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News From The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
June 30, 2022
Let Summer Linger on the Trail 
Greetings, Trail lovers,

We've celebrated the official start to summer this month and here at the ERT we hope that the Trail will be part of your family's summer plans. Whether you are cooling off in the splash pad at Town Point Park, kayaking the Elizabeth, having a sunset picnic at The Hermitage or biking to one of our local breweries, the trail is here for the lazy days of summer.

We are still buzzing from the joy of Pride Fest and the amazing turnout for our Juneteenth African American History Tour on the ERT. In the revelry and celebration of this month, we also reflect that the festivities of Pride and Juneteenth are both rooted in the struggle for equality. The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation continues to cultivate our DEI committee, refine our mission and vision, and work to reflect a board and a trail that is representative of the city it serves.

The ERT has something for everyone and is for everyone. Let the long days of summer linger, and head to the trail to make some memories.

Be well and see you on the Trail,
Kindra
Elizabeth River Races! Run, Walk, Volunteer
The Independence Day holiday means we are just two months away from the ERT's signature event, the Elizabeth River Run 10K! Happening Sunday, September 4, this race has something for everyone. Now in its 43rd year, the Elizabeth River Run includes competitive walking, a one-mile kid's run, and an epic after party featuring live music, pizza, a beer truck and vendors at the gorgeous, private park at the Port of Virginia. When you register for this race you're supporting two local non-profits, the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and Tidewater Striders, as well as catching stunning views of the Elizabeth along this flat, fast scenic course along the beautiful ERT.

Even if you're not a runner or have never entered a race before, the ERR is a great gateway to a healthy lifestyle. ERT board member Andria McClellan said, "I am not a runner, but I'm excited to train for a 10K walk which will take me through some of my favorite parts of Norfolk!" Tidewater Striders President and Race Director Thomas Hicks said, "The ERR has such a long history, being part of this race means being part of a legacy. We have grandkids running the race their grandparents ran back in the 80's, it's great!" 

Make sure you register soon - the price increases on July 31st! You can register as part of a corporate group, as an individual or family, help with sponsorship or volunteer on the course. We hope to see you at the ERR this Labor Day weekend!
Glowline Ground Breaking
After years of planning and months of preparation, the Foundation has officially broken ground on the Glowline at Jeff Robertson Park in West Ghent. Don't know what the Glowline is? Here's a quick refresher. With construction estimated at six weeks, the existing asphalt path that runs through JRP connecting the Weyanoke Bird Sanctuary and parking lot at Armistead Bridge Road with Claremont Avenue will be shut down. Please use the detour in place when biking or walking this area. If you are walking through the park, please respect the fencing that is in place as concrete will be poured and prepared for the fiddlehead fern stencils and the glowstone. We appreciate your patience and use of the alternative paths during this time. The grass areas of the park, as well as the play equipment and ball fields, remain open and accessible outside of the path and construction zone.
Each fiddlehead fern stencil for the Glowline had to be created and cut by hand by this awesome team of volunteers. Thank you!
ERT-ULI-NIC Walking Tour
The ERT has teamed up with the Norfolk Innovation Corridor and ULI Virginia for walking tours on the trail highlighting the urban development along the trail and the innovative companies who choose to locate in the heart of Norfolk. Join us on July 20 at 4pm at Jeff Robertson Park as we review the progress of the Glowline and then walk along the ERT to IP Configure. Founder & CEO Chris Uiterwyk will provide a tour of this historic adaptive reuse building and his company that makes its home on the Trail and is part of the Norfolk Innovation Corridor (NIC). Join us for tacos and cocktails afterwards at the newly opened Sanctuary Taco.

Registration required. There is 
limited parking at the 1509 Armistead Bridge Road lot. Please use street parking in the neighborhood too.
ERT Intern Spotlight
Hi there, my name is Noah Ochsenreither. I am the media Intern at the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation while studying public relations at Old Dominion University. This summer my desire is to be an asset to the Elizabeth River Trail and further the mission of being the most connected and resilient urban waterfront trail in the country. What I love about the trail is everything it can offer to the outdoors lover! Whether it's biking, dog walking, kayaking or bird watching, there is something for you. The trail is as lively as the city is, and if you love the city, you'll love the trail! Before I graduate this December, my goal is to get my foot in the door with non-profits and public affairs. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with the ERT and develop my skills with my time here!

We're Hiring!
Do you love the ERT? Want to be able to work for an organization making a difference in Norfolk? We're hiring an assistant director who has a passion for our mission, energy for volunteers, and incredible problem-solving skills. Great verbal and written communication a must and graphic design skills are a big plus. Apply here.

It's back! We're partnering with the Rails to Trails Conservancy again for their #TrailMoments campaign. Whether for the first time or the thousandth time, people like you spent time on trails (re)discovering your appreciation for the outdoors, creating memories solo or with loved ones, forming healthy habits and having new experiences.

This summer, we want to encourage you to keep making these #TrailMoments with friends and family through the Summer #TrailMoments Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

1.    Each week, we’ll be circulating prompts and inspiration to help make getting outside and using trails a bigger part of day-to-day life.

2.    During the 10-week challenge, let us know how you participate by sharing your experiences on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using #TrailMoments or by submitting them online here.

3.    To keep you motivated throughout the challenge, we’ll be giving away a prize pack to one lucky participant every week! Terms and conditions apply.

Upcoming Events
Tour de ORF July 3
Live NFK ERT Bike Ride and Social July 12
ULI/NIC/ERT Walking Tour July 20
Walking Tour of Plum Point Park July 22
Botanical Bike Tour July 23
Live Life Fresh Boombox Bike Ride Every Saturday
Sunset Yoga Every Wednesday
#ertnorfolk

Dog days of summer are here. @papitasthedane

No better place for golden hour. @kljwatercolors

Harborfest beauty. @coopdeville_
 

Work hard, play hard. @novemberprojectvb
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