Norfolk entities’ waterway restoration projects win honors
The Norfolk Department of Utilities removed more than 200,000 pounds of invasive plants from Lake Whitehurst last year using a specialized harvester.
The department was one of several groups and businesses recently recognized by the River Star Business program.
The program is run by the Elizabeth River Project and a collective of businesses that recognize organizations on the Elizabeth River that use environmentally friendly practices and help in restoring the river and the Chesapeake Bay.
Norfolk’s utilities department was also applauded for purchasing land on the lake to act as a natural development buffer and for teaching residents how to install living shorelines. It, along with Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads, received the Achievement Level honor, which is the second highest tier.
Model level, the highest, is achieved when groups contribute high levels of pollution prevention and habitat restoration. CMA CGM and Lady Fern’s Native Plants received the ranking.
CMA CGM, an international shipping company, established a $1.5 billion fund as part of a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It also transformed a stormwater pond in front of its Norfolk office into a wetland where animals, including otters, turtles and birds, have begun to flock.
“We are excited to see it in full bloom in the spring with all the colors and the animals hanging out,” said Heather Wood, the CMA CGM director of sustainability for North America.
The staff traded their keyboards for waders and gloves to plant the vegetation. The project took several days and will prevent erosion of the pond banks and help keep pollution and litter from entering the water.
Lady Fern’s Native Plants, on Colley Avenue in Norfolk, was recognized for installing a massive, 1,800-gallon rainwater collection system that can save as much as 37,000 gallons of water each year. Nicole Knudson and her husband, Robert, opened the shop in 2020 and began installing the system on the side of the business in increments. The system now covers almost all their water needs.
“I’ve always tried to do what I can to be sustainable,” she said.
Habitat for Humanity, on Tidewater Drive, received an Achievement Level award for installing solar panels on its roof that provide 8,500 watts of power. Frank Hruska, the executive director, stayed on the roof for a week to raise money for the panels.
Everett Eaton, 262-902-7896, everett. eaton@virginiamedia.com