Leaders from the Nansemond Indian Nation host their second-annual oyster planting event while discussing their long-held stewardship ethic. (Video by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
A tribal citizen volunteer counts the number of hatchery-raised oysters to be planted in Chuckatuck Creek. Overall 9,000 oysters were planted on a reef in the waterway. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Volunteers with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance listen to remarks from Nikki Bass, vice chair of the Nansemond Tribal Council, during the second annual oyster planting event. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Bass welcomes volunteers and tribal citizens to the oyster planting event. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)One tribal citizen volunteer hand-weaved a small basket to transport the oysters. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
From left, Assistant Chief Ruth Hennaman of the Nansemond Indian Nation, Mindy Benkenstein of Ducks Unlimited and Lynn Gilbert, a volunteer with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Elizabeth River Project, haul oysters onto a small boat to transport to the reef site on Chuckatuck Creek. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
White stakes near tidal wetlands in Chuckatuck Creek mark the locations of the oyster reef planting site. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)Volunteers and tribal members took several short boat trips from the shore to plant 9,000 oysters. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Dave Hennaman, Vice Chief and Chairman of the Nansemond Tribal Council, says tribal ownership of Mattanock Town has added confidence and security to Nansemond stewardship efforts. "We're able to have more of a presence with partners," Hennaman said. "More people will be interested to see what part they could play." (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Oyster planting is part of a larger restoration effort by the Nansemond Indian Nation. In early 2024 the tribe cleared invasive plants from a portion of Mattanock Town and planted young native trees. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Mattanock Town, now owned by the Nansemond Indian Nation, contains approximately 75 acres where Cedar Creek meets the Nansemond River. "That's our vision, to bring the planting tradition here on the creek where our oyster garden is located," Bass said. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Very nice l was there and it was great working with all the people that were there to help support this project
So happy for you all!!!!
Thank you!
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Comments
Very nice l was there and it was great working with all the people that were there to help support this project
So happy for you all!!!!
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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