In January, the Elizabeth River Project recognized the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its environmental stewardship along the Elizabeth River watershed.
The district received the River Star Business award for Sustained Distinguished Performance, Model Level, by the Elizabeth River Project, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the river’s health and water quality.
The District previously earned the River Star Business award for Distinguished Performance, Model Status in 2015. The district achieved this multi-year distinction because of additional tasks completed after the 2015 award.
Task included:
- Wildlife habitat enhancement and long term bird management at Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area
- Performed Invasive Species Control to annually treat 500 acres against Phragmites
- Added six concrete oyster reef balls, 25 oysterbergs, three biogenic reef structures, and 10 oyster castles along Fort Norfolk property
- Continued partnership with local elementary school on Oyster Gardening at Fort Norfolk
- Obtained a 29.2% reduction in energy usage from 2009 to 2017
- Reduced water consumption by 37.5% from Fiscal Year 2016 to Fiscal Year 2017
- Executed additional outreach and mentoring opportunities with local universities, high schools, and elementary schools, as well as participated in local STEM events
- Maintained a 350-acre no mow zone
- Created approximately 160 square feet of new oyster reef habitat
According to Pam Boatwright, the Elizabeth River Project’s River Star Businesses program manager, there are approximately 125 businesses participating in the program.
To learn more about the Elizabeth River Project’s River Stars Business Program visit https://elizabethriver.org/river-star-businesses.
source: Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers