RECLAMATION SUCCESS

Graham Quarry

The Quarry has won numerous other awards such as ARTBA National Globe Award, NSSGA Community Relations Achievement, Virginia Aggregates Community Relations, NSSGA Silver Environmental Eagle Award, and Showplace Award.
 

Employees and community members, including residents from a neighboring retirement community, Westminster at Lake Ridge, help manage over 150 acres of the 450-acre Graham VA II Quarry for wildlife habitat from monitoring nest boxes, planting butterfly and hummingbird gardens as well as planting over 2,000 native trees. For nearly ten years, the residents of Westminster have been an integral part of the wildlife habitat management programs at the quarry. They monitor nesting structures for eastern bluebird, purple martin, American kestrel and wood duck. The volunteer team also monitors and protects naturally occurring nests of killdeer that have been located throughout the site. The wildlife team maintains butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and provides food and cover for local species.

An Osprey typical of those found on site

A site berm and adjacent open field area was planted with rye, clover and orchard grass to provide food and cover for white-tailed deer and other wildlife. The team also works with local Boy Scouts on a number of projects. The projects include bridge building, clean up and general maintenance of trails, osprey management and tree plantings. Local schools regularly tour the facility and learn about the native species that frequent the area such as quail, eastern bluebirds, American kestrel and white-tailed deer. Channel 9 WUSA (Washington, D.C.) aired a special segment on the site during the evening news featuring the volunteer habitat program and Vulcan's dedication to the environment and community.