By Eileen Faas

On Wednesday, January 15, more than 25 WAHHI Difference Makers braved chilly temperatures to prepare 200 bags of oyster shells that will be used to build reefs and oyster beds that support our low country ecosystem.

The two-hour project included a presentation by Dr. Jean Fruh, Director of the Outside Foundation, who explained how this project, which encourages the growth of new oysters, filters the waters in our area. Jocelyn Kern, the Outside Foundation Program Director, then walked us through the steps of the production line to create 200 15-pound bags of recycled oyster shells.

The oyster shells have been recycled by local restaurants and residents and are kept in a heap at Honey Horn. Netting comprised of UV-resistant recycled materials are cut to size for bags. Volunteers shovel the shells into buckets that are emptied into the bags, tied and then added to the pile of recycled shell bags that will be used to create new beds and reefs.

Thank you to our members who made a difference in a day by being a key part of maintaining the local eco-system and ensuring a healthy oyster fishery in the future.