Oyster gardening efforts in Mississippi and Alabama have worked to restore estuarine habitat and improve water quality by growing oysters used for habitat restoration purposes. Volunteers and participants in Little Lagoon, Mobile Bay and Mississippi have helped to restore reefs that serve as habitat for over 300 species of marine organisms.
The Alabama Oyster Gardening Program has existed for 23 years, while the Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program is in year 7. Since the beginning of each program, participation has been limited to those with waterfront property in conditionally approved areas. This year, a new program is beginning that will allow volunteers without waterfront property a chance to get involved in restoring their local community.
The Master Oyster Gardening Program will include a series of informational sessions and field trips led by local professionals in both Alabama and Mississippi. Informational sessions and field trips will be designed to increase participants knowledge of oysters as a whole. Topics covered will include anatomy, ecology, restoration, farming, food safety and other topics that are relevant to oysters. Participants will have the opportunity to visit oyster farming operations, sorting facilities and restoration projects to see first-hand how oysters can be utilized in different ways to serve different purposes.
Certifications will be given to those who complete the program, and participants will have the ability to promote their knowledge and environmental awareness through engagement opportunities and volunteer efforts. Participation in this program is open to individuals with or without waterfront property access.
If you are interested in learning more or participating in the Master Oyster Gardening Program, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] for details.
Meet the author
Conrad Horst
Master Oyster Gardening Program Coordinator
As a keystone species, oysters play a vital role in improving water quality, producing habitat and reducing shoreline erosion in coastal communities. Conrad Horst is a coordinator for the Master... Read more
Phone: 251-471-2124 Ext. 15
Email: [email protected]