Chicago volunteers plant grass to stabilize sand

November 14, 2009 (CHICAGO) Saturday's planting will create a 2.7-acre habitat on the northern portion of the beach.

The volunteers put in Merriam grass, which will form deep roots and help stabilize the sand.

Two-thirds of the $1 million project is being paid by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Chicago Park District, the University of Chicago, and the Indiana Nature Conservancy are also joining in the project.