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
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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!
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Norfolk outside Elizabeth River watershed 
 
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Virginia Beach outside Elizabeth River watershed
James River Watershed 
 
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All Other Areas in Hampton Roads
 

TAKE THE PLEDGE

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

River Star Homes - Renew Your Pledge

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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)
Yes, we agree to sustainable/responsible event practices(Required)

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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Youth Water Monitoring Results

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