Build Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) to Help Tampa Bay!

Join Girl Scout Troops 60807 and 60712 and UF/IFAS Extension for this exciting opportunity to build vertical oyster gardens (VOGs), support the Girl Scouts in their silver award project, and help our estuary!
Oysters are important for Tampa Bay because they filter our water, provide habitat for animals like birds and fishes, store and mitigate nutrients, and stabilize our shorelines.
One way that we can help increase the oyster population in our estuary is through vertical oyster gardens (VOGs). VOGs are recycled oyster shells strung on a wire or rope that can be deployed from a personal pier or seawall. Over time, oyster larvae will settle on the shells and grow into adult oysters.
During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to drill oyster shells (adults only), build vertical oyster gardens, and help scientists weigh and contribute to community science. You also will have the chance to learn more about the VOG Citizen Science Program and how these VOGs will be distributed and monitored across the Tampa Bay region.
Come anytime between 10am and 2pm and stay for as long as you'd like! Pizza and snacks will be served around noon. Please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, and a refillable water bottle. For those assisting with drilling oyster shells, gloves and protective eyewear will be provided or you're welcome to bring your own. This event will be held inside our auditorium with some components happening outside.

Important Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This event will be held in the auditorium.

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