Billion Oyster Project relies on volunteers to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor! At our headquarters on Governors Island there are many opportunities to help build oyster reef structures, prepare shells for our hatchery, and more.
Your Team’s Day
We’ll work with you to design the perfect schedule for your team’s volunteer day with us.
EVERY VISIT INCLUDES:
Governors Island Ferry tickets and boarding assistance
Behind-the-scenes tour of our facilities
Catered team lunch
Hands-on restoration work suitable for all ability levels and supervised by our crew
Packages
The Half Shell
$5,000 Engagement Fee
For smaller teams (up to 15 people)
Collaborative volunteer session with another corporate team
Includes tour, project work, ferry tickets, and catered lunch
The Big Oyster
$7,500 Engagement Fee
For larger teams (up to 30 people) or further customization of activities
Dedicated volunteer session, supervised by our team
Includes tour, project work, ferry tickets, catered lunch
"My team and I love volunteering with Billion OysterProject – it's both rewarding and educational. Everytime we go we learn something new, and it's great tobe able to contribute to the restoration of oysters inthe New York Harbor to protect marine life, theenvironment, and the city we love!"
-- Caroline Alix, Experience Design at Salesforce
FAQs
Can our company bring a photographer? Absolutely–we will take a group photo after the volunteer project, but feel free to bring your own photographer.
Can you send my current participant list? Yes, but please limit this request to 2 times max per event. We will automatically send you the registered participant list 1 week in advance of your event.
Our event was canceled because of unsafe weather conditions–now what? We’re really sorry for the inconvenience! Please notify your team members and do not commute to Governors Island. Our program manager will get you rescheduled for a rain date later this year if possible and next Spring, at the very least.
For volunteers: If there is not a staff person there to escort you onto the boat, check with your group lead–it’s highly likely the event is canceled.
You booked up too quickly! Can we just come on a public volunteer day? No – the public events are the only opportunity for individual NYC residents to volunteer with us, and we will be screening registrants to make sure there are no affiliated groups. We love the enthusiasm of our volunteer base, but if you didn’t book this year, get in touch early on behalf of your company next time.
We want to come back! Can I prepay for next year?
Let’s talk! Our engagement fees and programming shift year-to-year, and we want to ensure that as many companies can participate in the program as possible. That said, we value our returning partners and volunteers, so let’s chat!
How else can my company stay involved this year? Consider sponsoring our Billion Oyster Party, purchasing Billion Oyster Project memberships for your team, or make an in-kind donation or annual gift to support our work.
Email corporategiving@billionoysterproject.org to inquire.
Can I come late? Yes, but please coordinate with your group lead to find us once you’re on the island. Simply tell the ferry terminal staff that you are a Billion Oyster Project volunteer with [your company] to get on the next ferry, which leaves every half hour.
Can I leave early? Yes, the ferry runs every 30 minutes, and you can take any boat you’d like. Please notify the group leader before you head out.
Is there anything I need to do for the lunch, ferry logistics, or happy hour if I’ve booked one? We will arrange catering for a typical mix of diets (including meat-eaters and vegetarians). Let us know if you have vegans, gluten free restrictions, or need a kosher meal in response to the one week out email.
Will we be getting in the harbor? Do I need specialty waterproof gear? No – our volunteer activities are land-based. However, some activities (especially in hotter months) include clean water spray/mist, so you should dress in close-toed shoes, casual clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, and don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat!
Why was my team’s volunteer work different from last year? The itinerary of each volunteer day is dependent on the current fabrication needs of our project. Each item of the itinerary is subject to change, at our discretion, with last-minute or no notice. These choices keep your team’s comfort and enjoyment in mind in addition to our internal logistical needs.
Can I request a specific volunteer project? No– our volunteer projects shift throughout the field season, depending on our organization’s needs. We really appreciate the help and your flexibility!
I haven’t heard from you in a while–is my event still happening? Yes! As long as you’ve received your event confirmation and haven’t heard about a weather cancellation the week of your event, the day will absolutely run as planned. We’ll see you at 9:15am at the Battery Maritime Building.
Already Inquired? Here’s What’s next.
Select a date, customize your day & acknowledge (via google form) that you agree to our partnership terms and conditions.
Send info for an invoice to be generated with the following fields:
Organization Name
Organization Address
Name, Title, Email Address for addressee at Organization
*The funding provided by these engagement fees is absolutely vital to the work of Billion Oyster Project. As such, they are non-refundable and due one month prior to your volunteer event unless otherwise agreed in writing. Your primary contact for payment processing will be Mari-len Clemente (mclemente@billionoysterproject.org). Please keep corporatevolunteer@nyharbor.org copied on all correspondence.
Keep an eye out for emails! You’ll only receive a few, and they’re each important:
Confirmation email with invoice attached
Your unique sign-up link to share with participants
Confirmation of headcount, one week prior to the volunteer day & any last minute changes or reminders
Weather cancellations at 3pm the day before (hopefully not!)
After the event, you’ll receive an email with our feedback survey–please take 2 minutes to fill it out, and you could win a free membership (with lots of free oysters)!
Book with us for next year in Nov/December, and stay involved with other events throughout the year, including as a guest or sponsor at the Billion Oyster Party!
