Celebrate Earth Week with the Billion Oyster Project

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Celebrate Earth Week with the Billion Oyster Project

At Billion Oyster Project every day is a new opportunity to celebrate the nature around us, but this week is extra special. This Wednesday 4/22 marks the 50th Annual celebration of Earth Day! Although this celebration is bound to look a little different than those in years past, it can be full of hands-on experiences, learning, and appreciation.

This week, we will be introducing a new activity or virtual event every day!

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A maritime education — just a ferry ride away

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A maritime education — just a ferry ride away

We’ve experienced less than two weeks of COVID-19 quarantine here in New York City, but the Billion Oyster Project crew is already eager to get back on Governors Island — the headquarters we share with the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School. In anticipation of being reunited, we want to take this opportunity to explain the unique partnership between Billion Oyster Project and our flagship public school.

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How to Support U.S. Oyster Farms & NYC Restaurants during COVID-19

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How to Support U.S. Oyster Farms & NYC Restaurants during COVID-19

Many members of our community are feeling the devastating effects of COVID-19. Two heavily hit crews are NYC's restaurant industry and Oyster Farmers nationwide, both of which are the backbone of the Billion Oyster Party. Please do whatever you can to support these groups as well — whether that’s buying a gift card to use at a later date or ordering oysters directly to your door.

Did you know that oysters are great immune-system boosters! Here is a list of farms that can ship directly to you:

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Back to the Future Dinners presented by Familia Torres Winery and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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Back to the Future Dinners presented by Familia Torres Winery and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On Thursday, Feb. 20 and Tuesday, Mar. 10, Billion Oyster Project, together with Delmonico’s Restaurant and P.J. Clarke’s Sidecar, will host “Back to the Future” — a chef collaboration dinner series celebrating the diverse seafood that was once abundant in New York Harbor.

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Meet Harbor School alumna Awa Sylla

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Meet Harbor School alumna Awa Sylla

In mid-December, the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School held its annual Professional Advisory Committee meeting on Governors Island. Among 60+ industry partners, who attended on behalf of the school’s seven Career & Technical Education programs, was Harbor School grad Awa Sylla. Awa (pictured below) graduated from the Marine Systems Technology CTE program, and has since landed a job at Ironworkers Local 580.

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Letting nature lead in the Hudson River

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Letting nature lead in the Hudson River

Last year, 422 Billion Oyster Project reef structures and 881 reef ball were deployed across five acres of the Hudson River by marine contractors from the NY Thruway Authority — making it the largest oyster restoration project in the region to date.

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Support Billion Oyster Project this Giving Season!

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Support Billion Oyster Project this Giving Season!

In mid-December, the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School held its annual Professional Advisory Committee meeting on Governors Island. Among 60+ industry partners, who attended on behalf of the school’s seven Career & Technical Education programs, was Harbor School grad Awa Sylla. Awa (pictured below) graduated from the Marine Systems Technology CTE program, and has since landed a job at Ironworkers Local 580.

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Billion Oyster Project Launches STEM Curriculum Funded by Con Edison

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Billion Oyster Project Launches STEM Curriculum Funded by Con Edison

We are thrilled to share our new Ecosystem Engineers curriculum, funded by Con Edison, for grades 4-10. Five units cover the topics of: oyster anatomy, how oysters "clear" water, the food web in New York Harbor, oyster reef construction, and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

We invite educators to learn more and download these lessons here.

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Restore America's Estuaries: A Second Chance for Ecosystem Engineers

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Restore America's Estuaries: A Second Chance for Ecosystem Engineers

Inspired by oysters’ reputation as “Ecosystem Engineers”, we are resolved to restore oyster reefs to one of the country’s busiest ports — and to do so alongside students. Billion Oyster Project grew out of the New York Harbor School, which is a public high school on Governors Island that prepares students for careers on the water. So far, the Billion Oyster Project has worked with dozens of local partners to restore 28 million oysters, and to engage 6,000+ students, and more than 9,000 volunteers.

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Billion Oyster Project to partner with Pew to expand shell recycling, oyster reef restoration areas in NY State waters

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Billion Oyster Project to partner with Pew to expand shell recycling, oyster reef restoration areas in NY State waters

Today, the Billion Oyster Project announced new work to expand the restoration of native oysters in New York waters, as part of a partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts. By combining Billion Oyster Project’s experience in restoring oysters in challenging environments with Pew’s capacity to convene experts and develop comprehensive solutions, state-wide efforts will get a boost.

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