Lynnhaven River NOW
Lynnhaven River NOW (LRNow), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located in Virginia Beach, VA has been working tirelessly since 2002 to protect the residents of Virginia Beach and their right to have pure water, clean air, and access to open spaces for recreation.
By working with the community and its leaders, LRNow helps to restore and protect Virginia Beach’s waterways and natural resources. This area is a complex system of eight watersheds that make up three major watersheds: Little Creek, Lynnhaven River, Atlantic Ocean, Rudee and Owl Creek, Back Bay, North Landing River, Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River and, the Northwest River.
As part of the Clean Earth Challenge for 2025 and 2026 to date, LRNow has collected an amazing 300,000 pieces of trash on land and in the water! Over 2,132 volunteers have participated in 122 cleanups in 2025 and 53 to date in 2026.
Various locations include creeks, rivers, coves, beaches, parks and more. Volunteers range from individuals to groups including Girl Scout Troop #112, Landstown High School EcoClub, Scout Troup Pacheco, Navy Federal, USS Stennis, Wolfsnare Plantation, Notre Dame Alumni, Gayle, and John Oakes, among others.
One noteworthy collaboration was a partnership with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office for a February 14 cleanup this year. Under deputy supervision, low-risk workforce inmates assisted LRNow and its volunteers.
During cleanups, the biggest offenders collected are single-use plastic bags that play a huge role in polluting beautiful waterways. Styrofoam also plays a big part. Other items collected include see-saws, a pool cover, shopping cart, clothes dryer, refrigerator, couch, boat sewage tank, tires, fencing and posts, metal parts, road sign, derelict crab traps, and many more unfortunate dumped and littered items.
One of LRNow’s own staff members, Vince Bowhers, and his wife, Pamela, are frequent volunteers at LRNow cleanups with an interesting story. “Pamela and I did a waterway cleanup with our wedding party on the morning of our wedding,” notes Vince. “She even wore a veil. We have always found romance in picking up trash together!”
Another couple that also comes frequently to LRNow cleanups is Shane Knisely and Caitlin Riley. “I was introduced to LRNow through Caitlin,” says Shane, “and was hooked after my first waterway cleanup. The purpose-driven mission and the camaraderie of the LRNow staff and volunteers is infectious.”
An extremely big thanks to LRNow and its inspired volunteers for helping to keep our beautiful waterways and outdoor spaces healthy and clean! Way to go!
