Volunteers Invited to Help Restore Manatee River Habitat at Fort Hamer ORP Event

On Saturday, July 12, community members aged 15 and older are invited to Fort Hamer Park in Parrish for a hands-on environmental restoration project aimed at rebuilding oyster reefs in the Manatee River.

Hosted by Oyster River Ecology (ORE), the event runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will guide volunteers through the process of creating Oyster Rag Pots (ORPs) using cotton rags and cement. These ORPs will later be placed in strategic locations to help filter water and support marine biodiversity.

The event is part of a larger three-day initiative, with additional volunteer sessions held July 10 at Palma Sola Park and July 11 at Meadow Croft. Organizers hope to produce at least 1,000 ORPs across all three days.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes, as the process can get messy. The event takes place at the small pavilion at Fort Hamer Park, and free parking is available. A waiver must be completed prior to participation.

For more information, to sign up, or to support the cause through donations, visit Oyster River Ecology’s website.