Don't forget to complete your donation
complete your donation

corporate volunteer days

on governors island
Corporate volunteer days are hosted April through October, Tuesday–Thursday, with bookings typically opening early in the new calendar year.
Volunteers tying rope among rows of concrete reef balls at an assembly event
Volunteers in red shirts sorting oyster shells at a table beside the tumbler machine
Billion Oyster Project puts on the best volunteer days I've ever experienced. The whole team is so passionate, engaging, and fun."
Annabel Bradley
Group Volunteer Lead
Volunteer shoveling recycled oyster shells into a crate at the base of a shell pile
Cleaned oyster shells pouring from a perforated tumbler drum onto a sorting table
Gloved volunteers inspecting an oyster shell over a crate at a shell sorting event

Participate in Restoring Our Urban Estuary

This is more than a volunteer day.
Corporate volunteer events offer hands-on restoration activities while giving your team a tangible role in the future of New York Harbor. Volunteer days directly support oyster reef restoration via work that improves water quality, increases marine biodiversity, strengthens shoreline resilience, and positions New York as a model for urban coastal restoration worldwide.

learn about the harbor

Explore how oysters act as a keystone species and how they shaped our city while building a lasting connection to the environment.

create visible impact

Contribute directly to reef components that will be deployed into active restoration sites. Your hands-on work is vital to pushing restoration forward.

lead with purpose

Align your organization with one of the most ambitious urban restoration initiatives in the country and understand your role in protecting it.

advance climate leadership

Support restoration efforts that strengthen New York’s shoreline resilience, marine biodiversity, and water quality.

get hands-on with restoration

At our headquarters on Governors Island, your team will contribute directly to active restoration efforts - from preparing oyster shell for deployment to building reef structures to supporting the maintenance of our fabrication facilities.

Sorting Shell

Removing debris from collected shells to prepare them for restoration. This step ensures only clean, usable material becomes part of the reef-building process.

Shoveling Shell

Moving shell substrate into position for processing. Volunteers help handle the raw material that will ultimately become the foundation of new oyster habitats.

Cleaning Shell

Using a mechanical tumbler to wash and refine shell substrate. This step prepares shells to safely support marine life in the harbor.

Crushing Shell

Breaking down shells into smaller pieces that can be used in concrete reef structures. This material becomes a key ingredient in building durable habitats.

Mixing Concrete

Combining shell and concrete to create the base material for reef structures. Volunteers help produce the building blocks of restoration.

Casting Reef Structures

Filling molds with the shell-concrete mixture and releasing formed pieces. These structures will be deployed in the harbor to support oyster growth.

Managing Shell Inventory

Organizing and moving shell trays to keep the workflow running efficiently. This ensures the entire restoration process stays on track.

Site Clean Up

Maintaining and organizing the shell pile and warehouse spaces by removing debris and supporting general upkeep. This work helps keep our operations running smoothly and ensures a safe, efficient environment for restoration activities.

What your volunteer day looks like

Arrival & Harbor Education

01
9:15
AM

Arrival time at BMB

Arrive at the Battery Maritime Building to meet your designated Billion Oyster Project staff lead and get oriented to the day.

9:30
AM

Ferry to Governors Island

Governors Island Ferry tickets and boarding assistance included.

10
AM
10:45
AM

Walking tour, education about us, New York Harbor, and oysters

Tour + mission. Behind-the-scenes tour of Billion Oyster Project facilities and engaging education about the history of New York Harbor, New York City, and the oyster and why oysters are a critical and exciting ecosystem hero.

Hands-on Restoration

02
10:45
AM
12:15
PM

Volunteer work project at BOP Shell Pile

It's time to get your hands dirty! After a safety overview, our Fabrication team will lead your group in hands-on activities that directly support our active restoration projects and reef sites for the season. All work is supervised by BOP staff and PPE is provided.

Relax & Refuel

03
12:30
PM

Catered Lunch

Group wrap-up + your impact explained. Catered team lunch included.

1:15
PM

Ferry to Manhattan

Tickets provided.

1:15
PM

Oyster Happy Hour*

Unlimited oysters and open bar for your team after an exciting day of learning and hands-on restoration work. Duration 2 hrs.

\*Paid Add-on

My favorite part of the experience was seeing the huge piles of shells and learning about how successful the project has been in restoring local reefs… and meeting other weirdos!
Anonymous
Volunteer
Worker in a Billion Oyster Project hard hat climbing a mountain of recycled oyster shells
Corporate Volunteering

Aw, shucks

this season is fully booked

Corporate volunteer days are sold out for the rest of the season. Bookings reopen for the 2027 season — reach out now and we'll make sure your team is first in line when the tide turns.

Get in touch for 2027
Thank you to our recent partners who have volunteered!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear?

Your Billion Oyster Project volunteer day takes place entirely outdoors on Governors Island. All equipment and safety gear is provided. Please wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or a little wet, and closed-toed shoes are required — boots are even better. Depending on the weather, you may also want items like a rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. We provide sunscreen and bug spray on site. After booking, we’ll send a detailed preparation email with additional recommendations for your group.

What about really bad weather?

Your safety and enjoyment are our first priority. We will work with you to reschedule your event if the weather will impact your team's safety in participating in the restoration activities.

Are volunteer days accessible?

Our volunteer days are active, hands-on experiences that often involve standing for extended periods, working outdoors, and lifting materials (anywhere from 15-50 lbs). Because activities vary based on restoration needs, accessibility can differ from day to day. We do our best to support participation where possible, including offering golf cart transportation between the ferry and work site. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and encourage participants to engage at a level that feels comfortable for them. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, we encourage you to reach out in advance so we can discuss what to expect.

Can we request specific activities?

Corporate volunteer days are designed as structured, hands-on experiences that support Billion Oyster Project’s restoration work. While we’re not able to accommodate specific activity requests, each day includes a meaningful mix of education and hands-on work. Our team will ensure your group has an engaging and impactful experience aligned with our current restoration needs.

Group size limits?

Billion Oyster Project volunteer events are super hands-on, and the work you do is very unique and requires BOP staff supervision and support. For this reason, there is a limit to the number of volunteers we can safely have working at our Shell Pile at one time. We have designed group sizes with your safety, learning, and team building experience as the priority.