Science Honor Society members volunteered with eelgrass remediation in the Great South Bay with SAVE Environmental, an environmental organization that has developed a successful restoration method for eelgrass, known as Zostera marina. Eelgrass is at the foundation of coastal waters across the United States and has been drastically reduced to a fraction of what it was several decades ago in New York State waters.

The students were taught a method created by Robert Vasiluth of SAVE Environmental in which they attached eelgrass seeds to clams using biodegradable and nontoxic reef glue. The clams then burrow into the soil and reestablish the eelgrass population naturally. The students prepared more than 2,000 clams for distribution for the coming weeks.

Mr. Vasiluth also gave the students background on the work he is doing and explained how their participation is helping to improve water quality along the South Shore of Long Island. The students will also be continuing their volunteer work this coming spring.

District Director of K-12 Science Dr. Jessica Mintz congratulated research science teacher Robert Bolen and the students for their volunteer efforts. She noted that this is an example of how the district exposes students to great science opportunities.

Click here to view the Improving the Environment One Clam at a Time slideshow.