Docks For a Clean Lagoon
Restoring the Indian River Lagoon Estuary One Dock at a Time
Do You Have a Dock on the Indian River Lagoon in St. Lucie County?
Adopt a Vertical Oyster Garden
You can be directly involved in addressing the ecological crisis of the Indian River Estuary. Vertical Oyster Gardens use a science-based approach to improve water quality. These oyster shells attract living oysters that naturally filter the water, helping the ecosystem recover. By hanging them on your dock, you help clean the water and restore marine life.
The Restoration Process
We bridge the gap between private docks and the Indian River Estuary through a structured, science-backed implementation process.
Site Assessment
We meet with the homeowner to survey their dock. The zone between high and low tides will be measured, as will the distance from the dock to the water. We will discuss where Vertical Oyster Gardens can be attached to attract oysters and other marine life, while not interfering with boats or potential swimming areas.
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Installation
Our team installs Vertical Oyster Garden structures. These consist of dried recycled oyster shells drilled and threaded on a rope. These structures then attract live oysters to congregate on the old shells and create a natural water filtering habitat. The homeowner can be as involved as they desire in creating and installing the gardens, or just sit back and let volunteers do the work.
Marine Growth
VOG installed May 2026
Showing growth of marine organisms in September 2026
Created habitat for crabs, sponges, sea squirts, barnacles and other organisms while waiting for oyster colony growth.
Over time, live oysters grow on the hanging gardens. One oyster can clean nutrients and sediment from 50 gallons of water per day, so a garden of oysters will lead to a significant improvement in the surrounding water clarity. This attracts native species, allows seagrass to recover and brings back fish and other sea life.
We encourage homeowners and their neighbors to be involved in checking the progress of their vertical oyster gardens regularly. We also partner with other environmental organizations and volunteers to foster a lasting legacy of ecological sustainability for the Indian River Estuary.
Community Impact
Don’t Have a Dock on the Estuary? You Can Still Join the Restoration.
Volunteer to help create Vertical Oyster Gardens, attach them to docks, attend a workshop or make a donation. Everyone can be involved!
Docks for a Clean Lagoon invites you to become a steward of the Indian River Estuary. Whether you are interested in installing a Vertical Oyster Garden on your dock or volunteering for a restoration project, your participation is vital to our ecological sustainability. Visit the Docks For a Clean Lagoon Facebook site for updates on events and workshops. Or contact us by email or phone for a personal reply. We look forward to working with you!!
Thank you to our many supporters and partners
