Earth Day & Volunteer Week
The Tides Inn sees itself as a small part of the environmental efforts underway in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region. If more businesses and residents join together, our crucial ecosystem will thrive for generations to come. To coincide with National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) and Earth Day (April 22), the Tides Inn is hosting two spring events open to the public, as well as a new ecology experience for its resort guests:
Saturday, April 22, 9am-12pm
On Earth Day, join the Tides Inn horticulturist, Matt Little, and ecologist, Will Smiley, who will be leading volunteers in three activities: planting wetland grasses, planting a large tree and helping build the oyster reef. While this is a free activity, please email Jennifer Benedict to register. Water and light snacks will be provided to volunteers. Dress in clothing you don’t mind getting dirty!
Film Viewing Party: Tides Inn Shoreline Restoration
Sunday, April 23, 7pm
In 2021, the Tides Inn embarked on an extensive shoreline restoration project to prevent erosion, increase habitat for birds and aquatic life and ultimately, beautify our waterways. From the project’s beginning until its completion a year later, the Tides captured footage to illustrate its environmental impact. At this alfresco event benefitting our community partner, Friends of Rappahannock (FOR), enjoy the first public viewing of this 10-minute documentary short film. The ticket price of $50 includes wine—with the cost of each ticket going directly to FOR. Guests are encouraged to dine in Chesapeake Restaurant before or after the event. To reserve a ticket, please click below.
Ecology Experience
Rappahannock Revival: Voluntourism at the Tides Inn
The Tides Inn has launched a new “voluntourism” program in which guests volunteer while in residence at the resort – in collaboration with our environmental partner, Friends of Rappahannock (FOR). This nonprofit organization was crucial in our shoreline restoration project, which created the Shoreline Trail, oyster reef and new habitats for wildlife.
Guided by a representative from FOR or our resident ecologist, guests may participate in a variety of activities, such as plant trees or wetland grasses in our area’s waterways. This experience, which reduces erosion and increases habitat for wildlife and aquatic life, will begin in April 2023 and is weather dependent.
This experience is for resort guests only and costs $200 per person, including a picnic lunch and round trip transportation. A portion of proceeds for each voluntourism experience sold will benefit FOR. With a maximum of six guests, a two-week advance booking is required for this tour.
To learn more or make a reservation, please contact Jim Guttau.