
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, November 7, 1993                   TAG: 9311070142
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROADWAY WILDFLOWERS HAVE UNFORESEEN BENEFITS

The state Department of Transportation began planting wildflowers along roadways as a way to cut mowing costs, but officials are crediting the practice with producing other benefits as well.

"If people are loving that field of purple coreopsis, they might think twice about throwing out that McDonald's wrapper," department spokeswoman Mary Anne Reynolds said. "We believe the color and vibrance of the wildflowers can reduce the tedium and monotony of driving and might improve safety."

Planting wildflowers saves the state $150 an acre in mowing expenses each year, although planting costs cut into the savings, Reynolds said.

Virginia currently plants 300 acres statewide and will double that acreage next year, she said.

The department has gotten fan letters about the program, including one from a motorist who appreciates the wildflowers along Interstate 66.

"One can't help but smile and try to imagine that you're on a hilltop in the Austrian Alps rather than really sitting in stopped traffic," the motorist wrote.

The natural-look concept is a marriage of budget cuts and ecology concerns.

Tighter government budgets mean less money for mowing, and a more natural landscape is cheaper to maintain and requires fewer chemicals.

Environmentalists say wilder growth offers better food and cover for insects, birds and animals, as well as improved filtering of storm runoff.

"Why not have a little bit of yellow, blue and red along our landscape, instead of a massive putting green?" asked Edward Mainland, a Fairfax environmental activist. "It's a good deal cheaper, too. Nobody loses."

Some county park systems and municipal governments also are adopting the natural approach, which doesn't please everyone.

Park officials hear some complaints from neighbors that meadows will bring snakes, rats and weeds.

The officials say snakes and rats are unlikely, and that people should be more tolerant of mice, which are nocturnal and not aggressive.

"There is a balance that can be achieved," said Olin Allen, environmental services manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority. "But we'll never satisfy everybody."

by CNB