Earth Day 2026: SCDNR's SCORE Program
Mez Joseph
As we reflect on Earth Day 2026, we wanted to share a recent experience we had volunteering with SCDNR’s South Carolina Oyster Recycling & Enhancement (SCORE) program. SCORE is a community-based oyster restoration program that depends on volunteers to help restore oyster reefs – the only program of its kind in South Carolina that restores oyster reefs strictly for the ecological benefits they provide. We assisted SCORE program leaders in restoring valuable habitat while being educated on the ecological importance of oyster reefs and the habitat that oysters create.
Oyster shell recycling is crucial for restoring coastal ecosystems by providing a hard, natural substrate for larval oysters to attach to and grow, which is essential for rebuilding reef habitats. These reefs filter water (up to 50 gallons/day per oyster), protect shorelines from erosion by reducing wave energy by up to 99%, and provide critical habitats for fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Working with SCORE allowed us the opportunity to give back to the environment as well as our local community in a meaningful, hands-on way. Thank you to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SCORE Program Leaders for educating us and helping us become better stewards of the environment!
For information on volunteering, contact score@dnr.sc.gov or visit http://score.dnr.sc.gov.