On Wednesday, November 15 Triton’s Environmental class, taught by Mr. Tom Horsely, is embarking on a field trip to one of three beaches in of restoration to restore the sand dunes of the beach. Without the dunes the beach and surrounding areas could fall to ruin from the ocean.
The way sand dunes work is that they function as natural barriers that keep ocean water back and prevent flooding in areas past the dunes. The way the dunes themselves do not wash away is through the growing of dune grass. Dune grass roots itself into the sand of the dunes and helps keep it collected and stable when faced by storms and high water. The goal of the restoration is to plant more dune grass all over the beach to help dunes stay together.
The University of New Hampshire sponsors this field trip as it is their project the class works with. UNH applies for grants to do student volunteer based dune restoration. It is not just Triton helping with the restoration, there are many schools all over the coast working to help the dunes.
“Last year we exceeded their expectations,” Said Horsely when asked how last year’s field trip went. “We had 23 people go on the trip last year and this year we have 43 so that’s crazy.”
The location of which beach the class is going to is still up to debate as it is up to UNH to send the group wherever they need the most help. This can be either Salisbury, Seabrook, or Hampton Beach.
The Environmental students going on the field trip are very excited and feel strongly about the restoration they are taking part of:
“Despite it being fun, I think it is incredibly important to restore the dunes and the preservation of the beach,” said junior Quentin Callewaert.
“I think that the work we’ll do will transcend the one day we spend out there and leave a positive influence for years to come,” said senior Emily Tucker.
The field trip is taking place on November 15 of this month regardless of weather conditions. The group has high hopes of making a difference to help preserve our town’s beaches and dunes.
“With the amount going, I hope to exceed last year’s success,” said Horsely on a final note about the trip.