Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project: Enhancing Our Neighborhood’s Waterfront
Article contributed by Pooya Mohit, CPRV Civic League President
Information provided by Mary Mantey, Elizabeth River Project
In our ongoing effort to improve water quality in Knitting Mill Creek the Elizabeth River Project, the City of Norfolk, the Colonial Place Riverview Civic League, and partnering organizations are taking a significant step forward. We are excited to introduce you to the Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project, an initiative aimed at beautifying the shoreline while enhancing water quality.
This project will involve planting low-growing native vegetation and creating a stone dust walking path along Mayflower Road. The buffer project will kick off at the intersection of Mayflower Road and Massachusetts Avenue, on the East side, and progress along the city property in front of your residences, spanning Knitting Mill Creek in three distinct phases. The first of these phases is scheduled to commence this coming Fall in 2023.
If you’ve noticed that the open area between the road and the shoreline lacks ground cover, you’re not alone. This is largely due to soil compaction that isn’t conducive to plant growth. During heavy rain events, stormwater runoff directly enters Knitting Mill Creek, carrying contaminants from the road with it. However, by introducing a vegetated buffer and suitable soil media for plant roots, we can slow down stormwater, resulting in fewer contaminants reaching the waterway.
The Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project aims to tackle stormwater and tidal flooding issues on the East end of Knitting Mill Creek. Additionally, it will introduce native grasses and flowering plants, diversifying the plant life in the area and enhancing water filtration. This not only creates a richer habitat for local wildlife but also serves as an educational opportunity to showcase native plants. Our ultimate goal is to highlight the beauty of native vegetation, strengthen the local ecosystem, and boost community resilience.
Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this exciting project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Mantey at Mmantey@elizabethriver.org or Colonial Place Civic League representative Pooya Mohit at President@cprv.net.
Together, we can transform Mayflower’s shoreline into a thriving, eco-friendly space for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey to enhance our beloved Colonial Place Riverview!
Spring updates, pothole tips, a warm welcome to our new Registered Agent, event recaps, community happenings, kid activities, and volunteer opportunities—all inside this month’s CPRV newsletter!
Attention CPRV Parents & Kids of All ages!! Join the Social Events Committee, led by Riverview Neighborhood Representative and event sponsor Patience McCartney, on April 19th for an Easter Egg Hunt in the Delaware x Colonial circle.
Samantha Miller, Environmental Project Coordinator for Elizabeth River Project joined us to share details about Knitting Mill Creek health and Phases 2 and 3 of the Mayflower Path restoration project coming in Spring 2025. See her full presentation from the meeting below.
Find out about speakers for upcoming meetings, an update on phases 2 and 3 of the Mayflower Path Restoration Project, Spring into March with a kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activity, local events calendar, and much more!
It was “GAME ON” at the CPRV Community Meetup, at P I X E L S pints & bytes, Saturday, February 15th from 12pm to about 2pm. Neighbors enjoyed a variety of appetizers and refreshments & free game tokens, provided by the civic league’s social events committee and our hosts at Pixels. 👾🕹️
The CPRV Civic League’s Social Events Committee invites you to join them for an afternoon of games and nostalgia at @pixels.norfolk on Saturday, February 15th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, in a reserved space on the 2nd floor. Neighbors of all ages are welcome! The Social Events Committee will provide light refreshments and game tokens will be provided, in part, by our gracious hosts at Pixels.
Click on the logos below to learn more about our sponsors.
