St. Margaret Regional School students are receiving hands on lessons about the natural world as they study a saltwater marsh in Onset this spring.

Cathryn Seafuse and Grace Ripley of Wareham are taking part in the school’s Environment Enrichment Science Project. The program puts students to work on the Agawam River allowing them to learn more about its natural habitats.

For the project, students measured the salt marsh and a nearby creek. Students found that an invasive species, phragmites, is preventing a saltwater tidal flow into the marsh. Students said they are hopeful that officials will dig out the creek in June, which would allow the saltwater to flow again.

Students at the school have been doing field studies on the Agawam River for 12 years. Other environment science projects include submerged aquatic vegetation and vernal pools.