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
• January Recap 

Upcoming Events

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

• From 6:30 pm to 8 pm
• 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

• 
  From 8:30 am to 10:30 am
• 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