August 21, 2008

Niche product helps prevent beach erosion

VIRGINIA BEACH—Produce farmers Lewis and Mike Cullipher have found a way to earn extra income and help the environment. The father and son grow beach grasses that are replanted on beachfront property in Sandbridge and along the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The grasses accumulate sand to help prevent beaches from eroding.

“Sea grass is the cement that holds the dunes together,” said Lewis Cullipher, who learned about beach grasses and their role in reducing erosion during his 25 years as a soil specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “They are hardy plants.”

The Culliphers, whose Pungo farm business consists primarily of fresh produce, corn, wheat and soybeans, began planting four varieties of beach grasses almost 17 years ago. The grasses are indigenous to Virginia and North Carolina, but over time waves, winds, storms and changes in sea level affect sand dunes and the vegetation growing on them. By planting new grasses, “we’re trying to replicate Mother Nature,” Mike Cullipher said.

The grasses are harvested on the Culliphers’ farm and replanted on dunes between October and April. Most are sold to individual homeowners, but some are used by contractors and transportation departments. Mike Cullipher said he’s had homeowners tell him that if it wasn’t for beach grasses preventing erosion, their homes might not still be standing.

“If you’re looking for plants to help cut down on erosion and stabilize the shoreline, these grasses are the way to go,” he said.

James Barton, who planted some of the Culliphers’ beach grasses on seven properties this past winter, agreed.

“It’s the cheapest insurance a homeowner can buy,” said Barton, who owns Aloha Services, which has been doing beach restoration work in Sandbridge for the past seven years. “You’ll never, ever stop Mother Nature, but you can divert her.”

Contact the Culliphers at 757-636-7620 or Barton at 757-816-3007.