May/June 2024 - 23

FRESH VIEWS
As a small business and a member
of a rural community, Rice Fruit
Company sets the tone for
environmental priorities within
its local area.
now bordered by newly planted
crab apple trees, a collection of
native trees, grasses, and flowering
perennials and annuals. Not only
does this space encourage the
mutually beneficial relationship
between native plants and pollinators,
it also provides an attractive green
space within walking distance for
our employees' enjoyment.
For phase two and three of the
project, we will partner with The
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for
a lawn-to-forest planting as well as
a lawn-to meadow conversion. The
lawn-to-forest planting will consist
of regionally specific trees that will
create a riparian forest buffer.
Riparian buffers are vegetated
areas next to streams, rivers, lakes
and wetlands that protect water
quality by intercepting sediment and
other pollutants before they enter the
water. Within the Chesapeake Bay
Area Watershed, reduction of water
runoff into local streams and rivers
is extremely important.
The converted meadowlands will
serve as bonus habitat sanctuary, as
well as reducing the need for lawn
mowing. Between the pollinator
sanctuary, the forest buffer and the
meadowlands, the end goal is to
have something growing undisturbed
during all seasons.
While bees hibernate and
butterflies migrate, having shelter
and a food source always available
will help give native pollinators a
running start when spring begins.
We know that the growing season is
a marathon, not a sprint ... but that
kickstart can make all the difference
in the end.
One of the questions we've
gotten in the past in response to
this project was, " Do you really
expect one pollinator habitat to
make a difference? "
I believe that as a small business
and a member of a rural community,
Rice Fruit Company helps to set the
tone for environmental priorities
within our local area.
Perhaps this inspires a
neighborhood to start a community
garden or encourages another
business to make their own
pollinator sanctuary garden. By
taking small steps in protecting
these vital insects and their habitats,
we can create more sustainable
environments for our food sources.
Over time, these little changes
add up to big change - and do
you know what that is called? The
butterfly effect.
By strengthening our common
ties, we can ensure the long-term
vitality of our food sources. The
results of taking initiative, educating
yourself in the value of these
relationships and supporting the
creatures that allow us to continue
to grow and provide food is a benefit
to everyone: cleaner air, purer
water, more fruits, more vegetables
... more of the good stuff.
Valerie M. Ramsburg is the digital
and print marketing manager for
Rice Fruit Company, and a member
of the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under
Forty Class of 2023 honorees. She
is also a member of the U.S. Apple
Communications Committee and is
responsible for the implementation
of the Rice Fruit Company pollinator
garden initiative.
VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 23
http://www.VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM
May/June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May/June 2024
