Click here to see our full calendar of events below
Summer 2020 Programs at Paradise Creek Nature Park
Join us at Paradise Creek Nature Park for events throughout the Fall. We are located at 1141 Victory Boulevard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Below is a list of events coming up at Paradise Creek Nature Park!
Volunteer Opportunities
Paradise Creek Nature Park offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Over 2,000 adults and children have helped remove invasive plants, planted native trees, weeded garden beds, removed trash from the trails and wetland, and helped maintain education zones throughout the park.
Click Here for volunteer opportunities, dates, and times.
Safety Protocols for Public programs and scheduled events.
In order to ensure the safety of staff and guests these guidelines will be followed at all times:
- Guests should wear appropriate face cover at all times.
- Guests should follow social distancing guidelines of 6-10 ft. separation at all times.
- Guests must use porta potties, no access will be given to the River Academy.
- Pre-registration ONLY, no registration will be done on the day of the program.
- There will be no indoor classroom portion of programs.
- There will be no refreshments provided, please bring a water bottle for personal use.
- The maximum number of guests is 8, no exceptions.
Launch & Learn Kayak/Canoe Outing
Dates: July 11 10:00am - 12:00pm, August 8 10:00am - 12:00pm, September 5 9:00am – 11:00am
Age: 16 and above
Cost: $10 for members $20 for non-members. REGISTRATION REQUIRED Register online HERE or at paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org.
Paddle the largest restored wetland in Virginia that’s open for public recreation. Join our master naturalist guide as we get an intimate look at the saltmarsh ecosystem and how our actions affects the Elizabeth River. Wear a hat, and bring sunscreen, closed toe shoes and plenty of water!
Participants are REQUIRED to bring their own kayak or canoe and MUST have a personal flotation device for each participant.
- Guests should wear a face mask at all times and will be required to verify they are in good health and not experiencing any Covid symptoms.
- Staff and Participants should practice social distancing during this and all programs.
- Maximum 8 guests, pre-registration only. Due to Covid-19 restrictions staff will not be able to assist guests into or out of their kayaks. This trip is for experienced boaters only, Paradise Creek Nature Park staff will not be able to assist boaters.
- Guests should bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Blackberry Foraging
Date: July 18
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: FREE, REGISTRATION REQUIRED- Register online HERE or at paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org.
Join us as we forage the 40 acres of Paradise Creek Nature Park for wild blackberries. Guests will learn how and where to safely forage for our wild blackberries. We will discuss the important role blackberries, as well as other native species play in the health of our local ecosystem. We will also discuss the health benefit of eating fresh fruit such a berries, and each guest will leave with a recipe to prepare the berries they collect.
- Guests should wear a face mask at all times and will be required to verify they are in good health and not experiencing any Covid symptoms.
- Staff and Participants should practice social distancing during this and all programs.
- Maximum 8 guests, pre-registration only.
- Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, sturdy gloves, a basket for their berries and plenty of water.
Herb Collecting & Drying Workshop
Date: September 26
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Age: All ages
Cost: FREE, REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Register online HERE or at paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org.
We’ve started an herb garden to attract pollinators for our native fruit trees! Learn how to collect and dry herbs for culinary and home uses. Participants will learn what herbs are the best suited for drying, how to harvest, and how to safely dry them
- Guests should wear a face mask at all times and will be required to verify they are in good health and not experiencing any Covid symptoms.
- Staff and Participants should practice social distancing during this and all programs.
- Maximum 8 guests, pre-registration only.
- Guests should bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Meet the Marsh Critters
Date: August 29
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Age: All ages
Cost: Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Register online HERE or at paradisecreek.elizabethriver.org.
Join park staff as we get up close and personal with our marsh critters. We will introduce you to the amazing critters that live in the Paradise Creek Nature Park salt marsh. Participants will be able to touch, feel and observe periwinkles, fiddler crabs, and other critters. We will also discuss how our actions affect the river and how they can help keep our waterways clean and healthy.
- Guests should wear a face mask at all times and will be required to verify they are in good health and not experiencing any Covid symptoms.
- Staff and Participants should practice social distancing during this and all programs.
- Maximum 8 guests, pre-registration only.
- Guests should bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.