Become an Oyster Gardener

Tending an oyster garden is a great way to get your students actively involved in efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. The Eastern Oyster is one of the most important species in the Chesapeake Bay because of its ability to filter water. One adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. But because of over harvesting and disease the oyster population is at 1% of its historic level. By becoming an oyster gardener your class can help boost the oyster population and make the waters of the Chesapeake a little cleaner.

Here’s how you can participate. Your class can construct oyster cages out of wire mesh or PVC piping. The cages are then filled with baby oysters called ‘spat’ that you will care for over the next year. Oyster cages can be hung from a pier or piling close to your school. During the year your students will have to care for your oyster cages, cleaning the muck off of them weekly. Once your oysters mature and grow they will be collected and planted in a sanctuary reef.

You can integrate math, science and writing skills into an oyster gardening project by measuring the growth of your oysters over the school year and having each student keep an observation journal recording any other critters you find living in the oyster cages. You can also teach your students about the historic oyster catch through activities such as Oysters and a Clear Bay.

To find an oyster gardening program in your area visit Marylanders Grow Oysters, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Oyster Program or Virginia Oyster Gardening Program.

Additional Resources:
Oyster Gardening Guide (pdf.)