JLL volunteers help restore New York Harbor

Manhattan, NY A group of 35 JLL employees volunteered with Billion Oyster Project on Governors Island, lending their time and energy to help restore New York Harbor and strengthen an environmental resource shared by all New Yorkers.

Led by JLL managing director Andrew Dzenis, who also serves on Billion Oyster Project’s leadership committee, volunteers cleaned and sorted recycled oyster shells, then assembled the shells into reef structures designed to provide a place for young oysters to attach and grow. The hands-on work supports Billion Oyster Project’s goal of restoring one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2030.

The volunteer day brought together colleagues from across JLL’s Tri-State business for a team-based effort with a lasting local benefit. Oyster reefs filter the water, create habitat for marine life, help strengthen shorelines against storms and tidal surges, and contribute to a more resilient harbor ecosystem.

“Being a good neighbor means showing up and doing the work alongside the organizations that know our city’s needs best,” said Dzenis. “New York Harbor is part of the fabric of every borough. We are proud to support Billion Oyster Project and to give our people a direct role in caring for a resource that belongs to all New Yorkers.”

Founded in 2014, Billion Oyster Project combines large-scale reef restoration with hands-on science education. Its shell recycling program gives discarded restaurant shells a second life as the foundation for new reefs. The organization reports that it has collected 3.2 million pounds of shells and engaged more than 154,000 students, volunteers and community members across its programs.

“Restoring New York Harbor is a citywide effort, and partners like JLL help turn that ambition into action,” said Rachel Taylor, Corporate Partnerships Senior Coordinator, BOP. “When volunteers spend a day sorting shells and building reef structures, they are contributing to healthier habitats while demonstrating the kind of long-term community stewardship this work requires.” 

Billion Oyster Project is a nonprofit organization on a mission to restore oyster reefs across New York Harbor and prepare future generations to rebuild and reimagine the city’s relationship with the water. Why oysters? Their reefs provide habitat for many marine species, have the ability to filter water, and help shield New York City shorelines from storm damage. Founded on the belief that restoration without education is temporary, and observing that learning outcomes improve when students have the opportunity to work on real restoration projects, Billion Oyster Project collaborates with public schools. The crew designs STEM curriculum for NYC schools through the lens of oyster restoration, and engages Urban Assembly New York Harbor School students in large-scale restoration projects, collects discarded oyster shells from NYC restaurants, and engages New Yorkers in the process. The project has introduced over 200 million oysters across 19 acres of New York Harbor, with the help of thousands of volunteers and students. For further information, visit www.billionoysterproject.org.