Learn how educators can transform classrooms with the Billion Oyster Project, restoring oyster reefs and engaging students in urban marine conservation. Discover the unique opportunities for hands-on learning in New York Harbor.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable standing for extended periods and engaging in light outdoor activity.
Wildlife
History
The NYC harbor area has been a vital port since colonial times, with ongoing efforts to restore its natural ecosystems and support urban marine life.
Conservation
This program emphasizes sustainable practices and actively contributes to oyster reef restoration, helping improve water quality and biodiversity.
Billion Oyster Project
Learn how educators can transform classrooms with the Billion Oyster Project, restoring oyster reefs and engaging students in urban marine conservation. Discover the unique opportunities for hands-on learning in New York Harbor.
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.
Prepare for outdoor activities
Bring waterproof gear and dress in layers, as activities will involve direct contact with water and variable weather.
Engage students early
Encourage students to ask questions about marine life to maximize hands-on learning.
Plan for hands-on participation
Ensure your group is ready to handle interactive tasks like water sampling and oyster monitoring.
Book in advance
Schedule your visit early to secure spot in this popular environmental program.
Waterproof boots
Protects your feet during water sampling and reef activities.
all
Rain jacket
Keeps you dry during outdoor activities in variable weather.
spring, summer, fall, winter
Notebook and pen
Useful for recording observations and data during lessons.
all
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor work.
summer