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 on the Indian River Lagoon, DOCKS FOR A CLEAN LAGOON was born.
About
Heading 4
Heading 4
FAQs
1. How do I get a Vertical Oyster Garden (VOG) for my dock?
Email info@docksforacleanlagoon.org or call/text 772-464-1254
2. Is there a cost for a Vertical Oyster Garden?
Docks for a Clean Lagoon, inc is a 501(c)(3) non profit. In order to defray overhead costs, we request a suggested tax deductible donation of $50 for the initial visit to your dock including instructions and installation of your first VOG. Additional VOGs installed on the same day can be had with a donation of $10 each. Future VOGs, if installed by the homeowner, are available with a $10 donation each as long as an instructional visit has previously taken place.
Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and help continue the organization and outreach.
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?
Heading 4
The oyster shells must be collected from restaurants, most of which require pickups every night. They do not like to keep the shells around because they attract rats. So you have to have a dedicated plan to pick up shells. Then the shells must 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 easily create your own. Contact info@docksforacleanlagoon.org if you would like to volunteer to attend a workshop to create VOGs.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me to add your own content and make changes to the font.
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.
6. Can I eat the oysters that grow on my VOG?
No. VOGs are for environmental purposes only and by installing them on your dock you are making a commitment to keep them there for as long as they last. There are specific permits necessary to create aquaculture to grow oysters for food.
Collaborations
Thank you to Florida Sea Grant, One Lagoon, the Manatee Center, MORI, and the UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program for your support.