Volunteers build wire Reefs with Charleston Waterkeeper

Volunteers will construct Manufactured Wire Reefs (MWR) alongside Charleston Waterkeeper. The collaborative effort focuses on building specialized substrates designed to attract and capture oyster larvae for recruitment, giving the organisms a permanent home to grow.

During the event, participants use pneumatic air tools to cut, bend, and fasten galvanized wire into structured reef shapes. Once the wire forms are ready, recycled oyster shells are shoveled into buckets and inserted directly into the shaped wire frames. While shoveling and carrying the heavy shell material involves fairly physical labor in summer conditions, tasks can be rotated among the volunteers.

Volunteers Must Meet Age and Safety Requirements

Organizers have established several safety rules and requirements for participants. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate, and a parent or guardian is required to digitally sign a minor waiver form ahead of time. All participants must also sign an individual volunteer waiver form before beginning work.

Because the work involves lifting heavy objects weighing between 20 and 40 pounds, participants need to be comfortable with strenuous tasks. Strict footwear rules are enforced on-site: volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes such as boots or old sneakers, with no crocs, water shoes, or exposed skin permitted on the feet.

On-Site Provisions and Recommendations

Participants are highly encouraged to wear clothes they do not mind getting dirty and to bring a reusable water bottle. Organizers provide safety gear, bug spray, water, and all other necessary building materials. A water refill station is also available on site to keep volunteers hydrated throughout the physical process.