I thought they were crazy!

I signed up to plant wetlands with grasses this morning. Yesterday I thought the organizers were crazy! It would be freezing! And they wanted us at the waters edge putting plants in the ground???

It turned out to be a gorgeous morning. Yes there was a definite chill in the air -- about 40 degrees F. But the sun was shining and the people were friendly, and the coffee was hot at 8am!

Here is a similar group from a previous outing, but imagine our volunteers in winter coats, hats, and gloves. We spent a bit of time helping rescue boots from the mud too!

Thanks to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for funding. Project partners include The Virginia Zoo, Bay Environmental, NOAA Restoration Center, The City of Norfolk Bureau of Environmental Services, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Elizabeth River Project, Lafayette Wetlands Partnership, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

It was great to meet so many neighbors trying to preserve the rivers. I got to talk to a couple of really interesting folks who are concerned about the area and volunteer time not only with CBF, but the Lafayette Wetlands Partnership (thanks John), the Zoo (thanks Mark) and Elizabeth River Project (thanks Pam). Also, it was good to meet Todd who has started his own business advising homeowners on how to care for their wetlands -- isn't not as simple as just putting up a bulkhead!

For information on homes in our vast area -- wetlands optional -- I can help. Search here !