Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is partnering with Calusa Waterkeeper to host a Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.

Maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems is critical to CCFW’s mission of preserving Cape Coral’s wildlife and habitat. By bringing this popular workshop to the residents and neighbors in Cape Coral, CCFW hopes to support Calusa Waterkeeper’s ongoing efforts to restore water quality in Southwest Florida, a need that has become even more critical due in part to climate change, increased pollution and harmful algae blooms. 

Oysters play a critical role in maintaining healthy estuarine ecosystems. They create habitats for a variety of marine life, support shoreline protection by providing a base for mangroves and serve as a vital food source for fish, birds, crabs, and other animals. Remarkably, each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, significantly improving water quality.

The VOG project involves educational and hands-on instruction to create DIY vertical hanging oyster gardens using recycled oyster shells from local restaurants that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. These shells are strung onto wires and suspended from docks, providing surfaces for juvenile oysters to attach and grow. Space is limited to the first 30 registrants. A tax-deductible donation to Calusa Waterkeeper of $25 per participant is requested to cover the cost of time and materials. Each participant will get to take their VOG home to hang from their dock. Additional oyster gardens may be purchased at the event for $25 each while supplies last.

Register HERE.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources. If you are interested in donating to support Cape Coral’s wildlife, joining or volunteering, please visit the group’s website or call 239 980-2593.