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Otter Spotters: A Crash Course in Urban River Otters

March 23 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Saturday, March 23rd | 1:30pm-3:30pm

Ryan Resilience Lab, 4610 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA
FREE* public event, registration available now!
*Donations welcome

When the River Otter Ecology Project in California —a beacon of conservation and community science—had the chance to expand its wings across America, they chose two rivers that pulse with life and promise. One of those rivers? Our very own Elizabeth River!

Why the Elizabeth River?
Urban Otter Enigma: These charismatic creatures defy the concrete jungle. Their presence along our urban riverbanks is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Imagine spotting an otter next to the Battleship Wisconsin—it’s happened time and time again!
Thriving Amidst Humanity: Urban river otters prove that nature isn’t confined to remote wilderness. They thrive alongside bustling communities, weaving their way through our lives, leaving ripples of wonder in their wake.

Join otter ecologist and River Otter Ecology Project co-founder Megan Isadore at the Elizabeth River Project’s new Ryan Resilience Lab for a crash course on the natural history of river otters, how to find them, and their importance as an indicator species of healthy rivers.

“We’re very interested in urban river otters. Their presence reminds us that wildlife can thrive in close proximity with densely populous areas, given the right circumstances,” Isadore said of her choice of the Elizabeth. “A big predator coming back like that, on an urban river, is fabulous.”

Ever wondered how to spot an otter? Megan will spill the secrets. Tracks, scat, and the art of otter spotting—it’s all part of the crash course!

The program will be a partnership of the Elizabeth River Project, the River Otter Ecology Project and FieldScope.

For more information on the Ryan Resilience Series, please contact Luisa Black Ellis, lblack@elizabethriver.org, 757-399-7487. Visit elizabethriver.org for the latest updates.

Details

Date:
March 23
Time:
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Event Category:

Ryan Resilience Lab Event Request

Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab. We’re delighted that our site is in high demand. As the Ryan Resilience Lab is operated by a small non-profit with a big environmental mission, please help us make sure your event is a great fit.

Our priority is to host groups with relevance to our mission: to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. When space and staff support are available, we are happy to host such groups free of charge, but do request that you consider an organizational membership and allow us to offer the opportunity for individual memberships.

Please fill this form out at least 30 days in advance of the event.

Our maximum for indoor seated events is 85 theater style and 45 classroom style. For standing receptions, the maximum is 100 indoors or 125 indoor-outdoor.
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If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these Ryan Lab policies:

Yes, we will offer attendees the option to tour the Ryan Lab(Required)
Yes, Elizabeth River Project can make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding mission and ways to get involved(Required)
Yes, we will consider an organizational membership with Elizabeth River Project to support its mission of restoring the Elizabeth River(Required)
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Additionally, sponsor organization agrees to these administrative/liability requirements:

  • ERP maintains insurance for its activities at the Ryan Lab. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage as well.
  • Weapons are prohibited.
  • Open flames generally are prohibited (special permission only).
  • Outdoor guests will be required to exit the Learning Park during thunder, lightning, high winds or any circumstance deemed hazardous by ERP.
  • Waiver of Claims: Sponsoring organizations agree to release, waive all claims, discharge, and covenant not to sue Elizabeth River Project, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the event and related tours, due to the negligence of sponsor, sponsor's employees, or event participants.
  • Notice of Claims: Sponsor agrees to provide immediate notice to ERP if any participant either files, or threatens to file, a claim arising from or related to the event, so that ERP can notify its insurance carriers.
  • COVID Statement: Participants will monitor their own health prior to reporting to any Elizabeth River Project event/activity. If any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the individual must not report to the event.
  • Photo Release: Photos of the event may be shared as part of grant reporting or posted on Elizabeth River Project website/social media unless otherwise specified by the sponsor organization.
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