News Flash

[Norfolk, Va.] – The first of hundreds of new trees, grasses and perennials will take root as volunteers, City staff and public school students plant a new Living Legacy Grove, Friday, October 18 at Southside STEM Academy.  The massive undertaking is in partnership with Friends of Norfolk’s Environment (FONE) and the City of Norfolk and made possible by a generous donation from Bank of America.

Who:

• Darrell Crittendon, Director of Norfolk RPOS
• Charlie Henderson, Market President Bank of America
• Cindy Shurling, President FONE Board

What: Norfolk Legacy Grove Planting Kickoff

Where: Southside STEM Academy, 1106 Campostella Road, Norfolk

When: Friday, October 18, 2019, 9:00 am

• 9:00 am - Welcome and Recognition from Honored Guests
• 9:30am - Ceremonial Tree Planting and Planting Demonstration
• 9:45-11:45am – Full Tree Planting for Southside STEM Academy Legacy Grove
• Noon - Event concludes

A $50,000 donation from Bank of America and additional private contributions will establish four new Living Legacy Groves at Southside STEM Academy, Poplar Hall Park, Sarah Constant Beach Park and Little Creek Elementary.

Living Legacy Groves are planned groupings of trees and other native plantings on City of Norfolk property made possible by donations from residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. These groves are a key part of the City’s resilience strategy to increase the tree canopy to mitigate impacts from stormwater, tidal surge, and provide clean air and water.

The goal for each Living Legacy Grove is to serve the environmental needs of its surrounding community. Participants will plant over 200 native trees and hundreds of perennials and grasses throughout the events. Below are additional tree planting event dates, scheduled for 9 a.m. – noon.

• October 26: Little Creek Elementary, 7901 Nancy Drive
• November 2: Poplar Hall Park, 101 N. Military Highway
• November 9: Sarah Constant Beach Park, 300 W. Ocean View Avenue