August 21, 2009 - On Friday, August 14th, Maryland's First Lady Katie O'Malley helped the Coast Kids to build oyster gardens. The oyster reef structures are made with concrete and oyster shells, and were deployed yesterday at the mouth of the St. Martin River. "I am honored to be here today and to join Assateague State Park, Coast Kids, Coastal Stewards and other Marylanders across the bay in their efforts to increase the bay’s oyster population," said First Lady Katie O’Malley. "We encourage our children to be inspired through the knowledge of discovering the ecological importance of oysters to our bay."

Oysters play an important role filtering the bay water as well as providing habitat for a large number of other aquatic species in and around an oyster reef. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin said: "Oysters are critical to the health of our ecosystem, and also have a significant impact on our economy and our culture. It’s wonderful to see these young people, "tomorrow’s stewards" taking part in our efforts to restore a healthy oyster population to Maryland’s waterways."

Please visit First Lady Katie O'Malley's website for more information regarding the oyster program by clicking here.