We couldn’t accomplish any of our restoration or education goals without the help of our active volunteer base! Volunteers of all ages from children to retirees help in habitat restoration projects, lend a hand at our annual fundraisers, and represent our organization at community events to increase awareness. On an annual basis, approximately 2,000 volunteers from corporate groups, families, individuals, and more help us accomplish our mission. Still have questions? Click here!
If you would like to volunteer with a group, please contact Rachel Arndt directly at rarndt@tampabaywatch.org
Upcoming events:
Oyster Reef Ball Construction
Weekday mornings from 9 AM - Noon
Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
Oyster Shell Project at Lassing Park
February 10, 23, and 24, 9 AM - Noon
We’re recruiting volunteers to build an oyster shell bar to restore the shoreline of Lassing Park, 2042 Beach Drive SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. The minimum age to participate is 15 years old. The project involves shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags and placing them on the shoreline to create a series of oyster bars. This project is an effort to restore lost habitat systems to the bay, prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. Click here to read more about the project.
Oyster Shell Project to restore 2D Island
March 31, April 1, 13, and 14, 9 AM - Noon
Mono Clean-a-thon at Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center
April 19, 9 AM - Noon
Earth Day at Lassing Park
April 22, 9 AM - Noon
Join us on Earth Day to build an oyster shell bar, plant native grasses, and clean up the shoreline of Lassing Park, 2042 Beach Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
The oyster shell project involves shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags, transporting the bags via boat and placing them on the shoreline to create a series of oyster bars. This project is an effort to restore lost habitat systems to the bay, prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. Additionally we’ll be planting native grasses and picking up trash from the shoreline.
Oyster Reef Ball Installation at MacDill Air Force Base
April 26, 27, 28, 9 AM - Noon
This is a heavy project as reef balls weigh 200 pounds each. Two people will carry one reef ball at a time to install it on the shoreline. Reef balls stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay. Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
The deadline for volunteer registration is one week prior to the project to allow time for security clearance, so you’ll be pre-approved for entry. Your driver’s license information is required for MacDill to perform the clearance.
Be the face of Tampa Bay Watch!
Tampa Bay Watch regularly seeks outreach volunteers to represent our organization at community events such as MarineQuest and Ribfest. As an outreach volunteer, you’ll talk to people who come up to our display to find out more about our mission, our restoration projects, youth education, and volunteer and membership opportunities.
Click here to find out more about helping out as an outreach volunteer.
Volunteer at the Discovery Center
Are you interested in helping the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center inspire visitors to become better stewards of Tampa Bay through conversation and education? Our Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier is currently recruiting volunteers ages 16 and over to assist with outreach, education, and boat-based eco-tours. Please send an email to tbwdcfrontdesk@tampabaywatch.org and tell us a little bit about your interests and availability.
Contact Rachel Arndt with questions about volunteering at Tampa Bay Watch: