JLL volunteers join the Billion Oyster Project to help create healthier New York Harbor

NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2026 -JLL announced today that a group of 35 employees volunteered with Billion Oyster Project on Governors Island, lending their time and energy to help restore New York Harbor and strengthen an environmental resource shared by all New Yorkers.

Led by JLL Managing Director Andrew Dzenis, who also serves on Billion Oyster Project's leadership committee, volunteers cleaned and sorted recycled oyster shells, then assembled the shells into reef structures designed to provide a place for young oysters to attach and grow. The hands-on work supports Billion Oyster Project's goal of restoring one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2030.

The volunteer day brought together colleagues from across JLL's Tri-State business for a team-based effort with a lasting local benefit. Oyster reefs filter the water, create habitat for marine life, help strengthen shorelines against storms and tidal surges, and contribute to a more resilient harbor ecosystem.

"Being a good neighbor means showing up and doing the work alongside the organizations that know our city's needs best," said Dzenis. "New York Harbor is part of the fabric of every borough. We are proud to support Billion Oyster Project and to give our people a direct role in caring for a resource that belongs to all New Yorkers."

Founded in 2014, Billion Oyster Project combines large-scale reef restoration with hands-on science education. Its shell recycling program gives discarded restaurant shells a second life as the foundation for new reefs. The organization reports that it has collected 3.2 million pounds of shells and engaged more than 154,000 students, volunteers and community members across its programs.

"Restoring New York Harbor is a citywide effort, and partners like JLL help turn that ambition into action," said Rachel Taylor, Corporate Partnerships Senior Coordinator, BOP. "When volunteers spend a day sorting shells and building reef structures, they are contributing to healthier habitats while demonstrating the kind of long-term community stewardship this work requires."

JLL's participation reflects the company's broader commitment to the places where its employees live and work. Through volunteer programs and partnerships with local nonprofits, JLL contributes its time, resources and expertise to efforts that advance environmental resilience, education and inclusive community growth.

JLL is a leader in the New York Tri-State commercial real estate market, with more than 4,800 industry professionals providing leasing, capital markets, property and facilities management, consulting and project and development services.

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