Located in the northern Shenandoah Valley and straddling the boundary between Frederick County and Winchester City, the Abrams Creek Wetlands (ACW) have been known to birdwatchers and botanists for four decades. More than 180 bird species have been noted by Shenandoah Audubon volunteers. Research by undergraduates in Shenandoah University’s Environmental Studies Program – in collaboration with the Virginia Natural Heritage Program – showed that 20 state-rare plant species live in the ACW. No other comparable limestone-associated wetland in the Commonwealth has as many. Since 1999, Shenandoah University students and faculty have presented these findings at annual meetings of the Virginia Academy of Science.
As adjacent property was converted to residential neighborhoods, efforts to protect the wetlands began. The Opequon Watershed, Inc., (a citizens’ organization) worked with Dr. Woodward Bousquet (professor of environmental studies and biology at Shenandoah University) to guide developers and the City of Winchester in establishing the Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve. Developers delineated the wetlands portions of their properties and set them aside them as open space. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department agreed to manage these parcels. Dedicated in 2003, the 25-acre Preserve became Winchester’s first formally protected natural area.
Environmental education programs – several led by Shenandoah University undergraduates – interpretive signs, and public field trips followed. The Abrams Creek Wetlands now attracts over 30,000 visits annually. It sits on the Winchester Green Circle, which is a walking-bicycling route being constructed around the city.
To coordinate community volunteers and further promote public understanding of the Preserve’s special ecological qualities, the Winchester-Clarke Garden Club took a lead role as club members formed a partnership with Winchester City and Shenandoah University. In 2019, this partnership earned state and national recognition. Two firstplace awards totaling $37,000 will help implement the property’s management plan and educate school children, residents, and visitors.
The partnership won the Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award ($7,000) at the state level from the Garden Club of Virginia. After a national competition, the Garden Club of America presented its first-place Founder’s Fund Award ($30,000) to the partnership. Club members and other volunteers are working with Parks and Recreation Department staff and Dr. Bousquet to remove aggressive plants. The awards will also fund an audio walking tour, observation platform, “good neighbor” booklet, brochure, and community celebration.
A plaque from the Garden Club of America will be dedicated in October 2020 to recognize the significance of both the Abrams Creek Wetlands site and the collaborative work that continues to manage, protect, and promote this special place. When organizations, government agencies, scientists, and citizens pool their energy and expertise for the public good, our communities thrive. Submitted by Woodward S. Bousquet