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.
Related posts:
- Waynesboro native escapes shooting rampage Story by Chris Graham A Waynesboro 20-year-old was among those who narrowly escaped today’s deadly shooting rampage on the campus at Virginia Tech. Alec Calhoun,...
- Valley loses native son Story by Chris Graham The Shenandoah Valley is down one hero. Jason Redifer, a native of Augusta County and a 2003 graduate of Stuart Hall,...
- Harrisonburg native exhibiting artwork at EMU Item by Jim Bishop An exhibit of recent blown glass vessels by Harrisonburg native Ryan Mellinger, currently of Seattle, Wash., will be on display in...
- Green dorm near completion at EMU The long-awaited new environmentally-friendly residence hall, Cedarwood, is nearing completion at Eastern Mennonite University. The facility, which replaces the 40-year-old Oakwood residence, will meet basic...
- A quest called Tribe: W&M fighting NCAA over use of Native imagery Story by Chris Graham If Florida State can use an almost cartoonish Native American as its mascot, reasons the administration at the College of William...
