Docks For a Clean Lagoon
Docks for a Clean Lagoon was started in 2026. In 2022–2024, while enrolled in the Coastal Restoration course of the Florida Master Naturalist Program, Barbara Brown learned about the concept of Vertical Oyster Gardens on individual homeowners’ docks. While driving along the Indian River Lagoon and counting the number of Vertical Oyster Gardens on docks, the total was ZERO. In an effort to educate and create outreach to the waterfront residents of St. Lucie County, DOCKS FOR A CLEAN LAGOON was born.
About
FAQs
1. How do I get a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) for my dock?
2. Is there a cost for a Vertical Oyster Garden?
Email info@docksforacleanlagoon.org or call 772-464-1254
At this time there is no charge for an oyster garden. They are created by volunteers. However, donations are graciously accepted to help defray the cost of materials and transportation.
3. I tie my boat to my dock. Will the oyster garden interfere with that?
Vertical Oyster Gardens can be attached to the dock in many ways. They can be affixed where they will not affect your boat or swimmers.
4. Can I make my own oyster garden to hang on my dock?
The oyster shells have to be dried in the sun for several months before use. Then a drill press is needed to create the holes. Finally, there are rules about the location and depth of an oyster garden. So it is not really conceivable to create your own. Contact info@docksforacleanlagoon.org if you would like to volunteer to attend a workshop to create VOGs.
5. Will hanging a single VOG on my dock really make a difference to the water quality in the lagoon?
You can hang more than one VOG on your dock. And combined with all of your neighbors and dock owners on the Indian River Lagoon the number of VOGs will make a difference. Everything done by citizens, engineers and scientists will cumulatively help the ecosystem, restore seagrass and create habitat for fish and other sea life.
Collaborations
Thank you to Florida Sea Grant, One Lagoon, the Manatee Center, MORI, and the UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program for your support.