Contact: Carol Smith The advanced biology classes at St. Margaret's School are working on "saving the Chesapeake Bay." Working in conjunction with Bay-friendly organizations including Meadowview Biological Research Station (Bowling Green, VA), Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, students are learning about this important environmental issue. Through Meadowview, advanced biology classes are growing yellow pitcher plant, a carniverous plant, in the classroom and simulating natural conditions in order to investigate what breaks seed dormancy in this plant. The yellow pitcher plant is a threatened wetland bog plant that is facing habitat destruction. Students will further their knowledge of aquatic plants and help to restore the Bay, as they begin growing submerged aquatic vegetation in the classroom beginning in January; they will be responsible for monitoring these plants throughout the spring. Once the plants become viable they will be planted by St. Margaret's students in beds throughout the Chesapeake Bay. "This is a watershed-wide restoration effort to return the Chesapeake Bay to the pristine environment that it was when Captain John Smith first sailed into the waters years ago," says SMS advanced biology teacher, Andrea Robinson. To further the goal of Bay restoration, students are also growing oysters at Garrett’s Marina in Bowler’s Wharf. They are monitoring the oysters throughout the school year and are providing the Virginia Institute of Marine Science with data to be used in ongoing oyster research. Oysters are vital to the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem because they filter out sediment, algae and toxins from the water, thereby contributing to a healthier environment for bay plants and animals. These oysters will also be deposited on oyster sanctuary reefs in the spring. In addition to these restoration efforts the students have learned much about the importance of wetlands to the Bay on a "marsh mucking" adventure where they were able to "get their hands dirty." St. Margaret's may also host a forum on the problem of phragmites in marshes, presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is a community-wide effort to rid local marshes of the invasive and non-native plant, Phragmites australis. The advanced biology classes are dedicated to restoring the Bay and maintaining the natural beauty of the Rappahannock River.
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Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Advanced Biology Class Works to "Save the Bay"
St. Margaret's advanced biology students collect baby seed oysters (called "spat") at Garrett's Marina.
