Philip Sheridan, Meadowview Biological Research Station and Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University.

The main function of highways is to transport goods and people from place to place.  During the 1960's this concept was enlarged to include beautification.  Today highway’s may also encompass biodiversity and be used as refuges and green corridors for native species.  In 1983 I hypothesized that the addition of Sarracenia, Drosera, Vaccinium and Calopogon to an exit ramp sphagnous seepage community near Fredericksburg, Virginia would fulfill this role.  All species have survived, flourished and spread and have received acclaim from both the state highway department and interested naturalists.  Amending of similar sites in the coastal plain of Virginia may enhance the aesthetic aspects of our highways, educate the public to the value of under-utilized native species, and serve as backup sites for propagated rare plant species.