Environmental Stewardship

In 1990, Vulcan's Sanders Quarry became the first site in the country to obtain certification by the Wildlife Habitat Council as a sanctioned, enhanced habitat for indigenous wildlife on corporate lands. Since then, Vulcan has received accreditation for 36 quarry sites containing wildlife enhancement programs.

The Wildlife Habitat Council was developed in 1988 to restore and improve wildlife environments through the help of corporations, conservation organizations and individuals. WHC is a nonprofit, nonlobbying organization that assists landowners in turning unused lands into environmentally safe and flourishing ecosystems.

The Wildlife Habitat Council's Corporate Wildlife Habitat Certification/International Accreditation Program recognizes commendable wildlife habitat management and environmental education programs at individual sites. WHC certification adds value to programs by providing third-party credibility and an objective evaluation of projects.

For more information about the Wildlife Habitat Council, visit www.wildlifehc.org

Vulcan Materials Wildlife Habitat Council Certified Programs:

Vulcan Materials Company
115 Quarry
Wilkesboro, NC USA
Certified since: 1996

The 115 Quarry is located on 359 acres near Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The site is home to groundhogs, foxes, red-tailed hawks, ravens and many other wildlife species. A pond on the site provides fresh water for birds and butterflies, and is home to catfish, bass, bullfrogs and muskrats.

The wildlife team built its certified wildlife habitat program by planting a diversity of wildflowers in previously established pollinator gardens surrounding the main office pond, constructing and placing butterfly boxes around the perimeter of the main office pond and pollinator gardens, erecting purple martin gourds, monitoring bluebird and Carolina wren nest boxes and placing two bat boxes near the main office pond. Nesting structures now include four wood duck boxes and nine bluebird boxes. The pollinator garden includes walkways allowing employees to enjoy watching wildlife.

In the future, the team plans to establish quality habitat for cottontail rabbits and work with the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to increase wild turkey habitat opportunities. Also, the team will develop native grass and wildflower meadows in portions of the property and further engage local schools and community organizations in wildlife habitat enhancement activities.

Vulcan Materials Company
Vulcan/ICA - Southdown Inc.
Brooksville Quarry
Brooksville, FL USA
Certified since: 1994

The Brooksville Quarry consists of approximately 4,000 acres in central Florida, with approximately 40 acres available for wildlife habitat enhancement. Presently, the land has many uses, including 1,300 acres dedicated to cattle grazing and 53 acres of wetland property. The employees focus on various wildlife habitat enhancement goals: provide habitat for native waterfowl; enhance hunting and feeding grounds for birds of prey; create a pond for fish and waterfowl; increase the water levels at the on-site lake; and monitor the new greenway that passes underneath the Florida Parkway.

Nest boxes, platforms and sunning perches were erected for a diverse range of species, including eastern bluebirds, American kestrels, purple martins, wood ducks, barn owls, eagles, ospreys and brown bats. To provide a suitable habitat for birds of prey, employees constructed brush piles and boulder piles, planted three food plots and rotationally mow fields. An old borrow pit was enhanced with logs, brush and native vegetation to provide increased wildlife habitat.

The employees conduct wetlands management on two small water bodies: Genesis Pond and Skinner Lake. Genesis Pond is enhanced with sunken holiday trees for strategically placed fish cover and with turtle loafing platforms. Both lakes are managed to minimize undesirable aquatic plant growth. The site actively works with the Chassahowitzka Interagency Black Bear Working Group to find any signs of black bears in the area and to promote wildlife awareness. The team has not spotted black bear tracks, but has identified raccoon, rabbit, bobcat and turkey tracks.

Vulcan Materials Company
Brownwood Quarry
Brownwood, TX USA
Certified since: 1994

The Brownwood Quarry is a rock quarry located in central Texas. The site consists of mainly grasslands, rock areas and a few man-made lakes. Site employees have identified a great deal of wildlife around the facility. Many birds frequent the ponds and around the office area, and turtles and rattlesnakes have been encountered near the pit area.

The wildlife habitat program was initiated at the quarry when the plant operations were moved to a more remote location. Employees at the site volunteer their time to maintain a successful wildlife habitat program, which focuses on native enhancements and pollution prevention. The wildlife team created a butterfly garden, installed a purple martin apartment and engaged in stocking and feeding fish in the ponds. Since 2002, purple martins have been regularly utilizing the nesting homes.

Ongoing projects include three deer feeders in and around the plant providing food for the local deer population. Additionally, a turtle habitat was created, which consists of a pond with logs and rocks ideal for basking and hiding.

Vulcan Materials Company
Cabarrus Quarry
Concord, NC USA
Certified since: 1993

Cabarrus Quarry is located in Concord, North Carolina. The 10-member volunteer wildlife team manages over 150 acres of the 312-acre site for wildlife habitat. The most dominant habitat types at the quarry are forests and grasslands. The grasslands contain food plots, bluebird nest boxes and space for a Boy Scout camp. The forested area includes a stream corridor, which is the location of an amphibian monitoring program, trails and brush piles.

Employees at the Cabarrus Quarry are active in the Central Carolina Amphibian and Reptile Initiative, which is aimed at studying and protecting reptile and amphibian habitats through active partnerships. Six adults and sixteen Boy Scouts have jointly participated in the initiative. The wildlife team placed over 30 coverboards in appropriate areas throughout the site to observe species and continually monitor for amphibian and reptile activity. In addition, the team maintains a nest box monitoring program. They placed one purple martin condo on-site to increase the availability of nesting sites. Eastern bluebirds also are a target species of the wildlife team. Approximately 20 volunteers participate maintaining and monitoring 27 bluebird boxes each year. The boxes are located along four trails that cover approximately 60 acres. Team members also constructed and placed two bat boxes on-site.

Each year, over 20 groups visit the Cabarrus Quarry for educational classes and site tours. To expand education and outreach potential, the wildlife team began developing a new learning center that will benefit employees and site visitors. Future plans include adding additional signage in various areas of the site to inform employees and community members about their enhancement programs and working with local scout groups to construct a pollinator garden.

Vulcan Materials Company
Dale Quarry
Chester, VA USA
Certified since: 2005

The Dale Quarry, located in Chester, Virginia, is an 188.5-acre property used primarily for the mining, processing and storing of granite. Approximately 20 acres of the property are available for wildlife habitat enhancement activities. Most of this land includes wooded buffer zones that are adjacent to Swift Creek, which runs across the site behind the pit area. Swift Creek provides habitat resources for a variety of species, including many fish such as bass, catfish and perch. The county landfill lies on the western boundary of the site and areas surrounding the facility are primarily residential, with fragments of forests and grasslands.

The first step of the sites's wildlife team was to conduct a site inventory and identify the wildlife species present and the most suitable areas for the focus of enhancement projects. Group walks were conducted to identify the species on-site and a nature trail was constructed to facilitate navigation through one habitat area. Following the inventory, employees identified areas adjacent to Swift Creek as most appropriate for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. To maximize the habitat value of the area, employees and volunteers placed nest boxes along a monitoring trail. Employees worked with Boy Scouts to construct and install eastern bluebird and chickadee nest boxes along the trail. The nest boxes were constructed with predator guards in order to help ensure successful nesting. In addition to the natural food sources provided in this habitat area, employees also added a supplemental hummingbird feeder, two bird seed feeders and food plots of clover.

Vulcan Materials Company
Clear Creek Quarry
Charlotte, NC USA
Certified since: 2001

The Clear Creek Quarry is located on approximately 363 acres, however only approximately 65 acres are currently used to support mining operations. Nearly 300 acres are left available for the employee wildlife team to implement habitat enhancement projects.

A successful eastern bluebird nest monitoring program is maintained with sixteen eastern bluebird nest boxes. During the 2004 breeding season, 26 eastern bluebirds and six tufted titmice fledged from nest boxes. In the 2005 season, employees sighted a variety of bird species in the boxes, including, bluebirds, tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees and brown-headed nuthatches. The team continues to monitor the success of the boxes, and if found unproductive, will relocate them to more active areas. In 2002, the wildlife team created a butterfly garden, which is currently being redesigned. After careful evaluation, it was determined that a pond located in the center of the garden was not holding sufficient amounts of water; therefore this area will be landscaped with plants identified to attract local pollinators to feed and reproduce. In other areas, food plots were planted to specifically attract white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail rabbits to the grassland portions of the property. The plots prove to be very attractive to these rabbits and other small mammals.

A coverboard project was initiated in 2002, in which team members placed boards throughout the site to attract reptiles and amphibians. The project is under renovation, as new boards are placed in strategic locations around the site. Employees will monitor the boards, and the data will be reported to the Central Carolina Reptile and Amphibian Initiative (CCARI). The wildlife team plans to install additional coverboards and continue to monitor reptile and amphibian species, as well as invite local students and scout groups to participate in the project.

Vulcan Materials Company
Dousman Sand and Gravel
Oconomowoc, WI USA
Certified since: 1998

The Dousman Sand and Gravel manufacturing facility is composed of 32 acres of diverse habitat. In 2003, the quarry marks its twelfth consecutive year employees have participated in managing a wildlife habitat enhancement program on-site. The Dousman Wildlife Habitat has progressed into a diverse wildlife habitat that provides a protected ecosystem for many species in Wisconsin. Through the years, several existing wildlife habitat activities have been expanded, while some new and beneficial programs have been added.

One of the major focuses of the 6-person wildlife team has been a naturalization project on the southeastern portion of the property. In this area, a native savanna and prairie is actively managed through natural land grading practices. Other prairie enhancements involve removing non-native species, seeding desirable natives and implementing a prescribed burning program. This portion of the property also contains a leg of the Glacial Drumlin Trail, part of the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile nature path originated in 1971 by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The wildlife team continues to enhance a 40-foot by 50-foot pond and adjoining marshland in the northwestern portion of the property, which was created n 1998. The pond provides habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic species and a central water source for all wildlife. The shorelines were cleared, graded and seeded with native prairie plants. An established prairie has extended to the banks of the pond over successive seasons, providing continuous prairie from the pond to the southern portion of the habitat. There are several indications from tracks around the pond that suggest it is providing a new source of water for animal populations dependent upon a fresh water supply. In addition, frogs, aquatic insects and emergent plants populate the waters.

Additional native flora propagation was recently the focus of the wildlife team. The peripheral property was graded to establish a more natural slope, and native prairie plants were seeded. As the habitat maintains, it is the goal of the wildlife team to maintain habitat consistency, and minimize any disturbance of the habitat's development.

The wildlife team strengthened an existing relationship with the curator of the University of Wisconsin, Waukesha Field Station, Dr. Marlin Johnson. The relationship began in 1967 with the University of Wisconsin's restoration project, a donated 98-acre farmland west of Dousman's wildlife habitat. The field station is a network of trails, native prairie restoration projects and mature deciduous forests. Through the efforts of the site employees, community involvement and Dr. Johnson's efforts, Dousman's wildlife habitat allies are maintaining contiguous nature trails, habitat corridors, and an expanded native seed bank. The continued success of the wildlife habitat on-site is a credit to the employees, curators and conservationists that spend their time to ensure a healthy environment is preserved for the next generation. In the future, the employees will remain committed to utilizing the success of this established program and to participating in the development and implementation of new ideas.

Vulcan Materials Company
Enka Quarry
Enka, NC USA
Certified since: 1992

The 389-acre Enka Quarry, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, consists primarily of forests and meadows. A 6-member wildlife habitat team manages 45 acres that are dedicated to wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Some of this area is maintained as open fields for wildlife benefits and planted with a North Carolina wildlife food crop mix to provide food and cover. The fields are strip mowed to provide habitat diversity and hunting areas for raptors, such as red-tailed hawks and American kestrels. Plots of winter wheat are also sustained to provide a supplemental food source in winter. In addition, three brush piles were established to provide cover for small mammals and birds, and fox dens were erected around the site.

The wildlife team focuses a great deal of time and effort with a nest box monitoring program. Nest boxes were erected in four regions around the property including near a pond, grasslands at the southern end of operations, woodlands near the eastern end of operations and areas surrounding the employee office building at the western end of operations. Five bluebird boxes were installed and are regularly monitored. In 2004, native birds utilized four of the boxes. Twenty-seven birds fledged during the 2004 nesting season, including tree swallows and eastern bluebirds. In addition, two owl boxes were established in the recovered areas of the quarry. The wildlife habitat team also erected butterfly boxes near the employee office area. Future plans include constructing and placing additional nest boxes in newer areas to support a greater diversity of wildlife.

Vulcan Materials Company
Geronimo Creek Quarry
Mico, TX USA
Certified since: 2001

The Geronimo Creek Quarry is located 40 miles from downtown San Antonio and covers approximately 326 acres, of which 10 acres are available for wildlife habitat enhancement. Most non-production areas on-site are covered with desert shrub and scrub habitat and host many cedar trees and cacti.

The employee wildlife team focuses on species-specific wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Employees place hummingbird feeders in trees and bushes around the office area and install artificial nesting structures for bluebirds and bats. Purple martin houses were erected with the dual purpose of providing nesting habitat and helping to control populations of mosquitoes and other flying insects without the use of pesticides. The wildlife team also plants wildflowers, including Texas bluebonnet, around the site entrance and office area.

Site employees regularly maintain the nest boxes and recently partnered with a local Girl Scout Troop to install additional bluebird nest boxes. A wildflower meadow project was initiated in the spring and features a rock wall to prevent cattle from entering and damaging the meadow habitat. Future plans for the project include reseeding the area and the installation of a small pond.

Vulcan Materials Company
Gold Hill Quarry
Gold Hill, NC USA
Certified since: 1992

The Gold Hill Quarry is located on approximately 430 acres in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Seven quarry employees assist in habitat enhancement and preservation activities on 113 acres available for wildlife habitat management. Projects at the site incorporate nest box monitoring for cavity-nesting birds, maintaining food plots, planting wildflower gardens to attract butterflies, securing amphibian and reptile coverboards and conducting a survey of threatened and endangered species.

Employees monitor sixteen bluebird and five wood duck nest boxes on-site. After each nesting season, the wildlife team evaluates the nest monitoring data and determines if any of the nest boxes should be relocated to enhance productivity. White-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and beavers are regularly spotted on quarry property and the wildlife team made an effort to provide resources for these species. The team members planted three food plots throughout site to provide additional food sources for doves, wild turkeys and other wildlife. Species planted in the food plots include clover, oat, millet and rye. The 1,800 square-foot wildflower garden maintained at the quarry entrance area consists of day lilies, abelia and rose of Sharon.

Future plans for the site include replanting an area with native apple trees and pear trees, reseeding deer and turkey food plots and expanding the nest box monitoring program to include other species such as purple martins, through a partnership with local Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops. In addition, the wildlife team will review the findings of the threatened and endangered species survey and adopt programs to enhance the habitat of any identified species. The wildlife team also looks forward to full participation with the Central Carolina Amphibian and Reptile Initiative Coverboard Program, which is aimed at compiling data concerning the occurrence and abundance of amphibians and reptiles in the watershed. This will be accomplished by expanding partnership opportunities with program participants such as Davidson College, Pfeiffer University and Gray Stone Day School volunteers.

Vulcan Materials Company
Graham VA II Quarry
Lorton, VA USA
Certified since: 1991

Employees at the Graham Virginia II Quarry continue to manage over 150 acre of the 450-acre property for wildlife. As the quarry has continued to grow, team members persisted in their efforts to plant vegetation suitable for local wildlife to graze. These plantings have increased on-site populations of white-tailed deer and wild turkey. The team also planted over 2,000 native trees, including loblolly pines, white pines, common apple trees, Leyland cypress and persimmon trees. In addition, team members created a new berm where they planted an assortment of wildflowers.

Community members are engaged with the wildlife team in various ongoing projects. Local Boy Scouts help with bridge building, trail maintenance, osprey management and tree plantings. Vulcan has received many awards for this site recognizing their efforts for enhancing the environment and community involvement. In 2003, the quarry was awarded the Community Relations Award by the Virginia Aggregates Association and Special Recognition for Environmental Excellence by ARTBA. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association presented the quarry with numerous honors, including the 2004 Community Relations Community Achievement Award, 2004 Gold Environmental Eagle Award for Excellence, 2003 Silver Medallion for Outstanding Achievement in Community Relations and 2003 Showplace Award in the About Face Program.

Vulcan Materials Company
Grand Rivers Quarry
Grand Rivers, KY USA
Certified since: 1996

The Grand Rivers Quarry, one of the largest stone producing quarries in the U.S., is located in western Kentucky near the confluence of the Cumberland, Tennessee and Ohio rivers. A large community volunteer and employee wildlife team manage 800 of the site's 2,500 acres for wildlife habitat. Numerous habitat types are found within the wildlife area including wooded corridors, meadows, wetlands, ponds, riparian areas and rights-of-way. Habitat enhancements performed by employee volunteers include rotational mowing of fields, controlled burns, erosion control, and the creation of brush piles and food plots for quail, turkeys, deer and rabbits while protecting species on-site from poachers. The wildlife team also added a nest box monitoring program for geese, bluebirds, wood ducks and purple martins.

A milestone achievement for the wildlife team was reached with the reintroduction of American bison to a section of the property returned to native prairie habitat. The herd is doing well and nine new calves were born last spring. The bison are a natural wonder for the nearby Livingston County Trails System and Wildlife Viewing Area.

The Corporate Lands for Learning (CLL) program at the Grand Rivers Quarry make the most of the learning opportunities available at the site while allowing students to build a proficiency in both the Kentucky and the National Education Standards, upon which the CLL curricula are based. The wildlife team works with local teachers to develop site tours for science classes that focus on wildlife habitat and other aspects of ecology. A nature trail was constructed to facilitate these tours. Approximately 100 tons of rock was used in the last few years to improve the walking trails, in addition to newly built footbridges. An unused building on-site was renovated to create an environmental education center.

Students and visitors learn about both the natural and historical background of the quarry and how changes and enhancements affect the environment and economy. Vulcan employees demonstrate to visitors the integration of math, language biology and chemistry skills for managing the land, and students have the opportunity to try their hand at interdisciplinary activities as well. The Vulcan team even delves into the rich cultural history of the region by discussing the nearby Mississippian mound. Middle school students study the interdependence of plants and pollinators, while high school students engage in a hands-on water quality monitoring program. Students also have the chance to observe the herd of American bison on-site.

Vulcan Materials Company
Grayson Quarry
Loganville, GA USA
Certified since: 1995

The Grayson Quarry encompasses approximately 750 acres and is east of Atlanta. The goal of enhancing habitat for native species is particularly important since construction of 600 new homes began on surrounding properties. Beyond the addition of new residential development, the surrounding landscape is primarily mixed hardwood-pine forest and small agricultural communities.

The wildlife team manages a variety of habitat enhancement and natural resource conservation projects. The primary goal of the wildlife program is to enhance the site for native wildlife including deer, fox, bluebirds, ducks, quail, doves, squirrels and rabbits. Currently, the five-member wildlife team focuses its efforts on continuing their successful nest box monitoring program and maintaining the site's wildlife food plots.

The nest box monitoring program, which began in1995, now includes ten nest boxes scattered throughout the Grayson property. Six of the boxes are situated near the employee office facility, two boxes are located along a wooded trail and the remaining two boxes were placed along edge habitat existing between the woods and food plots. The employees selected these locations based on their proximity to water, cover and food resources. A food plot program was also initiated in 1995. The wildlife team annually seeds six wildlife feed plots with a combination of clover, wheat, corn, cabbage, squash, native grasses, wildflowers and a wildlife mix. The plots are mowed according to a rotational mowing regime that allows for ample cover resources for wildlife.

Vulcan Materials Company
Hendersonville Quarry
Hendersonville, NC USA
Certified since: 1995

The Hendersonville Quarry, located in western North Carolina, consists of approximately 165 acres and employs 21 people. Areas surrounding the quarry property are predominantly rural and include a residential retirement community. The 11-member wildlife team manages 30 acres of the site as wildlife habitat. Much of the undeveloped portions of the site are mixed hardwood and pine forests, grassy fields or are actively maintained within a powerline right-of-way.

Within the habitat management areas, rotational mowing is used as an open field management practice to increase food and cover for small mammals and ground-nesting birds. In 2000, the wildlife team reclaimed an area near the pit by planting tall rye grass on the slopes to provide cover for wildlife and reduce erosion. During the reclamation, the wildlife team added a new basin and ditch to create a new water source. The team also builds rock piles and brush piles to create shelter for wildlife and plants oak trees for future wildlife food sources. Artificial nesting structures for bluebirds are also on site. The program has increased from two bluebird boxes in 1992 to 11 bluebird boxes and four wood duck boxes today. The nest boxes are located along a 1/2 mile trail covering a diversity of habitat types. Three ponds located on the property are stocked with fish, and wood duck nesting structures are in place around the pond perimeters. A butterfly garden was planted and is regularly maintained.

The wildlife team developed an outstanding Corporate Lands for Learning (CLL) program that demonstrates contributions industry makes to the environment. The program provides habitat workshops for homeowners, along with a site-based environmental education program and science curriculum for kindergarten through the 12th grade. The students begin at the learning center, a 1,200-square foot classroom built by the wildlife team from donations from the community. The students walk the 1.3-mile nature trail where they engage in activities such as nest monitoring, identifying trees and looking for wildlife clues such as scat or tracks. The trail overlooks the mine so students can study rock layers and learn about health, safety and environmental requirements of quarry operations. One of the large trucks used to haul rock to the processing area is driven to the overlook to give students a close-up view. The site also reaches out to its partner schools supporting the Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science program by providing native plants and expertise for schoolyard habitat restoration projects. In addition to working with many local school districts, other learning partners include the Boy Scouts of America, Blue Ridge Community College and Greystone Retirement Community.

Vulcan Materials Company
Vulcan Construction Materials, LP
Jack Quarry
Petersburg, VA USA
Certified since: 2005

The Jack Quarry consists of 780 acres, with approximately 460 acres of forestlands and grasslands available for wildlife habitat enhancement initiatives. The remaining 320 acres are used for mining, production and offices. The entire site is bordered by residential development, with a one-acre mowed lawn and a wooded hill between the main office and the adjacent highway.

Numerous employees at the Jack Quarry are involved in habitat projects at other WHC Certified Vulcan locations. These employees worked together to form a wildlife habitat management plan in 2004, to enhance and preserve biodiversity on-site, create opportunities for employee participation and expand positive community relations. To reach these expressed goals, the wildlife team established one-year, three-year and five-year goals within the wildlife habitat management plan. During the first year, the team decided to focus on creating pollinator habitat, identifying species on site and achieving habitat program certification. In addition to maintaining and monitoring original projects, three-year goals include creation of a nest box monitoring program and a nature trail. In five years, the wildlife team plans to create expansive wildflower meadows in unused field portions of the site.

Throughout June and July 2004, the wildlife team designed and created a pollinator garden and a small pond area at the quarry entrance. The main flowerbed was planted adjacent to the office building and a gravel walkway leads to a small pond behind the building where there are a variety of trees and shrubs, including loblolly pine. The entire area is approximately 40-feet-wide and 120-feet-long. The gardens feature over 30 different species of flowering plants, which were selected based on their color, height, size, type of bloom and blooming time. There are no invasive, exotic species planted in the garden, and employees actively monitor and maintain the gardens. Employees already observe painted ladies, common buckeye butterflies, cloudless giant sulphurs, yellowpatch skippers, pipevine swallowtails, red tailed bumblebees and ruby-throated hummingbirds frequenting the new pollinator habitat.

Vulcan Materials Company
Vulcan Construction Materials, LP
Lawrenceville Quarry
Freeman, VA USA
Certified since: 2003

The Lawrenceville Quarry encompasses 662 acres, of which approximately 43 acres are currently dedicated to habitat enhancement for the benefit of local wildlife. The employee wildlife team maintains habitat projects and develops the site's wildlife habitat management plan.

The wildlife habitat management plan set forth the goals and prescriptions for creating a 2.2-acre forested wetland and a 38-acre wild turkey habitat, with the provision that an additional 40 acres will be enhanced in the future. The forested wetlands are located on the southeastern edge of the property. This portion of the site is planted with native species to provide food for wildlife, and bird boxes are placed along the perimeter to provide cover for cavity-nesting species. The area is bordered by a tree line with two adjacent ponds that provide water resources for local species.

An extensive wild turkey habitat exists on the Lawrenceville property and is located on the northwestern edge of the permitted area. In accordance with the management plan, employees planted the area with native species conducive to the food chain of wild turkeys and other birds. Species such as millet, crown vetch, clover and soybean were part of the seeding mixture. The area is surrounded by a tree line, which provides shelter and roosting areas for the wild turkeys. From 2004 to 2005, the wild turkey habitat was expanded an additional 10 acres and continues to be monitored for growth success. Robinson's Creek, which crosses the eastern portion of the property, provides a source of water for the birds.

Local school students and scout groups often visit the Lawrenceville Plant to participate in wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Students visit the site to monitor the bird boxes for activity and the wetlands for plant and tree growth. Over the next three years, the team plans to expand wild turkey habitat areas, install raptor perches in field areas, place wood duck boxes around the pond, expand the nest box monitoring program with the assistance of local Boy Scouts, incorporate basking structures and water tolerant plants into the pond and plant a pollinator garden on each end of the property.

Vulcan Materials Company
Liberty Quarry
Liberty, SC USA
Certified since: 1992

The Liberty Quarry sits on 600 acres of forests, fields and man-made lakes. Approximately 200 acres of the site are managed for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. The surrounding areas are mainly rural with some residential areas.

A nest box program was started in 1992. Nest boxes for eastern bluebirds and wood ducks are located in several locations around the site. Nesting structures were built in cooperation with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. All of the boxes are in close proximity to water features and woodland areas to provide adequate habitat for the birds. In 2005, a number of the nest boxes were relocated due to construction activities on-site. A purple martin gourd structure was constructed and erected with assistance from local Boy Scouts. The structure successfully attracted a colony of purple martins, which will return to the same nesting site each year.

The wildlife team also provides on-site forest stand management. Loblolly pines are thinned and native oak trees are planted to provide cover and mast-producing species for deer and turkey. Food plots are planted in six different locations of the site to provide supplemental forage for wildlife. Native species, including clover, wheat, grasses, and wildflowers are planted in the food plots.

A mile-long nature trail takes visitors through the various habitat features found at the site. The trail passes several nesting structures, food plots, and a one and a half-acre pond. The trail has been used by hundreds of people since its construction in 1995. Future plans call for the addition of informational signs along the trail, creation of a segment of trail to access a waterfall, conversion of an area near quarry facilities to a pollinator garden, and construction of a floating nest platform in the nature trail pond to provide protection for nesting Canada geese.

Vulcan Materials Company
Midwest Division
Macon Sand & Gravel
Decatur, IL USA
Certified since: 2006

Employees and volunteers at Macon Sand and Gravel, an actively mined sand and gravel pit located in Macon County, Illinois, are committed to being responsible land stewards and neighbors by enhancing the unused portions of the site for wildlife. Of the total 380 acres of land, the active pit encompasses 55 acres, 222 acres are active farmland and at least 40 acres remain available for wildlife habitat. The goal of the site's wildlife team is to increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife on the available acreage.

Beginning in 2004, the team conducts annual inventory walks to assess the property and record observations of wildlife. Small and large gardens were planted with native plants in order to provide beneficial habitat for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The team also installed two bee twig bundles to enhance the gardens specifically for bees. In addition to providing habitat for pollinators, the wildlife team strives to increase native bird and bat populations by installing artificial nesting and roosting structures. After selecting the appropriate location by considering nearby food sources and the territorial nature of birds, the team constructed and erected four nest boxes for eastern bluebirds. The boxes are monitored at least once a week during breeding season and cleaned and repaired annually. In addition, two bat boxes were placed near the wetland area of property and are monitored regularly. In the wetland area, the team noticed an overabundance of the non-native Phragmites, or common reed. In order to eliminate the invasive plant, herbicide is carefully applied to the plants and the dead stalks are mowed. Following the complete eradication of the common reed, the team intends to plant native wetland vegetation in its place.

Vulcan Materials Company
Madras Quarry
Newnan, GA USA
Certified since: 1994

The 270-acre Madras Quarry is located in western Georgia, southwest of Atlanta. The employee wildlife team manages approximately 155 acres of woodlands and fields. The program includes nest box monitoring, creating food plots, installing raptor poles and thinning timber. The latter provides food and cover for wildlife including deer, birds and small game. Native birds use artificial nesting structures built by the Newnan High School Band Boosters.

A second timber management project was implemented on six acres in the northeast corner of the site. The wildlife team chose this area for its proximity to an existing project for Southern Select Forestry Services, Inc. on adjacent property. An area was thinned to allow healthy crown development and promote herbaceous growth on the forest floor. Trees having timber or wildlife value were marked and retained under the supervision of a registered forester. This area is managed via basal management methods. In addition, Vulcan intends to provide access for deer and wild turkey to more open lands north of this project area.

Vulcan Materials Company
Manassas Quarry
Manassas, VA USA
Certified since: 1991

The Manassas Quarry is located on approximately 342 acres in Prince William County, Virginia. Of the total facility, over 70 acres have been enhanced and preserved as wildlife habitat. Enhancements initiated by the eight-member wildlife committee include the maintenance of a nest box monitoring program that targets eastern bluebirds, purple martins, American kestrels, nesting waterfowl and native pollinators. Employees began the nest box monitoring program in March 1991 to provide additional habitat components to native cavity nesting species. The program currently includes 21 bluebird houses, one wood duck nest box, one purple martin apartment, two American kestrel boxes, two floating platforms and one butterfly nest box. Employees find assistance with program monitoring and maintenance activities from local neighbors and a Boy Scout Troop.

A nature trail, which is regularly maintained, is one of the highlights of the wildlife habitat program. The trail was built around a pond that has abundant bird activity. Red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds and goldfinches are some species that have been spotted along the trail. The trail begins with a hummingbird memorial garden dedicated to past employees. The nest boxes along the trail are used as educational tools to show visitors how to maintain and monitor boxes successfully for nesting birds.

Vulcan recognizes the importance of maintaining wildlife habitat on-site and works to develop environmental awareness for schools and the community. Many scouts have had the opportunity to obtain their Craftsman, Geology or Habitat badge while working with the wildlife team at the quarry. The successful results of the butterfly garden inspired the Virginia Native Plant Society to participate in butterfly monitoring on-site.

The Corporate Lands for Learning (CLL) program at the Manassas Quarry teaches students about the compatibility of wildlife and industry. Students are given an introduction to the quarry and the wildlife area. An on-site nature trail provides students with the opportunity to learn about bluebirds and how to monitor the nest boxes. The students also view the hummingbird garden and butterfly garden containing native wildflowers that attract pollinators.

The CLL team works closely with local teachers who use the site to fine tune the education offerings to the Virginia State Standards for Learning. The site also supports local schools' efforts to naturalize their school grounds by providing both technical assistance and native plants for habitat enhancement projects.

Vulcan Materials Company
Pineville Quarry
Charlotte, NC USA
Certified since: 1993

The Pineville Quarry is located on approximately 300 acres in Mecklenburg County. About 10 acres are available for the creation and maintenance of wildlife habitat enhancement projects. The 4-member wildlife team at the Pineville Quarry maintains the site's existing bluebird nest boxes and subsequent monitoring program. The bluebird nest monitoring program, initiated in 1993, has become a vital component of the site's overall enhancement goals. Employees placed bluebird nest boxes along a 6-acre tract adjacent to the facilities entrance road and in areas around the Plant's main office. In 2004 10 young fledged at the quarry.

The wildlife team also monitors Canada geese populations nesting throughout the property. The annual monitoring of Canada geese activity was initiated in 1995. The nesting area, which produces the most Canada geese activity, is adjacent to the fishpond by the quarry's main office.

In 1995, the wildlife team planted a wildflower garden to attract butterflies to the site. Due to their diligent efforts, two wildflower gardens have matured considerably and now meet habitat requirements of many butterfly species. To ensure the presence of water for pollinators and vegetation, the team incorporated an irrigation system in the project. The diverse native wildflower species planted was recommended by a local expert and have proven successful in attracting the butterflies to the quarry.

Vulcan Materials Company
Puddledock Plant
Prince George, VA USA
Certified since: 2002

The Puddledock Plant consists of approximately 850 acres, with over 400 acres currently set aside for wildlife habitat management and educational activities. A variety of habitat conditions are found at the site, including a freshwater marsh adjacent to the Appomattox River on the northwest portion of the property. There is also woodland habitat created by previous reclamation efforts.

After forming a wildlife team and conducting an initial species inventory, Puddledock employees created a wildlife habitat management plan with a number of outlined enhancement goals. One of the team's major goals for the first year involved the creation of an earthen dike along the western boundary of the Appomattox River. A berm was created and seeded with a seed mix that provides favorable food for wildlife. A large percentage of the berm was overtaken by invasive species, leading the wildlife team to revegetate the area. New water features will also be incorporated near the project site.

Other projects identified and implemented by the team include successful wood duck and bluebird nest monitoring programs and a bird banding program. In addition, the team created a pollinator garden just outside of the scale house. The wildlife team at Puddledock works with a variety of local school groups, including their adopted school, Walton Elementary. School groups visit the site and are given tours, which include a discussion of the site's wildlife habitat enhancement goals.

Site employees also contribute to off-site projects, and participate in a partnership with the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River. Site employees helped create a handicap-accessible nature trail along the Appomattox River and were recognized by Prince George County Commissioners for their efforts. The Puddledock trail is part of a larger trail that will extend 25 miles along the river.

Vulcan Materials Company
Red Oak Quarry
Red Oak, GA USA
Certified since: 1995

The Red Oak Quarry wildlife habitat program continues to grow providing habitat for numerous species and enjoyable surroundings for employees and visitors to the 220-acre site. While the surrounding urban environment continues to develop, the Red Oak quarry and one of its larger neighbors have dedicated large areas to natural habitat.

Since its first certification in 1995, the wildlife team (ten employees) has established a nest monitoring program and a food plot program. Nest box sites were carefully selected to incorporate a water supply, food sources, and a wooded area for nesting supplies and protection. Eastern bluebirds and squirrels use the nest boxes. The quarry has an active duck and geese population attracted by the site's numerous lakes and settling pond areas. A goose nesting platform in the pond area has resulted in the fledging of young annually. Ducks and geese are attracted to the lake and settling ponds. There are three food plots on the site, which provide food and cover for many wildlife species in the quarry. The plots are seeded with a mixture of wildflowers, clover and wildlife mix.

An overlook area was built on the edge of the quarry pit. This overlook pavilion is used during school tours and is equipped with bulletin boards to post educational information about the quarry. Landscaping activities around the overlook aid in dust and erosion control and also provide food and cover opportunities to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Vulcan Materials Company
Western Division
Reliance Rock-Irwindale Asphalt/Azusa Rock
Irwindale, CA USA
Certified since: 2003

Reliance Rock-Irwindale Asphalt/Azusa Rock is located just east of Los Angeles, California. Past mining activities in the east quarry required relocation of Fish Creek, a small stream that is the primary drainage of Fish Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. However, mining in the west quarry required a further stream relocation. Rather than channelize the creek, as was often done in the past, Vulcan opted to return the creek to its pre-mining configuration and restore its biological and hydro-geomorphological characteristics. The decision reflected sensitivity to community concerns regarding protection of Fish Creek and its watershed, and restored public access to Fish Creek Canyon and waterfall.

To accomplish this large-scale project, Vulcan enlisted the guidance of specialists in a number of fields that include planning, engineering, revegetatio, permitting and construction. Wildlife biologists and botanists, in conjunction with engineers, specialists and employees, developed a habitat restoration plan for the creek. The plan replicates the native aquatic habitat with features including riffle pool and boulder bar complexes. Emergent wetland, riparian and upland chaparral habitats were created along the stream corridor. The plan also provides for the reestablishment of woodland and native shrub plant communities that existed prior to mining.

The project provides a key link in the creation of habitat and recreational opportunities in the corridor that exists between the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The project is also a first step in the greening of the San Gabriel River. Native vegetation is expected to cover 90 percent of the project area within the next five years. The project also restores a controlled amount of public access to Fish Canyon, which is a popular spot for nature hikers within the San Gabriel Mountains. Environmental education is a crucial aspect of the project. The site holds annual wilderness hikes to raise public awareness about the San Gabriel River and its tributaries. The team will continue to maintain and expand habitat in and around Fish Creek, while seeking other opportunities for partnerships and educational outreach.

Vulcan Materials Company
Richmond Quarry
Richmond, VA USA
Certified since: 2006

The Richmond Quarry is situated in a heavy industrial section of Richmond, Virginia. The 136-acre quarry lies along the James River and is bordered in part by a railroad, petroleum pipelines and pumping stations. Because of the industrial dominance of the area, a habitat enhancement program on the property is crucial for the success of regional wildlife.

The site wildlife team designed a plan to increase biodiversity on the property by implementing enhancement projects and linking existing habitats to provide a stable, more diverse ecosystem. The plan set forth the creation of a 25-acre forested wetlands and a restoration project along the James River. During the first year, bird feeders and nest boxes were installed and a pollinator garden was planted. Approximately seven volunteers participated in these habitat projects and continue to help with monitoring and maintenance. The wetlands were also surveyed and documented on the company permit map. The wildlife team is currently working to incorporate the wetland areas into the habitat management program.

The Richmond Quarry wildlife team will continue to demonstrate its commitment to wildlife conservation. Future plans include the construction of a trail, the development of an environmental education program and the planting of native trees and grasses along the James River.

Vulcan Materials Company
CalMat Division
River Rock Plant
Fresno, CA USA
Certified since: 2002

Wildlife management has been actively pursued at the River Rock site since 1988. Approximately 30% of the site has been preserved as wildlife habitat and the mined lands are being reclaimed as wetlands and wildlife habitat as well. Mining and reclamation activity on site will ultimately recreate approximately 800 acres of historic wetlands and wildlife habitat along the San Joaquin River Parkway.

The site is in the center of the 22-mile long San Joaquin River Parkway, which has been under development since 1988. The River Parkway Trust works with landowners and public agencies to permanently protect sensitive riverbottom lands and acquire public access points for the Parkway. It is anticipated that much of the River Rock reclaimed property may become part of the planned 6,000-acre Parkway. The development of the parkway is based on goals to preserve, protect and restore natural resource values of the river corridor and to provide public use of the river without adverse effects on these resources. The San Joaquin River below Friant Dam supports a variety of wildlife and a diverse riparian forest that is over one-half mile wide in some locations.

Reclamation to restore high value wildlife habitat provided a seamless blending of preserved and restored habitat. A native plant nursery was developed on site for diverse species of native plants that are used for reclamation projects. The native plant species have been selected to supplement and diversify the natural recolonization of the habitat.

Employees play an essential part in the wildlife habitat management program. For example, mining equipment operators and pit truck drivers report wildlife observations and protect species that nest and visit the site. Environmental education, through bird counts, nature walks, teacher workshops and community participation are important components of the River Rock site's habitat management program as well.

Within the property limits, River Rock also includes Rank Island, which contains one of the last remaining old growth stands of native mixed riparian woodlands and oak woodlands along the San Joaquin River. The 300-plus acres protected on Rank Island provide valuable habitat for a diverse group of plant and animal species including one of the largest great blue heron and great egret rookeries in California's Central Valley.

Most recent habitat enhancement activities include attracting wildlife around the office complex by adding a water feature and nest boxes and participating in the development of the San Joaquin River Parkway by planting native trees and developing nature trails.

Vulcan Materials Company
Rockingham Quarry
Rockingham, NC USA
Certified since: 1992

The 1,300-acre Rockingham Quarry dedicates 210 acres of the property to wildlife habitat enhancement. A volunteer employee wildlife team oversees a number of habitat types including grassy meadows, woodlands, and natural and constructed wetlands.

The wildlife team continues to maintain its bluebird, chickadee and wood duck nest boxes. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are partners in the installation and monitoring of nest boxes on-site. Boxes that are damaged or weathered are replaced and any that show low activity are relocated to areas known to have desired species occurrence. The habitat management program was expanded to include food plots and butterfly gardens. The gardens were planted with native wildflowers and perennials, which attract various species of butterflies and pollinating insects. A rotational mowing schedule was developed to maintain both tall and short grass foraging areas for wildlife. Food plots provide supplemental native vegetation for wildlife species, such as deer, turkey, quail and rabbits, all of which are found at Rockingham Quarry. Additionally, the artificial wetlands support species such as catfish, bass, brim, shell cracker, turtles and waterfowl. A small population of mallard ducks takes residence at the pond as well. Rockingham employees often invite members of the community to visit the pond and participate in a catch and release fishing program.

Employee volunteers are presently working with local business owners and scout groups to establish a nature trail on-site. Vulcan employees, school groups and local residents will use the trail to discover the natural beauty and diversity of wildlife in North Carolina. It will also allow visitors to traverse 62 acres of the property, including viewing points that will highlight habitat along Hitchcock Creek and the pond.

Vulcan Materials Company
Royal Stone Quarry
Rockville, VA USA
Certified since: 1994

The Royal Stone Quarry is comprised of 223 acres, with 20 acres available for wildlife management. There are three ponds on-site as well as open fields, streams, mowed lawns and a forested area. The wildlife team performs various enhancement projects for the benefit of wildlife, plant personnel and the community.

Habitat efforts include two butterfly gardens that are continuously improved to maximize the potential for pollinators. The plants used in the garden are exclusively native to the area and invasive species are controlled. Team members encourage an increased presence of birds on-site through the addition of six feeders in strategic locations near the wildflower gardens, scale house and shop. Bluebird nest box monitoring is continued with counts and cleaning activities throughout each nesting season. All employees thoroughly record and report sightings throughout the quarry. The inventories are used to adjust the locations of boxes to increase productivity if necessary. A wildlife communication station was created in 2004, where employees can find books, magazines and articles about animals and the environment.

Wildlife team members also continue efforts to keep the pond areas clean. Water samples are taken and analyzed to assure a proper balance for wildlife populations that use them as water supply and breeding ground. Turtle and duck nesting platforms are very successful, attracting painted turtles, herons, mallards and kingfishers.

A three-acre nature trail is maintained on the property and allows employees and community visitors to enjoy the efforts of the enhanced wildlife habitat. Animal track displays are mounted on posts throughout a section of the trail, offering information to visitors touring the trail. Tours are given to local school children through the year and some are designed for teachers and adult nature lovers.

Vulcan Materials Company
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Birmingham, AL USA
Certified since: 2003

Vulcan's Corporate Headquarters, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is situated on leased property. The employees adopted an off-site, public area in order to participate in a WHC Wildlife at Work program. Vulcan employees volunteer their time at the nearby Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, a unique 1,000-acre nature area, creating, enhancing and monitoring wildlife and education projects. The partnership expanded with the park's acquisition of 450 acres of abandoned mining property. Vulcan assisted in improving the mine for safe and suitable wildlife habitat and public access.

Employees assist in a seasonal inventory of wildlife species on-site. The inventory is used to formulate and adjust the habitat management plan, which is designed to restore, create, protect and enhance native habitat and to manage individual species on the property. The wildlife team also plans to work with adjacent landowners to improve habitat on their properties, creating a greater quality of habitat and biodiversity in the region.

The 16-member wildlife team erected and continues to monitor 20 nest boxes, with predator guards, for several species of songbirds. Gray and red fox habitat is enhanced with artificial dens and mowing is reduced in areas with ground nesting and dwelling species. Invasive species are controlled along Ruffner Mountain's Buckeye Trail and in the old mining camp field. Resources available to the public like the picnic area and access roads are also maintained.

The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center presents "Living Mountain Programs" for all ages that focus on such topics as botany, eco-awareness and natural history. The Vulcan Education Advisory Team, now entering its fifth year, facilitates a Corporate Lands for Learning (CLL) program developed in collaboration with the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, Birmingham Public Schools, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Community Outreach Development.

This comprehensive program integrates learning opportunities at Ruffner Mountain with classroom curricula and hands-on activities in the sciences. Teacher training programs are also implemented to ensure program quality and sustainability. These same programs will also be available to private schools visiting the Center. The program uses hands-on field study, mentoring and journaling to explore topics such as forest and land interaction, wetlands formation, and organism interactions with their environment. The program also explores the ways rocks and minerals contribute to the area's human history and their influence in determining plant species found on the site.

Vulcan Materials Company
Sanders Quarry
Warrenton, VA USA
Certified since: 1990

The Sanders Quarry, located 35 miles west of Washington D.C., encompasses approximately 400 acres of land including fields and deciduous forest that attract a wide variety of wildlife. Field areas are maintained in various successional stages to provide food and cover for small mammals and songbirds. Nest boxes for songbirds, such as eastern bluebirds, are installed throughout the property.

Since 1990, a main focus of the wildlife habitat program at the site is wild turkey management, and involves the efforts of six to ten employees throughout the year. To maintain wild turkey habitat, employees focus on establishing water resources, maintaining six one-acre food plots and actively monitoring the population size and overall health of the active wild turkey population. Three of the food plots are planted with red clover and orchard grass while the other three are maintained as winter wheat. Mowed pathways connect the different food plots while facilitating the seasonal inventories, habitat utilization and movements of the wild turkey on-site.

Vulcan Materials Company
Shelton Quarry
Pelham, NC USA
Certified since: 1992

The Shelton Quarry includes a 35-acre wildlife habitat area within the 340-acre property. The site consists of forests, fields, landscaped areas, two ponds and a production area. The volunteer employee wildlife team at the quarry maintains wildflower gardens, plants seasonal wildlife food plots, and monitors avian nest boxes. The gardens contain crepe myrtle, red honeysuckle, butterfly bush and a wildflower mix. In addition to the maintenance of native butterfly habitat, site employees provide hummingbird feeders near the gardens. A wildlife seed mix containing millet, clover, sorghum and lespedeza is planted each year in several areas around the site to provide winter food sources. Additional food plot species are added periodically and include buckwheat, red clover and alfalfa. These areas are also strip mowed twice a year.

Employees monitor and maintain nest and roost boxes for eastern bluebirds, wood ducks, squirrels, Carolina wrens and bats. Several years ago, a local Boy Scout Troop assisted the Shelton wildlife team in constructing eight nest boxes and helped erect the boxes around the site. The employees also maintain two wood duck nest boxes adjacent to a pond area on-site. Efforts at the Shelton Quarry were recognized with the North Carolina Department of Labor Sentinel of Safety Award. The site also recently applied for an Environmental Eagle Award given by the National Sand, Stone & Gravel Association.

Vulcan Materials Company
Smith Grove Quarry
Mocksville, NC USA
Certified since: 1993

Vulcan Materials Company's Smith Grove Quarry is located in the western piedmont geologic province of North Carolina, approximately 25 miles west of Winston-Salem. The total property consists of 247 acres, with about 54 acres dedicated to wildlife habitat improvements and education-related activities. Since 1992, employees have accomplished important wildlife habitat enhancement goals such as increasing native biodiversity, education and community involvement through the dedication of over 50 employees and volunteers. In addition, several other objectives have been integrated to the plan. A viewing area was constructed over an active mining pit in order to increase the site's potential to educate students about Vulcan's specialty, geology. This allows a safe way for visitors to see mining operations first hand while learning about local animals and their living requirements. This also reinforces the notion that wildlife and industry can co-exist in the same habitat.

In addition, two butterfly gardens were created and expanded, ensuring adequate food and cover for resident pollinators. Food and cover opportunities were enhanced through native plantings. Instead of simply using a monoculture ground cover to meet land quality and erosion control regulations, a mixture of native grasses and grain is used for ground cover. This mixture has demonstrated excellent erosion control, is perennial, low maintenance and provides food and cover for a variety of the systems inhabitants. The site also has an ongoing monitoring program, with special attention being paid to nesting species and hatchlings. Currently, employees monitor two wood duck boxes, seven bluebird houses, one kestrel nest, thirty-five purple martin houses, one squirrel box and one bat box.

The Smith Grove Quarry is the home of the first Project Wild education site in the state of North Carolina and has over the past three years hosted hundreds of students from the Pine Brook Elementary School and others in the Davie County School District. In spring 2002, every fifth and eighth grade student in Davie County had the opportunity to experience all aspects of this innovative hands-on, minds-on program that challenges them to apply not just classroom science concepts to a real-life field study, but to apply math and language skills in real-world problem solving as well. To ensure productive learning experiences for students and long term sustainability at the site, Smith Grove Quarry offers teacher training programs with the North Carolina Department of Education.

The recent expansion of this program, which now provides educational outreach to more than 900 students each year, was made possible through Vulcan's partnership with Davie County Schools, Davie County Commissioners, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Davie County Soil and Water Conservation District and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Eagle Scouts also regularly use the facility. In July 2002, the site hosted an annual 4-H Enviro Camp for two-dozen children and adults over a three-day period. Visitors to the site can participate in a wide variety of educational opportunities, including learning about fossils and natural history from a Vulcan geologist and participating in a real fossil dig, studying plant propagation and habitat restoration and participating in an aquatic biology study.

Vulcan Materials Company
Spicewood Plant
Spicewood, TX USA
Certified since: 2002

The Spicewood Plant wildlife team established a wildlife management plan in order to effectively manage 30 wildlife acres for local native species. The plant is located in the heart of Texas, in the rugged limestone escarpment known as the Hill Country. The plant property, which encompasses approximately 330 acres, is approximately 40 miles northwest of Austin, Texas. Although the lifespan of the quarry is 30 years, operations at the plant are still in the early stages, and therefore much of the property contains potential for wildlife habitat enhancement. A creek that runs east to west through the southern half of the Spicewood property provided additional wildlife habitat enhancement opportunities.

Caliche slopes of calcium carbonate and thin soils dominate the light to heavy brush country, along with prickly pear cactus, mesquite, mountain cedar, live oak and ashe juniper are often found within this region. By enhancing the habitat on-site, wildlife team members hope to create a bond with neighbors and surrounding community leaders. In doing this, wildlife team members feel that they will improve overall employee and community environmental education as well as enhance and create habitat opportunities for wildlife. Team members began this process by creating a pollinator garden with native wildflowers and constructing a nature trail for wildlife viewing and species inventory activities.

The one-acre pollinator garden provides an area large enough to attract several species of butterflies and hummingbirds. It includes feeders for squirrels, hummingbirds and other bird species and a purple martin house. In addition, wildlife team members installed a bat house in the garden. Future plans for the wildflower garden will focus on maintaining the flower species and providing a water source for wildlife species.

Vulcan Materials Company
Stafford Quarry
Garrisonville, VA USA
Certified since: 1991

The wildlife habitat program at the Stafford Quarry is an integral part of the daily operations at this 450-acre limestone quarry located near Garrisonville, Virginia. All of the site's 27 employees are involved in the program and assume responsibility for implementing, maintaining and monitoring the various wildlife projects.

The team began a tree planting program along with establishing butterfly and hummingbird gardens. A local wildflower expert provided advice on species to plant in the gardens. Additional food and cover sources for small mammals and other songbirds are available at the various food plots that were planted with orchard grass, alfalfa and clover. Ten nest boxes placed around the on-site trail also provide areas for eastern bluebirds and Carolina chickadees to hatch and raise their young. Raptor perches were incorporated and are often frequented by turkey vultures. Employees also completed pond enhancement projects such as installing wildlife feeders and adding a fountain to increase the pond's ability to maintain oxygen levels.

Plans for the site include completing a 15-acre berm project and seeding the area with native grass and shrub vegetation. This area will provide a buffer around current mining operations. The wildlife team is also looking into expanding their partnerships with area schools to provide educational activities through an "Adopt-A-School" program, which would bring additional students into the wildlife area.

Vulcan Materials Company
Stockbridge Quarry
Stockbridge, GA USA
Certified since: 1992

The Stockbridge Quarry consists of 240 acres of wetlands, woodlands and open fields. The total property encompasses 810 acres with approximately 400 acres of wildlife habitat maintained by the entire quarry staff. Employee volunteers at the site maintain a nest box monitoring program, plant vegetation to attract pollinators, seed wildlife food plots seasonally, and help with pond enhancement and stocking activities.

Artificial nesting structures, which were constructed with the help of local children, were placed in cleared fields and along woodlines for bluebirds and on open water for wood ducks. There are now a total of 23 boxes being monitored and cleaned on a regular basis. Numerous eggs are documented in the nests each season and several fledglings are produced as well. Employees also monitor Canada goose nests in the wetland areas.

In addition to the nesting structures, food plots consisting of brown top millet, sunflowers, buckwheat, clover, and corn, provide supplemental food for wildlife. The plots are maintained, plowed and reseeded regularly by a group of five quarry employees. The wildlife team continues to develop relationships with local schools and community groups, providing tours of the site and wildlife habitat information.

Vulcan Materials Company
Uvalde Quarry
Uvalde, TX USA
Certified since: 1996

Employees at the Uvalde Quarry maintain 1,000 acres of the rural 3,700-acre site as native Texas brush land habitat. Projects at the Uvalde Quarry include management programs for wild turkey, quail and deer. The wildlife team uses goats and cattle in a rest rotation grazing pattern where grazing occurs during about six months of every year. This method of range management allows native grasses to grow and leaves ground nesting grassland birds undisturbed during the breeding season. Managing brush and woody plants with grazing animals benefits the environment by eliminating the use of herbicides and provides habitat and food resources for native plants, animals and birds.

South Texas brush habitat can support only a limited density white-tailed deer population. The lack of primary predators to control the population presents a problem in the area. To protect the fragile environment from overgrazing, the wildlife team sponsors archery, black powder and rifle harvesting of the deer during the last four months of the year. In addition, the team maintains a cactus garden, which includes new flowering perennial plants such as red and white salvia that attract hummingbirds and other songbirds. Cactus imperiled by mining and haul road operations on other parts of the site are transplanted into this garden.

Due to the site's remoteness and proximity to the border of Mexico, many species of neotropical birds, such as the groove-billed anni, reach their northernmost distribution at the quarry. The team maintains a stocked fishpond with a sustainable naturally breeding fish population. Over the years, the team added brush piles into the pond that fish use for cover and breeding. The structures help foster a healthy fish population. Employees often spot bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions and native songbirds, as well as black bears, a rare mammal in Texas. To promote knowledge of the management activities, the team conducts annual tours of the quarry and the wildlife habitat with school and business groups. An overlook with a pavilion and picnic table provide a tremendous view of the Trans-Pecos area of Texas.

Vulcan Materials Company
Villa Rica Quarry
Villa Rica, GA USA
Certified since: 1998

The Villa Rica Quarry is located on 350 acres about 40 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. The quarry is surrounded by rural residential development, with a high-density residential community located south of the property. Approximately 100 acres of the site are used for the crushed stone operation and the remaining 250 acres are used as buffer property available for wildlife enhancement activities. Specifically, the buffer areas include a large creek, natural outcroppings, hardwood and pine forests and the remains of an historic grist mill. Of particular note is the riparian forest area that lies in a valley along the Dog River between the quarry and the southern property boundary; this area includes the mill and a well-known scenic point along the river.

The goals of the wildlife habitat program are to enhance the site for native wildlife and share these resources with the community, primarily through educational opportunities. The wildlife enhancement areas are added attractions that offer an excellent learning experience for school children who visit the quarry for tours. In addition, employees maintain an active nest box monitoring program, erected raptor perches, preserve pollinator habitat and annually plant wildlife food plots. The nest box monitoring program includes eastern bluebird boxes, owl boxes, squirrel boxes and waterfowl nesting tubes and platforms. There is also a 3/4-mile nature trail that traverses the property and is regularly used by employees and visitors