Are you curious about how we can live in harmony with nature and adapt to the challenges of climate change? Do you want to see how cutting-edge design and technology can create a resilient and sustainable urban coastal community? Do you want to learn more about the Elizabeth River Project and its vision for the future?

Join the Elizabeth River Project for a special Saturday "Love and Research" sneak-peek Open House of our new Ryan Resilience Lab as we complete the finishing touches on this globally significant resilience model and feature environmental research partners from ODU and NSU who will be there to talk about their work. This state-of-the-art building showcases how we can protect both the ecosystem and humans as sea levels rise, incorporating replicable, environmentally sustainable design and construction.

Continuous rain gardens that filter stormwater runoff
Solar panels and batteries that aim for net-zero energy consumption
A floating entry pavilion that rises and falls with the tide
A living shoreline of restored wetlands, oysters, and native plants
A river room that hosts workshops, events, and exhibits
Toilets that flush with 100% harvested rainwater

The Ryan Resilience Lab is also a key anchor for the planned Eco-District, a collaborative effort to transform the northern part of Norfolk's Colley Avenue near Knitting Mill Creek into an innovation corridor that fosters economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

Attendees will get to see the inside and outside of the building, including the inaugural "all water has a perfect memory" juried art exhibition, learn about its features and functions, and hear from our staff and volunteers about the organization's work and how you can get involved.