NEW OYSTER GARDENERS ONLY
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration Deadline: September 17, 2026

This event is for all new oyster gardeners to get the supplies and training necessary to grow oysters.

There is a one-time start-up fee of $50 to help offset the cost of supplies.

During the two-hour workshop, you will learn about oyster ecology, the importance of oysters to the Chesapeake Bay, and how to care for your oyster garden. You will also construct four oyster gardening cages that you will use to grow your oysters. Once the cages are finished, each registered participant will receive two bags of oyster "spat on shell" to take home and care for over the fall, winter, and early spring months. Once grown to adult size, gardeners will return their oysters to CBF for replanting onto a nearby sanctuary reef. The now hardy adult oysters will remain on the sanctuary where they can provide water quality and habitat benefits for the Chesapeake Bay.

For more information on water quality requirements and program specifics, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Please reach out with questions or concerns to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

* Volunteers understand that all spat-on-shell provided remains the property of CBF and is to be returned at the end of the growing season.

We’re committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you need any accommodations to participate, please reach out to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will do our best to meet your needs.

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