By Lila Gallagher
Staff Writer
The City of Manhattan Beach partnered with the Bay Foundation, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, the L.A. County Fire Department and Lifeguard Division, and the California State Coastal Conservancy in an initiative to restore Manhattan Beach’s coastal dunes.
The Dune Restoration Project, which began work on Jan. 21, works to fight erosion of the shoreline caused by human recreation and rising sea levels. The foundation will be gathering volunteer groups to help in the process of removing non-native vegetation in the dunes and introducing native plants in their place.
“I believe this project, which has been a long-time coming, will both add to the beauty and vibrancy of our beaches, while also making an active effort to reverse previous destruction,” Manhattan Beach resident Naomi Mack said.
The project will take place over approximately 0.6 miles, or 3 acres, of Manhattan Beach coastline, from 23rd to 36th street. The Foundation hopes to expand the project to more of the coastline over the course of the next few months as well.
“I love volunteering with the Bay Foundation because of projects like this,” senior Marisa Ferreira said. “Any improvements to our coastline can make a huge difference.”
Throughout the month of February, up to 30 volunteers will meet at the 34th street lifeguard tower to begin the renovation process. All sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“The Bay Foundation has been helping our beaches for a long time, and their work continues to give back to our community,” Manhattan Beach resident Launi Nathan said.
While the main efforts of this project deal with reversing the detrimental effects of climate change, the addition of native vegetation to the beach will bring more vibrant wildlife to the beach, according to Bay Foundation staff member Olivia Carmack, creating a beach environment akin to one before heavy pollution.
“Our main goal, no matter the project, is to enhance and restore Santa Monica Bay,” Carmack said. “Manhattan Beach is just one step toward beautifying our bay.”
As the sea level becomes a rising threat to California beaches, Manhattan Beach will be the first of many South Bay communities to work toward implementing measures to protect the coastal environment.
“I believe these effects are going to wear off after a while if the foundation does not work on a continuous basis to prevent further damage from occurring,” senior Matt Moro said.
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