Connecticut Sea Grant, located at UConn’s Avery Point campus, announced that it has been awarded $125,000 in federal funds for initiatives to make the community more resilient in the face of climate change.

“The funding will support the UConn Climate Corps program that advances locally based climate change adaptation activities and involves a service-learning component for Climate Corps students,” according to a news release. “It will also be used for projects that contribute to the restoration and management of Long Island Sound habitats that protect communities from flooding and storm damage.”

The National Sea Grant College Program announced the award, which was part of $4.2 million awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to Sea Grant programs across the country.

In addition, an initiative with the U.S. Coastal Research Program was announced that is providing $3.9 million for resilience projects that apply coastal research findings in 10 states.

The funding for Connecticut Sea Grant will be used to enhance the Climate Corps program, a course offered at the UConn Storrs campus since 2017. Students learn how climate change is impacting local communities and participate in service learning opportunities working with cities and towns.

“The funding will also be used for projects by CT Sea Grant and UConn extension staff focusing on outreach and conservation of habitats such as salt marshes and species such as oysters that can buffer the effects of rising sea levels and intensifying storms,” according to the release.