Tour Norfolk’s Urban Greening Projects That Address Climate Change

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) invites the public to enjoy a self-guided, garden-style tour of green infrastructure projects in Norfolk, which create beautiful, natural solutions to flooding and pollution. 

This Green Infrastructure Tour offered by CBF provides the opportunity to understand how these natural solutions improve water quality and increase protection from the impacts of climate change – in addition to ways the community can get involved as 2025 deadlines bring Bay restoration to a critical crossroads. 

On Saturday, August 24 from 9:00 AM until noon, CBF and partners will be on hand to give the public a one-of-a-kind look into these public spaces and private project sites including tree plantings, shoreline restoration, rain gardens, and bioswales. Registration closes on Wednesday, August 21.

“Public awareness of nature-based designs is key to creating more green spaces not only in public areas, but also our backyards. Each of these projects builds up our community’s protection against flooding in our vulnerable region,” said CBF’s Hampton Roads Grassroots Coordinator Lisa Renee Jennings, organizer of the Green Infrastructure Tour. “These projects also tie in closely to the restoration of the Bay by reducing pollutants flowing into our streams and rivers. As Bay restoration goals near 2025 deadlines, we are thrilled that the public gets to see the critical role these projects play and how they can get involved at such a pivotal time.”

CBF partners include the City of Norfolk, Teens with a Purpose, Garden Club of Norfolk, the Elizabeth River Trail, Elizabeth River Project, and Norfolk Master Gardeners.

“These projects have brought life, beauty, and educational opportunities to our schools,” said Norfolk Tree Commission Treasurer and Norfolk Public Schools basketball coach Steve Dolly. “Areas that were once bare, flooded, and even causing safety concerns are now flourishing sustainable spaces to learn from and admire.” 

These unique features enhance the community’s quality of life by mitigating flooding, protecting habitat, and beautifying landscapes. At each site, visitors can take home resources that show how to incorporate these practices on their own property. 

“Having seen firsthand how these projects bring the community together and benefit the environment, we are excited to offer a tour and inspire others who are interested,” said Kati Grigsby, CBF’s Hampton Roads restoration coordinator. “I’m looking forward to sharing the power of urban restoration with the public.”

Two days prior to the tour, registrants will receive a list of locations, a guide to help source plants, and expert advice.  Ten locations may be explored at the registrant's leisure.

The public can register until August 21.