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Students in Dr. Leslie Rissler’s Conservation Biology
class (BSC 482) traveled to the Gulf Coast to assist with dune restoration
as part of the service-learning component of their class. Each year for the
past three years, Leslie Rissler has required her students to perform at least
20 hours of service-learning. The objective is simple - to foster a respect
and appreciation for our natural heritage by becoming involved in projects
that also benefit the community. Service-learning is an innovative and proactive
approach to teaching and learning. It combines service and education while
making a positive impact on our community. Projects in the past have included
invasive species removal at the University of Alabama Arboretum, clean-up
of trash and debris along the Cahaba River, and conducting water quality tests
in collaboration with the Black Warrior Riverkeepers. One project that was
completed this year focused on dune restoration in Sandestin, Florida.
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Sand dunes provide a natural barrier to protect coastlines from storm surges.
This fragile ecosystem is critical habitat to wildlife, and it also protects
waterfront property from flooding. On the Sandestin Beach alone, where the
BSC 482 students conducted service-learning, dune restoration cost $20 million.
With increased numbers of people visiting coastlines, the extent of erosion
may increase in magnitude. In addition, climate change is likely to increase
the likelihood of strong storms and effect dune stabilization. Service-learning
makes a direct and active link between the theoretical concepts discussed
in class and real-world issues.
The BSC 482 students spent three days during Fall Break at the beach in Sandestin,
Florida. Students picked up trash along the dunes, and they dug trenches and
installed sand fences. The use of sand fences along coastal beaches has been
a successful and extensively used technique to trap wind-blown sediments.
The planting of sea oats, Uniola paniculata, is also of vital importance to
the coastal dune ecosystem because their roots help reduce beach erosion and
provide shelter for many different species of animals. Combining sand fences
and sea oats should help dune formation and stabilization. The Sandestin Golf
and Beach Resort and the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council
will continue to replenish the devastated sea oat population along the Gulf
Coast of Florida. “I think the students appreciate the beauty of nature
even more when they understand the fragility of ecosystems and the price that
is paid, both ecologically and economically, when habitats are degraded,”
said Dr. Rissler.
(Housing and food for the class were graciously provided by Sandestin Golf
and Beach Resort.)
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