Oyster Bay sets dune planting event

The Oyster Bay Town dune stabilization project -- an annual volunteer event that gathers hundreds of people to plant dune grass on Tobay Beach in Massapequa -- will take place on March 24, town officials said.

The project, which last year attracted 1,160 volunteers who planted 230,000 stalks of dune grass, helps to protect sand dunes against storm surges and high winds, officials said.

The American beach grass maintains the dunes' shape and size by catching drifting sand, they said.

"Part of the project's appeal is that people can actually see the results of their efforts," Supervisor John Venditto said in a statement. "The dune grass they plant is directly responsible for preserving the dunes and beach they enjoy during the summer."

Venditto is one of several officials expected to volunteer for the project. The town began the event in 1989.

Refreshments, including coffee and clam chowder donated by vendors, will be served during the event, which begins at 10 a.m. Those interested in volunteering should contact the Department of Environmental Resources at 516-677-5748.