Year open: Incorporated in 1993
Description of business: The Elizabeth River Project is the only non-profit environmental organization dedicated to cleaning up the Elizabeth River. Bold goal is make the Elizabeth River safe for swimming and fishing by 2020.
Describe your typical customer: Over 500,000 citizens live in the river cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach (into Kempsville). We partner with all levels, community, school, business, city, state and federal government.
One thing people don’t know about ERP that would surprise them? Our work thus far has been award-winning and recognized as an international model for positive partnerships with industry, government and citizens to achieve measurable results.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in the community? We are making a difference in the river’s health while engaging all levels to be a part.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads? The Elizabeth River has a strong maritime history, is home to the world’s largest military naval station and has a port that connects us to the world. Our successes are a reflection of a generous community that is doin’ right by the river. The River Star Business program recognized 84 organizations January, 2011 that since 1997 have reduced 267 million pounds of pollution, restored/conserved 1,101 acres of wildlife habitat and reduced more than a billion pounds of other materials (reduced, recycled or reused). 2009-2010 school year, 126 schools (public and private) were recognized as River Star Schools implementing environmental projects that have a positive impact on the river. The maritime community and schools continue to touch our hearts by supporting the LEARNING BARGE’s maintenance needs and educational programs.
What challenges do you face as a business owner? The Elizabeth River is one of the most polluted rivers on the Chesapeake Bay and our goal is to create a River Revolution of over 25,000 citizen soldiers; informed, inspired and engaged as environmental stewards.
What’s in store for your business of the future?
- A new program will be unveiled at RIVERFEST on the Lafayette, April 30, 2011 (free public event with music, food, art and water activities and education) for citizens to join as River Star Homes. The top two stewardship activities citizens can do to help reach our 2020 goal is to reduce or eliminate fertilizer and pick up after their pets.
- Phase I of Paradise Creek Nature Park will open December 2012 and Phase II, 2014. Located on 40 waterfront acres now owned by the Elizabeth River Project, Paradise Creek Nature Park will become the community’s only public access to Paradise Creek Nature trails, restored wetlands, a canoe and kayak launch, interpretive stops and collaborative efforts of dozens of partners at sites surrounding the park will make the area a true community.
- The world’s first floating wetland classroom, The LEARNING BARGE, will continue to dock throughout the river’s branches educating students on how they can help make the river swimmable and fishable by 2020. Over 10,000 students have participated in field trips since her christening September, 2009.
- “The Goo is Going” on the Southern Branch at Money Point, ERP’s largest clean up effort to date. Tons of toxic sediment has been removed during the first phase and the wetlands are being restored. Over 17 species of fish and shellfish have now returned to this restoration site where hardly any could be seen before.
What could local government do to help small business owners? Continue to support community efforts such as the river’s restoration.
What is one thing your business district needs? Many might not know all that Portsmouth has to offer. She’s a true gem and The Elizabeth River Project is proud to call her home.
