The South Florida Water Management District and Florida Gulf Coast University’s Coastal Watershed Institute are recruiting volunteers who can lift up to 30 pounds and don’t mind getting wet.

The project involves loading bags of oyster shells onto boats and then placing them in the water to form oyster reefs. The event is Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Restored and improved oyster reefs will enhance filtration and help restore the water quality of Estero Bay which drains 293 square miles of the region’s watershed.

Volunteers will be taken to the restoration site by boat and will need to wear closed toe shoes. Light snacks and bottled water will be provided. Volunteers are requested to meet at 9 a.m. at Carl Johnson Boat Ramp on Bonita Beach Rd., just north of and across the street from the main entrance to Lovers Key State Park.

Estimated return time to the dock is noon. To volunteer call or e-mail Lacey Smith 590-7265 (lsmith@fgcu.edu) or Lesli Haynes at 590-7247 (lhaynes@fgcu.edu).