Mt. Hope Students Get Dirty — Helping Save Silver Creek

As part of the ongoing project to retore the natural marsh along Silver Creek in Bristol — and prevent Hope Street from flooding during heavy storms — a group of students from Mt. Hope High School descended into the marsh on Tuesday to plant cord grass that they'd grown in their classroom.

The cord grass, known by its scientific name of Spartina alterniflora, is meant to chase off the invasive Phragmites australis, which has choked off water flow through the creek.

A team of staffers from Save the Bay and representatives of the Save Bristol Harbor were also on hand to assist the biology students in identifying locations for their new plantings.

Keith Maloney, vice president of the board of Save Bristol Harbor, explained the importance of teaching kids about their environment — and how to save it.

"We began this program four years ago with the high school and Save the Bay, and this is only one element of it, and it's been a rousing success," Maloney said. "I think it's awfully important — and the fact is, we've been working with the elementary school students to get them conscious of the natural surroundings that they're in, and these kids get it."

Teacher Debbi Coury explained that she purchased the cord grass with grant money provided through the Wells Reserve in Maine — and she and teacher Joe Koger combined the ongoing marsh restoration project with a classroom lesson on invasive-versus-native species.

"It's awesome, and what's so great about it is the students are really able to apply what they're learning into their own community," said Coury, noting that the project meets the state's Grade Span Expectation, or GSE, standard for learning about the human impact on ecosystems. "Not only are they understanding the content, but they're able to have a positive effect on their environment."

Check out the accompanying videos featuring students from Mt. Hope High School and Wenley Ferguson from Save the Bay discussing the project.