For the second year in a row, students in Mrs. Pegram’s Marine Biology and Environmental Science classes are participating in an exciting, hands-on mission to help restore South Carolina’s coastal ecosystems.

In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), students joined the Seeds to Shoreline® (S2S) program—a year-long conservation initiative focused on cultivating and transplanting Spartina alterniflora, the foundational plant vital to the health of southeastern salt marshes.

Commonly known as smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora anchors South Carolina’s salt marshes by stabilizing shorelines, supporting marine wildlife, and preventing erosion. Without it, these ecosystems would struggle to survive.

Through their participation in the S2S program, HHCA students will get an up-close look at the full restoration process over the course of the school year—from collecting seeds to growing and transplanting seedlings—gaining real-world scientific knowledge while making a lasting environmental impact.

The journey began in November, when students spent an unforgettable day aboard SCDNR’s educational vessel, the E/V Discovery, exploring the salt marshes around James Island. Guided by marine science experts, they collected Spartina seeds while learning firsthand about the complexity and importance of salt marsh ecosystems.

Back in the classroom, students carefully planted their seeds, replicating the natural germination process. The seeds are first stored in cold water to simulate fall conditions.

In the weeks ahead, they will gradually expose the seeds to warmer temperatures and sunlight to encourage sprouting. Under the mentorship of Charleston DNR staff, students will then transfer the germinated seeds into soil-filled pots, nurturing young plants in sunny classroom windows to mimic salt marsh conditions.

The project will culminate in April, when students return to the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center, and under the guidance of Charleston DNR specialists, they will transplant their classroom-grown Spartina seedlings into a local salt marsh that has suffered vegetation loss due to erosion and environmental stress.

The impact of the student's collective work is significant for the regional ecosystem.

The newly established Spartina grasses will strengthen the shoreline, prevent further erosion, and create essential habitats for local marine species such as the periwinkle snail and various crab species.

I’m thrilled for our students to participate in Seeds to Shoreline again this year. Their work will make a meaningful difference in our region long after the school year ends. Partnering with SCDNR and gaining this unique, hands-on look at shoreline restoration highlights the importance of stewardship and community engagement. I’m grateful for the growth our students will experience and for the opportunity to witness the wonder of God’s creation up close.

- Alison Pegram, HHCA Science Mentor

Launched in 2011 by the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, in collaboration with SCDNR and Clemson University Cooperative Extension, the Seeds to Shoreline® program empowers K-12 students across the state to take an active role in conserving South Carolina’s coastlines.

At HHCA, this initiative beautifully reflects our mission to offer inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to become thoughtful leaders—and faithful stewards of God's creation.