2024 Green Grants Award #9 Goes to the James Monroe Memorial Foundation

Congratulations to the James Monroe Memorial Foundation for their $500 Green Grants award!

Virginia offers some of the richest historical areas in the country.  Virginia’s Northern Neck Peninsula is the “birthplace of our nation” with three of the first five American presidents being born there.  The James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum is a project of the James Monroe Memorial Foundation, which was established by the descendants of President James Monroe. The efforts of the project have come to fruition with the establishment of the Visitors Center and the completion of the Birthplace Home, along with the park’s various activity trails. The Commemorative Timeline Walking Trail is the heart of the park, which is free and open to the public.

The Green Grant award will offer support for a longtime problem with litter on the property.  In the early 1900s, the area was used to harvest gravel and dump refuse. There are still depressions that retain water. There are collections of tires, ceramics, and general trash along the perimeter. Besides being unsightly before the trees have foliage, it is a safety hazard to wildlife and visitors.

Green Grant funds will be used to purchase supplies for trash removal, gloves for workers’ safety, and a permit required to recycle tires, metal, and plastics.  It will also be used for topsoil and grading after removal of debris. Great care is being taken not to disturb the soil because of erosion prevention and possible future archeological studies.

This large-scale cleanup will be a coordination of different groups because it such a labor-intensive endeavor.  Hunters, watermen, and naturalist will be recruited to use ATV and small tractors to help with hauling.  The Foundation will work with local government, historical societies, and civic groups as well.  The efforts are also in line with Audubon and Wildlife reserve programs along the Eastern migratory route.

Beautiful things can happen when caring people come together to tackle litter and improve the scenic landscape.  Tourism, local economy, and civic pride will benefit from the improvements made by the James Monroe Memorial Foundation.