Virginia Master Oyster Gardener (MOG) Course
Applications will be accepted on a continuous cycle with admission decisions made in the spring and fall of each year. Accepted applicants should complete course components at their own pace. Those that successfully complete all components will “graduate” to MOG status at the next Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association annual meeting.
Who should apply?
Active oyster gardeners in Virginia who are interested in expanding knowledge on the science and techniques of oyster gardening and sharing this knowledge with other gardeners. All skill levels are encouraged to apply, but participants must have at least 1 year of experience gardening oysters.
Course Components
In total we estimate 15 hours of learning activities and 20 hours of volunteer experience.
- VIMS: the Science of Shellfish Aquaculture – Oyster Gardening This content will be made available via an online learning management system which can be accessed at any time and completed at participant’s own pace.
- TOGA: Methods and Management This will be an in-person activity at an active oyster garden site and will cover the fundamentals of the gear, management and siting of an oyster garden.
- VIMS: Hands on Learning This will be an in-person opportunity at VIMS’ Acuff Center for Aquaculture in the early fall of each year for those who have completed the online coursework. It will cover critters of the garden, oyster anatomy, an introduction to oyster production, and provide an opportunity to engage with session instructors.
- TOGA Volunteer Experience After completion of the prior components, participants will connect with the TOGA outreach coordinator to participate in at least 3 volunteer opportunities.
- MOG Quiz / Exit Interview
Purpose & History - To provide a steady stream of highly trained volunteers who can lead the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association’s (TOGA) outreach mission. The first Master Oyster Gardener (MOG) course was held in 1998 and graduated nineteen enthusiastic MOGs. Nine further courses have been held in subsequent years each with roughly 15 to 20 students each.
What do MOGs do? MOGs lead TOGA’s outreach mission through their dedicated volunteer service. There are a variety of opportunities to fit availability and interest. Opportunities include: newsletter or website support, assisting neighboring oyster gardeners with questions, manning TOGA booth at local events, float building, research projects, special committees and board membership.
Instruction is covered by a variety of knowledgeable experts including VIMS faculty and staff, State officials, and experienced Master Oyster Gardeners. It’s a mix of remote learning modules and hands-on learning.
Content consists of oyster gardening fundamentals such as site selection, gear and management; oyster biology and life history; oyster diseases; understanding the various “critters” that live in and around oyster gardens; and the regulatory and human health issues surrounding oyster gardening. Attendees will also get a start-to-finish look at the oyster cultivation process at the VIMS Acuff Center for Aquaculture.
Applicant Criteria
- Possess an active oyster garden permit from VMRC
- Agree to attend the course in its entirety
- Experience growing oysters for a minimum of one year
- Commitment to supporting TOGA’s mission