Save The Great South Bay’s Great South Bay Oyster Project is growing—both in impact and geography. This summer, in addition to community oyster gardens at local docks in Bay Shore, Babylon, and Amityville, new sites are being launched in Brightwaters and Oakdale, giving more South Shore residents the opportunity to help restore the bay, one oyster at a time.

Volunteer at a local garden (or two!)

The initiative invites volunteers of all ages—including students and families—to participate in hands-on, biweekly maintenance of oyster gardens under the guidance of trained team leaders Ron Marino, Neal Axelrad, Richard Regula, Bill Higgins, Janet Soley and Michael Chionchio. Volunteers will help pull oyster crates from the water, rinse and scrub them, and take samples to monitor oyster growth and survivorship. These tiny creatures, known as spat (Crassostrea virginica), are the foundation of a healthier bay. Sign up to volunteer at: www.savethegreatsouthbay.org/volunteer. Community service is available.

A small-time commitment, a big impact

The time commitment is just one to two hours every week from the end of June through early September. At the end of the season, the oysters—now grown—will be transplanted into Save The Great South Bay oyster sanctuary sites within the bay, where they can mature, spawn, and support wild oyster settlement.

Oysters: nature’s water filters

Oysters are environmental powerhouses. A single mature oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, improving water quality and helping to rebuild a balanced bay ecosystem.

A collaborative effort

The program is run by West Islip resident and Save The Great South Bay board member Andy Mirchel, in collaboration with Demetrios Caroussos of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s SPAT program.

Learn more at www.savethegreatsouthbay.org