5 years ago
Usually we just report the news, but now, we're getting our hands dirty here at Channel 9.
9 News' Stacey Cohan has been reporting on the problems in the Chesapeake Bay, and now she's helping us and you become part of the solution.
Stacey Cohan's report
Okay, we're planting bay grass today. That's right, smack in the middle of the channel 9 lobby.
We have two lamps. We've decided to do our part to help the Bay. Grasses are a key part of this troubled body of water. They help filter pollution and are home to young fish and crabs.
Peter Bergstrom works with NOAA, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He says about one-third of the bay grasses are now gone.
So Peter and Stephanie Hunt, with the NOAA Restoration Center, are helping us grow more grass for the Bay. It's something they hope families, offices and schools will do to help restock the water.
It's not that tough. You take the 20-gallon tub, clip on the lights and fill it up.
NOAA provides all the gear including three trays for our grass.
Then you just poke holes and drop in the buds. This is Sago Pondweed.
There are about 60 buds in here, they were grown in laboratory.
Once you're done planting, just cover the tray and lower it in carefully so the sand and soil don't get washed out.
And there it is.
The kit also comes with a filter and a heater. The water should be about 72 degrees. In our case, NOAA provided all of the equipment and information on upkeep, which pretty minimal.
NOAA believes if everyone helps a little, the future of the Bay will be a lot brighter
Just like the sun, these lamps will help our grasses grow right here in the lobby of WUSA TV9.
In about eight weeks, we'll head out to the Chesapeake Bay to plant them.
Click on video to See Stacey Cohan's report.
Written by Stacey Cohan
