Volunteers needed to “plant” oysters
South Florida Water Management District and Florida Gulf Coast University will team up and are in need of volunteers to restore oyster reefs in Estero Bay Saturday, April 4.
Those interested need to be able to lift up to 30 pounds and don’t mind getting wet. They are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at Carl Johnson Boat Ramp on Bonita Beach Rd., just north of and across the street from the main entrance to Lovers Key State Park. Estimated return time to the dock is noon.
The project involves loading bags of oyster shells onto boats and then placing them in the water to form oyster reefs. Restored and improved oyster reefs will enhance filtration and help restore the water quality of Estero Bay which drains 293 square miles of the region’s watershed.
Volunteers will be transported to the restoration site by boat and will need to wear closed toe shoes. Light snacks and bottled water will be provided.
To volunteer call or e-mail Lacey Smith 590-7265 (lsmith@fgcu.edu) or Lesli Haynes at 590-7247 (lhaynes@fgcu.edu).
SFWMD – celebrating 60 Years (1949-2009) as a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state including 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys – is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.