Tour of Ryan Resilience Lab (Norfolk)

Are you curious about how we can live in harmony with nature and adapt to the challenges of climate change? Do you want to see how cutting-edge design and technology can create a resilient and sustainable urban coastal community? Do you want to learn more about the Elizabeth River Project and its vision for the future?

Join the Elizabeth River Project for a tour of our new globally significant resilience model, the Ryan Resilience Lab. This state-of-the-art building showcases how we can protect both the ecosystem and humans as sea levels rise, incorporating replicable, environmentally sustainable design and construction.

• Continuous rain gardens that filter stormwater runoff
• Solar panels and batteries that aim for net-zero energy consumption
• A floating entry pavilion that rises and falls with the tide
• A living shoreline of restored wetlands, oysters, and native plants
• A river room that hosts workshops, events, and exhibits
• Toilets that flush with 100% harvested rainwater

The Ryan Resilience Lab is also the key anchor for the Eco-District, a collaborative effort to transform the northern part of Norfolk’s Colley Avenue near Knitting Mill Creek into an innovation corridor that fosters economic development, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

During the tour, you will get to see the inside and outside of the building, learn about its features and functions, and hear from our staff and volunteers about the organization’s work and goals.

The tours are free and open to the public, but space is limited and pre-registration is appreciated. Donations are always appreciated to support a healthy Elizabeth River. We look forward to seeing you soon!