We protect and restore the coastal waters, marshes, and oyster reefs of Virginia's Tidewater — through hands-on cleanups, native reef restoration, and a citizen water-quality monitoring network.
Our Mission
Tidewater Alliance works where the land meets the bay — restoring the oyster reefs and tidal marshes that filter our water and buffer our coast, and equipping neighbors with the tools to keep it clean. From the Elizabeth River to the lower Chesapeake, we turn local volunteers into a frontline for coastal conservation.
What We Do
Volunteer marsh and beach cleanups across Hampton Roads, pulling plastic and derelict gear out of the tidal zone before it reaches the bay.
Rebuilding native oyster reefs that filter the water, shelter young fish, and protect the marsh edge from erosion — one reef ball and spat-on-shell at a time.
A citizen-science network of trained volunteers sampling salinity, bacteria, and clarity, turning weekly readings into open data for the whole region.
Where We Work
Our boathouse and offices sit on Granby Street, a few blocks from the Elizabeth River. We run programs across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Portsmouth, partnering with watermen, schools, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to restore the lower Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Tidewater Alliance