How To Get A Vertical Oyster Garden!

There is a lot of interest in residents and communities installing vertical oyster gardens (VOGs). This blog post discusses the process to get free VOGs through the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Program. If you want to learn more about VOGs, start with the following:

To receive your FREE VOG kits complete the following steps!

Step 1 – Attend or participate in an oyster education class.

We have three options for completing Step 1

Option 1 – Watch a recording of our oyster webinar.

Click here to access the recording of our oyster webinar. Upon completion of viewing and answering a few questions, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pick up your vertical oyster garden(s).

Option 2 – Attend a live webinar or in-person class

We will update these as classes become available:

Pasco Workshop October 19th, 2026: 5-7pm

Pasco Workshop November 16th, 2026: 5-7pm

Option 3 – Complete our self-paced online course, Tidal Science: Oyster Watch

This is a more in-depth option, but walks you through oyster biology, proper installation, and options for contributing to community science. To access course, click here.

Step 2 – Pick up your VOG(s)

Depending on which educational class you complete will determine how you will get your VOGs. If you watch the recording of our online webinar (Option 1 above), view a live webinar (from home), or complete the online course (Option 3 above), you will receive instructions on where and how to pick up your VOG(s). If you attend an in-person class, VOG(s) will be available on-site for pick-up.

Pinellas County

There are two locations where you can pick up your VOG(s)

Brooker Creek Preserve
Weedon Island Preserve

Pasco County

After Completing step 1, email Dr. Megan Moore to coordinating getting your VOGs kits. We have two pick up locations in Pasco, one in Hudson and one in New Port Richey. The VOG kits include 10 premade VOGs, stainless steel wood screws, and rope to install your VOGs.

Email: me.moore@ufl.edu

Step 3 – Install Your VOG(s)

You can review the detailed instructions outlined here or watch the video below:

Questions?

Pinellas County – Contact Lara Milligan, lara317@ufl.edu

Pasco County – Contact Dr. Megan Moore, me.moore@ufl.edu