THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A hands-on workshop for teachers at Governors Island that combines marine science, oyster restoration, and outdoor education—transform your classroom with real-world environmental experiences.
A hands-on workshop for teachers at Governors Island that combines marine science, oyster restoration, and outdoor education—transform your classroom with real-world environmental experiences.
Book with Billion Oyster Project
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Billion Oyster Project · New York, New York
Located in New York Harbor, Governors Island offers an innovative setting for educators to connect with marine life and environmental science firsthand. The Billion Oyster Project’s ORS Refresher Workshop presents a rare chance for teachers to deepen their understanding of oyster restoration efforts while engaging their students through hands-on activities. Over 2.5 hours, participants learn scientific and educational strategies at the Oyster Research Station, conveniently accessible via ferry. The workshop emphasizes practical curriculum integration, equipping teachers to bring real-world environmental issues into their classrooms.
The journey begins with a scenic ferry ride across bustling New York Harbor, offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Once on Governors Island, educators step into a marine research hub perched above salt marshes and tidal pools — habitats brimming with life. The workshop guides participants through oyster biology, restoration techniques, and ways to inspire future conservationists. The onsite Oyster Research Station provides a close-up look at live oysters and filtering systems, where teachers can observe firsthand how oysters improve water quality and coastal resilience.
What sets this workshop apart is its emphasis on active learning. Participants leave armed with curriculum-ready activities, sample lessons, and resource lists. The island itself, with its mix of historic forts and natural landscapes, offers a unique backdrop for outdoor science education. The experience fosters a sense of stewardship, making this workshop a vital part of the coastal conservation scene.
This program is perfect for educators eager to translate classroom lessons into impactful outdoor experiences. It blends scientific insight with inspiring outdoor settings, making it a standout for any teacher in the New York City area interested in marine ecology and environmental advocacy.
easy.
2.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, no strenuous activity involved
No, this workshop is designed for educators of all backgrounds, offering foundational knowledge and practical teaching strategies.
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, any personal educational materials, and a notebook for notes.
Yes, the ferry to Governors Island is included and part of the experience.
Absolutely, you are welcome to explore Governors Island afterward.
Food options are limited; consider bringing snacks or lunch.
The workshop facilities are accessible, but please contact us in advance for specific needs.
Governors Island has hosted military forts since the 19th century and played roles in navigating New York’s defense.
The Billion Oyster Project emphasizes sustainable restoration practices, improving water quality and supporting local ecosystems.
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.
Book with Billion Oyster Project