What age is required to participate in this volunteer activity?

Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Those aged 16 to 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Is prior experience with marine biology or oyster farming necessary?

No prior skills are needed; all training and gear are provided on site.

What should I wear to the volunteer event?

Wear close-toed, waterproof shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.

Are food and drinks provided during the event?

Volunteers should bring their own lunch and reusable water bottle; some food options are available on Governors Island.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of volunteering?

Events may be canceled for inclement weather. Participants will be notified 24 hours in advance when possible.

How do I get to the volunteering site on Governors Island?

Take the 9:30 AM ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, then walk about a mile around the island's perimeter to the shell pile near Picnic Point.

Harbor Restoration Volunteering with Billion Oyster Project | Eco Tour | Wildlife

Situated just off the southern tip of Manhattan, Governors Island offers more than striking skyline views and open parklands—it’s also the base for the Billion Oyster Project’s hands-on volunteer program aimed at reviving New York Harbor’s oyster population. This immersive five-hour experience invites participants aged 16 and up to get down to work cleaning and preparing oyster shells, a crucial foundation for oyster habitat restoration.

The island itself, accessible via a short ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building, provides a unique mix of urban proximity and marine activity, showcasing the intersection of a bustling metropolis with fragile coastal ecosystems. Volunteers spend their day at the shell pile near Picnic Point, an area where centuries-old oyster shells are washed and sorted to host juvenile oysters that will eventually filter and purify harbor waters.

This program goes beyond typical volunteer days by making participants part of a larger ecological effort that has been steadily rebuilding oyster reefs since the project’s inception. The oysters act as natural water filters and create habitat for marine life, playing a vital role in restoring biodiversity to the once heavily polluted harbor.

Volunteers should come prepared for physically engaging, hands-on work involving washing and handling shells, navigating uneven terrain, and occasional exposure to water and mud. The project supplies all necessary safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, but it's best to wear durable, weather-appropriate clothing.

Whether you’re a city dweller seeking tactile connection to nature or a conservation-minded adventurer, the Billion Oyster Project’s volunteer days on Governors Island offer a rare chance to contribute tangibly to urban environmental renewal. This isn’t just a volunteer opportunity—it’s an invitation to become part of New York’s ongoing story of ecological resilience and community action.