Elizabeth River Project

🌿 Step Away From the Screen: ERP’s Summer Reading List

A season of books to help you slow down, look closer, and reconnect with the wild world right outside your door.

Concrete Botany — Joey Santore exposes the ecological scars of our cities while celebrating the native plants fighting their way back. A gritty reminder that restoring nature starts with one stubborn patch at a time.

The Hidden Seasons — Tristan Gooley teaches us to read nature’s “microseasons,” revealing the subtle clues that deepen our sense of place and inspire everyday conservation.

Night Magic — Leigh Ann Henion explores the wonders that only emerge after dark, showing why reducing light pollution is essential for the wildlife that still thrives along our coast.

Romp! — Heide Island, PhD, dives into the secret lives of otters and why their return to the Elizabeth River is a powerful sign of ecological recovery.

Undrowned — Alexis Pauline Gumbs draws wisdom from marine mammals to illuminate resilience—timely as bottlenose dolphins return to the Elizabeth River. Catch her at the Ryan Resilience Lab on August 28.

Bud Finds Her Gift — Robin Wall Kimmerer offers a tender story about slowing down, noticing nature’s gifts, and learning the meaning of reciprocity.

Safe Crossing — Kari Percival shows how small acts—like helping frogs and salamanders cross the road—can spark community care and protect local wildlife.

The Elizabeth River Project and the are teaming up once again to grow the river’s oyster population — and we’re looking for more local gardeners to join the effort. Whether you’re brand‑new or returning, this is one of the simplest, most hands‑on ways to help restore the Elizabeth River. 🌱💧

New gardeners can join a quick starter seminar, while returning participants can bring back their foster oysters for planting on restored reefs. By growing baby oysters right from your dock, you’ll help filter the river, strengthen habitat, and support species like red drum and blue crabs that depend on healthy reefs. 🐟🦀

📍 Elizabeth River Oyster Gardening Events
Norfolk Yacht and Country Club
📅 Tuesday, June 16 | 6–8 PM

Portsmouth City Park
📅 Thursday, July 30 | 6–8 PM

So roll up your sleeves, grab your gear from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and register to be part of this rewarding mission. The river — and the oysters — will thank you. 💙🦪✨Get started at cbf.org/vaoystergardening