By Zippy R. and Scarlett F.

In the 1980s, European beach grass was first introduced to one of our local beaches. It was first planted to stabilize sand dunes, but it rapidly grew out of control. Now the 7th and 8th grade classes of the Mendocino K8 go down to Big River beach every first Wednesday of the month to help the wildlife rangers remove the grass.  

Does it help our community?

 Violet G., an eighth grader, thought that pulling beach grass helps our community tremendously, and that it will help the beach be less overgrown. Violet P., a seventh grader thought that it makes our beach bigger and has less plants ruining our beach. Olive S., an eighth grader, mentioned that it is good to clear out our beach from plants causing our beach distress. Leo H., an eighth grader, said how there will be space and good to clear out. 

What motivates our students to pull beach grass?

Violet G. enjoys the competition in picking beach grass, and she wants to help out our community, she even stated, “Right when I step foot on our beautiful beach I want to help it out.”  From what Violet G. shows how much she loves and cares for our community. Some other classmates said the only reason they do it is because it’s mandatory and they would rather not. Which doesn’t surprise me. The teachers give us treats sometimes after a hard day of work, and lots of students think that helps them stay motivated. 

How do our students feel about pulling beach grass?–

Violet. G mentioned, “I really enjoy it, it’s helpful to the community.” Violet P. said that it’s a good cause and she’s glad she’s helping out. Olive S. described that she doesn’t enjoy it all that much if she was being truthful. Leo said, he is in the middle about it but he is glad about helping out. 

Does it affect our students physically?–

Violet G. said that pulling beach grass in the hot weather gives her stomach aches, hunger, dry throat, and sometimes she gets rashes on her hands. Violet P. mentioned that sand would end up in her shoes as well, and the grass hurt her hands. Olive S. described harsh prickly things hurting her hands, and sand in her shoes. Leo H. said none of the things mentioned really affected him too much. 

Although some of our students don’t enjoy this monthly trip, in the end it’s all worth it for our beautiful beach, and the wildlife surrounding it.