SCI students help with dune restoration

Stayner Collegiate Institute students in the Environmental Science and Green Industries classes participated in dune restoration at Wasaga Beach Nov. 26.

“This was an excellent opportunity for students to do community work connecting their own actions in habitat restoration to the natural health of their community so that current and future generations will benefit from their work,” said environmental science teacher Ty McNea.

Through planting beach grasses and installing barrier fencing, students were helping to protect sensitive dune ecosystems from erosion by wind and storm events giving them the opportunity to make deeper connections regarding sustainability, biodiversity, water quality, coastal conservation, the importance of land use planning and the careers associated with environmental related careers.

Despite the wet and rainy conditions, students rose to the challenge installing about 50 metres of snow fencing to protect newly planted beach grasses.

The activity is part of the part of a High Skills Major program, which provides Grade 11 and 12 students with an opportunity to focus on an employment sector and gain valuable experience for postsecondary education and workplace opportunities.