Who We Are
GBF’s Oyster Program is a collaborative, community-driven initiative that partners with bayfront property owners, volunteers, restaurants, and contractors to restore oyster habitats throughout Galveston Bay.
Through oyster gardening, shell recycling, and reef-building efforts, we seek to revive this keystone species that is critical to the health and resilience of Galveston Bay.
What We Do
Oyster Gardening
We train bayfront volunteers each spring to grow baby oysters (“spat”) on recycled shells suspended beneath docks. By fall, these juveniles are transplanted onto restoration reefs to aid natural filtration.
Oyster Gardening 2026
Oyster Gardening recruitment is open for volunteers with bayfront property and suitable dock access. Learn more and see upcoming dates on our events page.
Questions? Email Shannon Batte, Oyster Program Manager.
Shell Recycling
We collect used oyster shells from local restaurants, cure them to eliminate contaminants, and reuse them as foundational substrate on restoration sites—supporting new reef development.
Monitoring & Outreach
Our team continuously monitors reef sites, trains volunteers, and collaborates with landowners and partners to track progress, improve methods, and raise awareness about oyster conservation’s ecological benefits.
Dedicated Volunteer Opportunity
The Oyster Restoration Program is currently recruiting GBF Dedicated Volunteers. Oyster Restoration Support Volunteers work closely with GBF staff to assist with shell preparation, restoration logistics, monitoring, and outreach.
This role is designed for adult volunteers (18+) interested in deeper involvement in coastal conservation and long-term stewardship of Galveston Bay.
Learn more about the Dedicated Volunteer pathway and what to expect here .
Details
| (281) 332-3381 | |
| volunteer@galvbay.org | |
| Shannon Batte | |
| Oyster Program Manager | |
| https://galvbay.org/work/habitat-restoration/#oyster-reef |
