The Historic Rivers chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists are fostering oyster growth at the pier at New Quarter Park.
Thousands of residents who neighbor the Chesapeake Bay raise native oysters for a year, during which they grow to about 2 or 3 inches long, according to a news release from York County. Then the oysters are returned to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Oyster Restoration Center at the York County Park.
The mollusks are used to help rebuild oyster reefs, providing a habitat for fish and crabs, and filtering water to keep the bay healthy.
The oyster work is one of many volunteer projects local Master Naturalists complete at New Quarter Park. The group also leads field trips, present Walk and Talk programs, and take on the role of citizen scientists while observing wildlife for Project Osprey Watch, the Virginia Bluebird Society, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
For more information, visit the Historic Rivers chapter’s website.
