THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 22, 1995 TAG: 9502220398
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DEBBIE MESSINA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
The Navy is looking for some help to recreate a wetlands area at Oceana Naval Air Station that was destroyed in the 1950s by a borrow pit operation.
Civilian and military volunteers are needed to plant about 5,000 freshwater wetland plants and 1,000 trees Saturday at an Oceana pond.
The rehabilitative effort is sponsored by the naval air station and the Virginia Beach Habitat Enhancement Committee. The Navy paid $3,000 for the planting material, and the habitat committee is lending its expertise and membership.
``We try to be good stewards,'' said Brian Hostetter, natural resources manager at Oceana. ``We own a lot of property across the United States, so we want to take care of the land in the best means possible.''
Volunteers are asked to meet at the picnic area near the main gate off Oceana Boulevard (across from the Navy Exchange) at 9:30 a.m. Continuous shuttle service will be provided to the pond restoration site.
Volunteers are urged to wear waterproof boots and bring gloves. All planting tools will be provided. Because planting conditions are difficult, the project is not well-suited for children.
``It's basically a mud hole,'' Hostetter said. ``It's kind of tough to move around in.''
Work will be done rain or shine.
To participate, call Hostetter at 433-3438. by CNB