Shoreline Restoration Projects

The Chesapeake Bay and our numerous rivers generate a Northumberland shoreline extending nearly 500 miles – the longest shoreline of any county in Virginia. Marsh grasses create a filter between where we live and work and our waterways -- a 500 mile long riparian buffer – that protects the shoreline from storms, and creates a healthy ecosystem for crabs, fish, birds, and other inhabitants.

NAPS volunteers help homeowners, businesses and organizations eradicate invasive marsh grasses (Phragmites) and naturally stabilize shorelines using native grass plantings to create a healthy and protective natural shoreline.

Phragmites Eradication

Many marshes are being invaded by a non-native grass, called Phragmites. It usually occurs at the landward edge of the marsh and can be recognized by its very tall, bamboo-like stalks and its large, feathery seed-head in the fall. Phragmites has little food value for wildlife and its dense stands keep more desirable grasses from growing. If you think you have a stand of this invasive plant, contact NAPS and we will help you get rid of it and replace it with a healthy, diverse marsh. Learn more...

NAPS volunteer spraying a stand of Phragmites.

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Shoreline Stabilization

Marsh grasses can help stabilize shorelines if substrate is available above mid tide, full sunlight reaches the substrate for at least half the day, and wave energy is not too great. NAPS can help you determine the best way to rehabilitate your shoreline, and volunteers may help rebuild the shoreline.

An eroding cliff on Cockrells Creek was stabilized with coconut logs in the spring of 2004, marsh grass was planted on the beach in front of the logs, and vegetation was planted on the cliff. The shoreline was stabilized in two years without using rip-rap or bulkhead. Learn more...

NAPS volunteers restoring a shoreline.

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Grass Planting

Every year, NAPS helps rebuild marshlands by replacing invasive Phragmites with native marsh grasses. Please contact NAPS if you need planting on your shoreline. Learn more...

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