Discover the importance of oyster conservation through hands-on training in NYC. Join the Billion Oyster Project’s engaging program and learn how oysters help clean and sustain urban waters.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical activity, suitable for most participants with a basic level of mobility.
Wildlife
History
The Billion Oyster Project was launched in 2014 as part of city-wide efforts to restore oyster populations and improve water quality.
Conservation
The project promotes sustainable aquaculture practices, focusing on habitat restoration and public education to foster long-term environmental stewardship.
Billion Oyster Project
Discover the importance of oyster conservation through hands-on training in NYC. Join the Billion Oyster Project’s engaging program and learn how oysters help clean and sustain urban waters.
Billion Oyster Project is a conservation and education initiative focused on restoring oysters in New York Harbor while engaging educators, students, and community volunteers. The Project offers a range of hands-on programs and trainings that combine fieldwork, classroom curriculum, and citizen science. Educator-focused offerings include Oyster Research Tank (ORT) Training—a 6.5-hour session that trains teachers to set up and monitor classroom oyster tanks—and Oyster Research Station (ORS) Training to equip teachers with skills to monitor oyster growth and biodiversity. Short workshops such as Oysters 101 and ORS Refresher provide two- to 2.5-hour refreshers and CTLE-credit opportunities, and some trainings include ferry travel to Governors Island.
Public programs invite volunteers to participate in ORS Monitoring, shell cleaning on Governors Island, and community water quality testing events. Volunteer roles range from collecting data on oyster health at Oyster Research Stations to spending five hours preparing shells for restoration. The Project also supports public-facing events such as the Community Water Quality Testing end-of-season celebration, featuring data review, snacks, and a paper-making workshop. Many programs emphasize inquiry-based, place-based education that connects classroom lessons to real-world marine conservation and stewardship. Training sessions promote collaboration among educators, provide hands-on activities for students, and contribute to oyster research and restoration efforts across New York Harbor. Classroom and community participants gain practical experience with oyster life cycles, habitat, monitoring techniques, and water quality testing.
Programs Offered
9
Hands-on education and restoration programs
Educator Resources
Multiple
Teacher trainings and workshops available
Training Lengths
2–6.5 hrs
Short workshops to full trainings
Restoration Focus
New York Harbor
Oyster restoration and water quality work
Sign up for educator trainings, volunteer shifts, or community monitoring events to support oyster restoration and hands-on marine learning.
Wear Waterproof Clothing
Since you'll be handling water and live specimens, waterproof gear keeps you dry and comfortable.
Bring Sun Protection
If the training takes place outdoors or in sunny spaces, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
Prepare to Get Hands-On
Be ready to participate actively—gloves and close-toed shoes are helpful for working with tanks.
Ask Questions During the Session
Engage with instructors and fellow participants to deepen your understanding of oyster ecology.
Waterproof Gloves
Protect your hands while handling oysters and equipment to stay dry and hygienic.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Necessary for safety and hygiene during tank work and outdoor activities.
Sun Protection (Hat, Sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor components.
summer
Notebook and Pen
Take notes on key insights or observations during the training.