Landscape Restoration Project Set to Change the Face of Sotterley

Six months ago, Hurricane Irene swept through our area causing tremendous devastation. Extensive damage to the buildings in Sotterley’s historic core and the loss of over 170 trees throughout the site caused us to close our gates due to safety concerns. Our first goal was to clear the massive amount of debris from the various affected structures and the grounds, in order to hold our scheduled sustainable events and continue with our important education programs. Within three short weeks, the gates were opened as we welcomed visitors and students back on site.

Much work still needs to be done before we have fully restored Sotterley’s landscape, gardens, and nature trails. To help us achieve this goal, a new Landscape Committee has been formed to work in conjunction with our pre-existing Grounds Committee on the Landscape Restoration Project. The plan will be completed in stages depending on the funding that we receive, and Sotterley plans to use staff and volunteers for the needed labor as much as possible to stretch out our donated dollars. Already, the Sotterley Garden Guild, a volunteer group, has been a vital part of our clean-up efforts. Sotterley intends to use as many native plants and trees as possible, the goal being to incorporate seedlings and replantings already on site. Wood from downed trees
is currently being transformed for the hardscaping elements (fencing, slate paths, etc.) which the Landscape Plan will include.

One of the particularly exciting hardscaping elements already being created from some of our red cedar trees are new benches! For many years Sotterley has needed additional seating upon which visitors can pause to rest or simply take in the amazing view and ambiance of our lovely site. These benches will be permanently installed in various locations and will make each visitor’s experience to our site a more welcoming one.

Landscaping and Bench Donations Gladly Accepted!

Donations can help make the restoration of our landscape possible! Bench donations ($150 suggested), or donations of any size toward the landscaping plan will allow us to begin work once the final plans have been laid in the months ahead. Every donation will help to place a new bench, tree or shrub around Sotterley and will move our beloved site further down the path of post-storm recovery.

Education is at the heart of everything we do at Sotterley Plantation, and ultimately we want to continue being the perfect educational back-drop for the thousands of students and visitors who come to our site annually. Your generous support can help make this a reality as we work tirelessly to restore our site. We invite you to come and visit often in 2012 to watch our progress!