Virginia Zoo, Volunteers Restore Wetlands With Funding From National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

By Diane Paluzzi 

Norfolk, VA - The Virginia Zoo is starting the New Year off green – with a ceremony to dedicate its wetland conservation project and new Lafayette River Classroom. The ceremony will occur Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 a.m. at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk.

“This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and with support from community partners and volunteers,” notes Greg Bockheim, executive director of the Virginia Zoo. “It took a lot of work, but now that it is complete, we have created a healthy habitat for native wildlife. This area also will be a learning site for area students and Zoo visitors to help them better understand the impact our wetlands have on our lives and our region.”

Over 170 hours of restoration work was invested by community volunteers, Zoo staff and other partners. About 9,000 trees, grasses, shrubs and herbaceous plants were planted. This has been a continuous effort since late fall of 2008, often forcing volunteers to face wet, icy weather while working in the marshy environment.

Project partners include Chesapeake Bay Foundation, City of Norfolk’s Bureau of Environmental Services, Elizabeth River Project, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Lafayette River Partnership, and NOAA Restoration Center. For more details, please see attached fact sheet.

For information about this project or the ceremony, contact Mark Schneider, Zoo Horticulturalist, at (757) 441-2374, ext. 249. 

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk.  Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11.  Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.