Building Climate Change Resilience Through Education

At the American Littoral Society, we have always embraced the philosophy of "hands dirty, feet wet," engaging students of all ages in the stewardship of their coastal environments. With climate change posing increased risks to the coastal communities we serve, hands-on educational experiences are more crucial than ever.

Our flagship programs — Beach Grasses in Classes, SeaQuest, and Stream Savers — integrate climate change concepts with place-based, experiential learning. These programs help students build practical skills, immerse them in nature, and inspire local action. They also inform students to pressing environmental issues in their communities and empower them to become part of the solution.

Leading the Way in Climate Change EducationIn 2020, New Jersey became the first U.S. state to integrate climate change education across all nine K-12 New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). This bold step ensures students learn not only about the causes and impacts of climate change but also how to take meaningful action.

The implementation of climate change education in NJ public schools is a huge leap forward in preparing our next generation to face environmental obstacles, communicate, think critically, and problem solve.

However, knowledge alone isn’t enough to drive change. Research shows that students need direct experiences and skill-building opportunities to confront environmental challenges effectively. This is where the Littoral Society’s programs excel, offering immersive, hands-on activities that foster a deep connection to the environment and actionable pathways to address climate issues.

Beach Grasses in Classes
This program introduces students to beach ecology and the vital role of coastal dune systems in protecting communities from climate change impacts. Students cultivate American Beachgrass in the classroom and later plant it on vulnerable dunes in their local area. Through this process, they witness firsthand how their efforts strengthen dunes, mitigate erosion, and enhance coastal resilience.

• Student Testimonial: "I never understood the importance of dunes until I got this opportunity. They are homes to wildlife, prevent flooding, and keep pollution out of the ocean. I am so thankful for this experience." — VN​

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SeaQuest
SeaQuest combines after-school lessons, field trips, and action-based projects to teach students about coastal and waterway issues. Participants tackle local problems like water pollution and global concerns such as ocean acidification and sea level rise. They develop actionable solutions, whether by writing to local leaders, organizing cleanups, or creating advocacy campaigns. These experiences not only deepen environmental knowledge but also prepare students for green careers.

Stream Savers
Stream Savers helps students explore nature-based solutions to climate challenges in their watersheds. Through hands-on investigations, students learn how water flows from their neighborhoods to streams, rivers, and oceans. They design and implement action plans to address local issues, such as runoff or pollution, and engage in community service projects to protect their watersheds.

Supporting Teachers and Reducing BarriersThe Littoral Society’s education programs lower barriers and support teachers. Many of our programs are offered at no cost, and we provide teacher training and resources to develop climate-focused curricula.

• Teacher Testimonial: “It was exciting to see our students fully engaged in planting dune grass to protect our shores. The hands-on experience for them is priceless.” — Mrs. Bilotti and Ms. McNelis

A Legacy of Inspiration
By connecting students and educators to the environment, we aim to create a generation of informed, action-oriented leaders ready to tackle climate challenges.

We highlight specific environmental challenges that are close to home and directly impact students’ daily lives. These experiences can help students build a sense of place and ownership for the protection of the world outside their door, while also learning what it means to work together as a community to improve and protect the place they call home.

For more information about our programs, visit the American Littoral Society Education Programs.

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