The Living River Restoration Trust

The Living River Restoration Trust, also known as the Living River Trust, was a nonprofit organization focused on environmental conservation and restoration in the Elizabeth River watershed. It was established in 2004 as the Elizabeth River Restoration Trust, with a mission to address environmental impacts on the Elizabeth River bottom. The organization operated under an agreement with the Norfolk District of the Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Purpose and Activities

The Trust aimed to restore the environmental quality of the Elizabeth River by removing legacy contaminants and conserving the river and its tributaries for future beneficial uses and resiliency. In addition to water quality improvement, it focused on land conservation, particularly in smaller urban parcels within the Elizabeth River watershed.

Rebranding

In 2023, the Living River Trust rebranded as the Coastal Virginia Conservancy. This rebranding reflected the organization's growth into a self-sufficient entity dedicated to conserving land and water in coastal Virginia. The change aligned with an expanded mission to balance community health, environmental quality, and economic development.

Financial Overview

Historically, the Trust generated revenue primarily from contributions and program services. It maintained significant assets and managed liabilities over the years. The organization did not pay executive compensation and focused on using its resources for environmental restoration and conservation efforts.

Legacy

As of 2023, the legacy of The Living River Restoration Trust continues under the name Coastal Virginia Conservancy. The organization's work includes protecting environmentally valuable land and enhancing water quality through projects like the Paradise Creek restoration in Portsmouth. It has been recognized for its community and environmental contributions, including a "Giving Back" Award from Coastal Virginia Magazine in 2021.