The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida has contributed $20,000 in a new grant from its environmental fund for new oyster beds along the Trout River’s Riverview Park.
In a partnership between the Riverview Collective Community Organization and LISC Jacksonville, 40 new oyster shell habitats will be installed near the shoreline. Comprised of 30 pounds of cement and oyster shell, these oyster shell habitats will help construct roughly 140 feet of oyster reef.
Known as “filter-feeders,” oysters help clean waterways by filtering out pollutants.
“Studies have shown that these oyster shell habitats attract larvae and grow new oysters, and they remain in place for years, despite storms and other disturbances,” said St. Johns Riverkeeper Executive Director Jimmy Orth. “They’re a simple and effective tool for growing natural oyster reefs and enhancing our waterways.”
This project will also feature an educational element through programming about water quality and oysters’ role in the ecosystem, engaging both area residents and students from IDEA Bassett, Rutledge Pearson Elementary and Highlands Elementary schools.
Established in 2022, the Northeast Florida Environmental Conservation Fund was created by the Public Trust for Conservation. This is the first grant issued from that fund and is aimed at improving and enhancing water quality in the area. Public Trust Executive Director John Henry November explained that to ensure fair and independent grantmaking, both the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Public Trust are excluded from benefiting from these grants.
“The fund is set up to ensure that our environmental litigation is providing the greatest possible community benefit,” said November. “We chose to entrust The Community Foundation and a panel of experts to make decisions about grants. This helps ensure these dollars are put toward the highest and best use for residents impacted by pollution.”
