Our Program
Restoring oysters. Reviving the river. Powered by community.
Simple structure. Serious restoration.
The WROP Program ModelWROP combines local leadership with proven restoration expertise so community support can translate directly into planting oysters in the water.
Our History. Our Future.A grassroots idea that quickly became restoration at scale.
WROP was initiated in May 2025 by a small group of neighbors concerned about the Wye River’s declining water quality. ShoreRivers’ 2024 report card underscored the need for action and the 2025 report reinforced our commitment.
2025
21 million oysters
Community donations funded one barge of spat-on-shell planted across 3 acres of historic reef just six weeks after launch.
2026
60 million+ more
Growing community support and local grants helped fund more than 60 million additional spat-on-shell across 9 acres.
2027 Goal
80 million spat-on-shell
WROP’s goal is to plant approximately 80 million spat-on-shell oysters across 12 acres of oyster reef habitat in the Wye River Oyster Sanctuary.
2005 & 2026
Reefs Planted
Took pre-planting videos
Sampled & saw spat planted in 2025 grow into sizable oysters
Dozens of community members joined us on the water
...dozens more on land
Program Founders
Bruce Abel
47 years on the Wye
Served on several environmental non-profit boards. Retired prior COO and VP of a midsize manufacturing company.
Ann Gray
15 years on the Wye
After a career in Operations as a business owner, consultant, and professor, led an all-volunteer STEM non-profit for many years. Currently assists non-profits with strategy and board development.
Steve Burleson
15 years on the Wye
Avid sportsman and conservationist. Served in several capacities for non-profit organizations. Currently a Commissioner on Maryland’s Sports Fisheries Advisory Committee. Retired CFO of a Fortune 500 company.
