Transplanted from the cornfields of the Midwest over 25 years ago, this farmer’s daughter continues to be amazed by the powerful force of the ocean.

Summer visitors experience the sunny, warm days at the beach with rolling waves, salty breezes and hungry seagulls. They stroll the shores at sunrise or sunset for a moment of reflection to explore deep thoughts or drift in daydreams. Seldom do they see the seaside as anything but idyllic.

But when the northeast winds blow, a powerful force is unleashed. The waves plow ashore driving tides to all-time highs, kicking up rocks and debris. The constant pounding can destroy streets, erode sands, flood neighborhoods. It’s a destructive yet natural force to be respected. At its scary, violent peak, a storm coming off the ocean is a sight you won’t forget.

While the ocean is powerful, it is also frighteningly fragile and vulnerable. All too easily by man’s neglect or ignorance, the beach, water, sealife and shoreline habitat can be stunned into sickness. Contaminants don’t discriminate, making it hard for even the strong to survive.

As a coastal community, protecting our precious ocean is paramount. It’s the genesis of our livelihood, our reason to be. But the busyness of daily life tends to crowd our minds and we forget to care. That’s what “Seas the Day” is all about at Beach Grass.

Our business is a showcase for creativity that has been inspired by the beauty and fun of coastal living. To that end, our mission is to remind all who marvel at the sea and the shore that it needs our constant attention.

We are supporting members of The Ocean Project (www.theoceanproject.org) The Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org) The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (www.thekennebunkportconservationtrust.org) and The North American Sea Glass Association (www.seaglassassociation.org). We encourage you to visit these websites and learn about their good works as well as the environmental challenges.

When you visit Beach Grass, look for the Green Thumb’s Up logo on the eco-friendly products we sell. We’re proud to be an outlet for artisans and eco-thinkers bringing life to recycled goods, like the Seasodies, decorative fish made from plastic soda bottles. We also experiment with all the green home care products we sell before they get the “thumb’s up” seal of approval.

Long ago, I traded the “amber waves of grain” for the “chilly waves of Maine.” I know for a fact, from the heartland to the seashore, there’s no place like Home. Take good care.

Glenna Turner, owner of Beach Grass