With the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy on the horizon, efforts to bring the Rockaways back to what they once were continue. NY1's Natalie Duddridge reports on how local leaders and volunteers are using plants to ensure that any future storms have less of an impact. 

Students took part in a volunteer program, on Sunday, planting trees and shrubs along the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

Their work is part of an effort to protect the area in the event of future storms and hurricanes.

"It helps our environment, it aids it you know, prevents water damage in case we have another Hurricane Sandy," said a student.

In 2012, the super storm not only wiped out the boardwalk, but the surrounding vegetation as well.

Now that the area has significantly been rebuilt, a number of city and local groups are focused on restoring the plantlife, which they said will help stabilize the sand dunes.

"The roots system really holds the ground together and helps prevent erosion,” said Jeanne Dupont, the Executive Director of the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance.

Project leaders said the program also helps get the community involved in their neighborhood and environment.

It’s also helping students, who are participating, learn more about their surroundings.

"When we have water surges it keeps the water up front, so it wouldn't come inland more. It prevents flooding and water damage," said another student.

Organizers said will also help provide a natural habitat for birds and butterflies, including some endangered species.

"It's good for our beach nesting shorebirds that we work with in the summer, they need protected habitat and the dunes will protect them. There are species like the piping plover, which is a federally endangered species," said Susan Elbin, Director of Conservation and Science at NYC Audubon.

As the vegetation grows, student groups will help nurture and maintain the plants throughout the year and earn community service hours along the way.

"This seems like a fun thing to do to help out, and learn about the environment," said one student.

"A nice way to help the community, just better it, and show what the rockaways is really about," added another participant.

The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance plans to organize another planting in the spring, and welcomes all hands to join them in the sand.