March Newsletter
In this edition ● Chesapeake Sustainability Network ● Green Drinks Chesapeake - Survey ● General Assembly ● Native Plants ● Planning Commission ● City Council ● Action Alerts ● Volunteer Opportunities ● In the News
Chesapeake Sustainability Network
Join the Chesapeake Sustainability Network for a call on Thursday, March 5, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, to discuss our local efforts. We'll use Google Meet - see the e-mailed newsletter for the link or reach out to us at greeningchesapeake@gmail.com
The agenda will include the Data Center Working Group, Green Drinks Review, and General Assembly Updates.
Green Drinks Chesapeake - Survey
Our next Green Drinks meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The location will be based on the survey input. The theme will be Earth Day and Earth Month.
General Assembly
Native Plants
The Throwing Shade Virginia program from the Virginia Department of Forestry incentivizes customers to purchase and plant native species of trees and shrubs by providing discounts of $25 on eligible purchases valued at $50 or more. Chesapeake's Southern Branch Nursery is one of the participating nurseries. Learn more at https://dof.virginia.gov/urban-community-forestry/urban-forestry-community-assistance/throwing-shade-va-program/
The Extraordinary Caterpillar film features Doug Tallamy and other leading voices exploring the essential role caterpillars play in sustaining the food web — and how native plants can help rebuild biodiversity right here in Chesapeake. This inspiring 60-minute film reveals how small actions in our own yards can make a meaningful difference for wildlife, pollinators, and the health of our ecosystems.
Planning Commission
Agenda items for the Planning Commission on March 11:
- Concurrent advertising to go to the City Council on March 17:
PLN-REZ-2025-017 in Great Bridge at 1733 & 1737 Battlefield Boulevard South, to build General Business District (4.2 acres), Multifamily Residential (10.6 acres), and Single Family Residential District (11.3 acres). Potential tree canopy loss - 6 acres
Find the full agenda at Planning Commission Agenda
City Council
At the City Council in February
- Parks, Recreation and Tourism Master Plan was approved on February 24
Going to City Council in March:
- PLN-REZ-2025-009 in Great Bridge to build Low Density Residential development on a 25.3 forested lot. The site contains forested wetlands; it is not in CBPA. Sets aside 3 acres for park site. Sets aside 4.2 acres for conservation. Potential Canopy loss of 16 to 18 acres. Planning Commission recommended denial, partially due to the loss of open space, trees, and wetland from development
- PLN-REZ-2025-017 in Great Bridge (see March Planning Commission above).
Action Alerts
- The Planning Department will hold informational meeting detailing a proposed new land conservation option for rural property owners on Monday, March 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum (1775 Historic Way). Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a proposed tool the City is exploring to assist with accomplishing goals to promote the preservation of agricultural and environmentally sensitive land. The meeting will include a presentation and time for staff to answer individual property owner questions.
- The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) is seeking public input to identify and address congestion concerns. It includes opportunities to rate the importance of Alternative Transportation Modes, such as biking and walking, and Land Use Planning, such as building walkable communities. Take the survey https://www.hrtpo.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/276
- Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is seeking public input for Hampton Roads Horizon, a long-range regional strategic plan focused on improving the quality of life and strengthening economic competitiveness. Take the survey at https://hrpdcva.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/280
- Chesapeake Recycles Day will be on March 7, 9 am - Noon, at Oscar Smith Middle School. https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1089/Chesapeake-Recycles-Day
- The Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council (CEIC) is taking nominations for its Environmental Awards through March 16. The Awards Program is an annual celebration to recognize those individuals, groups, or organizations that have been involved in outstanding recycling, beautification, litter control, and environmental projects in Chesapeake. https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1261/Environmental-Awards-Program
- The Chesapeake Clean & Green Poster Contest is taking entries through March 30. https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/1255/Chesapeake-Clean-Green-Poster-Contest
Volunteer Opportunities
- Friends of Indian River Volunteer Opportunities
- Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism has ongoing efforts for invasive species management and tree planting on multiple dates through 2026. Sign up at Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism: Volunteering Opportunities
- Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council Cleanups
In the News
- Virginia's return to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative picks up steam - WHRO
- Attorney General Jones joins multi-state lawsuit over canceled Solar for All funding - WHRO
- Virginia is slowly expanding access to community solar - WHRO
- Pause on Virginia offshore wind farm cost Dominion more than $200M — but turbines will power up soon - WHRO
- Elizabeth River nonprofit gets $2 million grant to build living shorelines - Virginian Pilot
- Press Statement from CBF - Despite Potomac Sewage Spill, Virginia Budget Proposals Underfund Clean Water
- Trump administration eases limits on coal plants for emitting mercury, other toxins - Virginian Pilot