Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project
This project will return about eight acres back to its original tidal wetlands state, improving water quality and the health of the area’s ecosystem.
Current Status & Next Steps
All trails are now open. A temporary fence has been installed around the site to protect the young plants as they establish themselves. Stepping off the trail can damage these delicate plants and compact the soil, making it harder for roots to grow. The fence will stay up for about a year to give the plants a strong start. After it’s removed, please remain on the trail to help keep the new plantings safe and healthy.
June 2025 - November 2025: Bridge Construction & Vegetation Planting
- Create a shallow marsh area designed for water detention and filtration.
- Establish a network of small tributaries to enhance water flow and habitat diversity, in turn, increasing terrapin turtle accessibility.
- Replace the existing storm pipe with a pedestrian bridge to ensure connectivity of the existing trail access over the widened mouth of wetland area.
- Plant native wetland species to promote biodiversity and ecosystem stability
- Plant upland trees to enhance habitat variety and improve environmental resilience.
- For questions about this project, please email phpwetlands@vbgov.com.
Not Dead, Just Dormant!
Right now, the new plantings don’t look especially green, but don’t worry! They’re simply in a dormant stage – a resting period that helps plants survive the winter. Just like animals hibernate, plants conserve energy by storing nutrients in their roots. What looks like a bare stem is still alive below ground. When spring arrives, the longer days and warmer temperatures will trigger new growth.
The grasses planted at Pleasure House Point include:
- Saltmarsh cordgrass
- Salt meadow hay
- Switchgrass
This planting effort is about more than appearances. By spring, the grasses will begin to leaf out, strengthening the wetlands and supporting biodiversity. Over time, these plantings will help filter runoff and provide critical habitat for birds, fish, crabs and other wildlife.
The Project's Future
The Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Area will feature public trails within and alongside the wetlands and marsh. The area will provide a place for pedestrians and water recreation enthusiasts to experience the area’s rich biodiversity, both on land and in the water.
Purpose of the Project
The Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project aims to restore eight acres of partially wooded land to its natural state of tidal wetlands. Natural tidal wetlands filter pollutants from entering our waterways, provide habitats for plants and animals, aid in flood protection, and contribute to the diversity of the unique area.
The project creates a sustainable solution for future City projects such as dredging, flood protection and roadway development, by mitigating wetlands usage and maintenance.
In addition to low lying wetlands grasses and plantings, over 600 trees will be planted including 336 live oaks and 192 water oaks.
Background
Before the 1970’s, the area was partially wooded with a broad expanse of wetlands. Between 1971-1972, it’s estimated that over a million cubic yards of dredge material were placed over the wetlands, altering its natural state. In 2012, the City of Virginia Beach and partners preserved Pleasure House Point, protecting it from potential development.
Debunking Myths about the Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project
Gain a stronger understanding of this important flood protection initiative that City Council approved on Jan. 7, 2025.
New Life Is Taking Root at Pleasure House Point
Discover how brown stems today will mean green growth in spring.
Quick Facts
Project Milestone
Cost
Project Milestone
Design:
Cost
$430,000
Project Milestone
Construction:
Cost
$11,525,000
Project Milestone
Long-term monitoring:
Cost
$135,000
Project Milestone
Total:
Cost
$12,090,000
Project Milestone
Timeline
Project Milestone
Design:
Timeline
November 2024-February 2025
Project Milestone
Construction:
Timeline
March 2025-October 2025
Project Milestone
First year monitoring:
Timeline
October 2025-October 2026
Project Milestone
Tenth year monitoring
Timeline
October 2035-October 2036
Project Milestone
Long-term monitoring
Timeline
October 2036
- Funding: Project funds will come from the Coastal Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the Flood Protection CIP.
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