Wetlands Improvements

The James River Association is partnering with Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC to conduct wetlands improvements in Cumberland County, Virginia now into 2028. This new program is being achieved through grant funding by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation to cover wetlands improvements and educational outreach in the Piedmont region of the watershed.

This grant program is currently accepting ongoing applications from interested landowners who have potential sites on their land that have any of the following characteristics:

• Property located in Cumberland County (required)
• Contains any presence of water (stream, pond, puddle, spring) within a floodplain
• Contains any evidence of prior wetlands (low areas, ditches, etc.) that could be improved

To apply, complete this interest form »

Program questions? Contact VAvernalpools@gmail.com

What are wetland improvements?

The services offered under this funding opportunity include the restoration, enhancement, and/or creation of riparian wetland ecosystems. A prime example of these wetland ecosystems include vernal pools – a small, temporary, wetland that forms a pool during the wet season and typically dissipates during droughts.

Other examples of restoration include replanting native trees & shrubs, removing non-native invasive species, stream enhancements, and conserving other types of existing wetlands.

Why do wetland ecosystems matter?

Wetland ecosystems are a powerhouse of ecological benefits. They:

• Stabilize stream banks reducing erosion and improving water quality
• Slows & stores floodwaters which recharges groundwater and reduces flooding
• Provides food & shelter to a diverse group of wildlife species compared to other habitats
• Acts as a migration corridor for birds

Vernal pools are a unique type of seasonal wetland often found in riparian landscapes and have become rarer due to their loss from land development, agriculture, or pollution. In addition to the other ecosystem benefits they provide, these ecosystems support rare wildlife and plant species that are uniquely adapted to vernal pools and can’t survive in other habitats.

Wetland ecosystems are a rich source of habitat that are essential in water quality protection and wildlife conservation.