Restoring Aquatic Habitat on Virginia's Seaside 

Since 1999 Virginia’s CZM Program invested over $5 million in oyster, eelgrass and bay scallop restoration.  The program jump-started large scale, 3-D oyster reef restoration with a $1.5 million project in the Rappahannock River and Seaside Eastern Shore. This paved the way for the then-novel technique.  In 2002, Virginia CZM initiated and led the Seaside Heritage Program, which after about 15 years, and a $4 million Virginia CZM investment and help from partners, resulted in the largest eelgrass restoration on the planet.  There are now over 9,000 acres of eelgrass where there had been none since the 1930’s and bay scallops have been re-introduced.

Learn more about eelgrass and scallop restoration on the Seaside Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Learn more about oyster restoration in the Rappahannock River and Seaside Eastern Shore.

Marketing to Increase the Knowledge and Use of Virginia's Native Plants 

Over a decade ago, the Virginia CZM Program launched the Plant Virginia Natives initiative, which has grown throughout the coastal zone and spread across the state.  Virginia CZM's leadership and engagement of over 150 organizations and thousands of Virginians has resulted in a growing appreciation for the program’s coordinative role.  An investment of just over $307,000 in CZM funding has leveraged over $309,000 in partner contributions and grants.  Indicators show the initiative is leading to long-term changes in the market availability and use of native plants – resulting in an increase in habitat for native wildlife, water quality and overall ecosystem health and quality of life for Virginians.

Learn more about Virginia CZM's role in increasing the knowledge and use of Virginia native plants.