On Saturday, October 10, 2009, the SFEC sponsored a Dune Grass Planting on the Strathmere beach from Webster to Sumner Roads. Environmental Chairperson Carol Ferguson procured 2500 dune grass plugs and staked out the target area; the Township provided some "pogo sticks" to punch holes - and then Dick Omrod constructed even more. The Fire Company wet down the sand ahead of the "punchers" to keep the holes open while the plugs were inserted. Publicity and invitations to help were distributed by the SFEC, the Citizens' Group and the Strathmere Improvement Association, resulting in a turnout of over 40 volunteers! The first step is to separate, one-by-one, the grass plugs: 
-- Then the complex process of punching a hole in the sand and inserting the plug is explained to eager volunteers: 
The sand is watered down:
And the work begins! 
Three rows were planted for the entire three blocks... 
And then a row was planted on the existing dune... 
- Additional "punching" methods proved successful... 
And surprisingly, the entire job was completed in two hours (just as a light rain began). 
That evening, at the SFEC dinner meeting, Dick Omrod described the success of the project and thanked all for their participation (all volunteers were invited to dinner).  |
