Elizabeth River Project

09/01/2026

“While I absolutely do not like the fact we have a failure, it does give us an opportunity this time to be able to see what else is going on,” HRSD’s Shawn Heselton, who briefed Portsmouth City Council members last week, said. “Do we have other potentials for ticking time bombs inside the slime?”

HRSD attributed a Portsmouth sewage pipe failure to internal corrosion, system stress and changes in pressure — all exacerbated by an Aug. 4 heavy downpour that flooded parts of the region.

09/01/2026

Grease and medications are two items people often dispose of incorrectly, but you're not alone. Have you ever wondered if these habits were safe? Let's talk about it.

08/31/2026

🌊🦀 Measure the Muck is Back! 🦀🌊

Ever wondered what's hiding beneath the surface of our local waterways? Join Measure the Muck, a community science project that helps researchers better understand the health of our coastal ecosystems.

🔬 Explore local waterways
🌎 Support environmental research
🤝 Connect with fellow community scientists

Learn more and get involved through the Measure the Muck program!



📸 Getting our hands dirty for science!

08/31/2026

Mink Monday on Knitting Mill Creek!

A recent wildlife sighting by Mike Purcell along Knitting Mill Creek featured an American mink exploring the riprap shoreline, reminding us that nature is thriving all around us!

Mink are fascinating semi-aquatic mammals and members of the weasel family. These agile hunters are excellent swimmers and can pursue fish, rodents, frogs, and other prey species both in and out of the water. Despite their small size, they're skilled predators that play an important role in maintaining balanced ecosystems.

Because they're sensitive to habitat quality, spotting a mink along Knitting Mill Creek is an encouraging sign that the creek continues to support the resources wildlife need to thrive.

08/31/2026

Here's a shout-out to our Bird Safe/Lights Out campaign partners. Thank you for your support. Learn more at https://www.birdsafehr.org/

The Virginia Zoo Elizabeth River Project Norfolk Botanical Garden Friends of Indian River Downtown Norfolk Wild Birds Unlimited Virginia Society of Ornithology Virginia Beach Audubon Society Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory Williamsburg Bird Club Institute for Integrative Conservation Northern Virginia Bird Alliance Dark Sky Virginia Tidewater Rehabilitation & Environmental Education Citizens for Responsible Lighting

08/28/2026

We can't wait to welcome you to the Ryan Resilience Lab for tonight's sold out event with Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Thank you to WHRO reporter Vicki L. Friedman for shining a spotlight on our efforts to marry art and science at the Ryan Resilience Lab. 🐬✨️

The Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk hosts a program featuring Alexis Pauline Gumbs, author of 'Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals.'

08/28/2026

🌱 We're excited to welcome the 757 Creative ReUse Center as our newest EcoDistrict neighbor and emerging River Star Business!

They're already making a positive impact in our community and invite you to their Back to Our Roots Community Sustainability Event this Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Enjoy hands-on workshops, help plant a new community garden, connect with local partner organizations including ERP, and enjoy free refreshments. We hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

We're disappointed to report that a hit-and-run yesterday damaged both the EV charging station and the RAFT rain garden system at the Ryan Resilience Lab on Colley Avenue.

These features are part of our work to demonstrate sustainability, resilience, and environmental stewardship in our community. Repairs like these are an unfortunate reminder that running a public education facility comes with unexpected costs. Incidents like this require time, labor, and funding that aren't always planned for.

If you'd like to help offset the cost of repairs, we welcome your support. Donations help us maintain the Ryan Resilience Lab and keep it a safe, functional, and accessible resource for the community.

08/27/2026

Norfolk City Council voted unanimously to pass three spending measures authorizing the city to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars via revenue and tax-backed bonds for capital improvements, wastewater systems and stormwater repairs.

The funding directly supports Norfolk’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan, allocating more than $70 million for flood mitigation, including the downtown coastal protection partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The latest move follows intense summer downpours, including a "one-in-100-year" rain event that swamped local auto shops with flooded vehicles and caused extensive roof leaks at the historic Wells Theatre.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/mvv75nay

08/26/2026

🐾 Happy to some of our favorite four-legged river champions!

From Nova enjoying the restored marsh her mom helped bring back to life, to Malolo and Jack soaking in the river sunsets their mom works to protect, these pups remind us why a healthy Elizabeth River matters.

Piper helps keep our restoration team stocked with supplies (and spirits high), Chance slips in a quick nap before helping dad with the budget, while Enzo is the master of aura farming - recently helping us show appreciation for our amazing cadre of volunteers.

And since it is National Dog Day, here's a friendly reminder from our canine crew: scoop the p**p! 🦴 Picking up after your dog helps keep bacteria and excess nutrients out of local waterways, protecting the river for people, pets, and wildlife alike. 💙🐶🌊