THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610260083
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: COASTAL JOURNAL
SOURCE: Mary Reid Barrow
LENGTH: 91 lines
After Dr. E. Spencer Wise passed away in 1995, I wrote that whenever I thought of him, I thought of Spartina, a marsh grass.
Although most people might choose to be remembered by something more glamorous, say a rose, I wrote that Dr. Wise would probably be pleased that I remembered him hand in hand with Spartina because it meant I had learned his lessons well.
Long before most of us even knew what the word ``wetlands'' was, Dr. Wise was educating us to protect our reedy shorelines that also are so vital in protecting us. He often spoke of the cordgrass along the water's edge called Spartina alterniflora, and its inland partner, saltmeadow hay or Spartina patens, as though the grasses were his friends.
He let us know in no uncertain terms the importance of these strong plants that buttress the marsh, combating erosion, filtering out pollution and minimizing flooding.
Dr. Wise never missed an opportunity to teach us about wetlands. In an unofficial capacity he would educate folks by speaking at civic groups or just button-holing an interested person on the street corner, in the hallway or at a meeting.
Of course, he also taught about the value of wetlands in his environmental science and biology classes at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. In addition, he educated the first Virginia Beach Wetlands Board about marshes, appearing before them often to cajole the group into making ``wise'' decisions.
In fact, he helped draft the state legislation that set up Wetlands Boards in localities around the state and then also worked for legislation to protect the freshwater wetlands in our southern watershed.
And on Wednesday a marsh at the Virginia Marine Science Museum that Dr. Wise would have been especially proud of was dedicated in his memory. Friends and admirers gathered on one of the bridges along the Owls Creek nature trail to unveil a plaque that recognizes him as an ``early advocate for Virginia Beach wetlands.''
The original marsh along that section of the creek was disturbed years ago when it became the home of the city's dredging operation and maintenance facility. When the museum expanded and the facility moved, the marsh was restored by museum volunteers and members of the city's volunteer Habitat Enhancement Committee, who planted many of the grasses there now, sprig by sprig.
It's especially fitting that the committee, along with Langley & McDonald, the engineering firm which worked on the museum expansion, and the museum chose to honor Dr. Wise with this particular marsh, one restored by volunteers. The pristine new wetlands stand as an example of just how much we have learned about the importance of marshes since Dr. Wise began guiding us gently along almost a quarter of a century ago.
Wednesday, the Spartina alterniflora in the Wise wetlands was still green and lush, standing tall as the high tide covered its roots and periwinkle snails climbed its stalks. This Spartina (from the Greek for ``cord'') is so strong and its roots so matted that it can withstand pounding waves in stormy times. Unlike many other coastal plants, Spartina alterniflora also is able to withstand daily doses of salt water from the tides because it has the capacity to shed salty ``tears'' to rid its system of excess salt.
The new cordgrass in the Wise marsh also is important to the food chain. This winter, the grasses will turn brown and break down over time, becoming little little bits of nutrition known as detritus upon which crabs and other small critters feed.
In spring new sprouts will emerge from the roots lending a fresh green look to the coastline. This expanse of lush green grasses is what provoked diarist George Percy to write ``faire meddowes'' when he described our area in 1607.
Spartina patens, second in command of the shoreline, is seen just above the high tide line along Owls creek. It doesn't look at all like alterniflora. With weak stems, patens is susceptible to wind and waves and falls over when disturbed, lying languidly in thick mats that look like ``cowlicks.'' Its common name, saltmeadow hay, comes from the days when colonial farmers let their cows roam in the marsh to feed.
Because of this cowlick look, Dr. Wise once named a cat he owned, Spartina patens. That's how familiar he was with these grasses.
As Anne Henry of the Habitat Enhancement Committee remarked at the dedication, the ``S'' in Dr. Wise's name should stand for Spartina, rather than Spencer.
It was altogether an event, but more importantly a wetlands, that Dr. Wise would have enjoyed.
P.S. The interior dike system at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge will close Friday and remain closed until March 1 to protect wintering waterfowl. The northern 1 1/2 miles of the refuge, all 4 miles of beach as well as the Bay, Seaside and Dune trails and Sunset Point Outdoor Classroom will remain open seven days a week. The refuge beach will continue to provide access to False Cape State Park. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MARY REID BARROW
On Wednesday, a marsh (left) at the Virginia Marine Science Museum
was dedicated in the memory of E. Spencer Wise (above). by CNB