Volunteer to Grow Oysters

Join the network of 2,000+ individuals and communities volunteering to grow oysters!

MGO Logo

The Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO) program fosters stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and creates living oyster reefs in local sanctuaries. Operating in more than 30 Chesapeake Bay tributaries, MGO gives waterfront residents a hands-on way to support oyster restoration, improve local waterways, and connect with their communities. Participation is free!

Made possible through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, this program helps engage thousands of volunteers in restoring one of the Bay's most important species.

Get involved in this hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the health of your waterway. Read the Getting Started information, then sign up to participate.

Sign up to get involved

You Provide:

  • A pier, wharf, or dock with at least 4 feet of water at low tide in one of our MGO tributaries
  • The willingness to maintain growing cages for roughly 9 months

ORP & DNR Provides:

  • Cages
  • Spat-on-shell
  • A connection to your local watershed group

Other MGO Resources

Program FAQs

MGO Coordinator Resources 

Start MGO in Your Watershed

MGO Partners