Protect Our Coast: Volunteer With The Sustainability Institute
Help Us Build a Resilient Lowcountry Through Environmental Conservation
The Charleston coastline is more than just a beautiful view. It's a living, breathing defense system for our homes and our heritage. From the sprawling salt marshes to the hidden oyster beds, our natural landscape protects us from rising tides and storm surges. However, these vital ecosystems are under pressure and they need your hands to help them recover.
When you volunteer with The Sustainability Institute, you're not just performing a task. You're building the future of our region from the inside out.
We invite you to step into the field with our Environmental Conservation Corps. Whether you are building reefs or clearing debris, your time directly contributes to a more resilient South Carolina.
Volunteer Opportunities
Manufactured Wire Reef
Fabrication Events
Help us build the foundation of our shoreline defense. Volunteers use manual and power tools to cut and connect galvanized wire into MWR structures. We add recycled oyster shells and coconut fiber to attract young oyster spat. No prior experience is required to help us craft these vital pieces of infrastructure.
Oyster Reef
Build Events
Get muddy for the marsh! Join us for a hands-on day building oyster reefs in the beautiful Lowcountry. We use various methods, including positioning manufactured wire reefs, and setting pre-formed cement oyster castles. These reefs reduce erosion and provide a habitat for local marine life. No experience is necessary.
Community
Cleanup Events
Litter is more than an eyesore; it's a direct threat to the health of our waterways and marine life. Our community sweeps target high-impact areas around Charleston, using citizen science apps to track every piece of debris we collect. This data directly informs local policy and fuels lasting environmental change.
Volunteer Events
March 27
9 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
March 28
10:30 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
April 6
9:30 AM - 12 PM
MWR Fabrication
Charleston, SC
April 21
9:30 AM - 12 PM
MWR Fabrication
Charleston, SC
April 23
5 PM - 6:30 PM
Marsh Cleanup
Charleston, SC
April 24
1-3 PM
Community Cleanup
North Charleston, SC
April 25
9:30 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
May 12
9 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
May 15
11 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
May 22
1-3 PM
Community Cleanup
North Charleston, SC
May 26
9 AM
Oyster Reef Build
Beaufort, SC
June 26
1-3 PM
Community Cleanup
North Charleston, SC
July 17
1-3 PM
Community Cleanup
North Charleston, SC