Our regular meetings are on held alternating months (Jan, Mar, May, Sept, Nov) on the THIRD Thursday from 7-8:30 pm at Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive, Chesapeake, Va. 23325. Most months we also plan a hands-on activity to help improve our neighborhood. We'd love to have you join us!
Future Meetings and Events
Saturday, September 14, 2024: Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park
- 8:30 am to 10:30 am
- Location: Indian River Park trailhead
at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2003 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station. - 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/KcBvosBQu32JvXbm7 (suggested but not required)
Thursday, September 19, 2024: Monthly Meeting - Chesapeake Healthy Landscapes Program
- 7 pm to 8:30 pm
- Location: Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive
- Our guest speaker will be Amy Weber, Chair of the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council. She will tell us about the new Chesapeake Healthy Landscapes program that will recognize healthy and beautiful yards that support wildlife and promote a healthier environment in Chesapeake.
- All are welcome. We'll also have the latest community news and updates! There will be light refreshments after the meeting.
Saturday, September 21, 2024: International Coastal Cleanup
- 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 along Indian River Road.
- 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/wXXPxj96D2bArEsn6 (suggested but not required)
- 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
Thursday, October 3, 2024: Field Trip - Tour of Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk
- 4 pm
- Location: Ryan Resilience Lab, 4610 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508
- Our field trip this year will be to the Elizabeth River Project's Ryan Resilience Lab. This is a great opportunity to tour this remarkable new facility and have an eye-opening exploration of how sea level rise will affect us all. We'll learn about their cutting edge green building practices and systems – floating docks, green roofs, solar arrays, rainwater capture, and much more. We'll also learn about their living shoreline and native plant garden. Learn about sustainability best practices in action and hear about the “planned retreat” that will allow the river to retake the site as sea levels continue to rise. Tour takes about 1 hour.
- Afterward we will have an optional outing to a local restaurant for dinner. (dutch treat - each participant pays for their own bill)
- Space is limited. Registration required at https://forms.gle/CqEzZhfzhT2ML8nf7
