Master Oyster Gardener Dr. Richard Siciliano of the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association will present free 90-minute seminars on the basics of starting an oyster garden at ones waterfront home in the Northern Neck.
The Oysters 101 class covers the basics of growing oysters, including every step necessary in becoming a Virginia oyster gardener: assessing the water’s suitability, acquiring spat and supplies, applying for a non-commercial Virginia Oyster Garden Permit, choosing the right oyster float or cage and harvesting oysters to restore the Chesapeake Bay or to consume, said Dr. Siciliano.
Sessions are scheduled:
• March 31, 5-6:30 p.m, at Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Newton Branch, 22 Coles Point Road, Hague.
• April 12, 10-11:30 a.m., at Northumberland Public Library, 7204 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville.
• April 26, 10-11:30 a.m., at Camp Kekoka, 1083 Boys Camp Road, Kilmarnock.
• May 14, 6-7:30 p.m., at Mathews Land Conservancy, Community Building, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews.
• May 17, 9-10:30 a.m., at Camp Kekoka.
• June 21, 10-11:30 a.m., at Northumberland Public Library.
Register at www.oystergardener.org, or contact Dr. Siciliano at rjsiciliano@yahoo.com, or 240-270-1439.
