A free public festival focused on oyster habitat restoration is scheduled for this weekend in Orange County.
Native oysters once thrived along the coast but were largely eliminated after the Gold Rush period through intensive harvesting and shoreline development.
Orange County Coastkeeper has spent more than ten years working to reestablish oyster beds in the area because the shellfish improve water quality through filtration and help limit erosion.
The event will include presentations on the restoration projects along with booths offering local food, beer and sustainable merchandise, plus opportunities to taste oysters.
Activities begin with an optional beach cleanup at 9 a.m. followed by the main program from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sunset Beach Community Center in Huntington Beach, according to LAist.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/oysterpalooza-arrives-in-orange-county-what-to-know-about-the-festival