Md. Students Help Finish Bay Grasses Project
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (WJZ) -- Wet behind the ears and they couldn't be happier. Now is the time of year when students from dozens of Maryland schools move out of the classroom and into the water.
Alex DeMetrick reports it's the only way to finish this particular project.
Fourth-graders from Ilchester Elementary in Ellicott City carried their project from school to the shore of Senaca Lake in Gaithersburg. It's wild celery grass they started from seeds last winter. Now all they have to do is plant them. Organized by the Department of Natural Resources, Ilchester is one of 75 schools participating in the Bay Grasses for Classes program.
"A chance for them to get out of the classroom, get their hands dirty," DNR biologist Mark Lewandowski said.
And they see it up close, following lessons in class about grass.
"It's important for the species and the fish, so they can spawn," said Ryan Morgan.
"The teacher will hand us a clump of bay grasses and we have to squeeze them," said Nicole Carney.
It's a lesson not likely to be forgotten.
This is the 13th year for the Bay Grasses for Classes program and it might be the last. Funding for next year is far from certain.
