Local students learning at the beach

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - The fish and wildlife refuge at Sachuest Point in Middletown received some much needed attention today.

Led by workers from Save the Bay, third graders from Newport took the classroom outdoors, helping restore the shore and learn about the coastal environment.

The learning adventure was made possible by Save the Bay's Explore program, which allows students a learning experience that also makes a difference on the environment.

Students helped by putting in native plants such as wild garlic, parsnip, and butterfly weed.

Save the Bay's Eric Pfirrmann says these simple conservation steps have a big impact, "The better health that our native species will have, whether they are birds, mammals, reptiles."

Besides planting, the school children got an up close look at animals, both native and invasive.

"We want them to understand the native species and the invasive species and how it fits into the ecosystem," said Pfirrmann.

Save the Bay tells us, they will bring another group of third graders back next year.