At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, students in Mrs. Pegram’s Marine Biology and Environmental Science classes at HHCA embarked on an exciting, hands-on educational journey to help restore South Carolina’s salt marshes. Through a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), students joined the Seeds to Shoreline® (S2S) program — a year-long initiative focused on cultivating and planting Spartina alterniflora, the dominant plant species crucial to the health and stability of southeastern salt marsh ecosystems.

Spartina alterniflora, also known as smooth cordgrass, is the anchor of South Carolina’s salt marshes. Without this vital plant, the entire salt marsh ecosystem would struggle to establish and thrive along the state’s coastline. The S2S program walks students through the full restoration process, from seed collection to seedling transplantation, giving them firsthand experience in conservation efforts.

The program began for HHCA students in November with an unforgettable day-long expedition around James Island aboard SCDNR’s educational vessel, the E/V Discovery. Guided by experts from the Seeds to Shoreline program, students collected Spartina grass seeds while exploring the intricate salt marsh ecosystem.

Following their field experience, students brought their collected seeds back to the classroom, where they began the multi-step cultivation process. The seeds were stored in cold water from November through January to replicate the natural fall water temperatures of the marsh. In February, the seeds were gradually introduced to room temperature and sunlight for three weeks, mimicking the onset of spring and encouraging germination.

Currently in Phase 3 of the project, students have planted their germinated Spartina seeds into soil-filled pots, with the support of Erica Hardy and Morgan Treon from Charleston DNR. These pots are placed in trays of water and positioned in sunny windows to simulate the conditions of a salt marsh environment. Over the next two months, students will monitor the seedlings’ growth until they reach a height of 4-5 inches.

The final phases of the S2S initiative will take place in late spring. Students will transplant their mature Spartina seedlings into local salt marshes where vegetation has died off due to erosion or environmental stress. This replanting effort not only helps stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion but also provides essential habitat and protection for native wildlife.

This field experience helped students gain a deeper understanding of our coastal ecosystem and the vital role that Spartina grass plays in maintaining the health of our coastline. The best part is that they will now be directly involved in restoring our local salt marshes through the Seeds to Shoreline initiative.

Mrs. Alison Pegram, HHCA Upper School Science Mentor

Launched in 2011 by the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Clemson University Cooperative Extension, the Seeds to Shoreline program serves K-12 students and teachers across the state, providing them with hands-on opportunities to contribute to coastal conservation efforts. Through this initiative, HHCA students are not only learning about marine science — they’re making a lasting impact on their local environment.