NEW YORK ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Dirty Hands, Cleaner Harbor: A Day Restoring Oysters on Governors Island
A five-hour, hands-on volunteer shift with the Billion Oyster Project on Governors Island where you clean shells, fabricate reef balls, or maintain the shell pile to help rebuild New York Harbor’s oyster population.
Dirty Hands, Cleaner Harbor: A Day Restoring Oysters on Governors Island.
Join the Billion Oyster Project for a grounded, tactile conservation day on Governors Island: five hours of shell washing, reef-ball fabrication, and shell-pile maintenance that feed juvenile oysters and help restore the harbor’s ecosystem.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Clean shells, build reef structure
Volunteers roll up their sleeves to wash, shake, and load shells that will be seeded with juvenile oysters and to mix eco-concrete for reef-ball molds — direct actions that feed and expand the harbor’s oyster population.
Messy, physical, meaningful
Expect to get wet and dirty while sorting shells, clearing debris, and organizing materials — every task helps prepare substrate and structure for future reef growth.
A public day on Governors Island
These are public volunteer days focused on restoration; contributions on a single day feed a season’s worth of reef-building activity and community stewardship.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The schedule begins at the Battery Maritime Building and moves quickly: a morning ferry run to Governors Island, a mile-long walk to the shell pile near Picnic Point, concentrated hands-on work punctuated by a lunch break, and an early-afternoon return — five hours of active, collaborative restoration work.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this volunteer day suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs five hours total; expect to arrive at the Battery Maritime Building by 9:15 AM to catch the 9:30 AM ferry and finish around 2:00 PM with a 2:15 PM ferry option.
Wear close-toed shoes (preferably waterproof) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, wet, or scratched. Bring a reusable water bottle and a bagged lunch or snack. Work gloves and garbage bags will be provided, though you may bring your own gloves.
After the ferry arrives at Soisson's Landing, expect a roughly one-mile walk along Craig Rd S to the shell pile near Picnic Point; plan for uneven footing and possible shoreline climbs.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the volunteer day?
The volunteer day is five hours.
Is there an age minimum to participate?
Yes — participants must be 16 years of age or older.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear close-toed shoes (preferably waterproof) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Bring a reusable water bottle and a bagged lunch; work gloves and garbage bags are provided but you may bring your own gloves.
Where do I meet and how do I get to the island?
Arrive at the Battery Maritime Building (10 South St. Slip 7) by 9:15 AM to board the 9:30 AM ferry to Governors Island; there is no public announcement for boarding, so join the ferry line past the double doors after security.
Can corporate or affiliated groups sign up on public volunteer days?
No — public volunteer days are reserved for the general public; corporate or affiliated groups are directed to separate corporate/private volunteer days that can be customized.
Will I be able to stay later on Governors Island?
Yes — while the program aims to return volunteers on the 2:15 PM ferry, you are welcome to remain on the island and take a later ferry if you wish.