It takes a community to bring about change and reverse decades of abuse and neglect of our waterways. From getting your boots muddy at a monthly trash cleanup, encouraging residents to incorporate sustainable practices at home, or assisting with an oyster castle build along a living shoreline; there are opportunities for everyone! Every year, LRNow volunteers dedicate thousands of hours working to protect and preserve Virginia Beach’s waterways and natural resources.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Please review the community science page for more details!

Water Quality Monitoring
Community volunteers help Lynnhaven River Now keep an eye on Virginia Beach waterways by becoming Water Quality Monitors. In partnership with HRSD, water samples from locations around Virginia Beach with a concentration in the Lynnhaven River Watershed are tested for nutrients and contamination. Our community scientists collect water samples and gather site data at locations throughout Virginia Beach. The results are collated at LRNow and shared with volunteers and the public.

Oyster Spat Catchers
Do you have access to tidal waters in Virginia Beach or know of someone who does? Spat catchers can gather important data that will assist us in understanding spat (baby oyster) settlement in Rudee Inlet/Owls Creek, the Lynnhaven River and tributaries, and Elizabeth River (Virginia Beach only). Volunteers will receive two small cages, one with oyster shell and the other with an experimental substrate. Next spat catcher volunteer roundup: Spring 2025

Don’t see a date or event that works? Fill out our general volunteer sign up and Kathryn, our volunteer coordinator, will reach out to you.

Community Service

If you need to fill specific hours, you are welcome to attend any volunteer opportunity.  If you don’t see one that works into your schedule, please email Kathryn@LRNow.org.  We may be able to find an opportunity for you.  We can provide a community service form, please coordinate with staff if you need one.