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 The Hampton Roads region of Virginia is located at the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Here, the Chesapeake Bay empties into the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most important ecological regions in the watershed. Yet it also is one of the most threatened regions. The Bay and the rivers and streams that flow into it, are polluted, mainly by outdated sewage treatment plants and sprawling development.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Hampton Roads staff works to protect and restore the region’s waterways. Much progress has been made since CBF opened an office here in 1985. But more needs to be done. For example, the region was once home to some of the most vibrant oyster grounds in the entire Chesapeake Bay. Due to overfishing, disease, and pollution, the remaining natural oyster population barely supports a commercial fishery today.
To address these and other issues related to the health of the Bay, CBF’s Hampton Roads staff does the following:
- Oyster Restoration: To revitalize the Bay’s oyster population, CBF runs programs that provide people with opportunities to grow oysters, recycle their oyster shells, and help create living shorelines made out of recycled shells. CBF also operates an oyster farm, where volunteers are always welcome.
- Volunteer Program: Every year, volunteers donate more than 25,000 hours to CBF programs that advance the Bay's health. The immediate results of their work are impressive. But the value of their undertaking for future generations is priceless. Volunteer opportunities organized by our Hampton Roads staff include Clean the Bay Day, one of the largest community events in the Tidewater area; our new Living Shoreline Construction Program; and Speakers Bureau.
- Events and Seminars: One of the key missions of the Hampton Roads office is to help educate the public and provide a network for the Hampton Roads environmental community. CBF sponsors Saturday morning breakfasts to discuss issues related to the Bay: the Green Breakfasts in Norfolk and Save the Bay Breakfasts in Hampton.
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