DONATE NOW
November 30, 2022
Why the Turtle?

LRNow’s turtle logo is an illustration of a diamondback terrapin, Virginia’s only saltmarsh turtle.

 

 

 

Once plentiful in Virginia Beach, this brackish water critter is now one of our high-risk species.  More and more of its nesting grounds have been destroyed by development, pollution, and destruction of coastal habitats.

 

Diamondback females must come ashore to lay their eggs in sandy soil, but the terrapins are unable to scale the bulkheads on many waterfront properties. In addition, baby diamondbacks depend on grassy edges of the salt marsh to live, feed, and grow strong before heading out into the water. 

 

As if that weren’t enough, diamondback terrapins face the added threat of crab pots around the river.  They enter the traps to feed on crab bait and are trapped. Because turtles breathe air, the terrapins drown.

 We have tried to raise awareness of the diamondback terrapin’s struggles since 2007.  As one of our logos, the symbolism of this handsome critter also takes on greater meaning. Our vision of clean and healthy Virginia Beach waterways includes restoring habitats on both the land and water for all native wildlife. The diamondback terrapin is just one local that benefits from LRNow’s work to educate and empower the community, reduce sources of contamination in our waterways, and restore habitats.

 

Click HERE to learn more about the diamondback terrapin!

 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
PEARL HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS

PEARL HOMES are places where people care about our environment and want to do what they can to help protect our resources.

Learn more»
PEARL SCHOOLS

Lynnhaven River NOW recognizes schools providing outstanding environmental education as a Pearl School.

Learn More»
PEARL BUSINESSES

PEARL BUSINESSES are essential to truly move towards a more sustainable Virginia Beach and cleaner waters.

Learn More »
PEARL FAITH

We all want to do our part to restore the health of all of our sacred waterways and protect them for future generations to enjoy.

Learn More»
SUSTAINABLE YARDS PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE YARDS PROGRAM: Let us help you “green” your Lynnhaven watershed home. This unique program provides specific stormwater management practices to your yard at a significantly reduced cost to you.

Learn More»