Oysters are a vital component of a healthy estuary, an important subsistence protein source, and a large contribution to the seafood industry in the Gulf Coast, but are in severe decline throughout the region. Oysters also improve water quality and can stabilize shorelines against erosion. Collecting discarded shells from restaurants to return to coastal habitats for substrate is a critical effort towards a more sustainable future. Oyster shell recycling is gaining recognition around the country and has been employed in the northeast region for over two decadesbut, is still new along the Gulf Coast. With support from NOAA, Restore America’s Estuaries is working with five regional organizations to develop and expand their oyster shell recycling and reef restoration programs.  A major component of this program is building a community of practice among the five organizations so they can provide mutual support and learn from each other’s experiences.  Through regular group calls and annual learning exchanges, the staff of these organizations are building connections and gaining expertise from each other, andexpanding more rapidly as a result.  The program also includes support for monitoring and evaluation, not only to ensure that the reefs meet NOAA’s standards, but also to provide a basis for future reef design.  Community engagement is another core component of the program.  RAE is providing support to each organization for their outreach and education activities, to help them build on a commitment to equity and inclusion.  RAE hopes to expand this program in the future to include new organizations focusing on under-served communities.