2025 Oyster Wire Reef Build & Roast

The restoration of local oyster reefs and Lowcountry Land Trust’s land protection efforts are interconnected in their shared goal of preserving and enhancing coastal ecosystems. As part of Lowcountry Land Trust’s community outreach program, Soul of the Lowcountry, we invite you to join us in January for an oyster wire reef build volunteer opportunity (Wednesday, January 8) and family-friendly oyster roast (Sunday, January 12)!

Registration At Capacity – Oyster Wire Reef Build Volunteer Opportunity
Wednesday, January 8, from 9 am to 12 pm
SCDNR | 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Registration At Capacity – Family-Friendly Oyster Roast
Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm
Gold Bug Island | 1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

In 1996, Lowcountry Land Trust permanently protected Gold Bug Island by placing a conservation easement on the 29-acre parcel of both highlands and wetlands. Named after the short story by Edgar Allen Poe, Gold Bug Island sits between Mount Pleasant and Sullivans along Ben Sawyer Blvd and is owned by the East Cooper Outboard Motor Club.

Guests of the family-friendly oyster roast will enjoy a Sunday afternoon on Gold Bug Island, shucking fresh South Carolina oysters paired with homemade chili, salad, cornbread, and dessert. They will socialize with other Lowcountry-loving locals while enjoying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and listening to bluegrass music from the Charleston-based band Dallas Baker and Friends. Hot dogs and a variety of activities will be available for children.

Registration At Capacity – Volunteer the week before the oyster roast on Wednesday, January 8, helping Lowcountry Land Trust and SCDNR recycle shells and build wire reef cages that support new habitats for juvenile oysters. Restaurants and the public recycle their oyster shells through SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling drop-off sites. Volunteers will shape the wire into small cages using power tools (experience not necessary) and add recycled oyster shells inside. These reefs will be used for SCDNR’s oyster reef restoration projects next year! Spat (baby oysters) are attracted to and settle on the shell in these wire cages, creating new oyster growth and, eventually, new reefs.

Both events will allow guests to learn about the region’s oyster habitat and how proper shell recycling benefits water quality and the Lowcountry’s diverse ecosystems.

Click here to read more details and register.