Plant Grass, Help Toms River's Dunes

The Toms River Township Department of Recreation needs you -- to help it plant dune grass.

The department will be holding a dune grass planting event Saturday and they welcome volunteers to help get the grass -- which the township will supply -- planted.

Dune grass is a key piece of building up dunes that will protect not only the barrier peninsula but homes inland during hurricanes and nor’easters.

The dune planting, which had been held yearly before Superstorm Sandy, will be done from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Volunteers should dress for the weather -- dress warmly as it is predicted to be cold -- and should meet at the Ortley Beach Lifeguard Headquarters at 4th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard.

Anyone who has a shovel handle, a surf fishing spike or other tool that can make a hole in the sand to plant the grass is welcome to bring it.

No sign-up is required, officials said.