Become an Oyster Gardener
If you have stable access to waterfront property along the Bay from April to November, you can directly support the health of Galveston Bay as an Oyster Gardener.
Each spring, Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) trains interested residents to raise young oysters (“spat”) on recycled shells suspended from docks or piers.
Important: All oysters grown through this program are strictly for restoration, not consumption.
How Oyster Gardening Works
- Hang shell bags from your dock or pier so drifting spat can attach and grow.
- Check your bags regularly (ideally weekly; minimally every two weeks): rinse off algae, remove debris and predators, and inspect ropes/bags.
- By fall, GBF coordinates moving mature oysters to approved restoration reefs where they filter water and strengthen habitat.
What GBF Provides & What You Provide
GBF provides
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You provide
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2026 Garden Creation Events
GBF Gessner Center (Kemah): April 25
Trinity Bay Discover Center (Upper Bay): April 30
Bayou Vista: May 23
Tiki Island: May 28
Moody Gardens: May 30
Ready to Get Started?
Email Shannon Batte, our Oyster Habitat Restoration Manager, for more information. If you have been a gardener in the past, Shannon will be in touch with you about how to register for an event.
Once you reach out and share your interest, Shannon will contact you to confirm your location and provide you updates about how to register for our Garden Creation events.
Don’t have waterfront property?
You can still support the Oyster Gardening Program by applying to become a Oyster Restoration Support Volunteer. Applications close March 17th. Read more about being a GBF Dedicated Volunteer here.
