Volunteers Install 900 Feet of Sand Fencing in Virginia Beach
A group of 80 volunteers installed 900 feet of new sand fencing at Crab Creek near the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. The project was a partnership between ASEZ WAO and the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department to protect the local habitat.
The volunteer effort at Crab Creek is part of ASEZ WAO's (Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One) broader Marine Ecosystem Protection initiative. This global group of young adult volunteers focuses on restoring and preserving coastal environments, with the recent project on March 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening the local shoreline. Sand fencing plays a crucial role in coastal resilience by trapping wind-blown sand to build and stabilize dunes. These reinforced dunes act as a natural barrier against storm surge and reduce shoreline erosion, which in turn helps protect nearby infrastructure and roads from flooding. Virginia Beach City Councilman Joashua Schulman, who was present at the installation, referred to the Crab Creek and Pleasure House Point areas as "treasures for our city and our region." He emphasized that maintaining these natural spaces requires hands-on community involvement. This project is a component of the larger Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, a collaboration between the City of Virginia Beach and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The overarching project aims to restore 38 acres of wetlands, 31 acres of oyster reef, and 94 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation to improve water quality and create healthier wildlife habitats. The work at Crab Creek represents Phase III of the Lynnhaven River project, focusing on the restoration of 10 acres of degraded wetlands. Previous phases included the restoration of 5.5 acres of wetlands behind Princess Anne High School and a 22-acre wetland project at Great Neck North. The Lynnhaven River, once renowned for its oysters, has been impaired for decades. Collaborative restoration efforts have led to a rebound, and projects like this continue to enhance the river's ecological health.
