LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A multi-month oyster restoration effort will soon culminate in Breton Bay, and local volunteers are being asked to lend a hand—by land and by water.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) and Friends of St. Clements Bay will lead a community planting of baby oysters grown at the St. Mary’s College of Maryland oyster nursery. The work begins at 10 a.m. at Abell’s Wharf, with a rain date set for Sunday, Sept. 14.
The oysters—referred to as “spat-on-shell”—began their lives earlier this summer in a 1,000-gallon nursery tank filled with clean oyster shell and river water. Over 7.5 million larvae were released in several batches. After attaching to the shell and growing to about the size of a dime, they were relocated to the river’s shallows to continue maturing. Now they’re ready for their final destination: the protected Breton Bay Oyster Sanctuary.
The day’s tasks include unloading 200 bushels of spat-on-shell from trucks, loading them onto boats, and ferrying them to a reef site near Lover’s Point. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and bring a life jacket if possible. Extra life jackets will be available on-site.
For those looking to go the extra mile, an earlier group will meet at the St. Mary’s College River Center at 8 a.m. to help load oysters onto trailers for transport to the wharf.
Oysters play a vital role in filtering water and supporting biodiversity throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Organizers hope the event draws strong participation from the community.
To RSVP, click here or learn more, contact Emma Green at emma@smrwa.org.
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