YCC helps with oyster project

  HELPING WITH AN OYSTER PROJECT as part of their summer duties with the NPS Youth Conservation Corps are, from left, Samantha Robinson, Frankie Powers, Ashley Smith, Ian Miller, Miles Howard and Carly Creef.

  YCC CREW members (from left(, Josh Budde,James Wooten, Stacey Hodnett (group leader), Ian Miller and Miles Howard, handle oysters as part of their summer duties with the National Park Service.

Youth help with oyster restoration

  National Park Service’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) recently participated in an oyster restoration project by assisting staff from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, The Nature Conservancy, N.C. Coastal Federation and Division of Marine Fisheries.

  This is one of  many ongoing local efforts to not only restore healthy and productive oyster beds to local waters, but also aid in marsh enhancement and shoreline stabilization. The installation of bagged oyster shells creates a sill and is the second phase of the project. Later this fall, native marsh grasses will be planted to assist in natural stabilization of the shoreline.

  Superintendent Mike Murray said, ”YCC Group Leader Stacey Hodnett has found a way to contribute to a worthwhile local effort as well as infuse that youthful energy and drive into many projects for her crew this summer. The oyster sill restoration project proved to be a productive morning for everyone. Their work provides a valuable service to the community.”