ANNUAL REPORT 2015
LRNow.org ANNUAL REPORT | 2015 ANNUAL REPORT | 2015
2015 DEAR MEMBERS, VOLUNTEER We had one of my favorite LRNow events on December 6, our Annual APPRECIATION Volunteer Appreciation Event. It was a 70 degree December day and AWARDS we were able to enjoy delicious Lynnhaven oysters and beautiful views of the river from the deck of the Brock Center while we celebrated our amazing volunteers. What could be better!
During 2015, Lynnhaven River NOW completed 156 programs, involving 21,500 participants and logged 3,348 volunteer hours. And these numbers may all be lower than they should be because at times we are too busy to remember to add things to the log. But these accomplishments are only possible because of the amazing people who volunteer their time and talents throughout the year to clean up thousands of pounds of marine debris, to replant wetlands and Million Dollar shorelines, to help us build oyster castle projects, to educate the public Volunteer of the Year at our events and other festivals and meetings in the community, to Sid Vaughn serve on our committees and board, to assist with program preparation Oyster Restoration and administrative work, and a thousand other ways that our volunteers October, 2015 “high water” on the Eastern Branch. Volunteer of the Year make the work of LRNow possible. Brent James We appreciate all of you and recognize that we could not do this Shorelines Volunteer of the Year without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. To the left, you will Vince Bowhers see a few special people who were recognized for their volunteer 2015PEARL was another successful HOMES year for our growing Pearl Homes Pearl Homes Volunteer of the Year contributions in 2015. We wish we could give everyone an award. Program. More than 300 new Virginia Beach residences Cindy Caskey became Pearl Homes last year! A new Pearl Homes Committee Marketing Volunteer of the Year We hope this annual report will give you a good picture of the work we was established and went right to work developing a sleek, Lesley Hildreth accomplished in 2015 and a few of the things we are planning for 2016. more user-friendly Pearl Home Application. Pearl Schools Volunteer of the Year Please note that you will find our Annual State of the River Report on 2015 also marked the second year of our Native Plant program. Barbara Imrich pages 8–11. Throughout are overviews of each of our five major program Southern Branch Nursery’s Eric Gunderson provided us with more than 400 beautiful native plants which are Public Policy Volunteers of the Year areas: Pearl Homes, Restoration, Pearl Schools, Advocacy and Pearl Faith now spread throughout residents’ gardens. We are looking forward to helping both of these programs grow Ann Wright Communities. exponentially during the upcoming year. Wendy Vaughn Pearl Faith Communities This is a great time for you to consider how you may want to get more Lynnhaven River Now Monthly River Cleanups: Volunteer of the Year involved in 2016. Follow up on your New Year’s resolution, and become In 2015, 4,809 pounds (nearly 2.5 tons!) of trash were collected by volunteers in the community. These Alyssa Muhlendorf a member, come out to a cleanup, respond to a volunteer request or join enthusiastic volunteers generously dedicated three hours of their time every second Saturday. Friendships were one of our committees. Information can be found on all of our volunteer Stewardship and Access forged and new memories made at the monthly cleanups, where our wonderful volunteers absolutely embody opportunities on our website and in our semi-monthly electronic E-News. Volunteers of the Year stewardship for our Lynnhaven River watershed. Laney Brown Thank you for all you do to restore and protect our natural environment. Robert Brown We are proud to announce Beach Garden Park as our newest Adopt-A-Program here in Virginia Beach. This Happy New Year, means we will regularly take responsibility for cleanup of this waterway area. THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FANTASTIC VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED US IN A MILLION Karen Karen Forget “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, WAYS DURING 2015. Executive Director citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing WE COULD NOT DO that ever has.” THIS WITHOUT YOU! -Margaret Mead
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Landstown Sharon Ross Salem Ana Colon Kay Dixon Arnold Wyss NEW PEARL HOMES Rusty & Wende Barton Cara Blume Heather Beloff Larkspur Karen Woodard Brent Taylor JANUARY- DECEMBER 2015 Leslie & Eric Hodeen Heather Driscoll The winner of the new Pearl Home drawing for tickets to our 2016 Oyster Roast is CHARLES Cheryl D. Dzengeleski Carla Morris Anne Abraham Salt Marsh Point SILVERMAN of Lynnwood. Congratulations to Charles and to all of our new Pearl Homes. If your flag Lynn Silvestris Kathy McDowell Lauren Gay Amy Metzger is faded or torn, please bring it to our office and we will give you a bright and shiny new one. Nancy Souldourian Saw Pen Point S. Celeste Mohon Jennifer Adams Alanton Brigadoon Chicks Beach Hillcrest Farms Pat Briggs Adrina Fischer Miles B. Leon Kelli Bradshaw Haunani Kalua Susan Clements Laurel Cove Barbra Dudley Lindley Fox Nomi Reins James E. Bussey III Maureen Bernard Pierre & Sandra Granger Jinni Newing Homestead Ocean Lakes Taryn Payne Brighton on the Bay Church Point Meghan Glynn Little Neck Michael Anders Scarborough Square Linda Fox-Jarvis Barbara DelDonna Peggy Dickens Chris Davis Mary Cousins Alicia Rhamy Hunt Club Forest Kathy Parsons Alexandria Brookfield Crossing Lisa & David Cohen Wendy Reese Sharon Bridges Seabridge Square Jenn Corack Michele Barnes Emelie Zueger Chip & Julia Claytor College Park Nicole Maynard Susan Ryan Ocean Park Amberwood Brookwood Maureen Bernard Navasha O’Laughlin Paul G. Lankford Herbert Hughes Shadowlawn Wimbleton on the Bay Cynthia George Joan Schrecengost Colonial Oaks Amber Turner Jan Pace Tom Stahl Joseph Feldman Lynn Acres Peggy White Joe Barakey Aragona Village Cape Arbor Amy Sewell Indian Lakes Windsor Woods Kathryn N. Byler Luis G. Lerin Lola Lapier Dawn Hinnard Allen Check Confederate Ridge Rachael Correll Coleen Bowles Gaylord Ventura Lynnhaven Acres Kevin O’Hara Mandy & Tim Spollen Bay Cliff Cape Henry Shores Thomas Bowman Phil & Grace Wellman Mathew Janes Mary Russell Keith & Liz Maurer Indian River Point Kimberly Yanek Bill Baylor Croatan Lynn Shores Crystal & Terry Gearhart Shannon Knoll Wingfield Ashley Scifres Beth Camper Lynette Reuss Steve & Billie Miley Beverly Oliver William Robbins Jennifer & Chris Pecan Gardens Rosemary & Brendan Stella Salyer Kay Troutman Inlynnview Dougherty Witchduck Point Jason Stick Don Swift Dave Belote Lynnhaven Colony Jessica Kelley Casey Tawfik Cromwell Farm Antoinette Guess Connie Rawlings-Guy Shelton Circle Marjorie Smallie Marilyn Horvath Harriet Ervin J.C. Hudgins Shores Crawford Anderson Tim & Louise Jeffries Pelican Dunes Taylor Pernice Bay Colony Susan Killion Gerald & Faye Fudala Chris Dobzyniak Laura & Jay Rixey Dam Neck Base Betty Oliver Terri Kraly Shorehaven Cape Story by the Sea Crystal Rathke Kempsville Marguerite Duncan Woodstock Jane Booth Joe & Marianne Judge Terri Chappell Susan Olson Cox Emily Pusatere Fairfield Ellen Grillo Lynnhaven Woods Karen Bramble Ellen Endicott Mike & Debbie Wright Pembroke Southhall Bay Island Ann Marie Workman Jean Gilbert Kathy Christman Sara Harlvorsen Karen Mueller Other Neighborhoods (no Jeneah Jordan Tim & Erin Ray neighborhood given) William Schlemmer Susan Flavin Laura Smart Lynnwood Michelle Missy Vasquez Michael Jaffe Alan Jorts Shelly Cleridence Fox Run Carine McCandless Jean Holman Patty Friedman Kings Forest Southern Points Priscilla Haskins Doug Heatrich Marti & Ellis Malabad Ablina Paulino Thomas Gillikin Pine Meadows Nan Burns Jim & Ellen Deppe Amelia West-Watson Alan Orts Kathy Benson Sandi Levi Mike Dulinawkz Dawn Garvey Strawbridge Dorianne Villani Doug Heatrich Eastern Park Kings Grant Charles Silverman Lisa Prough Captain’s Walk Chris & Angela Henry Tim & Susan Hill Marilyn Covington Dana Cox Cary Thompson Rachelle Nowak Richard & Elise Cofer Elaine M. Polizos Pine Ridge Tazewell Chris Barrett Baylake Pines Friendship Village Jacqueline Anderson Melanie Penley Castleton Pat Tompkins Brandon & Catherine Wooton Dale Baker Lou & Jeannette Paulson Susan E. Marens Jennifer Thomasson Seson Britt Cathy Drake & Foster Kim Rye Linda Radcliffe Point O’Woods Thalia Bays Edge Condos Andrea Cabon Purrington Gardenwood Gay Lynn Rountree Margaret Baumgerb Amber Manoff Kristen Zigrang David Hill Jr. Anna Lott Matthew F. Ukleja Tami Casey Charles Abbott & Carla & Bill Daniels Princess Anne Commons Ashley Askew Judy Sparrow Cavalier Shores Angela Hanretty Gillian Valentine Saniya Muhammad Magic Hollow Peggy Economidis The Lakes Stephanie Spencer Bellamy Manor Estates Laurie Dawson Glenwood David B. Crouse Jr. Victoria Cram Princess Anne Hills Rose Benson Howard Royster Heather Wren Charlestowne Lakes Thomas Smith Laura Solomon Malibu Daniel Levy The Landings Nancy Garrett Crystal DeGray Mindee Weiss Governor Square Bill Carson Kate Michaels Helen Hart Nancy Ann Good Nicholas & Barbara Kimpan Robyn Hofheimer Kitty Brown Carson D. EntreKin Trudee Engelund Vicki Goldrich Donna & Michael Firestone Lisa Kingsbury Carol Kirwan Sharon Nieto Thoroughgood Duane Coolman Terri Campbell Nancy Moore Great Bridge Capt. & Mrs. K. G. Craig Kevin Goggin Princess Anne Plaza Shirley & Brandon Cholek Ruth Turpin Mary & RJ Nutter Steve Champion Susan Fonseca Beth & Mike McOsker Mayberry Margo DiMatteo Kathy Robinson James & Laureen Simmons Roger Berry Jeffrey Jensen Great Neck Kim Russell Red Mill Barbara Ryan Frank & Susan Downs Kline Farms Ken & Laura Yagelski Sandy May Arwen Niles & Matt Herrygers Judy Jessen Dawn Williams Meadowbridge Brenda Anderson Edward Kramer Mike & Debbie Wylie Melissa Knight Alison Carol Daniels Green Hill Farms Lake Placid Karl & Nicole Linderman Trant Berkshire Robin Ezzell Bellwood Estates Corothy McCoskey Chris Workman Matthew Mercer C J Howell Red Wing Richard & Judy Kyle Debbie Bell Mary Jo Burchard Mary Ann Green Run Joanna Zavala Middle Plantation Paul Seymour Trantwood Neal Smith Birdneck Point Frank Milinazzo Judy Kim Tom & Debbie Curran Ridgely Manor Callie Robinson Courtney Mickeiewicz Catherine & Charles Reid Lake Shores Wayne & Theresa Sawyer Greenbrier Kevin & Karen Barney Francesca Gentile Helen & Shannon Jennings Stephanie Summers Patricia Dolan Mary Hubbard William Mager Fenton Harsley Jr. Paul M. Casteliano Teri & Jeff Voltz Aniston & Kinley Dostie Annette Reda Sarah Hall Chesapeake Beach L. G. Peterson Birdneck Village Harbor Club Lake Smith Naval Air Station Oceana Robin Hood Forest Washington Square Holly & Mac Duff Courtney Pharr Deanna Frantzen Stacey Sykes Laura Lumagui Kevin Pullin & Dana Charles Davis Monique Ludwig Hope Beecher Wright VanVliet-Pullin Jeremy Caleb Johnson Liama Dean Bow Creek Haygood Point Roland Park Chesopeian Colony Lakeview Shores Lewis R. White Shirley Baber Mary Kohlhoff North End Terri Stanton Wellington Woods Gina Coss Marlene Hunnings Barbara Garcia Potter Family Kelly Young Gayle Johnson Rosemont Forest Van & Rosie Reading Hickory Terry Blevins Lynn Ramsey Jennifer Gegan Teresa Lugo
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Pearl Schools 2014-2015 (continued) many different fields. It also gave them a glimpse of the treasure in their own Middle Schools Pearl Schools neighborhood, Pleasure House Point, and what it had to offer to all who come Bayside Middle School – 7th & to visit. Students then produced movies about the project areas and showed 8th grade campus Brandon Middle School 2014-2015 them to an audience of parents, students and the public at a special movie Corporate Landing Middle School screening night. In addition, many other teachers and students helped win this Great Neck Middle School Pre-K/Elementary award. They created artwork from repurposed materials that was on display Independence Middle School Alanton Elementary School at the National Green Schools Conference, participated in environmental Landstown Middle School Barefoot Kids Christian Day School Lynnhaven Middle School Bayside Elementary School workshops, started new recycling programs, executed Pearl Home and Scoop Plaza Middle School Brookwood Elementary School the Poop campaigns and supported a Green Club. Independence MS also Princess Anne Middle School Christopher Farms Elementary School participated in the Growing Wetlands in the Classroom and raised oysters. With Virginia Beach Middle School College Park Elementary School all these efforts, Independence is really making a difference in the Lynnhaven W. T. Cooke Elementary School High Schools Corporate Landing Elementary School River watershed. Bayside High School Creeds Elementary School First Colonial High School Fairfield Elementary School First Colonial High School, a five year Pearl School, launched a Frank W. Cox High School Glenwood Elementary School new initiative to help earn their Pearl School Award points. The Green Club did Green Run High School Hermitage Elementary School research on the impact of plastic water bottles on the environment and came Kellam High School John B. Dey Elementary School Kempsville High School up with a plan to educate the other students and raise money to install a water Kempsville Elementary School Landstown High School King’s Grant Elementary School bottle refill station in the school. First Colonial HS students also participated in Ocean Lakes High School Kingston Elementary School Schools Working Hard and the 2nd annual TRASHion Show at Lynnhaven Mall in February. The students Princess Anne High School Linkhorn Park Elementary School came back to school with the coveted Principal’s Award for Excellence on and Salem High School Lynnhaven Elementary School Tallwood High School New Castle Elementary School Making a Difference off the runway. They have already signed up to participate in the TRASHion Newtown Elementary School The word is out! It is now easier than ever to become one of the schools in Show on February 27, 2016. Schools with Multiple Levels Norfolk Academy Lower School Virginia Beach creating great environmental education lessons, becoming Cape Henry Collegiate Norfolk Christian School - Beach Thanks to all of our Pearl Schools for making a difference in their schools and in Kemps Landing/Old Donation School more sustainable and carrying out those great cleanups in and around the Lower School their communities. If your school is not yet a Pearl School, please check out the Renaissance Academy North Landing Elementary School community. The Pearl School Award application is now on-line and we have website (http://www.lynnhavenrivernow.org/pearl-schools/) and start adding up Virginia Beach Friends School Ocean Lakes Elementary School added more ideas that mesh with the Standards of Learning to get the schools Old Donation Episcopal Day School the points. If you need assistance or would like to sit down with LRNow staff, to their goals. This past school year, we awarded the Pearl School banner to 11 Parkway Elementary School please contact Jody Ullmann, Pearl School Coordinator at jody@ LRNow.org. Pembroke Elementary School new schools, bringing the total number of Pearl Schools in Virginia Beach to 70, Pembroke Meadows Elementary School including our first ever Pre-schools: Old Donation Pre-school and Barefoot Kids Princess Anne Elementary School Christian Day School. Our Pearl School Providence Elementary School program began in Red Mill Elementary School Newtown Elementary School is one of those schools new to Rosemont Elementary School the Pearl School Award. They worked hard to earn that award by taking part 2007 with seven Salem Elementary School Seatack Elementary School in the Urban Tree Program. Through this city-lead program, they learned about schools. Over the past Shelton Park Elementary School trees and their importance to the environment. They expressed this knowledge eight years, it has Strawbridge Elementary School and their feelings about trees through artworks from repurposed materials Tallwood Elementary School grown very rapidly. Thalia Elementary School displayed at the National Green Schools Conference, and then planted trees Thoroughgood Elementary School on the school grounds. Many of the students attended the National Green In 2015, we had 71 Three Oaks Elementary School Schools Conference and added their voices to the discussions held for students. Trantwood Elementary School In addition to the trees, the school added a Wildlife friendly garden which will participating schools. White Oaks Elementary School Williams Elementary School feed and nurture many pollinators. Windsor Oaks Elementary School Windsor Woods Elementary School Independence Middle School is another of the new schools. Working closely with experts in water quality, birds, aquatic animals, plants and insects, a class of 7th grade Life Science students completed a one day assessment of life at Pleasure House Point Natural Area. This “bio-blitz” gave the students an opportunity to meet and work with scientists and naturalists in
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LYNNHAVEN RIVER NOW PRESENTS THE
LynnhavenADVOCACY River NOW is actively involved in two local public policy issues and will be advocating for two issues in the General Assembly session this year. 2015 State of the River Report Is restoring and protecting our ON THE LOCAL LEVEL: environment important? You Offshore Drilling poses huge threats to our waterways and beaches and all know that we at Lynnhaven of the progress we have made to clean up our environment. It is not just the River NOW believe that it is. possibility of a disastrous spill that poses a risk, but the smaller spills that occur We prefer to call our natural as a result of the day-to-day operations also foul the waters and kill wildlife. environment our life support Thank You Oyster larvae is particularly vulnerable to oil and gas contamination. We are system because that may be joined on this position by many other groups in Virginia Beach including the a more appropriate way to Restaurant and Hotel Associations and the Princess Anne and Virginia Beach think about it. We have clear Mary Picardi Garden Clubs. We are all working together to have our concerns heard at the reminders every day of the state and federal levels. We thank our City Council for rescinding their support many ways we depend on our built environment. We A special Thank You of offshore oil and gas drilling. wake up in a climate controlled home, dress in human designed clothing, prepare our breakfast in our to Mary Picardi for her tireless work Extending light rail is the first step to a multi-modal public transportation system for Virginia Beach and our region will have multiple benefits including human engineered and constructed kitchen, and this as our Public Policy Committee environmental benefits. Impervious surface does not allow water to soak into continues throughout our day. What we may not be chair. Mary thoroughly researched the ground when it rains and is a major component of water quality problems. as aware of are the many ways we are dependent on Much of our existing and anticipated impervious surface exists to serve cars, the natural world. The air we breathe, the water we issues related to water quality and roadways, driveways and parking lots. A multi-modal transportation system use to bathe, brush our teeth, and make our morning to a more sustainable world happens one individual and one decision at a time. The cumulative impact is protecting our environment at the will reduce the need to add further impervious surfaces for cars. In addition, as coffee, the coffee itself and all of the food we eat, the much as 25-30% of the excess nitrogen in our waterways, a major pollutant, is materials to make our clothing and build our homes all powerful and can change the world. local, state and federal levels. She air-deposited from vehicles. Reducing driving miles in our city will reduce the come from our natural environment. And that is just In our community, one of the best measures of spent much time communicating excess nitrogen that leads to algal blooms and dead zones in our waterways. the beginning. how well we are doing in caring for our natural Researchers are learning more about how important environment is water quality. We have water with our partner organizations, our AT THE STATE LEVEL: time in nature is to our health and well-being. People everywhere and we love it. But how well are we taking committee members and our elected Climate change, sea level rise, and increased flooding are complex topics. But heal faster, students learn better, and everyone care of it? Part of the answer to that question can be one thing we know in Virginia Beach is that dealing with rising water levels officials on issues that affected us handles the everyday stress of life better when they found in this State of the River Report. We are getting and more flooding is going to be both difficult and expensive. The Coastal have a connection to the natural world. How many of better all the time but many challenges remain. We are locally. We appreciate all she did Protection Act being sponsored by Delegate Villanueva offers a market-based us take a walk on the beach or in a park or wooded learning that every choice that we make has an impact. approach to providing an ongoing source of funds for our region to deal with for our Public Policy Committee area when we need to decompress or wrestle with a How can we lessen our negative impacts and increase climate change and adapt to sea level rise. This legislation has been endorsed particularly difficult question or problem? Researchers our positive contributions? and for the awareness she raised by our City Council and is part of the Virginia Beach 2016 Legislative Package. are documenting all of the ways that a connection to As you read our 2015 State of the River Report, pay to protect our environment. We are Funding for the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund was eliminated from last the natural world not only makes us healthier but also attention to the evaluations in each area, but also take happy that Mary will be continuing year’s state budget and needs to be restored. The only area of pollutants to supports clear thinking and problem solving. note of the things that you can do to help us reach our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay that continues to increase is urban This life support system around us is vitally important, our goal of good water quality in our Virginia Beach as a committee member and want to stormwater. Localities, like Virginia Beach, are faced with massive retrofits but also can present challenges. How do we meet our waterways. Clean water is good for all of us and we to our stormwater sewer system to curb the flow of stormwater and the thank her for her hard work serving needs without damaging the natural environment? can all be a part of insuring that we are leaving a pollutants that it carries. The Stormwater Local Assistance Fund provides grant as our committee chair. Do we as individuals really make a difference? We are clean and healthy natural world for our children and funding (on a 1/1 match basis) to assist localities in upgrading their systems. learning more every day about how to live responsibly, grandchildren. Nature is resilient and will work with us This funding is very important for Virginia Beach and we are advocating for $50 meeting our needs in a way that does not threaten if we give her a chance. million in funding in 2016. the ability of future generations to meet their needs. With some gains and losses, our overall grade for 2015 If you are interested in joining the Public Policy Committee, please contact That is the definition of sustainability. And moving remains a B-. [email protected].
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Stormwater runoff is the main vector that brings POLLUTION to the Lynnhaven River. During rain events, pollutants are Protection and restoration of beneficial natural HABITAT is critical for a healthy Lynnhaven River. These natural habitats washed from the watershed and carried by rainwater into storm drains that dump directly into the river. improve water quality in the river by filtering out pollutants and they provide homes for river’s marine life.
BACTERIA C+ NITROGEN & PHOSPHORUS D OYSTERS A- OPEN SPACE & PUBLIC ACCESS B- Bacteria testing is done regularly by the Virginia Department of Health, Nitrogen and phosphorus are organic substances found in fertilizer, There are several exciting developments in our oyster restoration There were no significant changes to open space or public access in the Shellfish Sanitation Division. There were no significant changes in pet waste, organic debris like grass clippings and leaves, and human efforts. We continue to work with homeowners on oyster castle Lynnhaven in 2015. However, there are a couple of things to note. The 2015. However, to maintain 42% of the river at the shellfish standard waste. In the water, these nutrients lead to algal growth, clouding of projects and the early data on settlement and shoreline protection new Parks and Recreation facility at Lake Lawson opened in 2015 with required vigilance and commitment. Expanding open areas would the water, bacteria growth, and possible toxins from algal blooms. for our Laila Reef Oyster Castle project is very positive. We built good access for kayaks and canoes. We will be working on trail repairs accommodate our growing oyster farming businesses. 91% of the river Anecdotal evidence suggests that water clarity is improving, yet we still 868 linear feet of shoreline in 2015 for a total of 2,001 linear feet. and improvements at Pleasure House Point in 2016 and the design continues to meet the swimmable/fishable standard. experience algal blooms in the summer months and water clarity is too In addition, we began a research project in cooperation with VIMS work for the new kayak launch in Thalia Creek is progressing with to determine the denitrification potential of sanctuary oyster reefs What you can do to help: always scoop the poop, even in your poor to support underwater grasses. construction planned for 2016. and we did the preliminary work to construct a sanctuary reef in the own yard; do not feed wildlife including ducks, geese and seagulls; What you can do to help: reduce or eliminate your use of lawn What you can do to help: evaluate your neighborhood for available land Eastern Branch in 2016. We are also working with our oyster farmers regularly pump out your boat’s holding tank; if you have a septic fertilizer; reduce the turf area of your yard and replace it with that may be suitable for a public kayak launch site; support efforts to and some of our homeowners to help resolve the conflicts that exist tank, have it maintained regularly. planted beds; plant a buffer garden between your lawn and the expand public access to the river; volunteer for one of our cleanups; use street or waterway; use native plants in your landscape; plant a tree; between the two groups our natural areas responsibly by keeping your dog on a leash, scooping never put grass clippings or leaves into a storm drain. What you can do to help: if you have a waterfront lot, evaluate it for the poop, removing all trash and staying on designated paths. an oyster castle project; talk with your teacher about helping them DISSOLVED OXYGEN D become oyster gardeners; consider joining our spat catcher program; buy sustainably harvested local Lynnhaven oysters. The Virginia 303(D) list of impaired waterways lists 7.9 square miles UNDERWATER GRASSES F of the Lynnhaven as impaired for dissolved oxygen. This constitutes WATER CLARITY F approximately 90% of the river. The keys to increasing dissolved We still have no evidence of any significant underwater grasses (SAV) in oxygen are to reduce sediment runoff allowing our underwater Though anecdotal evidence suggest that water clarity in the WETLANDS A the Lynnhaven. Water clarity, especially in the summer months, must be grasses to return and to reduce the excess nutrients entering our Lynnhaven is improving, until it reaches a level that supports the improved before our grasses will be able to thrive. SAV help sediments to river and stimulating the growth of algae that both reduces water growth of underwater grasses, it is still inadequate. Water clarity is Good progress continues to be made in shoreline management. In settle, put oxygen into the water, slow erosion by slowing wave action, clarity and increases aquatic bacteria that consume oxygen. All marine affected by sedimentation, algal growth, and the boat traffic. Power 2015, we saw the new General Permit Application for Living Shoreline and provide habitat for many marine species. projects established by VMRC. In the Lynnhaven 9, living shoreline animals require dissolved oxygen to live and thrive. boats stir up the sediments on the bottom and re-suspend them in What you can do to help: reduce or eliminate your use of lawn projects were permitted in 2015. We are hopeful that the new What you can do to help: reduce or eliminate your use of lawn the water column. fertilizer; reduce sediment runoff by keeping the gutter area in front permitting process will enable that number to continue to increase. In fertilizer; reduce sediment runoff by keeping the gutter area in What you can do to help: reduce or eliminate lawn fertilizer; of your home free of soil, sand, leaves, and pine needles; never put 2015, 10,403 square feet of wetlands were impacted by development, front of your home free of soil, sand, leaves, and pine needles; handle sediments from any land disturbance properly keeping grass clippings or leaves down the storm drain; handle sediments from but 18,675 square feet of wetlands were constructed for a net gain of never put grass clippings or leaves down the storm drain. them out of the storm drain and our waterways; keep the gutter any land disturbance properly keeping them out of the storm drain 8,272 sq ft. In addition, 1,665 square feet of floating wetlands were area in front of your home free of sand, soil, leaves, and pine and out of our waterways. Observe no-wake zones and do not take constructed and deployed. needles; plant a tree; observe no-wake zones and keep power power boats into shallow waters. boats out of shallow water areas. What you can do to help: if you live on the water, please consider a living shoreline as an alternative to a bulkhead or riprap; consider installing oyster castles on your shoreline; make sure you are not Water quality can be improved through POLLUTION CONTROL measures that treat or reduce the sources of mowing a natural wetland area on your property; support a strong sediments, nutrients and bacteria before these pollutants reach the river. Wetlands Board and a strong Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Board and good regulatory processes. CLEAN BOATING A- NEW FUNDS FOR WATER QUALITY A Lynnhaven River NOW is raising environmental AWARENESS in the watershed because community education is one of the only strategies for reducing pollution from private residential and commercial properties in the Lynnhaven watershed. Six pump-out facilities are available on the Lynnhaven including a self- In 2015, $3,444,828 was spent on stormwater improvement projects service pump-out at the City Marina that is free and available 24 hours in the Lynnhaven watershed. This brings the total since 2003 to $21.6 and 7 days per week. The gallons reported are the pump-outs provided million. The City received their new MS4 permit in 2015. The new EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS A MEDIA ATTENTION A by HRSD. Every year, there has been an increase in the number of permit set the following annual pollutant removal goals for the city: gallons handled responsibly through this program. There was a 34% 9,801 lbs. of phosphorus, 18,585 lbs. of nitrogen, and 3,355,165 pounds Community education and outreach is the core of our LRNow work. Electronic media is expanding and taking over some roles formerly increase in 2015 for a total of 18,416 gallons since the no Discharge of sediment. Through our Pearl Home and Pearl Faith Community programs and filled by print. In 2015, we launched a new and improved website to Zone took effect. The Lynnhaven NDZ continues to be one of the only our other educational events, we reached 21,500 people last year. better meet your needs and the needs of our growing programs. We What can you do to help: become informed about legislation NDZ’s in Virginia. The cumulative impact of all of our individual decisions is the reason post regularly to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and have seen our affecting our watershed; attend the Candidates Forum to see where for success or failure in restoring and protecting the river. Our Native number of followers growing. We are transitioning from four print We will work to get all of our marinas certified as part of the state’s our elected officials stand; talk to your city council representatives Plant of the Month program was very successful in 2015 and continues newsletters per year to 26 electronic newsletters and one printed annual Clean Marina Program. and your state delegates and senators about your interest in clean to grow every month. We enrolled 382 new homes in the Pearl report and printed State of the River Report. Even with these changes, water. They need to know that you support efforts to restore and What you can do to help: pump out your boat’s holding tank regularly; Home program and saw an increase in our E-News and Facebook we will continue to provide copies of our handouts and appreciate the protect all of our waterways. never fill your boat’s tank more than ¾ full to avoid spills; use only followers. Our Pearl Faith outreach continues to grow and the enrolled importance of newspaper coverage. marine approved cleaning products on your boat; have your boat communities are completing inspiring projects. What you can do to help: subscribe to our E-News; follow us on motor/engine maintained regularly; adhere to no wake zones. SANITARY SEWERS C What you can do to help: subscribe to LRNow’s electronic newsletter; Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; subscribe to our blog; read our attend an LRNow workshop or event; volunteer to help with one of publications and pass them on to a friend; visit our website for The decrease in the Sanitary Sewer grade is related to the number of LRNow’s events; attend the Candidates’ Forum or our Fall Festival; more information. STORMWATER TREATMENT C- gallons in overflow in 2015. 20,060 gallons is a large increase. All but incorporate a new practice into your daily routines. 1,500 gallons were recovered, but 1,500 gallons of sewage overflow is Two stormwater projects were completed in 2015: the parking lot still unacceptable. $5.5 million spent in 2015 on 33 different sanitary renovations at Princess Anne High School on Thalia Creek and the sewer projects for a total of $90.1 million since 2003. The largest project SCHOOL PARTICIPATION A stream restoration work on Mill Dam Creek. Four lake restoration anticipated in 2016 is the sanitary sewer replacement project in Green MEMBERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT A We had 71 Pearl Schools in 2015. For the first time, we had 100% projects have been designed and construction is planned for next year. Hill Farms. The city continues to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to In 2015, our members donated 3,348 volunteer hours to our work at participation from our Virginia Beach high schools. More than 200 people What you can do to help: make sure the lateral line that connects LRNow. We could not do what we do without these volunteers. Our attended the Trashion Show and the 2016 show promises to be even move the Lynnhaven Restoration Plan forward. your house to the sanitary sewer pipe in the street is in good committee system continues to work well to inspire new ideas and bigger. The Principal’s Award for 2015 went to First Colonial High School for What you can do to help: be careful about what runs off your condition; if you have a septic tank, have it maintained regularly. grow our various programs. We are grateful to our dedicated volunteer outstanding support for environmental education throughout the school. property; install a rain barrel, a rain garden or a buffer garden committee members. We are also dependent on the membership fees and Girl Scout Troop 22 installed more than 1,000 storm drain markers and between your property and the street or creek; keep your donations from our members that financially support our work and help Independence Middle School students participated in a Bioblitz at Pleasure gutters clear of leaves, grass clippings and litter; keep pollutants us to keep growing and getting stronger. House Point. These are just a few of the highlights from the 2015 Pearl like dog waste, fertilizer, cleaning products, and pesticides out of School Program. our stormwater. What you can do to help: become a member and support our Annual Giving Campaign; join a committee; become a Pearl Home; encourage What you can do to help: encourage your child’s school to become a Pearl your faith community to become a Pearl Faith Community; volunteer School; volunteer to help with one of our school programs; participate as a to help with one of our events; attend an LRNow educational program; family in a river cleanup or other event; attend our Fall Festival. invite LRNow to do a presentation for your civic league, garden club or other community organization. 9 10 ANNUAL REPORT | 2015 ANNUAL REPORT | 2015
2015 2014 WHERE WE WHERE WE INDICATOR GRADE GRADE ARE IN 2015 WANT TO BE RestorationThis year has been another successful one for restoration in the Lynnhaven, from relatively simple projects to 42% of the river meets the shellfish 100% of river meets the shellfish BACTERIA C+ C+ harvest standards, 91% meets the harvest standard and 100% world record-breaking projects! swimmable/fishable standards swimmable/fishable SIMPLE PROJECTS NITROGEN & D D Nitrogen & Phosphorus levels Last spring, we received a call from a homeowner who noticed that PHOSPHORUS bring about summer algal blooms Nitrogen & Phosphorus levels that and prevent SAV meet SAV habitat requirements the shoreline of his new home seemed barren and was experiencing mild erosion. After scheduling a free shoreline consultation with us, DISSOLVED D D 7.9 impaired sq miles Zero impaired square miles there did not appear to be any reason why there was no healthy OXYGEN (approx. 90% of the river) wetland vegetation. It appeared that the previous owner may have WATER CLARITY F F Although anecdotal applied a systemic herbicide (likely Round-Up, which is incredibly evidence indicates that water POLLUTION Sediment and Algal levels that meet dangerous for use near water), killing all the vegetation and leaving clarity has improved, it still fails SAV habitat standards to meet the standards for SAV nothing but dead stumps and twigs. in the summer months NDZ in effect; 4 certified We recommended minor limbing of trees along the shoreline to allow CLEAN BOATING A- A- marinas; 4,332 gallons NDZ in effect, 8 certified marinas, a bit more light to reach the shoreline, and planting wetland grass pumped through HRSD, 1,108 annually increasing gallons pumped gallons increase from 2014 out plugs, specifically Spartina alterniflora, or Smooth Cordgrass, and Spartina patens, or Salt Meadow Hay to NEW FUNDS FOR A A repopulate the area with healthy wetland grasses. The family spent a couple days together outside, planting $ 3,444,828 were spent in 2015 $3 million per year WATER QUALITY stormwater improvements 1,000 plugs along their shoreline. After only three months (Jun-Sept), the results are spectacular! This shoreline will help provide a habitat to oysters, crabs, fish, birds and many other critters, in addition to aiding in nutrient
STORMWATER C- C- 24% of the stormwater in the 100% of total watershed treated removal (cleaner water!) and providing a barrier against shoreline erosion (good news for the homeowner!). TREATMENT Lynnhaven watershed benefits from with stormwater management stormwater treatment This project is proof that in some cases, the solution to an improved shoreline isn’t necessarily time-intensive permitting and expensive riprap or bulkhead installation. Every shoreline is unique however, and we’d be CONTROL SANITARY C A- 7 sewer overflows; 20,060 Zero sewer overflows per year, 0 POLLUTION POLLUTION SEWERS gallons spilled; & 196 septic tanks gallons spilled, & 0 septic tanks happy to look at yours! remaining of 11,600 remaining of 11,600 OYSTER CASTLE SHORELINES OYSTERS A- A- 250,000 oyster per year Oyster restoration continues to be one of LRNow’s priorities because the famed Lynnhaven oyster is a symbol 203,195 oysters transplanted; 63 transplanted, 100 total acres of acres of sanctuary reef; 868 linear sanctuary reef, 300 linear feet of of the river’s history and of the river’s renewed health. Oysters and the reefs they form provide habitat, water feet of oyster shoreline in 2015 new oyster shoreline per year filtration, nitrogen removal, and shoreline protection in the Lynnhaven River. Last spring, we worked with several environmentally-minded waterfront homeowners to install oyster castles along their shorelines. These OPEN SPACES & B- B- 3,104 acres of Open Space, 5 public Open spaces: 4,000 acres, access sites. New Lake Lawson Public Access: 15 Public Access Sites innovative structures are easily built by hand into any configuration. They protect the shoreline by baffling PUBLIC ACCESS facility opened in 2015 wave energy while they concurrently provide a habitat for oysters, crabs, shrimp, fish and other river species. WETLANDS A A 10,403 sq ft of wetlands impacted; Zero permitted losses per year, We have even seen sand accumulating behind the castles in our original oyster castle project (built in 2012) 18,675 sq ft of wetlands restored; 9 increasing number of living allowing marsh grasses to rebound with the added elevation and protection. Oyster castles do require a living shoreline projects shoreline projects each year HABITAT permit to install, but they are truly worth the investment since they benefit both the river and the property F F owner. Visit our newly installed demonstration project at the Virginia Aquarium and call us if you would be UNDERWATER 0 acres of underwater grasses 175 total acres GRASSES detected in 2015 interested in creating oyster castles on your shoreline.
156 programs in 2015; 80 programs per year, 10 Pearl Faith WORLD RECORD-BREAKING! EDUCATIONAL A A 12 Pearl Faith Communities; PROGRAMS Communities (5 new this year), We also worked with the Green Teens to help plan and Fall Festival; Candidates Forum Annual Fall Festival, and various workshops assemble the longest stretch of oyster castles ever built by Candidates Forum teens! They assembled 30 oyster castles in just four days at MEDIA A- A Coverage 14 times in media; 6 new Coverage 18 times per year, 10 new Great Neck Park. This was quite a feat and an amazing exhibit ATTENTION publications in 2015; publications per year, Facebook 600 new Facebook followers; 502 followers: 400 new per year, E-News of the strong stewardship these teens feel toward our river! We new E-News subscribers Subscribers: 400 new per year hope many baby oyster spat find homes at this “teen-made”
Membership: 8,400 Membership: 5,000 reef and continue to clean and filter our water for generations MEMBERSHIP & A- A Involvement in 2015: 21,500 Involvement: 30,000 to come. INVOLVEMENT Volunteer Hours in 2015: 3,348 3,000 Volunteer Hours New Pearl Homes in 2015: 382 Pearl Homes: 500 new per year
AWARENESS SCHOOL 71 Pearl Schools in 2015, 8 Teacher 50 Pearl Schools, 10 Teacher A A Trainings;, Participation from all Trainings per year, Participation PARTICIPATION watershed schools from all watershed schools
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Recreation and Oyster Farming Many of you may be aware All development on land increases pollutants in of the conflict between some the water. In the Lynnhaven watershed, 38% of the of our homeowners and land area is impervious surface, rooftops, driveways, some of our oyster farmers. roadways, etc. And 30% is managed turf. That leaves Lynhaven River NOW is only 32% of the land area where rain water is able to actively working to find a infiltrate and be naturally cleaned by the soil and plants solution to this issue that will and not run off into the river carrying pollutants that satisfy all parties. We have must then be filtered from the water if it is to remain attended the community healthy. This is not unique to the Lynnhaven River. This meetings, participated as is what affects water quality in all densely populated a panelist in a community urban areas. forum, spoken with many Many waterfront property owners have asked me of the individuals involved, and proposed a committee what they can do to protect our waterways. The most structure for working through this issue. The Lynnhaven important things that a waterfront property owner River is a public resource and it belongs to all of us. can do to protect the river from the pollutants are With consideration and compromise, we can balance to install a living shoreline, plant a vegetated buffer Pearl Faith Community recreational interests with thriving oyster aquaculture. between the developed area of their property and the LRNow is starting its 14th year of work to restore and edge of the water, convert turf areas to planted beds “We received this world as an inheritance from past protect our Virginia Beach waterways. We have had and stop fertilizing the turf areas on their property. A some celebrated success in reducing bacteria levels in short boat cruise on the river and you will know this is generations but also as a loan from future generations to the Lynnhaven River including Broad Bay and Linkhorn not the norm. Much of our shoreline is hardened with whom we will have to return it.” Bay because of the cooperation of many residents and bulkhead and turf grass proliferates and goes to the – Pope Francis, July 7, 2015 the City of Virginia Beach. In 2002 when we began our water’s edge. It will take a long time and much effort Our Pearl Faith family is growing! From the original five in 2014, there are currently 16 congregations work, only 1% of the Lynnhaven met the rigorous Health to change these conditions. in the process of becoming Pearl Faith Community members and 78 congregations involved in the Pearl Department water quality standard that allows oysters If we are going to have the clean and healthy waterway Faith programming. to be consumed from the water by humans. Many of that we all desire, we need to increase our efforts to In the spring we hosted our first prayer breakfast where clergy from all faiths came to be inspired by the these areas were closed as far back as the 1930’s because reduce pollutants from the land and keep a thriving beautiful sunrise over the Lynnhaven River, learn from tours of the Brock Environmental Center, and hear of pollution coming from the land. Today, 42% of the population of oysters to filter the pollutants that will comments by our special guest speaker, Lieutenant Governor Northam. This fall we cosponsored the Living river meets that rigorous standard. This phenomenal make it into the water. progress is the result of community collaboration Waters Interfaith Summit with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and Nothing that we have accomplished in the Lynnhaven between the City, homeowners, students, citizens and Virginia Interfaith Center. This day-long event was planned to help people of faith learn how to protect our River has been easy. Each step has taken the environmental organizations. waterways and become better stewards of our common home. From the moving opening ceremony with concentrated efforts of many, but we have surprised procession to the riverbank, to the practical and engaging presentations, participants came away with many LRNow with its partners, the City of Virginia, Virginia everyone with what we have been able to do. It has useful ideas. The summit was attended by congregations from all around the region and 90 government Marine Resources Commission and the US Army Corps happened because we worked together. We can work representatives. During the summer, several congregations came out to the Brock Center for fun and of Engineers, has constructed 63 acres of sanctuary reef. together to deal with this challenge and come up fellowship with educational picnics, tours, and green coffee hours after services. These areas of restored reef are helping to rebuild our with a solution that respects everyone’s desires and With the increasing interest on the part of religious groups to merge environmental stewardship with native oyster population and increase the water filtering manages this valuable resource in a way that allows spirituality, environmental groups are looking for ways to help. We have been invited to present several capacity of the oysters in the river. Approximately 58 for recreational use, allows for oyster farming, and workshops on our Pearl Faith Community, to share what we have learned. Our wonderful congregations acres of that reef are in Linkhorn and Broad Bays. In keeps the river we love, clean and healthy. I hope that have come up with so many innovative ways to care for creation from beekeeping and native plant gardens, addition, our oyster farmers have millions of oysters all parties will be willing to sit down together, listen to solar panels and community vegetable gardens. In this New Year, we are so grateful for all of our faith growing in Linkhorn and Broad Bays. These oysters are to each other and work to find a compromise that will partners and thank them for the many ways they are working to help. Please contact us if your congregation also helping to keep our waters clean. work for all. would like to know more about the care of creation, protection of our waterways, and how to join the faithful who are making a difference.
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Don McDowell Charles & Patti Phillips Donna Slack Sid & Wendy Vaughn Bill & Beth McGloon Cory M. Piland David L. Smith Steve & Joan Vinson HATS OFF TO OUR DONORS Brooks & Jenny McLean Margaret Pisone Carol Smythers Rick & Gloria Vizzier Raymond & Suzanne Michelini Travis & Sarah Polk Jim & Joan Spore Erik Wagner JANUARY 1, 2015 - DECEMBER 31, 2015 David & Beth Miller Jackson & Bernice Pope Thomas & Brenda Staab Bill Wahab INDIVIDUALS OYSTER – $500-$999 Carvell Taylor Michael & Kat Coughlin Michael & Carol Moore Brian Prendergast Alan & Brenda Stein Mac & Susie Walston Tom & Ann Ackiss LEGACY – $2,500 AND UP Bob & Pam Thornton Bill & Jeanne Evans Cox, III Justin Morris Tom & Karen Prochilo Ann Stern Denny & Pat Wance Hap & Becky Chalmers Jane Batten Jim & Mahala Vail Steve & Lyn Davidson Alan Moser Mac & Jean Rawls Jane Steyne Christine Warfel Jason & Tracy Deans Craig & Gail Cope Robert Waddell Maxine Davie Patrick Mumey Davis & Elizabeth Reed Joseph & Wendy Stiles Kale Warren Andrew & Barbara Fine Mark & Ginny Costenbader Frank Wagner Ann Dayton Sandy & Daryl Nemo Quintin & Angela Reitzel Ron & Kim Stites Margaret Warren Peter & Alicelynn Fisher Jerry & Mona Denton Dix & Jane Wolcott Ann Michele DeTorres Helen Junkin & Linda Reynolds Lynda Gomez & Chuck & Carol Weaver Carrie S. Camp Foundation, Inc. Nancy Dooley Karen Wolff Rev. Tom Deppe Bernard Nichols Bob & Susan Rieve Stephen Strickler Caroline Webber Fine Family Fund of the Virginia & John L. John & Katherine Wynne John & Carolyn Dittrick Mary Picardi & Ernie Ninness Judy Roehling Donald P. Sullivan Robert & Christine Westmont Sinclair Foundation Hampton Roads Demaris Yearick Carol Dobbins Tracy Norris Alan Rohanna Don & Phyllis Super Mike Wheeler Anne Jones Gentry Community Foundation Bruce & Nancy Doyle Patrick & Susan O’Connell Mike & Linda Rowland Howard & Leigh Sykes Jim & Charlyne White Steve & Sally Herbert Floyd E. Kellam Jr. Family GENERAL – UP TO $249 Suzanne Duckworth Tom O’Grady Jean Ruffin Peter & Jo-Anne Tempest Mike & Ashley Wilcox Steve & Sally Herman Fund of the Hampton Roads Nancy Ackiss Gerald & Dianne Einhorn Mike & Cris O’Brien Charles Salle William Thomas Larry Woodhouse James & Claire Metcalfe Community Foundation Lynn Adams Marvin & Dorinda Ennis Wayne & Marie Old Rod & Ilse Schall Mobble Jobble Tillapaugh Grover & Ann Wright Tom & Judy Moore R. & C. Dickerson Family Fund Peter & Betsy Agelasto Dave & Jan Erbe Chris Ollice Patti Fay Schmitt Phyllis Tilley Kristoffer Wright Kurt Merkling & Grace Moran of the Hampton Roads Bob Albergotti Brad Ewing Dan & Dolores Ostrowski Robert & Denise Scott Billy & Colleen Torbush Daniel & Suzi Wyckoff Richard & Maureen Olivieri Community Foundation Mary Appelberg Lori Fanney Bill & Denise Overman, III Eileen Seeley Todd Tripp Carl & Jill Yang Scott Rigell Oriana McKinnon Tony Arnold Mary-Ellen Fidler Chuck & Cathy Parker Walter & Ann Shields Charlotte & John Turk Bob & Marion Zabot Don & Lin Runyon Virginia Cochran & Hugh Mike & Marilyn Ashe Bill & Teri Fleming Marnie Pascarosa Edward & Kay Shiflett Bill & Jody Ullmann Tarek & Diana Zaki Paul & Ann Schellhammer D. Ruesegger Bob & Sara Atherholt, Jr. Thomas & Bev Fortenberry Brennan & David Peterson Cynthia Shook Beth Upchurch Peter & Lynn Schultz Robichaud Family Trust Brian Atkinson Kevin Friel Cheryl Petticrew Loretta Silvia Michele Varano Tim & Paige Barrow William & Shannon Townsend Jeff & Lisa Bailey Bobby Fuller Harry & Calvert Lester Bill Wilcox Veronica Balzer Sam & Nancy Garrett Bob & Janice Wells Tim & Paige Barrow Ian Goodwin REEF – $250-$499 Carl Fisher & Kathryn Larry Grimstead HERE’S TO OUR GENEROUS David & Valerie Arias SUSTAINING Barrows-Fisher Colin & Bonnie Hamilton $1,000 - $2,499 Chris & Terri Beale Marcy Bennett Ken & Cindy Hartfelder MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS Mary Reid Barrow Joe & Corinne Benedetto Clay & Holly Bernick Marianne Hartman JANUARY 1, 2015 - DECEMBER 31, 2015 Bruce & Lilly Bradley Robert & Laney Brown Dale & Betty Bimson Bill & Barbara Hearst BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS Macon & Joan Brock Ty & Penny Brown Peter & Elaine Birk Darryl Hewitt Randy Coles Richard & Sandy Burroughs William & Penny Black Tom & Patricia Hostutler LEGACY – $2,500 AND UP REEF – $250 - $499 Lake Smith Terrace Garden Club Dave Iwans and Associates Leaping Lizard Cafe Keith & Kim Curtis David & Nadine Costenbader Diane Blischak Thomas & Suzanne Hubbard River Haven Civic League Runnymede Corporation Inc. Kimley-Horn Foundation Dennis & Elaine Deans Lois Bosken & Rick Craven Craig & Joann Boltz William & Lynn Hudgins W.T. Cooke Elementary School Whole Foods Andes Importers, Inc. John Drescher Michael & Amanda Cravotta Emma Boston Jerry & Barbara Imrich Virginia Beach Chapter National WPL Site Design Little Neck Garden Club The Jim & Patty Rouse F. Dudley & Connie Fulton Ted Hanson & Sue Bowser James & Martha Jacobs Audubon Society 71st Street Anglers Terrapin Restaurant Charitable Foundation, Inc Bill Gambrell Richard & Cynthia Boylan Tim & Louise Jeffries Cavalier Sportswear Bubba’s Restaurant and Marina Landstown High School Chris & Susan French Terri Gorman Tom Brandl Dave & Millie Johnson Ohef Sholom Temple Dominion Resources Lillie & Joe Gilbert George & Karon Grinnan Susan Brittingham Patrick & Shannon Kane Virginia Aquarium Waterfront Marine Chuck & Michelle Guthrie John & Frances Huenerberg Danny Bryant Walter & Susan Karlau GENERAL – Up to $250 Virginia Beach Garden Club Chesopeian Colony Garden Club Zeb & Beth Holt Louis & Ellen Jones Fletcher Bryant Anne Kenney Spence Marine Construction, Inc. Marina J. Liacouras Skip LeGault John Bryant Lloyd & Patricia Kimball SUSTAINING – $1,000 - $2,499 Central Business District Association GFWC Women’s Club of Tidewater John & Julia Parker John & Patricia Litz Melissa Buffington FL Nimmo & R. King Checkered Flag Motor Car Company Great Neck Meadows Garden Club Preston & Catharine Bill Wells & Susan Lyon Daniel & Ginny Burke Dennis & Deborah Kinzig Breeden Corporation Great Neck Meadows Greater Area White Foundation Vince & Suzanne Mastracco, Jr. Tommy & Miriam Callahan Kevin Klatt Norfolk Southern Corporation Civic League Mark, Janis & Christina Prock H.P. & Dorris Withers McNeal Bill & Meg Campbell Bob & Pamela Koch Hoffman Beverages Country Gardeners Guild Joe & Suzanne Prueher Peter & Birgit Mueller Jill Campbell Todd, Jenifer & Kyra Solomon Langley and McDonald, Inc. May Farm Garden Club Dick & Shirley Roberts Carolyn Osmond Norman & Bernadette Carrick Julia Lagergren McPhillips, Roberts and Deans Virginia Native Plant Society – Louis & Pru Ryan Deborah Otis Bill Carson Evon Lambert & Troutman Sanders SHR Chapter Bob & Pam Sasser Karen Forget Robert & Kathleen Carter Kathryn Peterson Skinner’s Frames and Art, Inc. Jim & Karen Sparks Whit Peace Laura Cascada Diana Larkin Smartmouth Brewery Bob & Donna Magoon Philip & Kay Richardson Peggy Caverly James & Judy Laster OYSTER – $500 - $999 Charitable Trust Ludford Brothers Oyster Company Cape Henry Collegiate School George & Frances Sadler Kent & Darlene Chambers Nancy U. Lekberg Thomas & Merry Watts Dupre’s Inc. Civic League of Pembroke Meadows Will & Beverly Sessoms, Jr. Susan G. Clarke Robert Lincoln Helen Dragas & Lewis Webb Holman’s Photography and Shores Steve & Kathleen Stasulis Jennifer & George Coleman Reese & Melinda Lukei Bob & Janice Wells Ocean Park Civic League Birdneck Point Garden Club Brooks & Darcy Stephan Jessica Conway Meredith Malone Lewis & Mary-Pelham White Miller Stevenson Associates (MSA) Council of Garden Clubs of Virginia Beach Suzanne Stevens Jim & Pat Cook Robert & Beverly Mann Dubby & Susan Wynne Princess Anne Garden Club The Meridian Group David & Robin Strohsahl Christian & Jennifer Cool Bob Martin Bob Miller Steinhilber’s Restaurant HLD Landscaping, Inc. Thomas & Susan Summerlin Gary Copeland David & Ann May, Jr. John & Ann Costenbader Fred & Sheryl McCall
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DONATIONS OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS One of our three strategic objectives at LRNow is to educate and engage the Bob Wells, President IN MEMORY AND IN HONOR OF Andrew Fine, Co-Chair Edward & Karen Bourdon Jack Griswold Paul Schellhammer community and partner organizations in this work of restoring and protecting our In Honor of Mayor Sessoms and the In Memory of Dot Griswold In Memory of Ann Schellhammer natural resources. With that in mind and inclusion as a strong organizational value, Harry Lester, Co-Chair ten City Council Members Laura Houston Mac Sisson we revamped our Program Committee meetings last year to include not only our staff, Karen Forget, Secretary Virginia G. Campbell In Honor of Margaret B. Reinhardt In Honor of Karen Forget board members, and committee chairs, but also representatives from many of our Lillie Gilbert In Memory of John J. Caldwell Ellis & Klara James Phyllis Sullivan partner organizations and some key individuals in our community. We were excited Steve Herbert In Memory of Karen J. Chipok In Honor of Karen Forget Ann Marie Deel to welcome these people into our discussions about issues that affect our natural Brent James In Memory of Jimmy M. Spivey Elizabeth Kidd Jack & Linda Taylor environment in Virginia Beach. Cathy Maston Bruce & Nancy Doyle In Honor of Penny & Larry Moulis In Memory of J. Wesley Snow, Jr. Bob Miller In Honor of Dr. M. Reed Knight Melvin & Jimmie Koch Stuart Williams Our new members include: Barbara Ellis In Memory of Richard Allen Koch In Honor of Tina Minter Richard Serpe Bayfront Advisory Commission – Kal Kassir In Memory of Hal R. Ellis, III Dorothy Lester Karen Forget Resort Advisory Commission – Laura Habr Reid & Harriet Ervin In Honor of Harry & Calvert Lester In Honor of the LRNow Staff: Jody Central Business District Association – Bob Miller THANK YOU In Memory of Fred Reid & Frances London Bridge Greenhouses & Ullmann, Laurie Sorabella, Trista Mary Reid Barrow, Susan French, Broughtin Ervin Nursery Imrich, Pam Northam, Dana Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Christy Everett Marina Liacouris who rotated off Rosemary Flamman In Honor of Remich Worth, Steve Sizemore, Emily Bodsford, Michael Back Bay Restoration Foundation In Memory of George L. Flammen Yount, Robert Heitsenrether, and Minor, and Joseph Randall Council of Civic Organizations – Dottie Hampton and Sam Reid of the Board at the end of 2015. Janet Gilbert Karen Forget Council of Garden Clubs – Audrey Kelly All had served for 13 years! Carolyn Osmond In Honor of our LRNow Volunteers VB Restaurant Association – Bill Gambrell Thank you for your many years of In Memory of Jack J. Osmond Bill Gambrell Virginia Beach Hotel Association leadership and inspiration. In Honor of Lisa Maus, David Prochillo, Bill & Denise Overman, III Bay Island Community – Bob Magoon Travis Leedy, and Chad Smith In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Rutter VB Public Schools – Tim Cole STAFF Mr. & Mrs. James W. Gentry John Payne In Memory of Anne & Irvin Gentry In Honor of Robert & Laney Brown Ocean Park – Wendy Vaughn Pearl School Coordinator VB Parks and Recreation – Barbara Duke Jody Ullmann, [email protected] VB Landscape Management – Frank Fentress VB Environment and Sustainability Office – Clay Bernick Restoration Coordinator Donor Highlights Audubon Society – Steve Coari Trista Imrich, [email protected] Ann Marie Dori and SOLitude HRPDC Go Green – Katie Culipher Oyster Scientist SOLitude Lake Management has named Ann Marie Dori as their 2015 Volunteer of the Year. In recognition of her VB City Arborist – Susan French Laurie Sorabella, [email protected] volunteering efforts last year, SOLitude Lake Management made a charitable donation of $3,000 to Lynnhaven River NOW. Marinas – Chuck Guthrie Pearl Homes and Pearl Faith Ann Marie, Project Coordinator at SOLitude Lake Management, spent 191 hours volunteering in 2015 and also encouraged Aquaculture – Chris Ludford Communities Coordinator friends to join her efforts, totaling an additional 105 volunteer hours for the year. She volunteered for a number of VB Public Works – Melanie Coffey and Sue Kriebel Pam Northam, [email protected] organizations including Lynnhaven River NOW. Ann Marie is a regular at our monthly cleanups and impresses everyone VB Public Utilities – Rich Nettleton Coastal Resilience Research, ODU – Emily Steinhilber with her enthusiasm and commitment. You may also find her on the beach in her neighborhood, bag-in-hand, cleaning up Pearl Homes and Pearl Faith Communities Assistant Coordinator the trash that others leave behind. Thank you Ann Marie for your commitment and example and thank you SOLitude for They are joining our LRNow Staff and Board Members and Emily Bodsford, [email protected] supporting the community involvement of your employees. the Chairs and Representatives from our LRNow Committees: PR and Marketing – Mary Reid Barrow Save Oyster Shell Program Technician Bubba’s and the Shellfish Company Oyster Restoration – Richard Serpe Joe Randall, [email protected] A beautiful setting on the Lynnhaven River, delicious and bountiful seafood, cold drinks and good music – that is a Shorelines – Kevin DuBois Administrative Assistant winning combination. For nine years, Dimitri Ionis, the owner of the Shellfish Company and Bubba’s Restaurant, has Stewardship and Access – Sid Vaughn hosted a Seafood Festival every fall and donated the proceeds to Lynnhaven River NOW. This great fall event has become a Pearl Homes – Darcy Stephan Dana Sizemore, [email protected] community favorite and LRNow is appreciative of the generous support from the Ionis family and the staff of the Shellfish Pearl Faith Communities – Rev. Tom Deppe Executive Director Company and Bubba’s. Be sure to watch for this event next fall and get your tickets early. Public Policy – Wendy Vaughn and Ann Wright Karen Forget, [email protected] Pearl School Committee – Ashleigh Cake Brown Forman Our 2016 Executive Program Committee meeting schedule is: 1% for the Planet – what a great concept. A decade ago, two entrepreneurs had a vision: to join forces and use their Monday, March 21, 4-6 PM, Brock Environmental Center business as the engine of positive environmental change. They started 1% for the Planet and today there are more than Monday, May 16, 4-6 PM, Brock Environmental Center 1,200 member companies who are giving 1% of their sales to organizations that are working to restore and protect our Monday, September 19, 4-6 PM, Brock Environmental Center planet. LRNow is happy to partner with Brown Forman, one of the 1% for the Planet companies. Brown Forman has been Monday, November 21, 4-6 PM, Brock Environmental Center a great partner and has helped us to increase our outreach and get closer to meeting our goal of 100 acres of sanctuary oyster reef. ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
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COMING IN 2016 PEARL BUSINESSES What is missing from our array of Pearl Programs? Pearl Businesses of course. Through this new program, we hope to meet the needs of small and large businesses in Virginia Beach who want to green their practices and move toward more sustainable operations. That is the double bottom line – good for business and good for the environment. We know you can do both and we want to help you discover how this can work for you. Watch for information on how you can get involved.
LRNEXT We are so fortunate to have a growing number of young professional men and women in Virginia Beach who want to make Virginia Beach their home and want to help shape the future of our city. They appreciate all the wonderful things about living in Virginia Beach and want to see our city grow and prosper without losing the beautiful beaches, clean waterways, open space, and connections to nature that make this such a special place to live and raise a family. In January 2016, we will be launching our new young professional board, LRNext, and are excited for the energy and inspiration they will bring.
BROCK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 3663 Marlin Bay Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23455
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