MBC goes green, native
Mary Baldwin College is saying good-bye to some of its grass to go green this fall. Representatives from National Resources Conservation Service, Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, and others joined MBC staff for a campus tour on Wednesday that focused on the first phase of a long-term project that will introduce native grasses and flowers on several acres.
“The objective is to bring together the right thing to do environmentally with an economically viable way of maintaining campus grounds,” said Bruce Dorries, assistant professor of communication and project organizer. “They can be learning labs, and, in some communities, tourist destinations.”
A half-acre plot atop Cannon Hill — near the President’s House — is already being prepped for planting in early spring by Grounds Supervisor Jeff Wagner and his crew. By summer, the area could sport tall, colorful sunflowers as a cover crop for other native plants that will fill in during the coming years.
Bobby Whitescarver, NRCS district conservationist, emphasized that patience is key for the project, which will not reach “full bloom” for approximately three years. When the plants do take hold, though, passers-by can expect to see medium to tall grasses such as switchgrass and big bluestem, and flowering plants such as aster, goldenrod, and blazing stars.
The project is funded by the Natural Resource Conservation Service, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and continues a federal program that has re-introduced 200 acres of indigenous grasses and flowers in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. A similar federal program has encouraged local farmers to plant nearly 3,000 acres of native vegetation on their land.
Many technical details remain to be worked out, but the college is confident that, when established, the sites will improve the environmental impact of the campus, minimize the need for routine maintenance by the grounds crew, provide an extension of many classrooms, and attract tourists and visitors.
“There’s no quick-fire solution, but we can do lots of things to go green,” said Steve Grande, MBC director of civic engagement.
