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News From The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
February 28, 2023
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Greetings, Trail lovers,
February can be a challenging month as we sit in the transitional time between seasons, but the calendar page is turning and we're ready to March on. The ERT Foundation has been off to a busy start for the year kicking off our trail programming with the African American History tour, embracing heart health with our blood drive, and surveying for the trail improvements between Harbor Park and Norfolk State University. Our newsletter is full of the exciting events scheduled for the season, as we all wait in anticipation of longer days and more time on the trail.
Beyond celebrating all things “love” this month, February is a time to honor the contributions of black Americans and the significance of their story in our country's history. Our board chair often reminds us that the trail is a metaphor for the City of Norfolk itself, its strength lies in its diversity.
The ERT connects 28 different neighborhoods, and from one end to the other, we are proud to reflect the diversity of our city and to recognize the impact of Norfolk's history, the good and the bad. Issues such as environmental racism, health and criminal justice inequities, and housing discrimination are deep seeded issues in Hampton Roads, which was ground zero for racial atrocities, and as such is a perfect place to lead the country in healing.
We continue to offer the trail as a place for all to gather, to learn, to connect and to focus on all forms of health and wellness.
This month we lost a pillar of the cycling and business community, Michael Shipp. February's Notes from the Trail is dedicated to Michael.
Be well,
Kindra Greene
Executive Director
Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
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Spring is just the start of many events and series on the trail. If you are interested in learning about plants, trees, wetlands, and invasive species, we've got tours for that.
Do you want to focus more on your mental health this year? We're partnering with EVMS for a new series called Walk and Talk. Focusing on mental health awareness, these 1-mile, self-guided walks will be a fun way to learn about mental health as well as gain management tips and resources.
Are you new to biking or has it been a while since you've been on a bike? The ERT 101 Group Ride series is perfect for new cyclists, learning about bike safety, and navigating the trail.
All tours are free and open to the public. See the full press release here! You can also check out our events calendar for more details.
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Save the date for Celebrate Trails Day!
April 22 is also Earth Day! Rally everyone you know to lead a trail cleanup. It’s your ERT and it is the heart of our city, connecting people and places. We need your help to build and maintain a safe, accessible trail that has something for everyone!
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An Underground River Tour
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On February 11 Norfolk Tour Company led the "Underground River" tour along the ERT. This free tour highlighted some of the little known stories of Norfolk's role in the slave trade and how the Elizabeth River was a means to self-emancipation for enslaved people.
The Elizabeth River Trail serves as a gateway to understanding our past and amplifying stories of resilience, and this first tour of our 2023 season brought over 90 residents from across Hampton Roads to the trail. This tour will happen again on June 10 in honor of Juneteenth.
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Railyard Construction Update
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The Railyard is a multi-million dollar project that will bring retail, dining and grocery opportunities to Lambert's Point, as well as create a more bike and pedestrian friendly center. We are excited for this project, but realize the impacts to the ERT during construction have been significant.
The developers and construction team have been communicating their timeline to the ERT but they have had unexpected delays concerning city utilities on 24th and 25th streets. For the safety of bikes and pedestrians, the ERT detour as shown will need to remain in place through the first week of April.
The detour map indicates the signage in place to navigate around this area. If using the sidewalk on Hampton Blvd. is not a comfortable option, the Group Ride Detour (in teal) is another option.
Link to trail alerts on the website here.
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Started in 2018, the ERT Trail Ambassador program is currently 20+ volunteers strong. If you spend a lot of time on the trail or are looking for another reason to be outside more, this program is perfect for you.
Trail Ambassadors patrol sections of the trail twice a month and help identify and report concerns, assist trail users, help at events, and promote the trail. The ERT is for everyone and has something for everyone. Help us keep the ERT safe, clean, and accessible for all trail users!
The Trail Ambassador Training will last about 45 minutes. This is a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and current trail ambassadors. Join us and find out how you can support the trail you love!
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Spring is just around the corner and we couldn't be more excited! With the warmer weather comes a long list of amazing walks and rides to help you get outside, learn, and explore the trail. Mark your calendars and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on these events.
See these events and more, including tours hosted by Norfolk Tour Company, new group rides, mental health walks, and more, on our events calendar.
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Dr. Michael Hooper
Chief Medical Officer Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hooper to the ERT Board. We value our relationship with Sentara and are proud to have the Sentara Medical complex on the trail and featured on our scenic Sentara loop.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Hooper has lived in Norfolk since 2011. Dr. Hooper began his work in Norfolk as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School. His focus was pulmonology and improving quality and processes in medical informatics. He has served as the Chief Medical Officer at Sentara Norfolk General since 2019.
Dr. Hooper has manned the medical tent at the finish line of the Elizabeth River Run 10K for the last two years and lives in the Larchmont neighborhood of the ERT. He is a welcome addition to the board and we are grateful for his service, commitment and leadership!
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As a long-time trail supporter, Erik recently challenged himself and a friend to walk the ERT every day in February. These walks have become an opportunity for friends to talk, connect, and learn from one another. Erik is also a community advocate, working to strengthen and build relationships, and host community walks on the trail. With his passion and dedication, we are very happy to highlight our friend and trailblazer.
Read the interview here.
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You've seen the social media, the videos, posters, and more. We'd love your help on this committee to grow our presence, help with merchandise sales and commit to being a social media ambassador. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 primarily via Zoom.
Be a part of the trail's future and join our Marketing Committee!
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The Elizabeth River Run 10K, now in its 44th year, returns to the ERT on September 3, 2023. This Hampton Roads legacy invites runners and walkers from across the country and has been designated the RRCA VA 10K Championship race for 2023! Also returning is the race afterparty with live music, drinks, and food for runners and supporters at the beautiful private park at the Port of Virginia.
The trail has something for everyone and so does this race. Register to run, walk, or volunteer today!
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Early morning trail walks? Challenge accepted. @heyitsedb |
Finding a new perspective on the ERT. @fredwrose |
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Sunday funday, Tour de ORF group ride. @cjclanton
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Chilly weather can't stop fitness friends. @etgreatfitnessadventure |
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Tag us on Instagram @ertnorfolk or Facebook @elizabethrivertrail for your chance to be featured!
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For more, follow us on social media:
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