West Virginia Operation Wildflower

By Anna Shahan, DNR

Striking planted nonnatives along US 119 in West Virginia hills.

Operation Wildflower has brought diversity and beauty to West Virginia interstate highways for the past eight years, and continues to be an asset to the Mountain State, From the blooming of the first flower at the first wildflower site, Operation Wildflower has generated praise from residents and tourists alike.

Flower lovers began requesting wildflower plantings along State highways shortly after the Adopt A Highway Program began in 1988. They reasoned that clean highways deserved beautiful wildflowers. Great idea, but this was an expensive project and there was no money. West Virginia Garden Club, Inc., came to the rescue with a thousand dollars in 1990 to plant an experimental site near Huntington on Interstate 64. The results surprised even the most severe critics, and public response was overwhelming. State garden clubs believed in the project so strongly they agreed to co sponsor the program with the Divisions of Highways and Natural Resources.

Actually, the success of the program is amazing. There were no dedicated funds to get it started, and even more amazing is the fact that it has thrived for eight years without dedicated funding. Seed for the fields of flowers dotting interstates has been made available by donations from garden clubs, civic organizations, families and individuals. The expense of planting and maintaining wildflowers is provided from the Division of Highways district maintenance budgets.

In 1991 fifty three garden clubs donated $200 for half an acre or $365 for one acre of wildflowers to be planted on an interstate highway. Another thirty individuals, families, businesses and civic organizations donated money for half acres, acres and various amounts to the general fund. More than $175,000 has been donated to the program since 1990. As the program grew, donations started coming in for wildflower plots "In Memory of" or "In Honor of" someone. Ninety percent of donations received today are given "In Memory" of a loved one. A sign bearing the sponsor's name or the name of their choice is placed at each donated wildflower site. The only limitation is that the wildflower planting cannot be used as an advertisement. Only the donor's name or designated name may appear on the sign.

Planting wildflowers along West Virginia's highways has come a long way in a few short years. Today more than 250 wildflower sites currently dot West Virginia's interstate's. Currently a one half acre site is $250, and a $500 donation is received for one acre. The donations cover a period of three years and are renewable. The West Virginia Garden Cubs continue to contribute money and support this program. It is obvious from media coverage and public comment that Operation Wildflower is beneficial to the State. Its value to the community is much greater than the few dollars spent.

Nothing brings on a smile like a beautiful wildflower; nothing; makes West Virginia shine like beautiful roadside wildflowers.