Willard Beach - Project Dune Grass
It’s time to give a little back to Willard Beach! SoPo’s only beach isn’t just a place to swim and picnic and kayak. It’s on its way to providing a strategic natural habitat for wildlife and to resuming the quiet beauty we’ve sometimes taken for granted. Project Dune Grass aims to restore and enhance the health of Willard’s sand dunes by raising funds to supplement the city’s budget for the grasses that hold the dunes in place and allow them to thrive. The dunes and grasses offer protection from beach erosion and storm surges as well as provide nutrients and habitats for the survival of migrating shorebirds. Renewing these native grasses is an important part of replacing invasive species and conserving Willard’s native Maine flora. By seeking small donations—typically $10 for four starter-plugs of dune grass—from people who actually use and enjoy the beach, the Project enables the City of South Portland to take a needed extra step in bringing back Willard’s wildlife habitat, shoreline stability and natural beauty.
Because we recognize that ALL our city parks are important to the mental and physical well-being of all our SoPo neighbors, we propose that any funds raised over our Campaign Goal Amount will be used to enhance connections among SoPo’s parks and neighborhoods. Willard Beach, like all our parks, should be accessible and feel like home to all South Portlanders. So the Project’s second mission is to fund innovations that make it easier, more customary and more welcoming to move from neighborhood to neighborhood. Both of the Project’s goals are intended to benefit and bring together all the people of South Portland and all those who visit here
Link to Giving Campaign