Fund Edinburg's Meadow for Wildlife Habitat

Hi there, thanks for stopping by.

Here’s the TLDR version of my story:

I have recently been granted permission to maintain a meadow (approximately half an acre) on my property within the town limits of Edinburg, Virginia. I’d like to develop it further to help preserve our local ecosystem. Your donations could really expand what I’m able to accomplish.

Here’s the longer version:

I live in a very small town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. On July 3, 2024, I received a notice of complaint from my town about grass and weeds in my yard being too high. I was informed that I had to trim it immediately or I would be charged by the town for its maintenance, according to established ordinances.

I was stunned and upset. I’d decided earlier in the year to stop mowing my full 1.33 acres and instead begin building a meadow that could provide habitats for beneficial insects and serve as cover for local fauna who pass between the mountains as a part of their life cycles. I’d been planting perennial wildflowers, researching the best native plants to source, and observing how wildlife responded to the changes. It never occurred to me that anyone would complain about my meadow, especially not in a town so small it does not have traffic lights.

On August 13th, I attended the next Town Council meeting and explained what I was doing and why. I answered questions from the Council members and assured them that I’d carefully thought through what I was doing, and that it was not an act of negligence. I could tell this was not an easy idea to accept. These are well-established members of the community who are accustomed to traditional gardening. To them, a manicured lawn is a sign of care and responsibility. A meadow probably looks like a mess.

But after speaking to them and expressing my willingness to educate my community, they agreed to grant me permission to keep the meadow. I have exclusive rights to meadowscape here in Edinburg, VA; I didn’t change the town laws in a single act. I didn’t really even convince them that this is a cause worth pursuing. I merely convinced them to trust in me and my intentions. I’m honored, but I also recognize I have a lot of work ahead of me.

This is where Gofundme comes in.

I’m asking for help in funding the following benchmarks:

(1) $200: Purchase two educational signs to be posted at the borders of the meadow. These signs will indicate the ecological benefits of the meadow itself and (hopefully) help teach the community about why it is important to protect wild spaces.

(2) $200: Purchase a 5-gallon Nuttall Oak Tree. This tree will be planted at the edge of the meadow and will help anchor the area over the long-term. This protects the ecosystem even if I should lose permission to meadowscape or if the property passes to another owner. (Why an oak tree? They can support a huge number of species and are often referred to as the "king of biodiversity".)

(3) $100: Purchase materials to install permanent bird, bee, and bat shelters within the meadowspace. I already have constructed the houses themselves, but I need to purchase posts and concrete for them.

(4) $200: Purchase additional native shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. Again, this will help the meadow mature and provide a wider variety of habitats. It will also limit the spread or presence of invasive species.

(5) $50: Print pamphlets/informational sheets to be distributed to my community to help them learn about the area.

(6) $200: Purchase a high-quality 360-degree trail camera. I will be able to record fauna that passes through the area, which I can then share with my community (the world!) through social media. This will spread awareness and provide educational opportunities.

(7) $200: Extensive removal of turf grasses and weeds, tilling, and new meadow seeds. This would also include a soil test and any amendments required. I’ve listed this as a stretch goal, but depending on how much support I get, this would really be Step 2 in my project.

(8) $50: If I manage all of the aforementioned goals, I’d like to get myself either a massage or a manicure, ha! Realistically, though, this will help offset the Gofundme fees for running this campaign.