07/31/2026
Meet Jeff Craig, waterfront property owner in Larchmont in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 2020, Jeff had concerns over flooding, sea level rise, and erosion on his waterfront property. He attended an event put on by Norfolk City and the Wetlands Board, and got educated on what you can and can’t do on wetlands. It was then that Jeff decided to look into options for his backyard.
After communication with the City, Coastal Virginia Conservancy, the Elizabeth River Project, and Wetlands Watch, it was decided Jeff’s backyard was a good candidate for a conservation easement project. He was ultimately convinced by the tax benefits, flooding and erosion control, and the wildlife support.
Jeff's conservation easement is unique—it requires that the wetlands along the property can migrate landward, or "roll", onto the property as sea level rises, ensuring minimal wetlands loss.
Beyond placing the property into this wetlands-centered easement, the project included wetlands buffer planting and native plant features on the opposite side of the yard, done by the Elizabeth River Project.
“There is long-term value in having land that’s protected, especially in Norfolk where there’s very little open space available. Urban areas are losing wetlands at a rapid pace, and wetlands don’t have anywhere to migrate. So, we want to do whatever we can to maintain wetlands, which support biodiversity and benefit me as a homeowner by reducing erosion and increasing wildlife sightings.” - Jeff Craig, Property Owner
Since project installation, Jeff has seen many benefits. Bad storms bring less debris into his yard and the grasses act as a buffer for flooding and erosion control.
Most importantly for Jeff and his family, there’s been an uptick in wildlife presence, with migratory birds, pollinators, bunnies, and many more!
Imagine what resilience could look like on your property.
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