Welcome to Oyster River Ecology
"A nonprofit organization dedicated to implementing transformational ecological restoration projects in Southwest Florida."
About Us
Our Mission
Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, & Pinellas Counties on Florida's Gulf Coast, Oyster River Ecology’s mission is to restore ecosystems and preserve ecological functions while increasing the understanding of the natural systems on which we all rely. ORE is a results-focused 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization of ecologists, restoration practitioners, and environmental educators. We are dedicated to the habitat restoration, stewardship, beautification, and understanding of the environment to benefit quality of life for humans and wildlife alike, both now and for generations to come.
Projects to Make a Difference Now
Our focus is getting high quality impactful PROJECTS done that will make a meaningful difference for the future of our area. This can range from multi-million dollar large-scale restoration projects to backyard bioswales. We provide planning, design, and implementation expertise to get projects done, then do more.
Projects to Shape the Future
Improving our environment for the next generation is one of our greatest responsibilities. Engaging the next generation of environmental stewards though experiential learning and project implementation is how we do it. ORE works to involve young people in meaningful and immersive projects where participants learn by doing and making a difference in the world around them.
Our History
Oyster River Ecology was founded in late 2022 by Damon Moore, who now serves as ORE's Executive Director, with 3 founding board members who still serve on our board of directors. The purpose was to bring more meaningful, engaging, and inclusive habitat improvement projects to the Suncoast. With generous support from individual donors and local foundations ORE began full operation in May 2023. From these humble beginnings we are growing the impact ORE has on our community and benefits to the local environment.