Oyster Shells Become Million-Gallon Water Filters -- Mat Making at Walking Tree Brewery

Walking Tree Brewery was packed this past Saturday as volunteers transformed discarded oyster shells into living water filters that will clean The Indian River Lagoon. Each mature oyster processes up to 20-50 gallons daily, removing excess nutrients and sediments that destroy the health of the lagoon.

The mats they constructed, each containing 60-80 dried shells, are headed to local docks as part of Indian River County's Living Docks Initiative.

Why Old Shells Work

Oyster larvae, called spat, instinctively choose old shells as their home over any other hard surface because they signal proven habitat—adequate food, proper water flow, and protection. The weekend's shells originated from the Marine Discovery Center's Shuck and Share program, which has diverted over 50,000 pounds of restaurant discarded oyster shells from landfills since 2014.

The event, organized by Indian River County's Natural Resources Department and led by Sara Wappes, demonstrated how community action can produce lasting environmental returns.

All photos courtesy of Amy Saville (Instagram: @floridawoman.lifestyle)