Ambassador Program

Billion Oyster Project Ambassadors have committed to long-term volunteering efforts. These super-star volunteers dive into specialized areas of our operations and are trained for hands-on fieldwork.

Please note: you must participate in three (3) public volunteer events to be eligible to become a Billion Oyster Project Ambassador and sign up for training.

There’s no one size fits all way to be an ambassador, but here are a few ways these individuals have contributed to date:

• Lead or conduct local wild oyster surveys

• Lead public volunteer days on Governors Island

• Assist staff and students in the Harbor School hatchery and BOP greenhouse

• Engage others in Billion Oyster Project’s work via community events, social media, and networking

• Help facilitate Oyster Research Station trainings with teachers

Where ambassadors are needed

Wild Oyster Surveys

The presence of wild oysters is a key indicator of habitat suitability in NY Harbor. Conducting wild oyster surveys helps us understand how oysters are doing in various locations, and determine sites for future oyster reefs and nurseries.

Building Reef Structures

With the help of thousands of volunteers, Billion Oyster Project builds oyster reef structures, to be filled with cured shell from our Governors Island shell pile. These structures are key to setting, installing, and monitoring oysters in NY Harbor. 

Reef Monitorings

Our field season generally stretches from early spring through late fall. During that time, we monitor our oyster reefs and nurseries to study the recruitment, growth, and survival of the oysters we add to NY Harbor.

Thank you for your interesting in becoming a Billion Oyster Project Ambassador! At this point in the season we are at max capacity for this program. Please check back in Spring 2023 to get involved.