Blog Post

Join Me on the Elizabeth River Trail

Jim Affeldt ‘20 • May 28, 2021

Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail, also known as the ERT, is a 10.5 mile walkable and bikeable trail that connects many of the city’s waterfront neighborhoods, parks and historical sites. 

The ERT has been one of the most popular local venues for activity during this past 15-month period of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 400,000 uses have been documented in the last year. The ERT is considered a significant asset for the city of Norfolk and for businesses and housing located along the paved path. My class project was to research and develop a botanical guide to the ERT which could be used for various groups interested in learning about plants, wetlands and a little history about the parks and waterfront areas. Considerable support has been provided from the ERT Director, Cheryl White, and Assistant Director, Dita Beard, during the development of the guide.


I have led nine tours (three walking and six biking) for the ERT. Most tours are advertised to the public through posts on ERT’s Website and Facebook page, with Norfolk Master Gardeners as FB co-host. As more people learn about this wonderful asset, the future of ERT botanical talks is expected to expand. These talks combine educational opportunities, fun, fresh air and exercise.

One of my earliest talks was to the Harborfront Garden Club at Plum Point Park. We gathered under the Hackberry Tree with a beautiful view of the downtown waterfront and then walked a short distance to the Managed Meadow located in the popular Chelsea district.

Chris Epes has approved NMG participation for these events. I am in the process of developing this as an official NMG project. In the meantime, I really could use some help to generate and lead tours. The ERT has asked me to lead either a walk and talk or bike and talk once a month through the spring.  This will likely continue throughout the remainder of the year. Reservations have been limited to 15 people to keep the numbers low for social distancing and for audibility of my talks. Typical attendance has been between eight and ten, with a total of 82 direct contacts so far. Most of these talks have been in the Pagoda Garden, Plum Point Park, Chelsea and Weyanoke sections of the trail. I did one bike tour from the Hermitage to Larchmont last year. Future talks will likely include Old Dominion University, significant trees along the trail, wetland restorations, seasonal blooms, pollinators, and expanded tours in the Larchmont, Lochhaven, Ghent and West Ghent neighborhoods that are located along the trail.


My preparation activities normally include an initial planning outing when I take photos of plants and trees along the route, preparation of a tour outline, research on plants, a written handout with plant names (both scientific and common), administration time working with the ERT, and actual time (1-1 ½ hours) for the tour. I keep a binder with all of the materials used for each talk. This information can be re-used on future talks which will reduce the amount of time spent on each one.


The feedback from previous participants has been very positive. I am hopeful that more NMG participation will further enhance this educational opportunity for our city’s residents and guests!  Please contact me at 757-646-1236 or via email at jaffvt@aol.com if you are interested in helping with this fun and rewarding activity.

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