Ocean Intermediate Students Turn Shells Into Amazing Gift

Ten eighth-grade students from Ocean Township Intermediate School got into the holiday spirit last year by raising money to help restore oyster reefs in New Jersey.

The students, from teacher Meghan Edson's Environmental Engineering course, raised money by making clam shell decorations that were sold during school lunches and given to some school staff as holiday presents. According to Ms. Edson, students taking the course learn about human-related environmental issues, then devise ways to make them better. 

"We did [the decoration sale] for the first time last year and the students loved it, so we decided to continue again this year." Ms. Edson said. "It was a big hit for the students in school to buy ornaments for their families for Christmas and the students that made the shells learned a lot about the importance of being a good environmental steward." 

The American Littoral Society was honored to be the recipient of an $800 donation from the students.

"We are very grateful for the donation which will help our efforts to restore oysters and improve the quality of coastal waters," said Tim Dillingham, Executive Director of the American Littoral Society. "We owe these students even greater thanks for their interest in coastal conservation and their leadership in raising awareness and empowering conservation efforts." 

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