February News and Events

Upcoming Events

Our next regular meeting is this Thursday, Feb 13 at 7 PM at the Oaklette United Methodist Church.   We'll have updates on what's going on and an opportunity to sign-up for our various projects - or perhaps propose some new ones.   Then Kathy Russell from TFC Recycling will answer all your questions about recycling and what happens to all that stuff you put in your blue bins.

This weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count and its your opportunity to help in some citizen science and see what birds visit your yard.   You can also join us for a guided bird watching walk in Indian River park on Saturday, Feb 15 22 at 8 am to see what birds we find there.   If we're lucky we may spot some pileated woodpeckers.   Meet at the park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.  (2001 Rokeby Ave).

Immediately after the birding walk, on Feb 15 22 at 9:30 am, we'll rally volunteers to remove invasive English Ivy in the park.  We'll mainly be cutting English Ivy that has grown up trees. This will prevent the ivy from creating fruit and creating new outbreaks in the park.  Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful. We recommend long pants and long sleeved shirts. We'll have water and a snacks available. Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.  Bring pruning clippers, loppers, screwdrivers (which are amazingly useful in prying ivy off tree trunks) and/or pruning saws if you have them.   Again we will meet at the park entrance at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.  (2001 Rokeby Ave).

You may participate in either or both activities on Saturday.

Tree Planting Along Indian River Road

Mark your calendars .... on Saturday, March 29th, the Friends of Indian River volunteers will be working with the City to do a major tree planting along Indian River Road just east of the bridge. The City will have dug the holes and delivered the trees but we'll need lots of volunteers to help plant the trees and shrubs, spread mulch, and get the job done.   We hope that many of you can come out and help.

Recycling Perks Donation to the Friends of Indian River

TFC Recycling Perks' Give Back Campaign is featuring the Friends of Indian River during the month of February. You can donate 20 of your Recycling Points to the Friends of Indian River.   See http://www.recyclingperks.com/shop/rewards/5-donation-to-friends-of-indian-river/969/ for more information.  

Indian River Shopping Center

In other news, representatives from the Friends of Indian and Norfolk Highland Civic League met with the City Manager last week for an update on the Shopping Center. There is still no closure on getting the new market; the Economic Development department is cooperating with the center's owner in his continuing negotiation with the "major national retailer" and Family Dollar. In the meantime, Economic Development is also trying to expand the options for the site by contacting other national grocers who are looking to move into the region. The other major issue is the water supply for the area, and on that front the City is very actively investigating the steps necessary to replace the water from the Aqua Virginia well system with City supplied water. We expect the next update in about a month, or sooner if there is a breakthrough.