Restore Urbanna Creek

Bushels of Shells Placed in Urbanna Creek

Oysters Planted

This is the number of oysters in we have planted in Urbanna Creek in 2023.

Gallons Filtered

Our oysters will approximately filter this amount of water every day as adults.

The goal of Restore Urbanna Creek is to restore a thriving population of oysters to the creek

This project is a partnership between local schools, businesses, nonprofits, and is supported through a variety of funding sources. Since we started, we have constructed two oyster reefs, multiple living shorelines, and provided educational opportunities for hundreds of students from around the regions and beyond.

All of this is possible due to the support of the partners listed on this webpage who have given funds, services, and their time. If you are interested in supporting this project, please consider making a contribution.

Donations can be sent to the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, C/O Restore Urbanna Creek, Drawer C, Urbanna, VA 23175.

Take a few minutes and enjoy the video that describes the Restore Urbanna Creek Project and the impact it is having

What Do Oysters Do For The Creek?

1. Amazing Filters

An adult oyster can filter up to 30 gallons of water per day. That's approximately 10,950 gallons a year!

2. Cleaner Water

By filtering all that water, Oysters remove lots of sediment and algae which leads to clearer water which means under water plants can grow and provide habitat for fish and crabs.

3. Great Habitat

Oysters grow off of each other forming beautiful three-dimensional reef structures. These reefs provide habitat for MANY different species and are valuable breeding and feeding grounds. This is one reason why the eastern oyster is a keystone species in their ecosystem.

Group working to improve Urbanna Creek ecosystem!

“Restore Urbanna Creek is not just about science,” said Cola. “It is about providing environmental information so people who live on the Chesapeake Bay understand our watershed better. It is about people understanding that a healthy watershed ups the quality of life for all of us.”

Who are the Partners in Restore Urbanna Creek? Meet the Team!

Urbanna Oyster Festival
Foundation

Non-Profit

The Oyster Festival Foundation is the project coordinator for Restore Urbanna Creek.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Non-Profit

NFWF is providing more than $50,000 in support of this project as part of their Chesapeake Bay Small Watersheds grant program. Funds will used to build the oyster reefs and to assist with outreach efforts.

Christchurch School

School

Science teachers from the school are coordinating the reef building and water quality monitoring activites. Students will participate in reef building and monitoring activites.

Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School

Students will be assisting with water quality monitoring and reef construction.

Middlesex County Public Schools

Urbanna Creek is located in Middlesex County, Virginia. Students from county schools will participate in water quality monitoring and reef building activities.