Volunteers work to stabilize dunes on P.E.I.'s north shore

Dunes along P.E.I.'s north shore are getting some extra protection thanks to the efforts of volunteers with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

On Saturday, about 20 people helped plant marram grass across Lakeside Beach at the Lake Run Nature Reserve.

The grass will help the immature dunes stay stable.

Hannah Kienzle, the P.E.I. stewardship co-ordinator for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, said people sometimes disturb the dunes, so the area needs help to replenish the grass.

"These dunes are really important structures because not only help protect our environment, our environmental community, these wetlands in behind, they're helping to buffer some of that wind, but they're also helping to buffer wind that may impact our houses."

Alec Jardine, one of the volunteers, spent his summers at the popular beach and wanted to help out.

"This kind of work is a great way to give back and to feel that you are doing something to preserve these structures that nature's created."

The new grass is roped off with markers that will remain in place until the roots take hold.