Bay Bound
January 2010

Volunteer's Inspiration Saves Shoreline 

VoiCeS program volunteer Ann Jurczyk helped NOAA write a grant proposal to save deteriorating bluffs at the Jamestown 4-H Center. This badly eroded shoreline in Jamestown will be rescued with a $92,500 grant project coordinated by  Jurczyk. Photos by: Katie Bratcher

A little inspiration can go a long way to saving the Bay. Just ask CBF volunteer Ann Jurczyk. She recently received word that the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) awarded $92,500 for a grant proposal she wrote to restore a crumbling shoreline along the James River in Jamestown, Virginia.

Jurczyk was inspired during a living shoreline presentation given to her Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) class last year by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration's (NOAA) Walter Priest. One of the VoiCeS requirements is to give 40 hours of volunteer service. She called him the next day for project suggestions and learned that plans had previously been made to save deteriorating bluffs at the Jamestown 4-H Center, but the project has been stalled due to lack of funds and manpower. Priest knew funds could be available through CBT grants, but there was no one to write the proposal or update the plans and drawings. With a background in English and Horticulture, Jurczyk sprang into action, meeting with the interested parties and consultants and writing a convincing grant proposal.

Not only will the grant save habitat and prevent sediment runoff, it will also help 4-H expand its outdoor education program. More than 10,000 people visit the center annually for conferences and classes. The $92,500 completely funds Phase One and includes construction of a 125-foot upstream breakwater, landward beach nourishment, and beach plantings.

Jurczyk has devoted well beyond the required 40 hours, but she doesn't mind. "I feel blessed that they chose our project," she said, "Think how many kids and teachers this outdoor classroom can educate in the future. Now that's exciting!"

Groundbreaking took place January 11, and by springtime the site should be ready for spartina grasses (commonly known as cordgrass) to be planted by volunteers from Montessori Upper School, Virginia Extension Service, 4-H staff, and Jurczk's VoiCeS classmates.

"This grant award is an impressive example of the power of volunteers who have a passion for protecting the environment," said Chris Moore, Hampton Roads Science Advocate and VoiCeS program coordinator. "We are so grateful to Ann for taking on this monumental project. What a great example of the connections people can make by participating in VoiCeS."

Find out more about CBF's VoiCeS program and other ways you can volunteer to make a difference for the Chesapeake Bay.