The Wetlands at UVa-Wise

Transforming an Environmental Liability into a Community Asset

What is The Wetlands?

The Wetlands at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise is an effort to expand traditional views of land reclamation and Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) remediation practices through engaging and educating the public. The Wetlands models an alternative approach to reclaiming land through integrating the arts, history, and design with water treatment sciences. Through this project, the UVa-Wise campus and community groups have created an environment where students, over the course of four years, can learn about water monitoring, species identification, the local ecology, land reclamation, and the local heritage. The Wetlands were constructed as a passive AMD treatment for the stream, reducing the amount of sediment and heavy metals that make their way into the Clinch River system. Ecological restoration is not the only goal of The Wetlands though, as it has created an opportunity for southwest Virginia citizens to participate in the transformation of an environmental liability into a tribute to their rich culture and a celebration of the diverse Appalachian ecology.    

Even though the project is still being developed, professors are taking advantage of having a unique wetlands habitat right on campus. Chemistry and Biology students use monitoring points around each of the ponds to learn about water quality, while the whole ecosystem has served as a site for surveying macroinvertebrates, salamanders, and frogs. Classes from the Department of Natural Sciences naturally use The Wetlands for research for both majors and non-majors; however, students from other departments have also spent time there learning about the project and local environmental issues or drawing inspiration from the natural beauty. Student groups have stepped up to help clean and maintain the area and also to organize community events on site. Local schools also have a field-trip destination close to home when they visit The Wetlands.

Designed as a catalyst for bringing public awareness to the land and strategically placed on the UVa-Wise campus, this project uses the landscape design to draw out not only the truth of this scene burdened by a swath of agriculture and mining activity but also a place for historic reflection, education, and recreation.