April Newsletter and Events

• Upcoming Events
• Saturday, April 11: Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park
• Saturday, April 18: Adopt-A-Park @ Indian River Park
• Saturday, May 2, 2026: Clean the Bay Day
• News
• Earth Month
• Special Election - Redistricting Referendum
• March Recap

Upcoming Event

Saturday, April 11: Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park

• 
  8:30 am to 10:30 am
• Location: Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2003 Rokeby Ave.) 
• Join us for a hike along the nature trail and through the park. 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/okbSRpfb6NCmXbTg8 (suggested but not required)

Saturday, April 18: Adopt-A-Park @ Indian River Park

• From 9:00 am to Noon.  
• Location: Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2003 Rokeby Ave.) 
• We will focus on two efforts this day:
1. Weeding and cleaning up the native plant garden at the park entrance area.
2. Invasive plant control in the park.  This will focus on hand-pulling young Linden Viburnum plants and English Ivy.  
• The more volunteers that come out, the more that we can accomplish! 
• Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, a hat and bring work gloves. Hoes and other weeding tools will be useful.  We will have water and snacks, but we also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize the use of plastic bottles. Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.
• Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/75kg9tNRWNfU6wcL8, suggested but not required.

Saturday, May 2, 2026: Clean the Bay Day

• 
  From 9 AM to Noon
• Meet at Lilac Avenue and Indian River Road. Park along Lilac Avenue by the Norfolk Highlands Primary School.
• For Clean the Bay Day, we will be working around Oaklette Bridge and Blue Heron Landing Park.  We will be weeding and mulching the roadside gardens, doing a cleanup along the Park shoreline, under the bridge, and along Indian River Road.
• Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.  Bring your favorite hand weeding tool, if you have one. We will have water and snacks but 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/ZKDmYu7zyNF9Z2Jf6 (suggested but not required)

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News

Earth Month

Our partners at the Chesapeake Sustainability Network have documented a ton of stuff happening in Chesapeake for Earth Month, including cleanups, Chesapeake Recycles Day, plant sales, Big Tree Tour, Fix-It-Fair, nature walks and contests.  A few events they are highlighting include:

• Saturday, April 18, Earth Day Festival @ Lakeside Park
• Sunday, April 19, The Lorax Movie “Speak for the Trees” screening @ Central Library
• Tuesday, April 21, Earth Day Proclamation at the City Council Meeting

For the formal Earth Day Proclamation on April 21, 6:30 pm, we would love to fill the City Council Chamber with people who care for the environment.  Come out, wear your favorite environmental t-shirt, or something green or blue, and join us in standing up for a Greener Chesapeake!

Get the full schedule of events for the entire month here and check back for updates - more events are still being added!

Special Election - Redistricting Referendum

Early Voting is underway at Registrar’s Office, 411 Cedar Road, Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm; also Saturday, April 11 and April 18, 9 am-5 pm.  The last day for early voting is April 18.  In person at your regular voting precinct is on Tuesday, April 21, 7 am-7 pm.  To see the sample ballot and get more voter information, visit https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1055/Sample-Ballot

March Recap

The Friends of Indian River supported two clean-ups in March.  On March 21, 14 volunteers came out for our Adopt-A-Road around the bridge, at Blue Heron Landing Park, and along Indian River Road.  About 250 lbs. of litter were collected.  On March 28, we teamed up with Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council for the Great American Cleanup.  8 volunteers removed about 150 lbs. of trash plus 1 microwave oven we pulled from the lake.

Photo by Bob Ruegsegger for the Virginian-Pilot

The Virginian-Pilot published a great article highlighting Indian River Park and our Second Saturday Hikes.  As one visitor was quoted in the article, “I come here to enjoy all of the different types of trails they have. I like to see the wildlife and the different types of birds,... it’s such a unique piece of land.”   Read the full article in the e-Pilot (subscription).

A huge Thank You to everyone who donated during our spring membership drive.  We blew past our fundraising goal, raising $2750.  The Friends of Indian River is an all-volunteer, local, 501(c)(3) non-profit, and we depend on member contributions to advance our mission to improve the quality of life for all the residents of the Indian River neighborhoods.  You can become a member, renew your membership, or just make a contribution online at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html

Have an idea for an article for our newsletter?  Send your submission, max 250 words, to us at info@friendsofindianriver.org along with a photo and we'll consider it for our next edition.

March Newsletter and Events

In this edition:

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, March 14: Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park
• Thursday, March 19: Monthly Meeting - Jim Lang on Waterfront Law
• Saturday, March 21, 2026: Adopt-A-Road Cleanup
• Saturday, March 28, 2026: Great American Cleanup around Indian River Civic Campus

News

• Throwing Shade
• February Recap
• Spring Membership Drive

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 14: Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park

• 
  8:30 am to 10:30 am
• Location: Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2003 Rokeby Ave.) 
• Join us for a hike along the nature trail and through the park. 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/1pPAdMYFQCg1nXGW6 (suggested but not required)

Thursday, March 19: Monthly Meeting - Jim Lang on Waterfront Law

• 7 pm to 8:30 pm
• Location: Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive
• Our guest speaker will be Jim Lang speaking on Waterfront Law.  He will discuss Waterfront Property Owner Rights and Responsibilities, including aspects of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CPBA).
• We will also have a short business meeting to adopt our budget for the coming year.
• All are welcome.  We'll also have the latest community news and updates!  There will be light refreshments.

Saturday, March 21, 2026: Adopt-A-Road Cleanup

• 
  From 9 AM to 11:30 am  
• Meet at Lilac Avenue and Indian River Road. Park along Lilac Avenue by the Norfolk Highlands Primary School.
• Join us for our quarterly cleanup along Indian River Road and at Blue Heron Landing Park.
• 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 clean up 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.  We will have water and snacks, but we also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize the use of plastic bottles.  Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.
• Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/G32PjVyWr9Vvbb98A (suggested but not required)

Saturday, March 28, 2026: Great American Cleanup around Indian River Civic Campus

• 
  From 9 AM to 11 AM  
• Meet at Indian River Library parking lot, 2320 Old Greenbrier Rd
• We're teaming up with the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council to do the Great American Cleanup at the Indian River Civic Campus and the lake.
• Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat, and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.  We will have water and snacks, but we also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize the use of plastic bottles.  Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.
• Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/WbnYxokrDcwRma6t8 (suggested but not required)

Other Events

• Chesapeake Recycles Day - March 7, 9 am - Noon, at Oscar Smith Middle School.  https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1089/Chesapeake-Recycles-Day
• Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is seeking public input for Hampton Roads Horizon, a long-range regional strategic plan focused on improving the quality of life and strengthening economic competitiveness. Take the survey at  https://hrpdcva.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/280 

News

Throwing Shade

Spring planting season is right around the corner and the Virginia Department of Forestry wants to help you plant native trees and shrubs.  The Throwing Shade Virginia program will provide discounts of $25 on eligible purchases valued at $50 or more, as an incentive to customers to purchase and plant native species of trees and shrubs.   Only available for trees and shrubs native to Virginia and only at participating nurseries.  Locally, Southern Branch Nursery in Chesapeake and Lady Fern’s Native Plants in Norfolk are participating nurseries.  Learn more at https://dof.virginia.gov/urban-community-forestry/urban-forestry-community-assistance/throwing-shade-va-program/

February Recap

Thank you to Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism for leading three Weed Warrior events at Indian River Park in February.   Volunteers and city staff worked on the west side of the park to remove English Ivy from trees and tackle other invasive plants like privet and false holly.  

Spring Membership Drive

It's time for our annual spring membership drive.  The Friends of Indian River is an all-volunteer, local, 501(c)(3) non-profit, and we depend on member contributions to advance our mission to improve the quality of life for all the residents of the Indian River neighborhoods.  Our fiscal year ends March 31 and our fundraising goal is $2100; we are currently at $1580.  Help us reach our goal.  You can become a member, renew your membership, or just make a contribution online at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html 

Have an idea for an article for our newsletter?  Send your submission, max 250 words, to us at info@friendsofindianriver.org along with a photo and we'll consider it for our next edition.

February Newsletter and Events

• Upcoming Events
• Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 pm: Town Meeting @ Indian River High School
• Saturday, February 7, 8:30 am: Birding Walk @ Lake by Indian River Civic Campus
• Weed Warrior Wednesdays, 1 pm - Feb 4, 11, and 25 @ Indian River Park
• News
• Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan
• Friends of Indian River Annual Meeting
• January Recap 

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, February 3, Town Meeting @ Indian River High School

• Cancelled
• Location: Indian River High School
• The City is scheduled to hold a Town Meeting on Tuesday, February 3, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Indian River High School (1969 Braves Trail). Residents are encouraged to attend at their leisure to discuss topics of interest with City Council members and City staff. For more information, visit www.CityOfChesapeake.net/TownMeetings

Saturday, February 7, 2026: Birding Walk @ Lake by Indian River Civic Campus

• 
  CANCELLED
• Location: Meet at the Indian River Community Center, 2250 Old Greenbrier Rd.
• We're doing our annual birding walk a week early this year.  Join us for a guided bird walk around the lake between the Indian River Community/Rec Center and the High School.
• Previous years we've been treated with seeing Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, Bluebirds, various species of woodpeckers, and a large variety of waterfowl on the lake.
• We'll have some binoculars and a spotting scope, but do bring your own if you have some!
• Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/fzyoJdQPuZKdSPvw8. Suggested but not required.

Weed Warrior Wednesdays - Feb 4, 11, and 25 @ Indian River Park

• 
  From 1 pm to 3 pm
• Location: Indian River Park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2003 Rokeby Ave.)
• Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism is leading Weed Warrior Wednesday volunteer events at Indian River Park in February to remove invasive plants in the park.   
• Please bring your own work gloves, water bottle, snack, sunscreen, bug spray, and other items you may need for all of the activities listed below. Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes and dress for the conditions.  These activities are for ages 14 and up.
• Please see sign up instructions at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4aacae2eaaf58-fall

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News

Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan

The City Council approved the new, revised Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan for the City on January 20.   This is the culmination of 2 years of effort by the Planning Department.   The Plan serves as the city's blueprint for future growth, development, and preservation of resources. It is a key tool used by the Planning Department when reviewing and approving zoning applications. While there were some areas where we felt the plan could have had stronger policies or environmental protection, overall, the document presented a strong vision for creating a high-quality future for the City that is proactive about developing necessary infrastructure, protects green and open space, works to connect people, and respects the unique character of different parts of the City.   The plan references and adopts existing local area plans, such as the Indian River Planning Area Study approved in 2021.  The final plan can be found at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3275/2045-Comprehensive-Plan

Friends of Indian River Annual Meeting

We had a lively Annual Meeting on January 15, discussing plans for the coming year.   The Friends of Indian River have been very effective since the group was established in 2012.  The Friends have been key stakeholders and drivers for many local improvements, including the Indian River Small Area Plan, the City acquisition and replacement of the Aqua Virginia Water System, improved trail management at Indian River Park, and the creation of Blue Heron Landing Park.  We maintain two native plant gardens and other planting areas, organize regular cleanups that have removed over 20,000 lbs. of litter and debris, and have performed over 11,000 hours of volunteer service over the last 14 years.   But we can't rest on our laurels and are looking at this year to revitalize the organization, strengthen our volunteer base and membership, increase outreach, and prepare new leadership to carry the organization forward.  Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved!

January Recap

We had a great turnout for our Invasive Species Workshop in mid-January at Indian River Park.  After learning about the impact of these harmful, introduced plants in the park, 14 volunteers worked to remove English Ivy climbing trees in the southwest section of the park, cutting vines off the base of trees.  We should see the impact in the work area in a couple of months as the vines wither.

The Friends of Indian River were honored to be recognized again for Sustained Distinguished Performance at the Model Level by the Elizabeth River Project at their annual River Star Business Awards Luncheon.  

Have an idea for an article for our newsletter?  Send your submission, max 250 words, to us at info@friendsofindianriver.org along with a photo and we'll consider it for our next editi