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We are updating our website.
Thank you for your patience!
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Rain Barrel Workshop
A rain barrel is an easy way to reduce the stormwater runoff from your
property and make the water available for irrigating your garden.
In this workshop you will be constructing a rain barrel
that you can take home with you
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Cape Henry Collegiate School, Dolphin Cafe
1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach
Cost: $50 (covers the cost of the barrel and supplies)
Make checks payable to: Lynnhaven River NOW
Workshop limited to the first 15 people.
To register, contact:
Helen Kuhns, Lynnhaven River NOW, (757) 962-5398
hkuhns@lynnhaven2007.com or by mail
1608 Pleasure House Road, Suite 108, Virginia Beach, 23455__________________________________________________________________________
Paper or Plastic? NEITHER!
Please use reusable grocery bags!
Many local stores are offering reusable, sturdy, foldable grocery bags,
and now you can show your support of Lynnhaven River NOW
with your LRNow reusable grocery bags!
Our sturdy, foldable bags are navy blue, and feature
the LRNow logo, "Restoring the Legend" and the LRNow website address.
Each has a plastic insert to help reinforce the bottom panel.
Bags are $3.00 each or 4 for $10.00
Call our office to order: 962-5398, or email Laura at lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com
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Summer Education Offerings
Student Camp Opportunity
- Junior Master Gardener Summer Day Campfor ages 9 - 12 – June 23 – June 27
Summer 2008 Teacher Development Opportunities
- Reducing Runoff in the Watershed - June 17
- Going Green: An Intro. Model to Involve Students in Community and Educational Projects – June 19
- Building a Rain Garden: A Lynnhaven River Project – July 17
- Introduction to Oyster Reef Restoration in the Lynnhaven River – August 7
- Joining the Effort: A Lynnhaven River Project – Aug 8
- Understanding Watersheds – July 14 & 15
- Advanced Oyster Gardeners’ Field Skills and Classroom Curriculum – July 9
- Understanding Watershed Chemistry through Earth Science – August 6 & 7
- Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Workshop – Aug 14
To download and print the full list with details, click HERE.
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Our next Public Meeting will be
Thursday, June 5, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Dockside Inn
3311 Shore Drive, VB
ALL WELCOME! Pre-registration is requested but not required.
(This helps us to bring the right number of handouts.)
Call or email with the number in your party:
962-5398 or lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com
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Interested in becoming an Oyster Gardener?
Upcoming seminars, etc. through the Chesapeake Bay Foundation:
New Gardner Seminar, VB - July 22, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m, VB Central Library
New Gardner Seminar, Norf - Aug. 12, 6:30 - 7: 30 p.m., Norf. Yacht & Cntry Club
New Gardner Seminar, VB - Sept 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Great Neck Library
Seed oyster distribution and round up of 1 yr old oysters - July 26, 9 - 11 a.m., First Landing S.P. 64th St.
Seed oyster distribution and round up of 1 yr old oysters - Aug 9, 9 - 11 a.m., Norf. Yacht & Cntry Club
Seed oyster distribution and round up of 1 yr old oysters - Aug 23, 9 - 11 a.m., First Landing S.P. 64th St.
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We have FOUR Clean Marina's in the Lynnhaven River Watershed!
Cavalier Boat & Yacht Club Marina
Lynnhaven Municipal Marina
Lynnhaven Marine/The Boatel
Marina at Marina Shores
The Virginia Clean Marina Program promotes the voluntary adoption
of measures that prevent or reduce pollution from traditional and
non-traditional marinas, boatyards and recreational boats. Marina operators
that adopt these measures are designated as "Virginia Clean Marinas."
Lynnhaven River NOW would like to say thank you to these marinas
for helping us to restore the legend.
For more information on the Virginia Clean Marina program, click HERE.
If your marina would like to become a Virginia Clean Marina, please
contact Karen Forget at kforget@lynnhaven2007.com, and we can provide
assistance with the certification process.
If the marina that you use is NOT a Virginia Clean Marina,
let them know that it matters to you!
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The Lynnhaven River NOW Athey Oyster Reef
Construction is now complete!
After two years of work, our oyster reef is now finished!
The reef is easy to see from Dockside Inn, Bubba’s, Lynnhaven Seafood,
Chick’s Oyster Bar or from the Lesner Bridge.
The reef was built on top of the concrete debris from the
old bridge and used the oyster shell collected from restaurants
and citizens through our Save Oyster Shell campaign. Funds for the
reef’s construction were provided by Fish America Foundation, the
City of Virginia Beach and Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
Day 1: Before shell placement Day 1: some of the shell in place!
Day 6 ... nearly complete Day 6 .... view of Lesner Bridge from LRNow reef
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Make a tax-deductible donation,
and help us to Restore The Legend!
- Print out a donor form HERE, and mail with your check or
M/C or VISA information to: 1608 Pleasure House Rd, Ste 108, Va Beach, VA 23455
- Call or email our office with your credit card information;
757-962-5398 or email LBaity@lynnhaven2007.com
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2007 State of the River Report
.
On November 29, 2007, Lynnhaven River NOW unveiled our third annual
"State of the River" Report. The report evaluates the condition of the river
using indicators that measure pollution, pollution control strategies,
habitat preservation and restoration, and environmental awareness.
In 2007, the Lynnhaven River receives a B, up from a B- in 2006.
.
Click here for the full 2007 "State of the River" Report
See also 2005 and 2006 State of the River Reports
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BIG NEWS!
29% of the Lynnhaven River is now
Safe for Shellfish Consumption
.
One of the ways that Lynnhaven River NOW measures
progress toward improving the health of the river
is by looking at the areas that the VA Dept. of Health
designates as safe for shellfish consumption.
.
On 11/26/07, the Virginia Department of Health opened
373 acres of Broad Bay, 242 acres of Linkhorn Bay, and
847 acres of the Lynnhaven Bay to shellfish consumption
due to reduced bacterial concentrations.
That's a total of 1,462 acres now open!
The Lynnhaven has not had such a large area open
to shellfish harvesting since 1931!
The VDH Shellfish website is HERE.
Map of Lynnhaven Bay opening: Click HERE.
Map of Broad Bay opening: Click HERE.
Map of Linkhorn Bay opening: Click HERE.
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We're taking orders for RAIN BARRELS!
Rain Barrels are a great way to catch the gallons of water that run off of your roof,
and end up as runoff into the Lynnhaven River. Along it's way to our storm
drains, this runoff collects bacteria from pet waste, fertilizers,and more
end up harming the river. Now you can catch some of this water,
prevent the runoff problems, and use the rain water for your gardens.
Lynnhaven River NOW is giving you two ways to
get a rain barrel for your home.
We are taking orders for rain barrels like the one installed in front of our office.
(These are recycled barrels from food imports so the barrel color may vary.)
The cost is $65, picked up at our office, or $125, delivered to your
home and installed. Stop by and see our rain barrel or contact us
for more information, 962-5398 or email lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com.
To see the informational flyer/order form, click: Rain Barrels.
If you would like to host a Rain Barrel class, in which we instruct your group on
how to build a rain barrel (we provide all the equipment for each person to
complete one rain barrel), please contact us. The cost per participant would
be $50, and we ask for a group size of 10 people minimum.
Terrific for a gardening club or Civic group!
Call 962-5398, or email lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com .
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CORRECTION TO 2008 Lynnhaven River NOW Calendar:
Clean The Bay Day will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2008.
(It is not being held 6/14/08.)
We will have a London Bridge Creek clean-up on Saturday, June 14, 2008.
For more information, go to: http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=clean
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What exactly is a rain garden?
Have a low spot in your yard? Instead of filling in this area, you can plant a
rain garden, which is a highly porous planting bed designed to temporarily
store and treat rain water run-off. It is a form of what’s called bioretention.
Benefits include: Excess nutrient consumption, Erosion control, Pollutant removal,
Local groundwater recharge, Habitat for beneficial wildlife, Aesthetic improvement.
Download our Rain Garden Guide HERE
For more information,
contact Lynnhaven River NOW at 757-962-5398
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Now available:
Book 3 of the Wild River Guide Series
Wild River Guide to Coastal Waterways:
From Corolla to Cape Henry
For more information, read the news release HERE
Cost: $19.95 plus $4.00 shipping
Pick up at Wild River Outfitters, or
Contact: Eco Images 757-421-3929
email: EcoImages@cox.net
website: www.ecoimages-us.com
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City of Virginia Beach's
"Don't Feed the Ducks and Geese" Initiative
Feeding wildlife not only encourages these animals to eat
unhealthy diets, but encourages the ducks and geese to establish
homes outside of their natural territory, wetlands. When ducks
and geese congregate in non-wetland areas, their feces and its
bacteria is deposited in an area that easily and quickly runs off
into our public waters, contributing to water-quality problems.
What's best for the ducks and geese,
is also best for the Lynnhaven River.
Please don't feed waterfowl.
For more information, go to:
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City of VB Will Appeal VMRC Board's Decision
to Overturn VB Wetlands Board Rejection
of Indigo Dunes JPA.
On 7/25/07, The Virginia Marine Resources Board heard the Sandler's appeal
of the local Wetlands Board and decided in a 4 to 3 vote to overturn the
decision of the Virginia Beach Wetlands Board.
On 8/14/2007, City Council decided to appeal the VMRC ruling.
In the 9/26/07 Virginian-Pilot, it was reported that the City has
filed the appeal in Circuit Court last week, and that documents
contend that the state commission should not have reversed
the Virginia Beach Wetlands Board's vote to deny the permit.
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Donation to fund Multimedia Projector needed
We've been generously allowed to borrow a multimedia projector
for our various Public Lectures, Courses, and other events,
but really need to own one of our own.
We're looking for a donor who would like to cover the expense
of a multimedia projector. This size and type of projector we believe
we need would cost approx. $800.00 - $1,000.00.
If you would like to be our donor for this equipment, please contact
Karen Forget, LRN's Executive Director, at 962-5398,
or email kforget@Lynnhaven2007.com.
(This donation would be tax-deductible.)
Donation to fund a laptop computer needed
We are looking for a donor who will donate the funds for LRNow
to purchase a laptop computer. We are now using our own personal
computers to do public presentations, but really need to purchase
one that belongs to LRNow.
If you are interested in donating, please contact Karen Forget,
LRNow Executive Director at 962-5398 or
email kforget@lynnhaven2007.com.
(This donation would be tax-deductible.)
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Keep informed!
Would you like to receive our emails which announce upcoming events,
public meetings and lectures, volunteer opportunities, and more?
If so, please send an email to Laura at lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com.
Also, if you are not receiving our quarterly newsletter, drop us a line and we'll mail
our most recent newsletter, and add you to the mailing list for future newsletters.
Email: lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com, or call Laura at 962-5398.
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Lynnhaven-Friendly
Landscapers and Lawncare Providers
The Landscape Companies listed below have completed the Water-Friendly Landscaping
course we offered in February which covered topics related to eco-friendly landscaping
including designing buffer gardens and rain gardens, soil preparation, use of native plants,
responsible nutrient management, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations.
We encourage you to use Landscapers who practice water-friendly landscaping techniques.
As we reduce nutrient run-off into our waterways and storm-drains,
we will improve the water quality in our river.
Thank you to our new "Landscapers for the Lynnhaven":
Bay Horticultural Services
Coastal Landscapes, Inc.
Edward Gosman and Associates, Inc.
Garden Gals
Greenery Scenery Landcapes, LLC
Griffith Landscapes
HLD Landscaping, Inc.
Richscapes
Signature Landscaping and Tree Care
Smithfield Gardens, Inc.
Southern Branch Nursery
Sustainable Solutions
Visionscapes Land Design, Inc.
Williamsburg Environmental Landcape Design
WPL Site Design
*Contact information for all of these Landscaping Companies can be found HERE.*
The Lawn Care Companies listed below completed the course, Nutrient Management
for Lawn Care Providers, which we offered in October 2007. This course covered
topics related to eco-friendly nutrient reduction in lawn care practices:
voluntary water quality agreements, turf management, fertilization schedules,
Cheapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations, responsible gardening practices,
runoff reduction and responsible nutrient management. We encourage you
to use Lawn care Providers who practice nutrient reducing lawn care practices.
Thank you to our new "Lawn Care Providers for the Lynnhaven":
Allen's Landscaping & Maintenance
Agronomic Lawn Management
Beach Lawn Care
Dr. Dan's Inc.
James River Grounds
Lawrence Landscaping & Maintenance Services, Inc.
Maxwell Landscape Service, Inc.
NaturaLawn of America
Renaissance Outdoor Contracting
Tidewater Landworks
*Contact information for all of these Lawn Care companies can be found HERE.*
A special thank you to Atlantic Shores Retirement Community for bringing Lynnhaven-Friendly lawn care practices to their facility.
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Where is the Lynnhaven River Watershed?
The colored areas are contained within the Lynnhaven River Watershed
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Our First Pearl Schools!
The Pearl School Program was developed by Lynnhaven River NOW
to acknowledge and encourage good environmental education
programs in our schools. Teachers are some of our most important
and effective spokespeople for environmental education and students
play a critical role in our restoration and stewardship efforts. Schools
not only effect change in the present, even more importantly,
good school programs are helping to insure that we will have
concerned stewards of our environment in the future.
To earn the Pearl School Award, a school can accumulate the needed
points through a variety of projects. The program is open to
elementary, middle and high schools and there are different point
values for each level. After the initial Pearl School Award, schools
can continue to be recognized for their excellent environmental
education programs in subsequent years.
The following schools were presented with the Pearl School Award
for the 2006-2007 school year, and received a Pearl School
banner to display in their school.
Kings Grant Elementary School
Lynnhaven Middle School
New Castle Elementary School
Ocean Lakes Elementary School
Plaza Middle School
Thoroughgood Elementary School
Virginia Beach Friends School
Pearl School Program applications for the 2007-2008 year are due 5/1/08.
If you have questions, please contact Helen Kuhns at hkuhns@lynnhaven2007.com.
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How to find our new office at
1608 Pleasure House Road, Suite 108 (near Independence)
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Lynnhaven River NOW Position Statement
re: Pleasure House Point property development
Read letter sent to Virginia Beach Wetlands Board &
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board
regarding Pleasure House Point development (also
known as proposed Indigo Dunes development)
Read statement here
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Save Oyster Shell (S.O.S.) for the Lynnhaven
* resuming in Spring 2008*
From June through August 2006, Lynnhaven River NOW
worked with 8 Virginia Beach restaurants
to gather and recycle oyster and clam shells which will
be used to build and restore oyster reefs in the Lynnhaven River.
To learn more about the program and the restaurants, CLICK here
We also can pick up oyster shell from small special events, so if you
know of anyone having a community oyster roast, let us know
and we can make arrangements to pick up the shell,
to be used on a future oyster reef.
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Newsletter Downloads Available:
Click HERE to download a copy of our Fall 2007 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of our Summer 2007 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of the Summer Newsletter INSERT.
Click HERE to download a copy of the Summer Newsletter INSERT pg 2
Click HERE to download a copy of our Spring 2007 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of our Spring 2007 Newsletter, Part 2
Click HERE to download a copy of the Spring Newsletter INSERT.
Click HERE to download a copy of our Winter (Jan.) 2007 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of our Fall 2006 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of the Fall Newsletter INSERT.
Click HERE to download a copy of our Summer 2006 Newsletter.
Click HERE to download a copy of the Summer 2006 Newsletter Insert.
*If you are not receiving our quarterly newsletters by mail and would like to,
call us at 962-5398 or email lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com.
We also send out invitations to public events, volunteering opportunities,
etc. via email. Send us your email and be among the first to
hear about our upcoming events!
.
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.
If you use a MVP card at Food Lion stores, you could
be supporting Lynnhaven River with every purchase!
(There is NO cost to you!)
Click on our SUPPORT page for more details.
Thank you.
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City Projects
.
Want to know what projects the Virginia Beach city government is
carrying out in your neighborhood
related to water quality in the Lynnhaven River?
Check out this new map of city projects!
.
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Resources:
Rain Garden Guide *new Jan. 2008
Backyard Buffer Plant List *revised Jan. 2008
.
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OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE
A Clean and Healthy Lynnhaven River---
includes
Long Creek, Broad Bay, Crystal
Lake, Linkhorn Bay and their tributaries
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