Spicebush Swallowtail/Heffley/July07/USFWS

Garden Visitor/Heffley/July07/USFWS

Zebra Swallowtail/Heffley/July07/USFWS

Impacts of land development within the Chesapeake Bay watershed have had devastating effects on bay ecology, evidenced by the loss of wetlands and the decline in water quality and submerged aquatic vegetation.  Increasing public awareness of the need to restore biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay area and of the individual's role and responsibility in contributing to a healthy ecosystem was the main objective of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge's BayScape Demonstration Garden developed in 2001. 

The refuge is surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River, thus, the way in which the landscape is maintained can affect the health of the bay and our environment.  The refuge's bay-friendly garden includes native plants, a water garden and a living fence.  It demonstrates practical and aesthetic alternatives to lawn-dominated landscapes while maintaining waterfront views.  The garden attracts a multitude of butterflies and other insects, as well as a wide variety of birds. 

The garden was certified on June 13, 2007 as bay-wise by the Master Gardeners of Queen Anne's County.  These master gardeners are associated with the University of Maryland's Cooperative Extension.  Two of the interns involved with the group are volunteers at the refuge and were instrumental in certifying the garden.

To be bay-wise certified a landscape must use environmentally sound approaches including:

• fertilize wisely

• water efficiently

• control stormwater runoff

• mulch appropriately

• recycle yard waste

• manage pests with integrated pest management (IPM)

• plant wisely

• encourage wildlife

• protect waterfront   

In addition to this garden being an example of a bay-friendly landscape, it also proves to be a place of solitude and beauty for all who take time to visit.  The refuge is fortunate to have a small group of volunteers who nurture and cultivate the garden as if it was their own.