Hampton Bays High School Science Research and AP Biology students recently assisted Cornell Cooperative Extension on a research project that aims to improve local marine habitats by slowing and eliminating the growth of phragmites and replace them with native species, such as Spartina. 

“Phragmites have eliminated many native species by making our marine habitats less stable and more difficult for habitat reconstruction,” said science teacher Dr. Stephanie Forsberg. 

On Feb. 13, 40 students counted and measured more than 800 phragmite plants in their classroom. The students’ work will assist Cornell in its larger study of finding solutions to manage the invasive species.