Friday, August 25, 2023

September Newsletter and Events (Update 9/2)

  • River Star Homes Forum - Thursday, 9/21
  • Upcoming Events
    • 8/31 - Thursday - Commercial Design Guidelines Open House
    • 9/7 - Thursday - Cornerstone Highlands Development @ Norfolk Highlands Civic League meeting @ 1212 Willow Avenue
    • 9/9 - Saturday - Second Saturday Hike at Indian River Park
    • 9/14 - Thursday - Comprehensive Plan Public Input Session
    • 9/16 - Saturday - International Coastal Cleanup
    • 9/21 - Thursday - Monthly Meeting/River Star Home Forum
  • Other News
    • Blue Heron Landing Update
    • Trails and Connectivity Plan Open House, Wednesday, 9/20
    • Notable Yards Winner
    • Summer Volunteer Re-cap


River Star Home Forum

Do you support efforts to 
promote and preserve a healthy and clean environment for our community?  One way you can help is by becoming a River Star Home.  Organized by our partners at the Elizabeth River Project, River Stars pledge to take 7 simple steps to make our river and community cleaner. It’s fun, free and easy to join, and when you do, you will get a beautiful River Star flag for your yard, a welcome packet and more.  And as a River Star you are eligible to get a free native tree delivered to your home ready for planting and access funding opportunities for conservation landscaping, rain gardens, shoreline protection and more.  There are nearly 200 River Star Homes in the Indian River watershed, but we want to double that number and then double it again.  

Our monthly meeting on Thursday, 9/21 will be all about the River Star program. We will hear from the Elizabeth River Project, existing and new River Star members, and those who want to learn more.  Sign up for the meeting at https://forms.gle/EhLjaWkW3dnMpLrx6

And you don't have to wait for our September meeting to become a River Star - take the pledge today at  https://elizabethriver.org/river-stars/



Upcoming Events


Indian River Design Guidelines Open House

Date: Thursday, August 31, 5 pm to 7 pm

Location: Indian River Community Center, 2250 Old Greenbrier Rd.

The City of Chesapeake is hosting an open house for the Indian River planning area. They are looking to gather information from the public on how to enhance properties throughout the commercial corridors in Indian River. This discussion and input will be used to create guidelines that will help the City and developers to create well and thoughtfully designed buildings and landscapes.


Cornerstone Highlands Development @ Norfolk Highlands Civic League meeting

Date: Thursday, September 7, 7 pm 

Location: old Cornerstone School property, 1212 Willow Ave

A developer is proposing to redevelop the property where the old Cornerstone Christian School was located between Sparrow Road and Willow Avenue.  The concept is to build 10 Cottage Style and 10 Townhome Style units on the 1.5 acre lot.  The developer has been invited to attend the September 7 meeting of the Norfolk Highlands Civic League to share their designs and take questions.  

This meeting will take place at the Cornerstone property and the developer will set up various booths to allow the community to receive specific answers to inquiries about site development, engineering, building design & selections, and more.  




Second Saturday Hike at Indian River Park

Date: 
Saturday, September 9, 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Location: Meet at the Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Join is for a hike at the park to learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest on the Indian River flood plain, and its value to maintaining the health of local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations. Note: the forest trail has uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes. 

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/QkT4zMCSCuDvUnxbA (suggested but not required)

Comprehensive Plan Public Input Session

Date: Thursday, September 14, 5 pm to 7 pm

Location: Indian River High School, 1969 Braves Trail

The City is starting work on the next version of City's Comprehensive Plan.  This will be the start of a two-year process to update the Comp Plan, the City’s guide to how it will move into the future, whether that be with new growth and development, or protection and preservation of the things we have. It provides the City with policies and recommendations on a range of topics from economic development to environmental sustainability and resilience to transportation to placemaking and design. This plan helps visualize where new roads and infrastructure may be needed in the future, and valuable natural resources and assets that must be protected.

A series of open houses will be held in September, including at the Indian River High School on September 14th.  Learn more at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3275/Chesapeake-2045

International Coastal Cleanup

Date: 
Saturday, September 16, 9 am to Noon

Location: Meet at Lilac Avenue and Indian River Road.  Park along Lilac Avenue by the Norfolk Highlands Primary School.  It is a No Parking zone along Oleander Avenue (parallel to Indian River Road).

As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, we will be cleaning up around and underneath the Indian River - Oaklette Bridge and the site of the future Blue Heron Landing Park. 

The city will provide garbage bags and orange safety vests. We encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize use of plastic bottles. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.  We also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize use of plastic bottles. Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision. 

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/TTTv6DstLrFboqpa9 

If have access to the Indian River and are interested in "paddling up" to this cleanup with your own canoe or kayak, please reach out to us in advance at info@friendsofindianriver.org

Monthly Meeting - River Star Home Forum

Date: Thursday, September 21, 7 pm 

Location: Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive 

This meeting will be a forum to learn about and discuss how to get the most out of the Elizabeth River Project's River Star Homes program.  We'll have a representative from the ERP attending and we'll have existing River Stars in attendance to talk about the benefits of participation and how the program can help the entire community.   https://forms.gle/EhLjaWkW3dnMpLrx6

We'll also have the latest community news and updates!




Other News

Blue Heron Landing Park and Kayak Launch

We're a big step closer to seeing Blue Heron Landing and Kayak Launch become a reality along the Indian River.   The City has awarded a contract for construction of the park and we're now expecting work to begin this fall.  This is located along Indian River Road across from Lilac Avenue.  Stay tuned for updates!



Trails and Connectivity Plan Open House

The City of Chesapeake is working on a plan to improve connections between open spaces through a network of trails, multimodal corridors, and protected lands. The plan will be used to guide connections between trails, recreational areas, conservation lands, water access points, and historic and cultural resources.  The City is holding an Open House to get your insights on Wednesday, September 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, 775 Historic Way.  


Trails and Connectivity were also some of the key goals of the Indian River Planning Area Study and the Friends of Indian River will be working to make sure that those goals are also reflected in this new Trails and Connectivity Plan.  

Notable Yards Winner

Congratulations to Friends of Indian River members Gary and Susan Ball for being selected as the best Notable Yard in the Indian River for 2023!   Their River Star Home is 
a “river-friendly” oasis with a host of benefits the environment and wildlife. They took advantage of funding opportunities from the Elizabeth River Project to develop a buffer garden along their shoreline that help keep pollutants out of the river and discourage harmful geese from entering their yard. Trees, shrubs, and flowers border each side of the back yard, with a chemical free “freedom lawn” leading down to the river.  With a mix of native and non-native plants, they are working to attract various pollinator insects.   Gary and Susan's efforts have made their home into a truly beautiful place to enjoy the gifts of nature.  

Come to our River Star Home Forum on Thursday, September 21 to learn more about how to make your yard into a Notable Yard.  See details above.  https://forms.gle/EhLjaWkW3dnMpLrx6

Summer Volunteer Re-cap

We haven't had any scheduled volunteer events over the summer, but a dedicated crew of volunteers kept up with regular maintenance at the various gardens maintained by the Friends of Indian River through these hot summer months, including at the Indian River Oaklette Bridge, Indian River Park, Plymouth Park, and several planters along Indian River Road.  Without their dedicated efforts, these gardens would likely get overrun by plants we don't want in these plantings, i.e., "weeds".  (Although the definition of what is a weed varies depending on gardening goals).   We also thank the volunteers outside our group who maintain other public gardens in the area, including at the Rokeby Center and the Indian River Library.  All these efforts help make our community beautiful!


Monday, July 3, 2023

Summer Newsletter and Events

  • River Star Home Forum  
  • Upcoming Events
    • 7/8 - Saturday - Second Saturday Hike at Indian River Park
  • Other News
    • Indian River High School Scholarship
    • June Re-cap


River Star Home Forum

Do you support efforts to 
promote and preserve a healthy and clean environment for our community?  One way you can help is by becoming a River Star Home.  Organized by our partners at the Elizabeth River Project, River Stars pledge to take 7 simple steps to make our river and community cleaner. It’s fun, free and easy to join, and when you do, you will get a beautiful River Star flag for your yard, a welcome packet and more.  And as a River Star you are eligible to get a free native tree delivered to your home ready for planting and access funding opportunities for conservation landscaping, rain gardens, shoreline protection and more.  There are nearly 200 River Star Homes in the Indian River watershed, but we want to double that number and then double it again.  

Are you interested in taking the steps to make our community's environment cleaner and healthier for all? Please take this short survey to learn more: https://forms.gle/EhLjaWkW3dnMpLrx6

And mark your calendars for our September meeting on Thursday, 9/21, 7 pm.  Our focus will be all about the River Star program. We will hear from the Elizabeth River Project, existing and new River Star members, and those who want to learn more.  Please take the survey above to sign up for the meeting. 

And you don't have to wait for our September meeting to become a River Star - take the pledge today at  https://elizabethriver.org/river-stars/



Upcoming Events

Second Saturday Hike at Indian River Park

Date: 
Saturday, July 8, 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Location: Meet at the Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Joining for a hike at the park to learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest on the Indian River flood plain, and its value to maintaining the health of local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations. Note: the forest trail has uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes. 

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/vntnyEajQ1BdcVvN9 (suggested but not required)




Other News

Indian River High School Scholarship

Congratulations to Derrick Lawrence on winning the Friends of Indian River 2023 Education Scholarship award! This $500 award from the Friends of Indian River provides a scholarship to an outstanding graduating student at Indian River High School.  Derrick embodies the spirit of our mission and excels in leadership, citizenship, extracurricular activities and academics.  Well respected by the faculty, he is seen as an inspiration for other students, and demonstrates a readiness to help and support others.  


June Re-cap

We started the month with Clean the Bay Day on Saturday, June 3 at the Indian River Civic Campus by the High School and Middle School. 30 volunteers removed about 800 lbs. of trash and debris including 2 tires, 2 shopping carts, multiple traffic cones, 1 traffic barrel, a lawn mower, and an abandoned, half inflated raft.  A big thanks to all our local volunteers who came out to help including those from the Commonwealth Challenge  Youth Academy and from Harbor Group Management Company.  And while we were running our cleanup, a large group from Indian River High School were cleaning in and around the school stadium, including under and around the bleachers.

Later in the month, 8 volunteers came out for today's Adopt-A-Road cleanup along Indian River Road, around the bridge, and at the future Blue Heron Landing Park.   We collected another 200 lbs. of trash and debris.

On-going volunteer efforts included weeding at the Bridge, weeding in the Native Plant Garden and working on removing invasive Linden Viburnum at Indian River Park.  If you can help out with any of these on-going volunteer efforts, please contact us at info@friendsofindianriver.org

We had fine weather for our spring picnic, with a chance for members and volunteers to relax and just socialize for a bit.  We also bid farewell in June to Pastor Tim Hazlett from Oaklette United Methodist Church who is moving on to his next assignment; Pastor Tim was a strong supporter of the Friends since we were established.  

Saturday, May 27, 2023

June Newsletter and Events

 

  • Upcoming Events
    • 6/3 - Saturday - Clean the Bay Day
    • 6/10 - Saturday - Second Saturday Evening Hike at Indian River Park
    • 6/15 - Thursday - Spring Evening Potluck Picnic
    • 617 - Saturday - Adopt-A-Road Cleanup
  • Other News
    • May Re-cap
    • Rokeby Avenue and Military Highway Intersection
    • River Star Homes


Upcoming Events

Clean the Bay Day @ Indian River Civic Campus

Date: 
Saturday, June 3, 9 am to Noon

Location: Indian River Civic Campus - area around Indian River Middle School, High School, Community Center, Library, Lake. Meet at side parking lot at Chesapeake Center of Student Success (old Indian River Middle School Annex) at 605 Providence Rd 

The Friends of Indian River's will be hosting Clean the Bay Day at the Indian River Civic Campus. We'll have water and snacks available. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.  Long pants are recommended.  We also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize use of plastic bottles. 

Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision. 

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/Y7ybkQG2NqX6hmFo9 (suggested but not required)

Second Saturday Hike at Indian River Park

Date: 
Saturday, June 10, 6 pm to 8 pm

Location: Meet at the Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Joining for an evening hike at the park to learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest on the Indian River flood plain, and its value to maintaining the health of local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations. Note: the forest trail has uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes. 

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/Mr23MZjQBc5XTi5A6 (suggested but not required)

Spring Potluck Picnic

Date: Thursday, June 15, 6 pm
Location: Picnic Pavilion behind Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive; park in side lot along St. Lawrence Dr. 

Rather than our usual monthly meeting, in June we'll have a potluck picnic out behind the church.  Bring a dish to share and join us for some camaraderie as we roll into summer.  The Friends will set out tables and chairs, provide a main protein dish (likely chicken).  We suggest bringing a comfy lawn chair. In the event of rain, we will move the event inside the church's fellowship hall. 

To help coordinate who is bringing what, we set up a Sign Up Genius form at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DADA92FA2FA7-friends1

Adopt-A-Road Cleanup

Date: Saturday, June 17, 9 am to 11:30 am


Location: Meet at Lilac Avenue and Indian River Road. Park along Lilac Avenue by the Norfolk Highlands Primary School We need your help for our quarterly cleanup.   

Join us for a few hours to clean up the mile of Indian River Road from the city limits at Wingfield Avenue all the way to MacDonald Road. We are also asking all business owners along Indian River Road - and everywhere really - to make sure they sweep up in front of their storefronts as part of the effort.   And if you can't make it out for our organized cleanup please take 15 minutes and cleanup the street and ditches in front of your home; pass the word to your neighbors! 

For our main cleanup on Indian River Road, the city will provide garbage bags and orange safety vests.  Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.  Long pants suggested.  

Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision. Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/KP5ZqzrPqHDfjhVK8 (suggested but not required)




Other News

May Re-cap

There was lots of on-going volunteer work this month - weeding at the Bridge, weeding in the Native Plant Garden and working on removing invasive Linden Virburnum at Indian River Park.  A team went in a replaced the stakes on the tree signs on the Nature Trail in the Park too.  If you can help out with any of these on-going volunteer efforts, please contact us at info@friendsofindianriver.org

Deputy City Manager Brian Solis was the guest speaker at our monthly meeting giving a good overview of City projects.  Several are slated to start this year in our area including the Oaklette Bridge Rehabilitation, Indian River Road Bike Lanes, Philmont Avenue Septic System Disconnect and Replacement, and Blue Heron Landing Kayak Launch.  We should also start having stakeholder meetings related to implementing goals of the Indian River Planning Area Study.   We hope to have more status updates on all of these in the coming months.  

Rokeby Avenue and Military Highway Intersection

The City is seeking State funding to redesign the intersection at Rokeby Avenue and Military Highway next to Indian River Park. To reduce the risk of car crashes, the proposed redesign would require cars to make right turns only coming off Rokeby Avenue. The Friends of Indian River submitted comments to the State and City raising concerns about this proposed design because it does not incorporate any bicycle and pedestrian crossing of Military Highway at Rokeby Avenue, even though Rokeby is where we have existing sidewalks and bicycle lanes.  To provide for the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists as well as vehicles, we said that the intersection must incorporate such a pedestrian and bicycle crossing.  

The diagram of the proposed design shows the traffic lane restrictions in red.  A new multiuse ped/bike path is shown on the north side of Military Highway going to a pedestrian crossing at Paramont Avenue, but then provides no way to get to the actual park entrances on Rokeby Avenue.


River Star Homes

There are nearly 200 River Star Homes in the Indian River watershed, but we want to double that number and then double it again.  River Stars pledge to take 7 simple steps to make our river and community cleaner.  Many take additional steps to install rain barrels, install environmentally friendly landscaping, and make our neighborhood a healthier place to live.    It's easy and free to become a River Star - take the pledge today at  https://elizabethriver.org/river-stars/