New Life Is Taking Root at Pleasure House Point

The Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project is bringing new life to the area this fall. Crews are now planting hundreds of thousands of native wetland grasses designed to restore the habitat, improve water quality and strengthen natural defenses against flooding.  

Not Dead, Just Dormant!  

Right now, the new plantings don’t look especially green, but don’t worry! They’re simply in a dormant stage – a resting period that helps plants survive the winter. Just like animals hibernate, plants conserve energy by storing nutrients in their roots. What looks like a bare stem is still alive below ground. When spring arrives, the longer days and warmer temperatures will trigger new growth.  
 
The grasses planted at Pleasure House Point include:  

• Saltmarsh Cordgrass 
• Salt Meadow Hay  
• Switchgrass  

This planting effort is about more than appearances. By spring, the grasses will begin to leaf out, strengthening the wetlands and supporting biodiversity. Over time, these plantings will help filter runoff and provide critical habitat for birds, fish, crabs and other wildlife.  

What This Means for Pleasure House Point  

All public trails at Pleasure House Point are now open. A temporary fence has been installed around the planting site to protect the young grasses as they become established. Stepping off the trail can damage these delicate plants and compact the soil, making it harder for roots to grow. The fence will stay up for about a year to give the plants a strong start. After it’s removed, staying on the trail will help keep the new plantings safe and healthy.  
 
In addition to wetland grasses, over 600 trees will be planted including 336 live oaks and 192 water oaks. For updated information visit VirginiaBeach.gov/PHPproject.  

• PHP Project