Words and Images courtesy of Elizabeth River Trail.
Editor's note: We apologize for getting this out so late. Events that are taking place after the publishing date are formatted like this for ease of finding them.
A new partnership between the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, Slover Library and the Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary ensures that there really is something for everyone to do on the Elizabeth River Trail this summer. Programs have been developed to encourage the community to participate in a wide range of activities from reading to sketching along the trail. A special Storywalk installation for families also provides additional programming for people of all ages. All art supplies will be provided by the 757 Creative Reuse Center. For a full calendar and details, visit sloverlibrary.com/trail. Bring your own sunscreen!
Storywalk
Enjoy this do-on-your-own art installation along the shaded outer fence of the Weyanoke Bird Sanctuary at Jeff Robertson Park. The first book is Summer The Firefly, by local author Vikki Lynn Smith, a frequent trail user. This story is available at all times through July. Stay tuned for a second story that will be installed in the same location and available in August.
Plant Exploration Fun!
July 9, 2021 at 10:30 am
Learn from a Master Gardener and see what is in bloom at the Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. Space is limited. Register online.
Storytime in the Weyaoke Sanctuary
August 6, 2021 at 10:30am
Join us for an exciting family story time for all ages inside the Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary with Slover librarians. Participants will learn about local birds and plants as well. Space is limited. Register online.
Outdoor Watercolor Fun
July 16 at 10:30am
Be creative with the wildlife and floral painting at the Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary located at Jeff Robertson Park. Limited supplies (paint, brushes, paper) will be provided by 757 Creative Reuse Center. Or, bring your own and something to sit on. Students can sign up to join Ms. Carly to learn basic painting techniques and enjoy all the inspiration the sanctuary has to offer.
Stop n’ Sketch
July 10 and August 14 at 2pm
This urban sketching program is provided by Sarah Taylor-Glaser from Slover Library. July 10- Jeff Robertson Park parking lot at the end of W. Armistead Bridge Rd.; August 14- Lochhaven in front of Hermitage Museum Playground on North Shore Road. Limited supplies provided by the 757 Creative Reuse Center.
"We are so excited to work with the Elizabeth River Trail and Slover Library to expand children's experience with the natural world,” said Deborah Moser, Weyanoke Bird Sanctuary project chair and Norfolk master gardener. “The sanctuary programs give them the opportunity to see and interact with things they may not encounter in their backyards, schoolyards or other public parks."
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to promote, enhance and transform the Elizabeth River Trail into the most iconic urban riverfront trail in the country. The ERT runs 10.5 miles and connects businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. In 2020, the Foundation was able to build multiple new unique and award winning amenities, including a kayak launch, play sculpture and double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park. Major sponsors include Sentara and the City of Norfolk. For more information, visit www.elizabethrivertrail.org.
Slover Library blends traditional library functions with the best of contemporary library resources and services. The innovative space design creates a vital and dynamic center of community learning, leading-edge technology and civic engagement, available to all citizens of the region, and it is known as an attraction for residents and visitors alike. Slover Library is located in beautiful downtown Norfolk on the corner of Plume and Atlantic Street near MacArthur Square and the MacArthur Memorial. Call (757) 431-7491 for more information.
The mission of the Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary is to protect the forest, meadows, marshlands and creek and to preserve the native plants within its boundaries -- thereby creating an environment where wildlife will flourish and people can experience and be nourished by the natural world. Our stewardship is conducted in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, the Cape Henry Audubon Society, the local Master Gardeners, other organizations and community volunteers.