Friends of Indian River: 2021

Sunday, December 26, 2021

2021 Year in Review

We are very happy to end 2021 on a high note: on December 21st the Chesapeake City Council unanimously approved the Indian River Planning Area Study and Redevelopment Strategy, wrapping up two years of work with the City Planning Department. The plan outlines a strong, interconnected combination of actions that provide a roadmap to improve the quality of life of the community, but turning them into reality will require persistent engagement with the City and our other partners. Implementing this plan will be a key topic at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 20th, 7 pm, and we will need your continued involvement to make that a success.

While we've focused on the Planning Area Study this year, we did have other major accomplishments this year:

The Friends of Indian River won grants from the Virginia Department of Forestry Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant and the City of Chesapeake License Plate for Beautification and Conservation Fund to give the wide median at the Indian River Gateway next to the Indian River Oaklette Bridge a major landscaping makeover with trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers. Work on the project has been delayed due to Covid, but the landscaper we've engaged still plans to do the site preparation and tree planting this coming January, weather allowing.
Across the street from the planned tree planting, work on of our other major goals, the future Blue Heron Landing Park and canoe/kayak launch, is progressing. Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) got all the permits for the development of the site and requests for bids on this project are expected to go out soon. Construction could start in 2022.
The Friends of Indian River have actively participated in the development of the next 5 year iteration of the Elizabeth River Watershed Action Plan. This plan being prepared by Elizabeth River Project updates the environmental restoration plans for the Elizabeth River, including our Indian River watershed.
We've been easing back into group volunteer events with two major cleanups and several gardening efforts at Indian River Park during 2021. Combined with many individual efforts, our volunteers reported 878 hours of effort this year, and counting.
On the outreach side, we've started a regular series of Second Saturday Hikes at Indian River Park and other locales. In June, we held a Moth Night at Indian River Park to observe these nocturnal jewels. In October, our members did a field trip to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. In December, we sponsored the third annual "Main Street" Indian River Holiday Decoration Contest. And we had several speakers for our monthly meetings, all of which were virtual except the November meeting.
The Friends of Indian River Education Scholarship Award entered its second year, granting another scholarship to a worthy graduate of Indian River High School
The Friends of Indian River were recognized as a Sustained Distinguished Performance River Star Business at the Model Level by the Elizabeth River Project

Key focuses areas for 2022 will include

Completing the tree planting at the Indian River Oaklette Bridge
Working with the City to start implementing the Indian River Planning Area Study and Redevelopment Strategy
Supporting goals of the Elizabeth River Watershed Action Plan
Continuing our cleanup, beautification, and outreach events
Working with Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to improve our local parks
Participating in updates to the City Comprehensive Plan when they begins

We will be holding our Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 20 at 7 pm to discuss these plans for 2021. We hope to hold the meeting in-person at Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive.

The Friends of Indian River is an all-volunteer, local 501(c)(3) non-profit. You can support our efforts by becoming a member, renewing your membership, or just making a contribution online at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html

Year in Review

Indian River Small Area Plan

Throughout 2021 we focused on the Indian River Planning Area Study and Redevelopment Strategy, the "Plan". This project kicked off before the pandemic in December 2019 and information gathering continued through 2020. By early 2021, the City published the first draft of the Plan and held virtual public input meetings in May. The Friends of Indian River provided comprehensive comments and input on the Plan's actions, goals, and proposed implementation timelines. The final draft of the Plan was published in late August and in October the plan was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission. Just before Christmas, the City Council enthusiastically passed the Plan by a 9-0 vote.

This Plan lays out a strong, interconnected combination of actions that, when implemented, should improve the quality of life of our community. Find an overview of the plan and link to the full document at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/2021/10/action-alert-indian-river-planning-area.html

But really, this is just the start of the work. Join us as we focus on implementation of the plan starting in 2022.

Indian River Gateway Tree Planting

The east side of the Indian River Oaklette Bridge is identified as a key Recreational/Civic Node in the Indian River Planning Area Study, serving as a Gateway to the community and the river. Back in 2014, we participated with the City in a tree planting including plum and golden rain trees on the southside of the road and Bald Cypress trees in the median. Unfortunately, we lost several plum trees to car accidents where speeding cars lost control and jumped the curve. In 2020, the City Landscape Coordinator prepared a comprehensive proposal to replant the south side median with more native trees and shrubs, for beautification and wildlife value, and install berms and traffic signage.

To make this a reality the Friends of Indian River applied for funding from the Virginia Department of Forestry Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant and the City of Chesapeake License Plate for Beautification and Conservation Fund and in 2021, we won funding from both of these grants. We had expected the City to take the lead in the project using the License Plate Fund, as they had with similar projects in the past. But in a twist, they asked the Friends to take the lead in the project and hire a landscaping firm to implement the project. This required us to go through a proposal, bid, and contracting process which, as with so many efforts in 2021, ran into delays. A contract was finally in place with Basnight Land and Lawn by early November. But work on the project was further delayed and is now expected to start in mid-January. The landscaper will do the site prep and plant the trees. Subsequently we'll have a volunteer day to plant additional shrubs, grasses, and flowers in the spring of 2022.

In a related effort, Hampton Roads Transit is putting in a bus shelter at the corner of Lilac and Indian River Road, which will meld nicely into the landscaping plan. Also on the books for 2022 is rehabilitation work by the Public Works Department on the Oaklette Bridge, installing "pile jackets" to protect the bridge piling from corrosion and doing bridge joint, deck and beam small repairs.

Blue Heron Landing Park (future)

Also at the Indian River Gateway, across the street from the Gateway Tree Planting, work is progressing on the planned Blue Heron Landing Park and canoe/kayak launch. The Friends of Indian River started to advocate for this location as a public park to access the river in 2015; the City acquired the property in 2017 and has been working toward developing the park since. This year, the City completed design work and obtained the required permits for the project from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board, and other. Requests for bids on the project are expected to go out soon. Construction could start in 2022.

Elizabeth River Watershed Action Plan

The Friends of Indian River are proud of our strong partnership with the Elizabeth River Project. In the latest Elizabeth River "State of the River" report published at the end of 2020, the Indian River got a water quality grade of "C", a significant improvement of the Failing "F" grade we got in 2014. But a "C" leaves a lot of room for improvement. This year several of our board members have been working on the next iteration of the Elizabeth River Watershed Action Plan with the Elizabeth River Project. The draft is still being finalized but the action steps outlined in the document cover a range of issues relevant to the Indian River, including (but not limited to) preparing for sea level rise, working to make our waterways cleaner by reducing pollution inputs, encouraging Chesapeake to develop a green infrastructure plan, making littering "uncool" by addressing behaviors such as the use of single use plastics, creating more living shorelines, planting more trees and encouraging protection of mature trees, and promoting conservation landscaping for homes, business, schools, and municipal buildings. The Friends will be working to incorporate the Watershed Action Plan efforts into our own local goals and projects.

Volunteer Events

The number of volunteer events was still reduced this year but we held two major cleanups. For Clean The Bay Day in June, 16 volunteers ventured deep into the Indian River Park flood plain and other parts of the park to pull out just under 400 pounds of trash. For the International Coastal Cleanup in September around the Indian River-Oaklette Bridge and the future Blue Heron Landing Park, 12 volunteers removed another 400 pounds of litter and debris from along the river.

We held several Adopt-A-Park events at the Native Plant Garden at Indian River Park: in April, a pair of events in October, and one in December. For one of the events in October, we got a big boost with volunteers from Chapter 78 of Association of Aviation Ordinancemen (AAO) off the USS Gerald R. Ford. They rolled up their sleeves and dug the bed for a new rain garden at the park which we then planted at the December event.

Aside from the scheduled group events, our volunteers did a lot of individual work around the area including ad hoc litter cleanup, caring for the gardens and trees by the Indian River Oaklette Bridge, and refreshing the flower planters in the Indian River business area. At Indian River Park there was on-going work to weed and maintain the Native Plant Garden, ad hoc litter cleanups, trail maintenance, and persistent efforts to manage and remove invasive plants including English Ivy, Japanese Stilt Grass, and Linden Viburnum. Another volunteer focused on Plymouth Park, caring for its flower bed, checking on the young trees planted there, and doing ad hoc litter cleanups. And of course, there was various "back office" work to keep up the organization and do outreach and communication.

All told, our volunteers reported 878 hours of effort this year, and counting.

We'd also like to say thank you to the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council (CEIC), the Chesapeake Tree Board, and the Chesapeake Master Gardeners for organizing and supporting several additional volunteer events in our area. These included the CEIC sponsored Great American Cleanup at the Indian River Civic Campus (Community Center/Library/Middle School/High School/Lake area) in March, Tree Board organized tree plantings at Oaklette United Methodist Church and Bethany Baptist Church in May, and Master Gardener led tree plantings in the Campostella and Cuffee Center area in October. Oaklette United Methodist Church also made use of another CEIC License Plate Fund Grant to plant additional trees on their property in November.

Connecting with Nature

This year the Friends of Indian River started a new series of Second Saturday Hikes at Indian River Park and one at the Indian River Civic Campus (Community Center/Library/Middle School/High School/Lake area). These hikes provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest in the park, discover some of the local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations, and just get together with other folks interested in exploring our natural areas.

Working with the Butterfly Society and PRT, we hosted a "Moth Night" at Indian River Park in June. On a fine evening, 10 "citizen scientists" identified about 2 dozen species of moths and other insects at Indian River Park.

In October, our members did a field trip to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. We had guided tour of the Sloane mansion and a walking tour of the gardens and grounds. Participants learned about the garden history and the many varieties of plants that have a home at the Hermitage. We also got to see their living shoreline restoration efforts, which was one of the first of its kind in the region.

Civic Engagement

Our monthly meetings continued to be online until our November meeting, which was our first in person membership meeting since January 2020. Guest speakers this year included:

Mary Russo Riley, Chesapeake Community Programs Administrator
Benjamin Camras, Chesapeake Planning Department
Steven Traylor, Norfolk City Forester
Joe Rieger, Elizabeth River Project
Elizabeth Taraski, Nansemond River Preservation Alliance
Meghan Mulroy-Goldman, Community Forester, Virginia Department of Forestry
Susan Vitale, Chesapeake City Council Member

Of course, we continued our online outreach through our monthly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, Next Door, and our website.

The Friends of Indian River also sponsored the third annual "Main Street" Indian River Holiday Decoration Contest. Winners were selected based on overall appearance, festiveness, and decorations being fresh and appropriate for the site. Multiple businesses did an excellent job; winners were E and E Auto Sales, Affordable Transmission, and Mobile Pig-Nic Catering / The Pig Shop Restaurant; runners-up were Wickers Crab Pot and Botanica Spiritual House.

Indian River High School Scholarship

This was the second year of the Friends of Indian River Education Scholarship Award. The Scholarship is awarded to an Indian River High School graduating senior who embodies the spirit of the Friends of Indian River mission and excels in leadership, citizenship, extracurricular activities and academics. The award this year went to A’kei Slocumb, who is interested in pursuing Biological Science as an area of study in college. His involvement in Sports, Advanced Placement classes, and community service activities are examples of a commitment to advance personal goals and to serve the community.

Graduates in the class of 2022 will be able to apply for this scholarship in the coming months.

Awards and Recognitions

The Friends of Indian River were recognized as a Sustained Distinguished Performance River Star Business at the Model Level by the Elizabeth River Project River Restoration Advisory Committee for our on-going efforts and new initiatives.

Active Supporting Members and Volunteers 2020

Affordable Transmissions^M

Jill Arnone^M

Chapter 78 Association of
Aviation Ordnanceman ^V

Gary Ball ^MV

Diane Burke ^MV*

Geoffrey Burke ^MV

Joe Burke ^M

Margie Carraway^M

Vickie Easley ^M

Bettina Essert ^M

Darcy Garrenton ^V

Leslie Garret ^V

Lynn Gilbert ^MV*

David and Lynn Greenfield ^M

Gilbert Griffin ^MV

Helene Haluska ^MV*

Jim Haluska ^M

Jim and Corinne Harrison V

Jim Hartle ^M*

Sunday and Ian Hill ^M

Mike Hoffman and family^V

Steve Holderbaum^V

Jill Jaminson^V

Lisa and Tom Kennedy ^M

Bruce Knoblock^V

Sharon Komenda ^M*

Mella Leibrand ^M

Chris Matthew^MV

Ed Matthew^MV

Devin Malamphy^V

Barbara McCane ^V*

Karen and Davis Mellott ^M

Keith and Debbie Moore ^M

Vic Nichols ^M

Amy Petersen^M

Jennifer Raymond ^MV

Dennie Reno ^M

Rogard Ross ^MV*

Tabitha and Caroline Short^V

Brett Skipper ^V

Carol Warren ^MV*

Amy Weber ^MV*

Alex Whitney ^V

Chris Whitney ^MV*

Jayne Whitney ^MV*

Alana and George Yacus^M

M – Supporting Member V – Volunteer

* - Completed more than 100 lifetime volunteer hours with FIR

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Approved: Indian River Planning Area Study going to City Council

Update: 12/22/2021

Great news. Last night the City Council enthusiastically passed the Indian River Small Area Plan by a 9-0 vote. Mayor West specifically mentioned all the e-mails that the City Council had received in support of the plan. Thank you all very much for your support in getting this plan across the finish line.

But really, this is just the start of the work. The plan lays out a strong roadmap for implementing the goals it outlines, but making it happen will require persistent engagement with the City and our other partners. And we will need your continued involvement to make that a success. Implementing the plan will be a key topic to discuss at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 20th, 7 pm. We hope that you'll be able to join us as we continue this important work.

******************************************************************************

The Final Draft of the Indian River Planning Area Study has been rescheduled for a Public Hearing by the City Council on Tuesday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm at City Hall.

Tell the City Council that you support the Plan which provides a strong, interconnected combination of actions that, if well implemented, will improve the quality of life of the community. The plan revitalizes Indian River Road, including the Indian River Shopping Center, and redesigns the road as our "Main Street", preserves and rehabilitates the residential character of our community, provides connections between our neighborhoods, parks, the river, and a new civic campus, and increases the overall environmental quality of the community through increased tree canopy, natural areas and shorelines, and green infrastructure.

Key elements to support in the plan include:

"Main Street"

Redesign Indian River Road to be our “Main Street” including features such as buffered bicycle lanes and streetscape enhancements to reduce speeding, improve safety, and spur economic activity.
Pursue the addition of shopping and restaurant tenants to enhance the “main street” feel of the corridor. Look at redeveloping Hazel Ct. with a mix of uses that complement its waterfront location
Establishing tax-increment financing and/or other incentives to encourage redevelopment of business corridor
Work toward redevelopment of the Indian River Shopping Center and possibly surrounding commercial properties into higher density mixed-use development

Neighborhoods

Implement a strong set of actions to encourage and enable the preservation and rehabilitation of the area’s existing residential housing
Develop a residential pattern book to provide guidance on the recommended look and design for new development
Ensure that infrastructure for water, sewer, and stormwater are sufficient to accommodate any infill development
Install signage to identify historic areas such as Oaklette, Queen City, Norfolk Highlands, Seminole Park, and Foundation Park

Community and Environment

Incentivize tree preservation and planting
Preserve, restore, and expand riparian/shoreline buffer vegetation
Reach out to homeowners about restoration and flood mitigation funding such as Virginia Conservation Assistance Fund, Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund, the Elizabeth River River Star Program, and other such programs.
Educate homeowners on the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
Install “wayfinding” signage along Military Highway to show direction to local destinations such as Community Center, Library, Rokeby Center, Indian River Park, Conference Center, etc.
Identify bus stops that need improvement and increase bus frequency

Open Space and Greenways

Create a “civic campus” including the Indian River High School, Community Center, Middle School, Chesapeake Center for Student Success, and Library with the lake at its center
Complete Blue Heron Landing Park, develop a trail management plan and add amenities at Indian River Park, and create an overlook at Plymouth Park
Establish a network of “greenways” along Indian River neighborhoods streets including sidewalks, bikeways and green stormwater infrastructure
Create a bike route along Lilac Ave. and crosswalk at Lilac Ave. and Indian River Road to provide link from Indian River Road bike paths and Blue Heron Park to Rokeby Ave. and Indian River Park
Provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing at Rokeby Ave. and Military Highway to connect to Indian River Park

This is Agenda Item K - PLN-COMP-2021-002.

You can see the full draft plan at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Planning-Department/Planning-Library/Indian-River-Military-Highway-Corridor-Study.htm

Sunday, November 28, 2021

December Newsletter and Events

In this month's issue, we have:

Indian River Planning Area Study

Plan going for final approval at City Council on Tuesday, Dec 21

Upcoming Events

No Second Saturday Hike this December
No Monthly Meeting this December
First Day Hike @ Indian River Park, Saturday, Jan 1

Other News

Holiday Lights & Decoration Contest
Tree Planting on Indian River Road - Volunteers Needed - TBD
Chesapeake Holiday Brass Concert, Thursday, Dec 16
Leave the Leaves

Indian River Planning Area Study at City Council

Date: Tuesday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm at City Hall

There was a mistake in advertising the Nov 16 City Council meeting, so the Indian River Planning Area Study review was rescheduled for the Tuesday, Dec 21 City Council Meeting.

This is the final stage in approving the Indian River Planning Area Study and Redevelopment Strategy. This Plan lays out a strong, interconnected combination of actions that, when implemented, should improve the quality of life of our community. The Friends of Indian River have been working closely with the Planning Department throughout the development of the Plan and we wholeheartedly support the document as drafted.

The Planning Department has been working closely with the community to gather input and incorporate feedback into the Plan.

We are again asking citizens to speak out in support of the Plan at the City Council meeting on Thursday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm. We believe that showing up in person to support the plan will help get it across the finish line, so please join us at City Hall on the 21st! You can also send you comments to council@cityofchesapeake.net

Visit http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/2021/10/action-alert-indian-river-planning-area.html for info and key points for submitting your comments.

Key themes that we support throughout the Plan include:

- Redesign and revitalization of Indian River Road, including the Indian River Shopping Center, as our Main Street

- Preservation of the residential character of our community

- Interconnecting the community with parks, the civic campus, and open space

- Increasing the overall environmental quality of the community through increased tree canopy, natural areas and shorelines, and green infrastructure.

You can review the Final Draft at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Planning-Department/Planning-Library/Indian-River-Military-Highway-Corridor-Study.htm

No Second Saturday Hike this December

No Monthly Meeting this December

First Day Hike @ Indian River Park

Date: Saturday, Jan 1, 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Location: Indian River Park entrance

at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Welcome the new year with our traditional First Day Hike at Indian River Park.

Learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest on the Indian River flood plain, and its value to maintaining the health of local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations. Note: the forest trail has uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes.

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/UP36Z7Pzw2BJwpNm7

Other News

Holiday Lights & Decoration Contest

Our 3rd Annual “Main Street” Indian River Holiday Lighting & Decoration Contest is now open. To participate, just decorate your storefront! Contest is open to all businesses along Indian River Rd from Oaklette Bridge to Military Highway and along Sparrow Road from Nautilus Ave. to Fontana Ave.

Judging will be between 4 pm and 7 pm on Thursday, Dec 9, and based on overall appearance, festiveness, and being fresh and appropriate for site. Top 3 winners will be announced by Thursday, Dec. 16. Winners will receive $50 prize money and be recognized in our newsletter and social media channels.

Tree Planting along Indian River Road at Oaklette Bridge

Date: TBD

Work on the tree planting plan is dependent on the weather now, but we'll still then need volunteers to support planting of 30 shrubs and 34 muhly and fountain grasses at the site. We'll have Master Gardeners on hand to provide guidance. The exact date is still TBD and we'll update folks once we set a date.

Chesapeake Holiday Brass Concert, Thursday, Dec 16

Enjoy the holidays with this FREE concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass section hosted by the City of Chesapeake at the Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. Doors open 6 pm

https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/parks-recreation-tourism/events/special-events/holidaybrassconcert.htm

Leave the Leaves

Want to save time and work and help the environment? Then skip the blowing, raking, and bagging and leave those leaves lay this fall! Leaves are nature's mulch and the provide food and shelter for butterflies, moths, bees, and other invertebrates over the winter. Removing the leaves actually can wipe out the next generation of many moths and butterflies. Learn more at https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves

We always encourage you as an individual to pick up any stray litter that you come across along our roads, parking lots, and in our parks. Every piece of trash collected is one less that causes harm to wildlife in our natural areas and waterways. And just as important, reduce your use of single use packaging to not create litter in the first place. Take The Pledge to keep Virginia Litter Free at https://loversnotlitter.org/pledge/

Now is a great time to become a member or renew your membership, or just make a donation online at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html

Monday, November 15, 2021

Indian River Small Area Plan continued (deferred) to Dec 21 City Council Meeting

We just heard from the City: there was a mistake in advertising the date for the Indian River Planning Area Study to go to the City Council. It was incorrectly advertised for 11/19 rather than 11/16. To avoid any issue due to the mistake, the review of the Plan is being rescheduled for the Tuesday, 12/21 City Council Meeting.

Friday, November 5, 2021

November Newsletter and Events

In this month's issue, we have:

Indian River Planning Area Study

Plan going for final approval at City Council on Tuesday, Deferred to Dec 21

Upcoming Events

Second Saturday Hike - Lake at Indian River Civic Campus - Saturday, Nov 13
Monthly Meeting - Guest Speaker City Council Member Susan Vitale - Thursday, Nov 18

Other News

Tree Planting on Indian River Road - Volunteers Needed - Early December
Chesapeake Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov 6
Treetopia at Mt. Trashmore on Saturday, Nov 6
Environmental Items on City Council Agenda for Nov 16
Audubon Society talk - "From Buck Trout Swamp to Suburbia"
October Events Roundup
Leave the Leaves

Indian River Planning Area Study at City Council

Date: Deferred to

Tuesday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm at City Hall

The Planning Department has been working closely with the community to gather input and incorporate feedback into the Plan.

We are again asking citizens to speak out in support of the Plan at the City Council meeting on Nov 16. We believe that showing up in person to support the plan will help get it across the finish line, so please join us at City Hall on the 16th! You can also send you comments to council@cityofchesapeake.net

Visit http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/2021/10/action-alert-indian-river-planning-area.html for info and key points for submitting your comments.

Key themes that we support throughout the Plan include:

- Redesign and revitalization of Indian River Road, including the Indian River Shopping Center, as our Main Street

- Preservation of the residential character of our community

- Interconnecting the community with parks, the civic campus, and open space

- Increasing the overall environmental quality of the community through increased tree canopy, natural areas and shorelines, and green infrastructure.

You can review the Final Draft at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Planning-Department/Planning-Library/Indian-River-Military-Highway-Corridor-Study.htm

Second Saturday Hike @ Lake by Indian River Civic Campus

Date: Saturday, Nov 13, 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Location: Meet outside Indian River Community Center, 2250 Old Greenbrier Rd

Something different this month ... our hike will take us around the Lake between the Indian River Middle School and High School. Originally a borrow pit, this 20 acre lake provides stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and a scenic backdrop for the local schools. The Indian River Planning Area Study envisions transforming the area into a core public gathering space and connecting the schools, ballfields, community center and library to the surrounding community with multi-use trails and greenways. We'll hike some of the existing trails and keep an eye out for birds on the lake and in the adjacent woods.

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/jqpPbQMQdwvi4RX27

Monthly Meeting - Guest Speaker City Council Member Susan Vitale

Date: Thursday, Nov 18, 7 pm

Location: Oaklette United Methodist Church, 520 Oaklette Drive

We're going to be back at our normal meeting place this month, so we'd love to see you in person! Our guest speaker will be City Council Member Susan Vitale to discuss updates on various City items affecting the Indian River area.

We'll also have the latest community news.

Other News

Tree Planting along Indian River Road at Oaklette Bridge

Date: TBD, Early December

It has been a journey lining up the funding and finalizing the contract for the landscaping services, but it looks like we're finally moving forward with the big tree planting project along Indian River Road by the Oaklette Bridge! The contractor should be preparing the site and planting the first 14 trees during the next month.

We'll then need volunteers to support planting of 30 shrubs and 34 muhly and fountain grasses at the site. We'll have Master Gardeners on hand to provide guidance. The exact date is still TBD and we'll update folks once we set a date.

Chesapeake Recycles Day - Saturday, Nov 6

Chesapeake Recycles Day returns on Saturday, Nov 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the TCC Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road, Chesapeake VA 23322. Accepted items will include "blue bin" recyclables (bottles, cans, cardboard, paper), electronics, clothing, household items, household hazardous waste, and sensitive documents for offsite shredding. Get all the details at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/public-works-department/wastemanagement-recycling/chesapeake-recycles-day.htm

TreeTopia - Saturday, Nov 6

Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven River Now are hosting TreeTopia from 11 am to 3 pm at Mt. Trashmore. This fun celebration will include 1000 free native tree saplings with planting instructions for attendees to take home to plant - first come first served, many tree minded exhibitors sharing information and fun activities, a climbing wall, music, food trucks, Coastal Nurseries selling trees and other native plants, and more. More info at https://www.vbgov.com/events/pages/event.aspx?item=2822&date=11/6/2021&calendar=parks-recreation

Environmental Items on City Council Agenda for Nov 16

In addition to the Indian River Small Area Plan, two other environmental topics may be on the agenda:

Re-establishing of the Wetlands Board and combining it with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Board. The Wetlands Board, which handles permitting of shoreline development, such as putting in bulkheads or rip-rap, was disbanded in Chesapeake about a decade ago due to budget constraints. This permitting has been handled by the State's Virginia Marine Resource Commission since then. These proposals would re-establish local control of this permitting process and also combine it with the existing CBPA Board. There has been some concern about whether the City has sufficient expertise to manage this process.
The future of "Blue Bin" Recycling may be on the agenda. There are questions about the cost and effectiveness of the current curbside recycling program and whether the City should institute a new Trash Fee. Details are still TBD.

Audubon Society talk - "From Buck Trout Swamp to Suburbia" on Nov 17

The Friends cancelled our October meeting, but you have a second chance to catch Rogard Ross' presentation "From Buck Trout Swamp to Suburbia" at the Cape Henry Audubon Meeting on Wednesday, Nov 17, 7 pm at the New Life Metropolitan Community Church, 1000 Sunset Drive in Norfolk. This talk looks at the development of our area from an untamed swamp that once covered the area from the Indian River to today's Great Bridge to today's suburbia and what steps can be taken to "re-wild" the area for the future. http://chasnorfolk.org/meetingeventcalendar.html

October Events Roundup

It was a busy month for the events in October. We had our monthly Second Saturday Hike on Oct 9. On Wednesday the 13th, the Planning Commission reviewed and approved the Final Draft of the Indian River Planning Area Study. On the following Sunday, the 17th, our members got an excellent tour of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens on our annual field trip. On Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd, we had back to back Adopt-A-Park events to get the Native Plant Garden at Indian River Park ready for the end of the season; on Friday we got a big boost by volunteers from Chapter 78 of Association of Aviation Ordinancemen (AAO) off the USS Gerald R. Ford. A big accomplishment was digging the bed for a new rain garden at the park. Throughout the month, volunteers have also been working to manage the invasive Linden Viburnums at Indian River Park that are fruiting right now. Also on the 23rd, the Chesapeake Master Gardeners had their own volunteer event to plant 21 new trees at the Campostella and Cuffee Center area. And behind the scenes, our board was working hard to finalize the plans - and financing - for the Indian River Road tree planting project. Thank you to everyone involved in these efforts!

Leave the Leaves

Want to save time and work and help the environment? Then skip the blowing, raking, and bagging and leave those leaves lay this fall! Leaves are nature's mulch and provide food and shelter for butterflies, moths, bees, and other invertebrates over the winter. Removing the leaves actually can wipe out the next generation of many moths and butterflies. Learn more at https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves

Sunday, October 3, 2021

October Newsletter and Events

In this month's issue, we have:

Indian River Planning Area Study

Final Draft going (again) to Planning Commission on Oct 13

Upcoming Events

Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park - Sat, Oct 9, 8:30 am
Field Trip - Hermitage Museum and Gardens - Sun, Oct 17, 1 pm
October Monthly Meeting - Thurs, Oct 21 - CANCELLED
Adopt-A-Park @ Indian River Park - Sat, Oct 23, 9 am
November Monthly Meeting - Thurs, Nov 18, 7 pm -
Guest Speaker City Council Member Susan Vitale

Other News

Get Out the Vote, Virginia!
International Coastal Cleanup results
Leave the Leaves

Indian River Planning Area Study Public Hearing

Date: Wednesday, Oct 13, 7 pm at City Hall

The Planning Commissioners asked for more time to review the Final Draft of the Indian River Planning Area Study when it went before them in September. So the final review was "continued" until the Planning Commission Meeting on Wednesday, Oct 13, 7 pm at City Hall. It will also be a topic of the "pre-meeting" that starts at 6 pm in the same location.

We are again asking citizens to speak out in support of the draft plan at Public Hearing. If you submitted comments in September, you can double your impact by resubmitting them before the October meeting. We also think that showing up in person to support the plan will help get it across the finish line, so please join us at City Hall on the 13th! Visit http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/2021/08/action-alert-indian-river-planning-area.html for info and key points for submitting your comments.

As we reported last month, the Planning Department incorporated the bulk of our comments into this draft. Overall the plan provides a strong blueprint for the future of our community and provides importance guidance for the City when making future zoning, policy, and funding decisions.

The Study lays out a plan with a strong, interconnected combination of actions that, when implemented, should improve the quality of life of our community. Key themes that we support throughout the Plan include:

- Redesign and revitalization of Indian River Road, including the Indian River Shopping Center, as our Main Street

- Preservation of the residential character of our community

- Interconnecting the community with parks, the civic campus, and open space

- Increasing the overall environmental quality of the community through increased tree canopy, natural areas and shorelines, and green infrastructure.

You can review the Final Draft at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Planning-Department/Planning-Library/Indian-River-Military-Highway-Corridor-Study.htm

Second Saturday Hike @ Indian River Park

Date: Saturday, Oct 9, 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Location: Indian River Park entrance
at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/xXwNjL4YSD4uRCVc9

Field Trip to Hermitage Museum and Gardens

Date: Sunday, October 17

Location: Hermitage Museum and Gardens, 7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk, VA 23505

Meet at the museum at 12:45 pm, tour will start at 1 pm.

Space is limited; you must Pre-Register at https://forms.gle/Bjfa45RmbG6PGokY8

This year's field trip will be a guided tour of the Sloane mansion and collection and walking tour of the gardens and grounds. We'll learn about the garden history and the many varieties of plants that have a home at the Hermitage and see their living shoreline restoration efforts.

CDC does recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings.

Trip is Free for Members (and immediate family of members at the Family Membership level). Not a member? Join today at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html

October Monthly Meeting - CANCELLED

Date: Thursday, October 21

We're taking a month off our monthly meeting. So we invite members to join us for our Field Trip to the Hermitage on October 17 (see above)

Adopt-A-Park @ Indian River Park

Date: Saturday, October 23, 9 am

Location: Indian River Park entrance

at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station

We'll be tending to the native plant garden at the park entrance, including weeding and mulching. We may also do some trail work, pruning, weeding, and cleanup.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves. If you can, bring shovels, rakes, pruners, saws and other gardening tools. We'll have water and snacks available. We also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize use of plastic bottles and cans.

Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.

We will be following all recommended Covid-19 safety precautions in place at the time of this event.

To speed up registration and improve social distancing at the start of the cleanup, please review and complete the online safety release form at least one day before the event: https://forms.gle/WkWb8PErXdrfqqNV9

November Monthly Meeting - Guest Speaker City Council Member Susan Vitale

Date: Thursday, November 18, 7 pm

Mark your calendars. Our intent is for our November monthly meeting to be in person at Oaklette United Methodist Church. Our guest speaker will be City Council Member Susan Vitale. This will be our first in person meeting since the start of the pandemic and we look forward to seeing everyone! We'll update details in our next newsletter.

Other News

Early Voting for the State and local elections is in progress, including conveniently at the Indian River Library. Make sure your voice counts - go vote! For full info on voting locations and times, visit https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Voter-Registrar/absentee.htm

A big thank you to the dozen volunteers who came out for the International Coastal Cleanup and Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup around the Indian River-Oaklette Bridge and the future Blue Heron Landing Park in September. The team removed over 400 lbs of litter and debris from along the river. The most numerous items where beverage bottles and cans and cigarette butts. I guess a positive spin is that we've seen worse, but there is still way too much litter.

Want to save time and work and help the environment? Then skip the blowing, raking, and bagging and leaves those leaves lay this fall! Leaves are nature's mulch and the provide food and shelter for butterflies, moths, bees, and other invertebrates over the winter. Removing the leaves actually can wipe out the next generation of many moths and butterflies. Learn more at https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves

Pages

Sunday, December 26, 2021

2021 Year in Review

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Approved: Indian River Planning Area Study going to City Council

Sunday, November 28, 2021

December Newsletter and Events

Monday, November 15, 2021

Indian River Small Area Plan continued (deferred) to Dec 21 City Council Meeting

Friday, November 5, 2021

November Newsletter and Events

Sunday, October 3, 2021

October Newsletter and Events