby oysters) of oyster "spat on shell" to take home and care for over the fall, winter, and early spring months.
Once grown to adult size, gardeners will return their oysters to CBF for replanting onto a nearby sanctuary reef. The now hardy adult oysters will remain on the sanctuary where they can provide water quality and habitat benefits for the Chesapeake Bay.
