Hoyer Meets with Shadyside Elementary Students on Oyster Restoration Project

SHADYSIDE, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) met with fifth grade students from Shady Side Elementary for a presentation on their oyster restoration project. Throughout the 2012-2013 school year, the students have studied oyster growth and restoration. Partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the students built oyster cages and began growing oysters at Discovery Village at the beginning of the school year. Their goal was to plant the oysters at the end of the school year on an oyster sanctuary. Following their presentation with Congressman Hoyer, students fulfilled their goal by planting the oysters on Benning Reef, an oyster sanctuary in the West River.   

"I applaud Shadyside Elementary students on this outstanding project," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Oyster restoration is important to improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the livelihood of so many Marylanders. I'm so proud of our students' hard work and commitment to restoring oysters in our local waterways, and I thank the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for their support of this hands-on learning experience."

"These fifth graders have not only helped directly to improve the oyster population, but also developed a business plan to sell post cards describing their work and made over $1,000 to donate to oyster restoration," said William Baker, President of Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "I thank Congressman Hoyer for meeting with these students. His entire life has been dedicated to public service and from the very beginning, he has been committed to improving the health and well-being of the Chesapeake Bay."

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation donated oyster cages, spat-on-shell oysters, and use of their pier space at Discovery Village for the project. During the school year, students visited Discovery Village to check the oysters and remove excess mud and debris that had collected in the cages. Students also wrote letters of persuasion to their elected officials, encouraging Members to support oyster restoration. In addition, they raised funds to give back to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by creating four different post card designs, which they printed, packaged, and sold. At the event today, the students presented William Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, with a donation of over $1,000.