GIVE
GIVE

RIVER STAR HOMES​

More than 6,000 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

To restore the Elizabeth River to the highest practical level of environmental quality through government, business and community partnerships.
  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 damages 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

Our 2021 River Star Homes kept pollution from entering the river

Sediment
109k lbs
Nitrogen
78.3 lbs
Phosphorus
24.4 lbs

Do You Live On 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
 

Beautiful Funding Opportunities

What can you do to heal the river at home? A boatload. Invest in some of these river-friendly solutions and we’ll kick in some cash!

TAKE THE PLEDGE