Message regarding the closure of the Oyster Gardening Program
After more than 20 years, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Oyster Gardening Program ended on December 31, 2022. We will not be delivering new oyster spat-on shell in 2023.
Why is the program ending?
The program’s goal was to determine if the wild Atlantic Oyster could grow in the Inland Bays. This goal has been accomplished, oysters have been proven to thrive in the Bays, and in fact, one result of the program’s success is the introduction of a commercial oyster farming industry into the Bays. So, with the goal accomplished, it’s time to look to other ways to promote the health of the Inland Bays.
Can I still join the program?
For new, potential Oyster Gardeners, we regret that we will not be accepting any new applications to join the program. We encourage you to seek other ways to support the Bays by checking our Contact page.
What do I do with my 2022 oysters?
First, please continue to care for your 2022 oysters. We’re not giving up on them, and we hope to see a good “harvest” for the season. Remember to log in your volunteer hours spent caring for your oysters. Second, we will collect your 2022 oysters, beginning late Summer. The 2022 deliveries did not begin until September, and we want the new oysters to have as much growing time as possible. We will contact you when collections are about to begin. Third, The Center is exploring new ways to engage you in helping restore the health of the Inland Bays. We hope you will continue to support these new projects as you have so enthusiastically supported Oyster Gardening.
Thank you for your support
On behalf of the Center for the Inland Bays Thank You to all of you who participated in the Oyster Gardening Program over the years. We will be in touch regarding future projects, and we ask you to continue to “Get on board with the Bays” by volunteering your time and by participating in the many Center events. For more information, visit our event calendar.