How Does the S2S Program Work?

The S2S program focuses on the cultivation of Spartina alterniflora, the dominant plant in southeastern salt marshes. S. alterniflora can be seen as the anchor – without this foundational plant, the salt marsh ecosystem would not be able to establish itself along our coastline.

The Restoration Steps

The S2S program includes five main steps: seed collection, seed storage, seed germination, seedling cultivation, and seedling transplantation. All five steps are done over the course of the academic school year, starting in the fall with seed collection and ending in the spring with a Restoration Day when students transplant their young Spartina alterniflora seedlings.

*Not one of the 5 restoration steps. However, participation in the summer teacher training is a prerequisite to participate in the S2S program.

Program Design

Because we know that each school is different, the S2S program is designed in such a way that you have flexibility on how to best incorporate each step to suit your students’ needs.

Before starting the S2S program in your school, we require participation in a one-day summer training, which will provide you with information on the S2S program, best practices for each of the five steps, suggested lessons to use, planning tools to keep you on track throughout the year, and LOTS of resources! We also provide a solid support system as you begin the program. You will work closely with one of our program partners throughout the year to help you implement the steps of the program (including planning your Restoration Day).

In addition, we have a private teacher page on Facebook where members can post questions, share photos, and receive updates/reminders from us.