Bocilla Islands Conservancy and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center launch a community oyster restoration program on Palm Island, Florida.

(PRUnderground) March 11th, 2026

The Bocilla Islands Conservancy, in partnership with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), has launched a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) Program designed to improve local water quality and strengthen coastal ecosystems across Palm Island and the surrounding barrier island communities.

The initiative aims to install Vertical Oyster Gardens at 100 waterfront homes, creating living oyster habitats that naturally filter the water, support marine biodiversity, and enhance the long term health of Charlotte Harbor and nearby estuaries.

“Oysters are one of nature’s most effective tools for improving water quality,” said Jude Smith, Bocilla Islands Conservancy. “By engaging residents directly in restoration, this program turns everyday docks into active solutions for cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.”

Vertical Oyster Gardens are suspended structures installed on docks and seawalls where oysters can grow protected from predators while filtering pollutants and excess nutrients from the water. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, making these systems a powerful, low impact restoration strategy.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Bocilla Islands Conservancy and the residents of Palm Island on this initiative,” said Ashley Cook, Director of Conservation at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. “Palm Island is unique in that more than 90 percent of its shoreline remains natural mangrove habitat rather than hardened seawalls. That natural shoreline, combined with community willingness to participate, makes this an ideal place to demonstrate how oyster based restoration can work hand in hand with intact coastal ecosystems.”

Through this partnership, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center provides scientific expertise, oyster husbandry guidance, and environmental education, while Bocilla Islands Conservancy leads community outreach, homeowner engagement, and volunteer coordination throughout the islands.

The Vertical Oyster Garden Program is part of Bocilla Islands Conservancy’s broader mission to preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands Chain while fostering community engagement and environmental education to ensure a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents.

Call to Action

Waterfront homeowners and community members are invited to participate by signing up to host a Vertical Oyster Garden at their home and by attending one of BICI’s educational workshops.

Upcoming Free Workshop
Vertical Oyster Garden Workshop
Date: March 19
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: 290 Kettle Harbor Drive, Placida FL 33946
Register here: https://bocillaislandsconservancy.org/vog-workshop/

About Bocilla Islands Conservancy

We are Bocilla Islands Conservancy Inc., a public nonprofit, nonpolitical organization working in partnership with the residents of the Bocilla Islands chain: Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. Our mission is to preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands Chain while fostering community engagement and environmental education to ensure a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents. https://bocillaislandsconservancy.org/

The post Bocilla Islands Conservancy and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Launch Vertical Oyster Garden Program on Palm Island first appeared on

Original Press Release.