Dune grass planting scheduled for Saturday at Island Beach State Park

Another step in keeping the shore ready for future storms takes place on Saturday at Island Beach State Park with the planting of dune grass, with the combined efforts of volunteers and state officials.

"Dune grasses are vital to protecting the island because they hold the dunes together with their web-like root systems," added Jen Clayton, park manager at Island Beach State Park in a statement. "The blades of the grass catch sand during high wind events such as nor'easters, and help to grow the dune, adding even more protection."

AmeriCorps New Jersey volunteers will be working alongside the Barnegat Bay Partnership, State Park Service and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection on Saturday from 9:30 am until 12-noon to dig holes for 30,000 American Beach-grass plants.

"Not only do these plants help strengthen the critical dune system, they beautify the beach and bring together volunteers for a good cause," said Mark Texel, Director of the DEP's Division of Parks and Forestry in a statement.

The beach-grass being planted are a critical part of storm prep, officials say, as it tightens a knot inside the dunes to keep them upstanding and allow for natural growth in the dune.

Anyone interested in volunteering Saturday morning should sign up online or they can do so in person.

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