NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Elizabeth River Project is set to celebrate the grand opening of the new Ryan Resilience Lab and the Norfolk EcoDistrict on Saturday, June 1.
The lab will serve as a research, education and outreach center dedicated to the environment. It has elevated structures, floating docks and on-site energy production, which work towards net zero energy use.
The lab also has a living shoreline, rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels to absorb flooding and collect rainwater.
10 on your side was there during the construction more than a year ago during their “topping out” ceremony.
The Lab is located in the Norfolk EcoDistrict, which comprises small businesses that focus on sustainability.
The grand opening celebration is June 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be electric boat rides, kayak tours, door prizes and food at the event.
The event is free, but donations are accepted. The Elizabeth River project asks that you register beforehand.
There is also a clean the pay cleanup before the event from 9-10:30 a.m.