Environmental Horticulture Returns

In 2015 the Library launched a new experiment to grow wild celery inside the Library in special grass-incubator tubs, all in an effort to help restore & save the Chesapeake Bay.  Read about our grass-growing history here.

The Grasses for the Masses effort is sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Participants in the program grow wild celery (Vallisneria americana), a type of underwater grass, in a simple grow-out system in their homes for 10-12 weeks. After 10-12 weeks of grow-out, participants will gather to plant their grasses in select local rivers to bolster grass populations and help restore the Bay.

The grass-growing project was initially brought to the Library and maintained by members of the Library staff.  This year's crop was initiated and being tended by the Alexandria Campus Green Club.

Read more on the Bay:

Turning the Tide; Saving the Chesapeake Bay.  HC107 A123 H67 2003