Volunteer Projects | Tidewater Master Naturalists

Tidewater Master Naturalists participate in a variety of volunteer projects.

Projects are grouped into the following categories.

Education: promote public awareness of the natural environment
Citizen Science: participate in ongoing scientific studies
Stewardship: get dirty!
Administrative: help keep the chapter working for everyone

Some of the ongoing projects supported by chapter members include…

Monthly trail maintenance of the Bald Cypress and High Dune trails at First Landing State Park

Outreach

TMN members attend events throughout the year to educate the public about our organization and raise awareness of the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Lafayette Wetlands Partnership

Ruth Martin (TMN14) has been leading a volunteer project to restore the Lafayette River wetlands adjoining the Riverpoint Playground near DePaul Hospital in Norfolk. Thickets of very dense phragmites (Phragmites australis), an invasive non-native wetland reed, had grown up adjacent to the natural wetlands there, obstructing the riverfront views as well as out-competing native plants. The project’s objective is to remove the phragmites and replant with native grasses, shrubs and trees to recreate an attractive and natural wildlife habitat. To date, about 8,000 square feet of shoreline has been cleared of phragmites; over 1,000 plugs of native grasses and 40 trees have been planted. The project will continue into 2016 and 2017. Funding has been provided by several nonprofit agencies and the neighborhood civic league. The project is supported with technical assistance and expertise from members of the Lafayette Wetlands Partnership

(http://lrwpartners.org/LWP/Home.html)

Nansemond River Preservation Alliance

Master Naturalists help with a variety of projects including mulching and removing unwanted plants.

http://nansemondriverpreservationalliance.org/

Paradise Creek Nature Park projects

Volunteers help in a variety of ways at this hidden gem in Portsmouth. They have identified an array of tree species, installed tree ID markers, picked up trash, stained the wooden boardwalk, pulled invasive plants, helped lead educational walks and bio-blitzes, bagged native flower seeds, remove goose netting and much more. Contact Sarah Sumoski at The Elizabeth River Project for more information, SSumoski@elizabethriver.org.

Barb and Mickie plant longleaf pine trees

Lynnhaven River NOW

There are many volunteer opportunities available in support of restoration of the urban Lynnhaven River.

(http://www.lynnhavenrivernow.org/)

Friends of Indian River projects

Striving to improve the quality of life for all the residents of the Indian River neighborhoods of Chesapeake, Virginia, by promoting and preserving a healthy and clean river, shorelines, parks, and green spaces connected to the surrounding community.

Removing Invasive Ivy