On June 24, members of the Northern Neck Master Gardeners’ Shoreline Evaluation Program (SEP) gathered for a picnic at the home of Luellen and Mark Malley outside of Callao to celebrate the 15th anniversary of SEP’s service to the Northern Neck community.
The Malley home was a particularly appropriate location for this event. In 2023, the Malleys asked SEP to conduct an evaluation of their 1,200 feet of shoreline on the Yeocomico River. Since then, both Malleys have become Master Gardener volunteers and Luellen has joined SEP.
Gathering the whole group together at their stunning location seemed a fitting way to recognize a significant milestone in the organization’s history.
The SEP was founded in 2009 in response to a perceived need for objective, science-based advice for waterfront homeowners confronting shoreline maintenance challenges.
After two years of training by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the team embarked on a pilot program to develop on-site experience in real situations by visiting the properties of several MG volunteers.
In 2012, the program went public and started to offer services to the Northern Neck community. Since then, they have conducted evaluations on 375 properties, covering over 28 miles of shoreline and 1,828 acres of land.
The anniversary event was not just a social activity. Twenty team members plus eight new potential recruits participated in an evaluation exercise utilizing the extensive waterfront and diverse shoreline conditions of the Malley property.
Divided into groups led by experienced MGs Deborah Marl, Carol Martin, and Katherine McConnell, everyone rotated through three different and challenging shoreline scenarios, analyzing challenges and possible remedial strategies.
In a round-up session (indoors and air conditioned), options and plant-based solutions that any homeowner could embrace in similar circumstances were reviewed.
“Sharing information and ideas in this way really helps us to develop comprehensive shoreline management strategies for our clients,” said team leader Katherine McConnell. Continuing education, good food, and social interaction came together on a beautiful June day.
To request an evaluation, visit the NNMG website (www.nnmg.org) and click on the Shoreline Evaluation Program. Complete the application and questionnaire and send them, together with a check for $75, to the VCE office at POB 62, Heathsville, VA 22473.
Applications are processed in the order received. Once scheduled, a team of two SEP members will visit the property, conduct a comprehensive evaluation, usually lasting about two hours, that goes over all aspects of stormwater management, runoff issues, and erosion concerns.
Homeowners will receive a report within the following month that identifies concerns and offers recommendations, such as resources to assist in follow-up remediation and the online manual “The Homeowners’ Guide to Shoreline Management.”
For more information, call the Lancaster office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at (804)-462-5780.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodation to participate in this activity, please contact Trent Jones at 804-580-5694/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to discuss accommodation 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Founded in 1989, the Northern Neck Master Gardener Association is a not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to promote and serve the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener Program in cooperation with the Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, and Essex County Extension Offices in fulfilling the educational mission of VCE.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
Northern Neck Master Gardeners – www.nnmg.org
Virginia Cooperative Extension – https://northumberland.ext.vt.edu
Contact: Mary Beane, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Coordinator – mbbeane@vt.edu] – (804) 580-5694