Tagged: wetlands

A History of Our War With Plants

  “I use only native plants, native to the planet Earth.  I am using indigenous plants; they are indigenous to this part of the universe.” Bill Mollison, Founder and Director of The Permaculture Institute     In the Beginning… Let’s begin with the obvious:  we live within an ever-changing ecosystem.  Europeans came to North America more than four centuries ago, cutting trees, planting fields, building homes and roads.  Native Americans also cut trees, built homes, planted fields, hunted, and lived...

Phragmites in Local Wetlands- Updated

  “… despite its bad reputation, Phragmites provides many benefits that are generally unknown and unappreciated. After studying salt marsh ecology and the impacts of stressors, including invasive plants, for many years, I have concluded that removing this invasive species wherever it is found – especially along vulnerable coastlines – is a very expensive and often foolish procedure.” Dr. Judith Weis, Professor Emerita in Biological Sciences Rutgers University   Historically, Phragmites Are Part an Important Part of the Ecosystem Our...

A Preface to “Protecting Our Waterways”

Our featured article, “Protecting our Waterways and Wetlands,” is written by Sean Seid of the James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection Division in partnership with the James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association. This preface is by Elizabeth McCoy, Master Gardener, Tree Steward, and JCCWMG Website Contributor. It has been my pleasure to know and work with Michael Woolson, Senior Watershed Planner with James City County’s Office of Stormwater and Resource Protection (SRP), since late 2017 when he and...

Protecting our Waterways and Wetlands: James City County’s Stormwater and Resource Protection Division

  If you enjoy all the wonders our waterways and wetlands in James City County offer, we have great news to share. By implementing simple best practices, you can protect your view, preserve your yard, safeguard wildlife, and help improve local water quality. In this article,  we will explore the significance of the County’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO), a set of regulations that apply to all properties in James City County, and the steps you can take to be...