For the third year in a row, Billion Oyster Project is proud to be an 11th Hour Racing grantee in the organization’s “Environmental Restoration” category.

This spring, we are excited to introduce you to four members of Billion Oyster Project’s 40-person crew. These individuals represent our Community Engagement, Education, Restoration, and Operations teams. More importantly, the unique stories of Steven Villegas, Shinara Sunderlal, Charlotte Boesch, and Marc Melendez, show that whether you grew up in New York City or India — studied at university or learned through hands-on experience, you can make a difference in your local environment and the lives of people around you.

In early March, Billion Oyster Project helped WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show cap off six episodes with a deep dive into the existence of six unique species right here in our local waterways.

For students this summer at PS 676, field experiences became part of their regular school day. Based in Red Hook - walking distance from a variety of waterfront locations, 3rd and 4th graders spent their Fridays with Billion Oyster Project on the banks of New York Harbor.

The Citizens Water Quality Testing Program (CWQT) is a collaboration between the New York City Water Trail Association, Billion Oyster Project, and Hudson River Park's River Project, with support from Two Trees Management. Other partners this year include the Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River, SUNY Maritime's Marine Environmental Science program, the Bronx River Alliance, Queens College, Newtown Creek Alliance, the Interstate Environmental Commission, and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Check back every Friday (May through October) for a NY Harbor water quality update from Billion Oyster Project staff and CWQT program volunteers.

The Citizens Water Quality Testing Program (CWQT) is a collaboration between the New York City Water Trail Association, Billion Oyster Project, and Hudson River Park's River Project, with support from Two Trees Management. Other partners this year include the Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River, SUNY Maritime's Marine Environmental Science program, the Bronx River Alliance, Queens College, Newtown Creek Alliance, the Interstate Environmental Commission, and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Check back every Friday (May through October) for a NY Harbor water quality update from Billion Oyster Project staff and CWQT program volunteers.