GIVE
GIVE

RIVER STAR HOMES​

More than 7,000 River Star Homes Do Something Beautiful right at home every day. They all pledge to take 7 simple steps to make the River cleaner, while many add backyard rain barrels, living shorelines and more to make their home landscapes even more river friendly. It’s fun, free and easy to join, and when you do, we’ll give you a beautiful flag for your yard, a welcome packet and more. Do Something Beautiful and sign up today!

The River Star Home Pledge

  1. Scoop the Dog Poop
    • Keep harmful nutrients and fecal coliform bacteria from washing into the river when it rains.
  2. Reduce Lawn Fertilizers
    • Excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus create algae blooms that reduce dissolved oxygen in the water marine life needs
  3. Keep Pollutants Out of Storm Drains
    • Motor oil, antifreeze, soaps and other pollutants flow directly into the river without being treated. 
  4. No Grease in the Sink
    • Grease is one of the top causes of clogged sewer systems, leading to sewer overflows and the potential for raw sewage to wash into the river when it rains
  5. Don’t Feed the Geese
    • Feeding the geese and ducks discourages migration and sends excess levels of unrated fecal bacteria directly into the river.
  6. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
    • Plastic pollution increases our flood risk and causes damage to marine ecosystems as well as shipping, transport and recreational vessels.
  7. Don’t Flush Medicine
    • Municipal sewage treatment plants can’t fully break down flushed medicines, which harm aquatic organisms and wildlife when they enter the river.

Get Started
Order New Yard Flag

Our 2023 River Star Homes kept pollution from entering the river

Sediment
115.18k lbs
Nitrogen
150.6 lbs
Phosphorus
70.4lbs

Do You Live In The Elizabeth River Watershed?

Click on the map below to see if you are eligible to become a River Star Home.

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Not In The Elizabeth River Watershed?
These Organization May Be What You’re Looking For!
Bay Star Homes →
Norfolk outside Elizabeth River watershed 
 
Lynnhaven River Now →
Virginia Beach outside Elizabeth River watershed
James River Watershed 
 
Bay Star Homes →
All Other Areas in Hampton Roads
 

TAKE THE PLEDGE

River Star Pledge(Required)
Residence Status(Required)
Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Will you consider supporting the Elizabeth River Project as a member?(Required)
By joining the Elizabeth River Project as dues-paying members, River Star Homes can amplify their impact, supporting vital on-the-ground restoration efforts and empowering communities with environmental education programs that create a cleaner, thriving river. Not sure? Donate today.

river-friendly practices

What can you do to heal the river at home? A boatload. Explore these river-friendly solutions and potential cost share to install one at your home.

“The passion and dedication of the Elizabeth River Project team are second to none. They really put their heart and souls into their projects.”

Lisa Parrish

River Star Home