New Hampton rescue

The native plant rescue team had beautiful weather for a rescue in Hampton on Sunday, April 24. The site is next door to the National Institute of Aerospace, not far from where the team conducted a series of rescues a few years ago before Commander Shepard Boulevard was extended. Like those, the rescue was arranged by NIA employee and native plant champion, Lise Schioler.
With only six people working, the team managed to fill a wagon and a truck with rescued material, including spice bush, wax myrtle, hearts-a-bustin’, cranefly, jack-in-the-pulpit, highbush blueberry, pawpaw, royal fern and various other ferns. We were hoping to return the following weekend, but thunderstorms were forecast.
Most of the rescued plants will go toward two projects that have recently requested material. One is a six-month, ongoing restoration project at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge on the James River being coordinated by the Virginia Master Naturalists in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The other is a partnership with York County Schools developing native plant and pollinator gardens.
We just learned that we will have more opportunities in the coming weeks to rescue at this location. Please contact us if you're interested in helping!