Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and Whole Foods present the “Save Our Bay Oyster Roast”

In celebration of the oyster, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) – a non-profit organization responsible for sustaining healthy local waterways – and Whole Foods Market Destin are teaming up to present the “Save Our Bay Oyster Roast” on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Oysters are not only a delicacy, they are also critical to the health of the Choctawhatchee Bay, which the community depends on for fishing and recreation. The community is invited to visit Whole Foods Market and sample roasted oysters and discover how oysters help improve the health of local waterways.

With bushels of fresh Blue Point oysters, the Whole Foods Market culinary team will demonstrate roasting – a classic, southern-style preparation of the popular mollusk – using a flame and damp burlap sack. Whole Foods Market chefs will also offer signature sides and a healthy prepared meal option for kids.

The event will be complemented with kids’ activities and educational booths highlighting the importance of oysters, the CBA’s O.Y.S.T.E.R shell recycling program, and the benefits of a healthy coastal ecosystem. Kids will be able to showcase their creativity by participating in oyster crafts and create their own oyster critter. In addition, families may personalize a shell that will become part of a future reef, creating a new living shoreline within the Bay. For families who are competitive, the Oyster Memory Game tests participants’ short-term memory for a chance to win a prize. Families will also have the option to become members of the CBA and learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Oysters play a vital role in health of the Choctawhatchee Bay. An adult oyster can filter as much as two and a half gallons of water per hour, up to 50 gallons of water a day. Additionally, oyster reefs provide habitat for a variety of important species and serve as a barrier against waves and boat wake, helping reduce shoreline erosion. In November 2010, CBA and Americorps Green Team launched the O.Y.S.T.E.R. shell recycling program in partnership with area restaurants with the goal of collecting oyster shells and reusing them to construct oyster reef habitat. Since then, CBA has used the recycled shells to create living oyster reefs, improving the health of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

As an added bonus, the event will include the opportunity to enter to win prizes from area merchants. Admission is free and roasted oysters will be available for $1/oyster. Sponsored by Grayton Beer Company, cans of Grayton Beer will be available for $3/beer. In addition, Whole Foods Market will have a coffee bar and other food offerings available for purchase. All oyster and beer proceeds benefit the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.

For more information on Whole Foods Market, please visit: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/destin

For more information, visit BasinAlliance.org or call (850) 200-4171.

About the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is a non-profit organization responsible for sustaining healthy local waterways through monitoring, education, restoration, and research. For 20 years, CBA has promoted water stewardship within the Choctawhatchee watershed, growing the network of supporters who join in CBA’s mission to provide a future for these precious, natural resources. Learn more at www.basinalliance.org.