What is Coastal Roots?

Students from 4th grade through high school in south Louisiana are taking part in this project by establishing nurseries at their schools. Students are growing native restoration seedlings that they will plant in the fall in a coastal wetland restoration project in south Louisiana.

Students from different parts of the state are working with seeds from the southern baldcypress, southern waxmyrtle, black mangrove, red mulberry and hackberry.

Hurst students have been a part of the Coastal Roots Project for four years. Students work primarily with southern waxmyrtle and southern bald cypress. Coastal Roots is a perfect fit for service-learning. Teachers can secure funding through service-learning grants and Coastal Roots facilitators can supply the expertise.

Through this project, detailed instructions about the construction of a tree nursery, including an underground timed irrigation system are supplied. Students are able to plant seeds for nearly 1,000 trees each year. The trees grow over the summer and are planted by the students during the next school year. After these trees are planted, students again plant another 1,000 seeds so that the next year’s students will continue their legacy. This is an extremely powerful experience and learning opportunity for the students.

For more information about Coastal Roots please visit their webpage .