Join Friends of the Rappahannock River Steward, Captain Richard Moncure, and make your world a Rappahannock River Oyster! Depart at 9:30 am from the Urbanna Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar in Urbanna, Virginia. The tour begins in Robinson Creek and then out to the Rappahannock River where bald eagles, osprey, and dolphins often circle the boat to say hello.
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
The first stop will be to a protected reef under restoration in Urbanna Creek where we are working with partners at Christ Church School and the Restore Urbanna Creek Partnership. Next you will head across the Rappahannock River to Carter’s Creek where Friends of the Rappahannock has partnered with W.E. Kellum Seafood and the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program to protect and restore an oyster reef adjacent to the Tides Inn. Come help us restore this reef!
While in Carter’s Creek you will learn about the history of the region, hear tales of John Smith’s journey up the Rappahannock, learn about the life cycle and water quality benefits of oysters, and get a first hand look at a working waterfront. The first stop will be Kellum Seafood to load up oyster shell bushels onto the boat which will later be dumped onto our reef. Adding the shell to the river bottom here will restore oyster populations and help filter 50 gallons of water per oyster every day!
At the reef sanctuary there will be plenty of opportunity for hands on learning and discussions about FOR’s oyster restoration programs and ways you can get involved with protecting the Rappahannock River.
Following the shell installation, you will venture back across the Rappahannock River to Urbanna Seafood and Raw Bar where you will have your pick of some of the region’s freshest local fair and the option to purchase lunch and cold beverages on the deck of this locally owned waterfront restaurant!
Minimum trip size if four attendees registered in advance of the event date. All events are weather dependent.
All participants must sign a WAIVER and no alcohol is permitted on the River Steward Boat.
We recommend you bring sun screen, bathing suite, sandals or water shores (no flip flops), and a water bottle.
If you have a group interested in a river tour on another section of the Rappahannock River or a similar trip on a different date, please email bryan.hofmann@riverfriends.org
