Patchogue students spent the summer getting their hands dirty for the village's shoreline.

The Village of Patchogue launched its Student Environmental Certificate Program as a pilot tied to the living shoreline at Shorefront Park.

The program was developed with the Patchogue-Medford School District Climate Action Club and the village's Climate Smart Task Force.

Engineering firm VHB helped develop the pilot and remains involved in monitoring.

It builds on a volunteer event held at the park in 2025.

Students in grades 6 through 12 took part in a series of weekend stewardship events.

The work was hands-on.

Participants removed invasive plants, monitored native vegetation, and collected citizen science data.

They also learned about climate adaptation and mitigation and got an early look at environmental careers.

The data feeds ongoing monitoring of how the shoreline is performing.

For students, the payoff is real-world experience and community service hours.

For the park, the payoff is a healthier shoreline.

A living shoreline is designed to reduce erosion, improve habitat, and strengthen climate resilience along Long Island's coast.

The students' work helps document ecological changes and improve biodiversity at the site.

VHB's Carlos Vargas, a senior coastal project manager and chief of design, said the firm's work does not end when construction does.

He said the program brings the community into the process so the project keeps delivering value year after year.

After a strong first summer, project partners are exploring ways to continue and expand student programs.

The strong turnout showed a real appetite for hands-on environmental education.

The effort has also connected students with potential careers in environmental stewardship, engineering, and coastal resilience planning.