The South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (SCORE) program through the Department of Natural Resources works to manage our state’s oyster resources. They serve alongside community members and biologists to restore oyster populations while 1) enhancing habitat for fish, shrimp, and crabs, 2) improving water quality of estuarine areas, and 3) informing and educating children, industry, and the general public.

Citizens, school and youth groups, and other interested parties are invited to assist South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) staff in building oyster habitats along the South Carolina coast. On Friday, June 15, from 3pm-5:30pm, volunteers are needed to help construct a new habitat in the Folly River.  The habitats built under the SCORE program will be relatively small, but they will allow SCDNR to conduct experiments to refine restoration techniques before embarking on large-scale restoration projects.

DNR staff will be transporting volunteers via boat from the boat landing to the construction site. All volunteers who are on a DNR boat must fill out a boat waiver.Volunteers who are under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Come join us for a reef build! Please RSVP to score@dnr.sc.gov prior to the event as event times and location may change. Some events may be limited on the number of participants we can accommodate, so an RSVP is very important!!

Everyone should wear closed-toed shoes (no crocs or flip flops!) and clothes you do not mind getting a little dirty. We will provide water, gloves,sunscreen, first aid and bug spray. We will have cups for water but encourage volunteers to be eco-friendly and bring a refillable bottle.

In preparing for this service opportunity, you can find some educational lessons and activities about oyster habitats here.

We hope to see you on the shoreline!