National Wildlife Federation Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) Beach Grass Planting Project

Project Summary

Students and teachers from 20 public K-12 schools in New York City partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to plant 22,000 American Beach Grass plants in Coney Island Creek Park, Brooklyn, creating living shorelines to protect communities from flooding while learning about sea level rise and green infrastructure solutions.

Detailed Story

Through the National Wildlife Federation’s Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) program, over 500 students from 20 public K-12 schools across New York City participated in hands-on climate resilience action by planting American Beach Grass in Coney Island Creek Park, an estuary in Brooklyn. This multi-year project has resulted in planting over 61,000 plants covering approximately 2.25 acres since 2022, with 22,000 plants added in the most recent phase. Students learned about sea level rise impacts firsthand, discovering that during Hurricane Sandy, water levels in Coney Island rose 12 feet and that sea levels are projected to rise 6 feet by 2100 without climate intervention. The project provided tangible experience with low-cost green infrastructure solutions, teaching students how beach grass creates underground root networks that stabilize sand dunes, combat erosion, and create living shorelines to protect nearby residents from flooding. Students gained understanding of how human-made coastal areas like parts of Coney Island are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts and how nature-based solutions can provide community protection. The project also included beach cleanup activities and identification of invasive species like sea chestnuts. Student reflections demonstrate deep learning about climate impacts on vulnerable communities and the power of collective environmental action, with many expressing hope and agency through their ability to create “long-lasting positive impact” and work toward “giving communities better protection from water.”

Impact Statement

Students planted 22,000 beach grass plants in the most recent phase (61,000+ total since 2022), covering 2.25 acres of coastal area to create living shorelines protecting vulnerable communities from flooding. The project educated 500+ students about climate impacts and green infrastructure solutions while providing hands-on experience with nature-based climate adaptation. Students developed understanding of environmental justice issues affecting coastal communities and gained practical skills in ecosystem restoration and climate resilience strategies.