Volunteering on Governors Island

Join us for a hands-on volunteer day with the Billion Oyster Project! Help restore NYC's harbor by cleaning shell substrate, fabricating reef balls, or maintaining the shell pile for the busy season ahead. Shell cleaning involves washing, shaking, and loading shells that will later be seeded with juvenile oysters. Reef ball fabrication includes mixing eco-concrete and filling molds to create new reef structures. You may also assist with shell pile maintenance by clearing debris and organizing materials and equipment. Every task is crucial to the project's success, and you'll be making a direct impact on the restoration of the harbor's oyster population while getting a little messy in the process!

What's Included: We will provide all of the necessary tools and safety gear (including gloves, hearing and eye protection).

What to Wear/Bring: You should wear close-toed shoes (preferably waterproof) and clothes you don't mind getting dirty, wet, or scratched. Anticipate getting dirty or wet and having to climb up or down rocks to get down to or up from the shoreline. Please dress appropriately! We suggest you bring a reusable water bottle and a bagged lunch/snack. We will provide work gloves and garbage bags at the event, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Itinerary

Tuesday - Thursday Schedule

• 12:15 PM - Arrive at Battery Maritime Building (10 South St. Slip 7) to board the ferry to Governors Island. There is no public announcement for boarding so just make your way to the ferry line, located past the double doors after security.
• 12:30 PM - Board the ferry once security starts letting passengers on.
• 1:00 PM - Once off the ferry at Soisson's Landing, meet at our Shell Pile located near Picnic Point on the Southeast side of Governors Island.
• 4:00 PM - Done for the day! Make your way back to Soisson's Landing in order to make the 4:30 PM ferry. You are welcome to stay on the island and take a later ferry if you wish.

Friday - Saturday Schedule

• 9:15 AM - Arrive at Battery Maritime Building (10 South St. Slip 7) to board the ferry to Governors Island.
• 9:30 AM - Board the ferry once security starts letting passengers on.
• 10:00 AM - Once off the ferry at Soisson's Landing, meet at our Shell Pile located near Picnic Point on the Southeast side of Governors Island.
• 12:00 PM - Break for lunch. There are a few spots on the island to buy food, or you can bring your own lunch and eat it anywhere on the island.
• 1:00 PM - Meet back at the shell pile to continue work.
• 2:00 PM - Done for the day! Make your way back to Soisson's Landing in order to make the 2:15 PM ferry. You are welcome to stay on the island and take a later ferry if you wish.

Please note: We reserve public volunteer days for the general public only. It would be unfair to allow any affiliated/corporate groups to sign up on these days as we do corporate/private volunteer days on Governors Island that can be customized based on your needs.