TNC/Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Reef Build Volunteer Events 2025
Come Build an Oyster Reef with Us!
Select date and time
Location
Laurel Bay Family Housing - Cardinal Community Center Shoreline Area
514 Cardinal Lane Beaufort, SC 29906About this event
- Event lasts 3 hours
The Nature Conservancy and the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort are looking for volunteers to build an oyster reef made of concrete Oyster Castles along the Broad River. The Oyster Castles will provide a surface for young oysters to settle on and grow, while also helping stabilize the eroding shoreline, by protecting it from waves and enabling sediment to accumulate behind it. The reef will be comprised of four 500-foot-long sections and will be built throughout 2025-2026 to provide habitat and a feeding area for over a hundred species of fish, crabs and shrimp.
Mark your calendars and get ready to build something amazing! The timeframe for each event differs based on low-tide times, but each event includes: arrival, sign-in paperwork, welcome and instructions, building the reef, and clean up/departure. An email will be sent with more detailed information closer to each event .
*Please contact Susanna Hopkins at The Nature Conservancy (susanna.hopkins@tnc.org ) with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Volunteers should prepare for being outside for approximately 5 hours in the sun and mud, and therefore be in reasonably good physical condition. The Oyster Castles weigh approximately 35lbs, which volunteers will be passing from person to person and placing onto the reef.
Please bring mud boots/old sneakers to get wet and dirty, a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Wear clothing that can get dirty; quick dry, long sleeve materials are suggested.
Park on West Cardinal Lane/ Dove Lane near boat landing and walk to flagged build area
Park in empty parking lot at Shanklin rd and US21, there will be signs designating this area. Shuttle buses will take volunteers to the boat landing.
Snacks/sandwiches/water/work gloves/ porta potties
If under 18 you must have a chaperone with you the whole time and your volunteer form must be signed by the guardian. ** Note the concrete blocks are 35lbs each***
Cancellation due to weather conditions will be made the day before, and will be based on a greater than 75% chance of scattered thunderstorms. Volunteers will be contacted via email if a cancellation is necessary.