Our work began in 2002 and was focused on the Lynnhaven River watershed area of Virginia Beach. Our initial goal was to improve water quality to meet the rigorous standard for shellfish harvest by 2007. And we reached that goal! In 2002, only 1% of the river met that standard and watermen were unable to harvest oysters in the Lynnhaven. By 2007, 29% of the river was open and commercial oyster farming had returned. This was phenomenal progress and taught us two important things. One, nothing is accomplished without the participation of our city leaders and our citizens. Partnerships are what make things happen. And secondly, what is good for the Lynnhaven watershed, is good for all the watersheds in our city. The Pearl School program, our first pearl program, began in 2007. We made the program available in all of the watersheds in Virginia Beach. Today, we work throughout the city, not only on education and outreach, but also restoration and advocacy efforts. We work actively with many partners to help citizens learn now we can contribute to conserving our valuable natural resources. LRNow has six key programs that help us reach our goal of healthy and clean waterways: Pearl Homes and Neighborhoods, Pearl Schools, Pearl Faith Communities, Pearl Businesses, and Restoration Programs and Advocacy.
