Students plant trees for The National Wildlife Refuge

Students from VWC planted 1,500 trees at the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge during late February and early March. The National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in Knotts Island, North Carolina, has a lot of history to it.

It all started when Joseph P. Knapp purchased property from Thomas Dixon in 1918. Dixon was the author of "The Birth of a Nation." Knapp, who was very wealthy, then built a resort and got involved with wildlife management. Knapp founded "More Game Birds in America Foundation" in 1930. Today, it is known as the organization "Ducks Unlimited."

Knapp's mansion was located in a place known as Live Oak Point. In the mansion's garden, exotic plants and flowers were planted. When Knapp passed away in 1952, a logging company then purchased the property and cleared out the hard wood trees.

The idea for this project came when Kendall Smith, the assistant manager for refuge, decided to restore the trees to the area. Smith called upon VWC biology professor Dr. Schaus for help.

"He called us up and asked if we could get students," Schaus said.

Schaus then recruited volunteers through the classes he teaches. It was fitting because a lot of what the students were learning about in the classes tied directly to the tree project.

Wanda Morris was one of the interested students.

"Wanda got the ball rolling," Schaus said.

"I have been a volunteer at Mackay Island since May of 2004," Morris said. "The refuge has been planning to plant the oak trees at Live Oak Point for over a year."

The first day of planting was on Saturday, Feb. 26. The volunteers took the hour-long drive down there to begin.

When they got there, the holes had already been dug for them.

"The first week students had a tougher job," Schaus said.

The tress had to be put in protective sleeves for protection. Deer and other grazing animals could have potentially damaged them.

The first weekend was very productive. Students managed to plant 500 on the first weekend alone.

"Because the location is on a point located on Currituck Sound is was very windy and cold even though the sun was shining," Morris said. "We managed to plant these trees while they were in a dormant stage."

Even though it was hard work, the students enjoyed themselves. Morris also went out to help on March 1. On March 5, more students went out to plant trees.

"It was a very rewarding experience and also therapeutic as it gets me away from homework and the stress of schoolwork," Morris said. "It is also helping the environment."

Now that this project is completed, they would love to go back and do some more.

"I would envision us helping out in the future," Schaus said.

Schaus hopes there are some short-term projects for the students to get involved in.

"In about 20 years or so I hope to return to Live Oak Point and see the restoration of the Oak forest," Morris said.

For any student who would like to help out at the refuge next time, they can contact Dr. Schaus.