Student Research Reports

Salltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is a vital Gulf Coast plant currently threatened by environmental shifts and manmade beach repairs. This study addresses the limited existing knowledge regarding Saltgrass cultivation by exploring natural growth solutions that do not disrupt surrounding ecosystems. Specifically, the research investigates: How does Saltgrass respond to varying tidal conditions and glass sand concentrations? In partnership with Glass Roots, a company specializing in recycled glass materials, Saltgrass was monitored across four water stages—high tide, medium tide, low tide, and drought—using four different concentrations of glass sand. Experimental results indicated that high tide conditions with a medium amount of glass yielded the most significant growth. In contrast, medium tide conditions showed the highest health decline and variation, likely due to rapid regional weather changes or a general lack of data on the species. We conclude that utilizing glass sand is a safe, effective method for encouraging Saltgrass restoration and stabilizing Gulf Coast shorelines.