North-End Geotube Project Continues with the Planting of Dune Grass

The neat rows of dune grass atop the reconstructed dunes at Waverly Beach appear far too thin to withstand the elements, but in the coming months, they'll multiply and help hold the new dune system in place.

The plantings represent the final stage of a project to replace sand wiped out by a November 2009 nor'easter. Buried beneath the dunes are "geotubes," massive cylinders of plastic fabric stuffed with sand. The geotubes provide a foundation for the new dune system.

Beach access is still blocked by yellow police tape, but when Tri-State Dredging finishes its work, the city will replace the stairs and ramp in the spring.