The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation has organized a fun-filled and jam-packed season of activities offering something for everyone. Building on its community partnerships, the ERTF offers its most comprehensive season yet. All events are FREE and open to the public. Community partners include the Slover Library, Norfolk Tour Company, 757 Creative Re-Use Center and Norfolk Master Gardeners.

There are five ERT-specific tours from Norfolk Tour Company in Norfolk from now until October. The first this year was the African American History tour in February. It was so popular it will be brought back in June.

FRI, JUN 10 AT 7 PM
Black History on the ERT: A Juneteenth Walking Tour
Elizabeth River Trail – Waterside Marina

FRI, JUL 22 AT 7 PM
Elizabeth River Trail Walking Tour of Plum Point Park and Chelsea
Elizabeth River Trail – Plum Point Park

FRI, AUG 19 AT 7 PM
Elizabeth River Trail Walking Tour of Lambert’s Point
Elizabeth River Trail – IPConfigure

SAT, SEP 17 AT 2 PM
Elizabeth River Trail Waterfront Walking Tour
Elizabeth River Trail – Waterside Marina

SAT, OCT 15 AT 2 PM
Elizabeth River Trail Walking Tour of Larchmont and Edgewater
Elizabeth River Trail – Larchmont Library

“Norfolk Tour Company is very excited to partner with the Elizabeth River Trail and show off some of the great amenities along this unique open space,” said Founder Joshua Weinstein. “These tours will wind through the city, focusing on a variety of Norfolk neighborhoods such as Downtown, Chelsea, Lambert’s Point and Larchmont. We can’t wait to show off the history, nature sites and enjoyment that can be had along the trail this year.”

We also have a full schedule of botanical tours led by Norfolk Master Gardener Jim Affeldt. These include a combination of walking and biking botanical tours. All tours are free, but participants must register in advance.

SAT, APR 23 AT 10 AM
Botanical Bike Tour of Lochaven Neighborhood Gardens and Hermitage Gardens
Hermitage Museum and Gardens

SAT, MAY 28 At 10 AM
Botanical Bike Tour Of West Ghent and Neighborhood Gardens
W.H. Taylor Elementary

SAT, JUN 25 AT 10 AM
Botanical Walking Tour of ODU Campus and Orchid Conservatory
Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Boulevard

SAT, JUL 23 AT 10 AM
Botanical Bike Tour of Ghent and the Fred Heutte Center
Fred Huette Center

SAT, AUG 27 AT 10 AM
Walking tour of Historic Freemason neighborhood gardens including the Pagoda Garden
Pagoda & Oriental Garden

SAT, SEP 24 AT 10 AM
Wetlands Bike Tour including Plum Point Park and Chelsea
Plum Point Park

SAT, OCT 22 AT 10 AM
Bike Tour Highlighting Significant Trees along the ERT
Plum Point Park

“The botanical tours along the ERT provide opportunities for everyone to learn a few new things about our wonderful waterfront environment from invasive plants that may be detrimental to your yard to native plants that will bring caterpillars, butterflies and other diversity of wildlife to our neighborhoods,” said Norfolk Master Gardener Jim Affeldt. “

Slover Library Storytime on the Trail and Stop and Sketch sessions are scheduled through the summer. Craft supplies are provided by 757 Creative Re-use Center. These events encourage continuous learning and observation for kids of all ages.

SAT, APRIL 16 AT 11 AM
Nature Craft: Bird Nest Material Holder

FRI, APRIL 29 AT 10:30 AM
Storytime and Nature Craft – Rock Painting

SAT, MAY 14 AT 11 AM
Nature Journaling & Paintbrushes

FRI, MAY 27 AT 10:30
Storytime and Nature Craft – DIY Flower Press

SAT, JUNE 11 AT 11 AM
Nature Craft – Using Recycled Materials

FRI, JUNE 24 AT 10:30 AM
Storytime and Nature Craft – Nature Faces

The Live Fresh Boombox Ride led by DJ Bee of Freshtopia happens every Saturday morning at 10:30 and is now in its third year. Riders should meet at 532 W. 35th St.

“Fostering relationships with the community is at the heart of the ERT Foundation’s mission,” said Executive Director Kindra Greene. “We want to ensure all neighborhoods are represented and that there is something for everyone to enjoy on the trail all season long.”

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 and 11 trailheads from Norfolk State University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. Highlights include Harbor Park, Downtown Norfolk, Freemason Historic District, Sentara campus, Fort Norfolk, Chelsea, West Ghent, Lambert’s Point, Old Dominion University, Larchmont and Lochhaven. Major sponsors include Sentara and the City of Norfolk. For more information, visit www.elizabethrivertrail.org.