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
The map below depicts the species of trees affected by the Pleasure House Point Wetlands Project. Students with Virginia Beach Public Schools* evaluated the area to inventory the trees, and of the 5,214 trees located:
- 4,056 (77.79%) are Loblolly Pine
- 459 (8.80%) are unknown
- 134 (2.57% are Black Cherry
- 116 (2.22%) are Eastern Redcedar
- 110 (2.11%) are Mimosa
- 105 (2.01%) are Live Oak
- With the remaining 234 trees coming from over 30 species.
*The City appreciates the dedicated work by students in the Virginia Beach City Public School's Environmental Studies program who, during the coldest days in January, inventoried and identified tree species within the impacted area.
Based on the findings from the tree survey, suitable trees and shrubs from the project are being removed to other locations within Pleasure House Point or transplanted to different restoration sites in coordination with The Friends of Live Oaks and Lynnhaven River NOW.
Furthermore, the City has made modifications to the construction entrance to avoid impacting significant trees or tree stands that have been designated for protection.
Mobilization and construction is expected to begin in March 2025.
For questions about this project, please email phpwetlands@vbgov.com.
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.
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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