Photos of the Week

As shown here, crews are planting 180,000 beach grass sprigs to help trap windblown sand and secure the sand dunes.  Using an auger, a worker drills a hole in the sand, and other workers follow along with a dab of fertilizer, the grass shoot and a stick to push the sand back in the hole.  The grass and sea oats were planted this spring along both sides of newly installed sand fencing, adjacent to the existing dune line.  Over time, the beach grass will grow, catching sand and building the dunes.  The sand fence also will trap sand and help grow sand dunes, and the grass will stablize the results.   The City of Myrtle Beach received 1.1 million cubic yards of sand during last fall’s beach renourishment, and the new beach grass and sea oats are the final touch.  By the way, it’s illegal to damage or disturb the beach grass, sea oats, sand fencing or the sand dunes in any way.  A violation is a misdemeanor, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail.