Rising sea levels and weather-driven storm surge threaten to inundate low-lying coastal communities and ecosystems. This is becoming increasingly problematic for people, property, and the economy. In Florida, unusually high tides and moderate to heavy rains routinely cause coastal flooding, costly disruptions to communities, and public health and water quality challenges. Teacher Chris Simoniello took action with local St. Petersburg K-12 students through a stewardship project funded by the NOAA Climate Stewards Education Project.
![Two people reach down into shallow water. In the background, others are holding marsh grass. (Image credit: Chris Simoniello, NOAA Climate Steward) Two people reach down into shallow water. In the background, others are holding marsh grass.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/2021-06/simoniellophotoforknack.jpg?h=8a208561&itok=IPaCGYby)
Students in the Lakewood High School Aquatic Management Systems and Environmental Technology career program help students at Bay Point Elementary School plant marsh grass in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Image credit: Chris Simoniello, NOAA Climate Steward)