The Billion Oyster Project is leading the change in NYC's rivers by planting over 28 million oysters in NYC Harbors, engaging thousand of local students, and recycling 1 million pounds of shell.
Join us to hear from Helene and Montana of the Billion Oyster Project on the changing nature of our local environment, the future and how YOU can get involved.
100% of proceeds will be donated to Billion Oyster Project
7PM - 9PM
Living in NYC, it may seem like it’s all concrete and subway tracks, but deep within the waters of the surrounding rivers, marine life is flourishing. This is in large part because of the resurgence of the oyster population. Oysters, which help filter nitrogen pollution from water, used to be abundant in the NYC harbor but over-fishing and a deluge of sewage runoff almost led to the disappearance of these important mollusks.
The Billion Oyster Project is leading the change in NYC from planting over 28 million oysters in NYC Harbors to recycling 1 million pounds of shell. Join us tonight to hear from Helene and Montana of the Billion Oysters Project on the changing nature of our local environment, the future and how YOU can get involved.
Why Oysters?
Oysters have a remarkable ability to filter nitrogen pollution from water as they eat. This is a heroic feat, because excessive nitrogen triggers algal blooms that deplete the water of oxygen and create “dead zones.”
“Once all but extinct in New York City’s waters, the whales are undeniably back.” –Popular Science Oysters play a key role in attracting life. They earn their nickname as “ecosystem engineers” because we see biodiversity levels increase dramatically surrounding oyster reefs.
Oyster reefs can help to protect New York City from storm damage—softening the blow of large waves, reducing flooding, and preventing erosion.
Restoring oysters and reefs will, over time, restore the local marine ecosystem’s natural mechanisms for maintaining itself, resulting in cleaner water and greater biodiversity.
Billion Oyster Project is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID: 27-2918478
MARCH 11th 2020
7PM - 9PM
Growing up on the Florida coast, Montana always had a passion for marine life. As a masters student at the College of Charleston, Montana began her career by teaching environmental geology to undergraduates and creating professional development curriculum to teach middle school teaches about marine debris. Today, at BOP, Montana has translated these passions and skills into her role as a member of the development team!
Helene was born in Maine where she spent summers exploring the coastline and wildlife. This is where her passion for sustainability began to take shape. She graduated from Indiana University where she ran track and studied journalism. Helene enjoys storytelling, being on boats, and volunteering in her community garden in Brooklyn. When she’s not taking in the views on Governors Island, Helene is focused on creating opportunities for BOP to standout on social media and showcasing our website! Fun Fact: Helene was awarded a grant to spend eight weeks traveling through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland learning about their practices on sustainability.
Sarah L. Knapp is a local Arc'teryx Ambassador and the Founder & Director of OutdoorFest, a community platform to connect urban dwellers to outdoor recreation in cities.
Through their signature festival and monthly Mappy Hours, OutdoorFest is able to reach urban dwellers in over 10 cities in North America. Knapp is also the owner and publisher to offMetro, a green travel resource for urban dwellers wanting to get out of town, car optional.
Her love for adventure has brought her to the summit of Africa, the countryside of Belarus and the ski slopes of Patagonia.
She believes that the best way to explore a city is by bike and the best place to get know someone is in the outside.