Oyster Reef Build at the Cross Island Boat Ramp

First oyster reef build of the summer is done!! This reef is located just south of the Cross Island boat landing along an area of the Broad Creek shoreline that is subject to erosion of the marsh edge from boat wake.

We built this reef using shell collected from local restaurants and bagged by local volunteers! Huge thanks to Michael Hodge, his family, and the Southern Barrel Brewing Company Tavern for stopping by to lend a hand and offer up some great refreshments.

As with all Outside Foundation programs nothing would happen without our incredible volunteers! We are so thankful for those volunteers who took the time today in the heat of the afternoon to assist the SCDNR crew in moving 300+ bags of oyster shell onto a skiff and then placing those bags along the Broad Creek to construct this #livingshoreline. Within just a few months this new oyster reef will attract thousands of larval oysters as well as provide a critical habitat for juvenile fin fish, shrimp, and crab. Simply amazing.

Our next reef build takes place just off the Page Islands on July 30th!! Stay tuned for details and plan to join in!