March and April Activities

Greetings,

Spring is on its way and here are the Friends of Indian River activities for March and into April.

Thursday, March 17 - Regular Meeting: John Wilson of New Earth Farms
Join us at our monthly meeting for a discussion on Earth-friendly farming practices and learn about Biochar, a charcoal based soil amendment for your garden.   Also learn a bit about Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs).   There will be light refreshments and door prizes after the presentation.  The meeting starts at 7 PM in the Social Hall at the Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive.

Saturday, March 19: Adopt-A-Road Cleanup along Indian River Road

We'll be doing our quarterly roadside cleanup along Indian River Road from 9:30 AM to Noon. This will help to spruce up the area, collect trash that will otherwise get washed into the river and impact wildlife, and give us the opportunity to interact with residents and businesses along Indian River Road.   The city will provide garbage bags and orange safety vests. We'll have water and a few snacks available. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves and other items that may be useful.    Meet at side parking lot of Indian River Post Office, 3810 Indian River Road, Chesapeake.

Eastwyck Apartment Proposal
There is still no news on the Eastwyck Apartment Proposal.  It is again not on this month's Planning Commission agenda.   We'll provide more information when it becomes available.

Saturday, April 16th - Indian River BioBlitz

Mark you calendar for a day of free nature and wildlife programs at Indian River Park.  Join expert guides on a variety of hikes to explore the park and document as much of the plant and animal life present.
- 8:00 am Birding Hike with Tony Wood, Cape Henry Audubon
- 9:30 am Amphibians & Reptiles Hike with Dean Bohon, Northwest River Park
- 11:00 am Insects & Butterflies Hike with Dr. Deborah Waller, ODU
- 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Various activities including Meet Your Park Rangers, Snake Exhibit, and more, No RSVP required
- 1:00 pm Tree Hike with Mike Aherron, VA Department of Forestry
- 2:30 pm Wildflower and Plants Hike with Mike Andruczyk, Virginia Cooperative Extension
- 4:00 pm Wildlife Habitats Hike, Jessica Ruthenberg, Virginia DGIF

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Indian River and the Chesapeake Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Let us know which hike(s) you would like to join - RSVP to info@friendsofindianriver.org or online at http://goo.gl/forms/Ao70I1NyGe

Want to help out? We need volunteers to help at the welcome station, help with the hikes, and to keep track of our wildlife sightings.   Contact us at info@friendsofindianriver.org

Thursday, April 21 - Regular Meeting: Lorraine Schreiber on The French Potager: Decorative Vegetable Gardening
Norfolk Master Gardener Lorraine Schreiber will talk to us about how the  French kitchen garden intermingles vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs.   Come and find inspiration in its intimate and sensual style, complicity with nature, and charm.   There will be light refreshments and door prizes after the presentation.  The meeting starts at 7 PM in the Social Hall at the Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive.

And our calendar of events through June is available at

http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/calendar.html