HCS Oyster Restoration Project kicks off another year

Thirteen Hampton City Schools (HCS) educators gathered on July 29, at the Virginia Seafood Agriculture Research and Extension Center (AREC) to dive deeper into the fascinating world of oyster restoration. The five-hour kickoff training blended local history, science, and hands-on learning, setting the stage for another impactful year of the HCS Oyster Restoration Project.

 

The day began with a walking tour of downtown Hampton led by the incomparable Shored Up team, Claire Neubert and Linda Hamm. With their trademark energy and expertise, they brought Hampton’s rich seafood heritage to life—showcasing not only the importance of oysters, but also the seafood industry’s integral role in shaping the city’s history.

 

At AREC, Tiffany Wood, K-12 outreach and education coordinator, wowed participants with highlights of the center’s groundbreaking aquaculture research. She also shared opportunities for students and teachers to connect with AREC before leading an eye-opening tour of the facility.

 

Next, six seasoned oyster gardeners from the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) guided teachers through the essentials of oyster care and equipment. After trying out hands-on activities designed for classroom use, the enthusiastic new “oyster moms” prepared their oysters for the water. Thanks to spat donations from both TOGA (individual oyster babies) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (spat grown on old shells), teachers will be raising more than 11,000 oysters this year—bringing real-world science to over 750 students.

 

This year’s participating teachers include:

• Andrews PreK-8: Michaela Williamson, Tyshel Church
• Armstrong School for the Arts: Alison Rhodes
• Bassette Elementary: Ashley Carpenter, Kaitlyn Gainer, T’Keyah Guinn, Tiffany Payne
• Burbank Elementary: Missy Powell-Riedl
• Christian Elementary: Clancie Wilson, Fiona Jhagroo
• Eaton Fundamental Middle: Marcy McCarthy
• Jackson Fundamental Elementary: Mitzni Newlin
• Kilgore Gifted Center: Michele Ferrel
• Phenix PreK-8: Margaret Benbow, Marcia Lewis
• Phoebus High: Sara Benham, Kari Espada

About half of the teachers will tend their oyster cages at the downtown Hampton docks, while others will raise theirs in Sunset Creek near Bluewater Yacht.

 

The HCS Oyster Restoration Project is made possible by the generous support of Bluewater Yacht, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Dandy Haven Marina, the Docks of Downtown Hampton, Hampton Clean City Commission (Hampton Waterways Restoration Project committee), Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Resilient Hampton, Shored Up, TOGA, and the Virginia Seafood AREC. At the close of training, the teachers proudly lowered their cages into the Hampton River — sending off their oyster babies with high hopes for growth, resilience, and a thriving Chesapeake Bay.