By Allison McDowell, CBA
Along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, a quiet but powerful movement is taking place – one oyster at a time. Families, retirees, and students are rolling up their sleeves to take part in a unique conservation effort led by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). Their mission? To rebuild the bay’s critical oyster reefs through an innovative and community-driven initiative: the Oyster Gardening program.
Now entering its 2025 season, this hands-on program invites local volunteers to help restore the bay’s ecosystem by growing young oysters at their homes or designated dock locations. It’s a project where science meets stewardship, turning everyday citizens into environmental champions.
A Simple Solution with a Big Impact
Each oyster grown through the program can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily, making them natural purifiers for Choctawhatchee Bay. Beyond water quality, these tiny powerhouses also create habitat for fish and crabs and help stabilize shorelines.
The program has supported habitat restoration efforts at multiple sites around the bay, an impressive achievement that’s benefiting marine life and bolstering the overall health of the ecosystem. It’s a grassroots effort with ripple effects far beyond the shoreline.
Science Comes to Life
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Oyster Gardening program is its educational value. Whether it’s a retiree tracking oyster growth or a middle schooler observing changes in the water, participants are engaged in real-world marine science. The program transforms conservation into a fun, local, and impactful experience, nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards in the process.
Get Involved
With the 2025 season underway, CBA is calling on new volunteers to help make waves. No experience is needed, just a love for the water and a willingness to learn.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.basinalliance.org or email reynol59@nwfsc.edu.
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