Situation Analysis

Norfolk Unit

2013

UNIT Extension Staff

Eric Stormer, Unit Coordinator, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Gregory Costanza, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent

Elizabeth Calen, Family Nutrition Program Assistant – Food, Nutrition & Health

Vincent Falzone, Family Nutrition Program Assistant – 4-H Youth Development

Elizabeth Hall, Family Nutrition Program Assistant – Food, Nutrition & Health

LaTricia Jennings, Family Nutrition Program Assistant – 4-H Youth Development

Brenda Lutz, Unit Administrative Assistant

Regina Smith, Family Nutrition Program Assistant – Food, Nutrition & Health

UNIT Extension Leadership Council Terrance Afer-Anderson Linda Botts

2013 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 3000-0000

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, reli gion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic I nstitute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. eepartment of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin .. .ones, ei rector, Virginia

Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; .ewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Unit Profile Economy 5 Demographics 7 Recreation and Leisure Services 8 Arts and Culture 9 Sports 10 Education 10

Community and Resident Perspectives 13

Priority Issues Economic Vitality and Workforce Development 14 Life-long Learning 16 Environmental Sustainability 17 Asset Development in Children and Adolescents 20 Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Communities 22

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Introduction

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCE) Norfolk Unit performed a Situation Analysis during the 2013 calendar year. This process was led by the Unit Coordinator, with assistance from Extension Leadership Council members, unit staff, and area stakeholders. Perspectives were gathered by utilizing data generated from survey instruments, personal interviews, USDA records, U.S. Census data, Virginia Department of Taxation records, City of Norfolk records, VCE’s Strategic Plan (2011-2016), and the City of Norfolk’s Priority Area Plan. Outcomes of this process were used to identify key issues facing the community, and ensure that VCE has in place a detailed plan to guide its progress in realizing stakeholder’s shared goals.

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Unit Profile

Straddling one of the world’s largest natural harbors, the Hampton Roads metropolitan area boasts one of the best ports on the East Coast. The title, “Hampton Roads”, is a centuries-old reference that originated when the region was struggling as a British outpost 400 years ago. Signifying the safety of a port, a roadstead, or “roads”, is a nautical term which refers to a sheltered offshore an- chorage area for ships.

The Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area consists of 16 municipal and county governments. It is the 36th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the United States, and the 8th largest MSA in the southeast. Norfolk’s modern history began in 1636 at the core of Hampton Roads.

Norfolk, Virginia, founded in 1682, is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region. Norfolk is almost completely surrounded by water, with the Chesapeake Bay immediately to the north, Hampton Roads and the James River to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean 18 miles east. As a military community – the city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point – the population is diverse and somewhat transient. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 96 square miles, of which 54 square miles is land and 42 square miles is water.

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Economy

Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world. The United States Fleet Force Command, located in the northwest corner of the city, consists of approximately 62,000 active duty personnel, 75 ships, and 132 aircraft. The base also serves as the headquarters to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Command Transformation and the United States Joint Forces Com- mand. Over 35% of the Gross Regional Product, which includes the entire Norfolk-Newport News- Virginia Beach MSA, is attributable to defense spending, and 75% of all regional growth since 2001 is attributable to defense spending.

Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America’s principal Class I railroads, and Maersk Line, Limited, which manages the world’s largest fleet of U.S. Flagged vessels, both call Nor- folk home. The region also plays an important role in de- fense contracting. Shipping and shipbuilding activity are paramount, along with fishing and seaport-related commerce. Major private shipyards located in Norfolk and Hampton Roads include Huntington Ingalls In- dustries, Newport News, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, General Dynamics, and Colon- na’s Shipyard, Inc.

Because Norfolk serves as the commercial and cultural center for the unusual geographical region of Hampton Roads, and its political structure of independent cities, it can be difficult to separate the economic characteristics of Norfolk from that of the region as a whole.

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, Norfolk’s Top 10 Employers are:

1. U.S. Department of Defense 2. Sentara Healthcare 3. Norfolk City Public Schools 4. City of Norfolk 5. Old Dominion University 6. Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters 7. BAE Systems Ship Repair 8. Norfolk State University 9. Eastern Virginia Medical School 10. Portfolio Recovery Associates

The military’s presence significantly impacts Norfolk’s economy.

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The Hampton Roads MSA is home to four Fortune 500 companies, representing the food, transportation, retail, and shipbuilding industries. These companies are located in Smithfield, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Newport News. They include:

1. Smithfield Foods (213th) 2. Norfolk Southern (247th) 3. Dollar Tree (346th) 4. Huntington Ingalls Industries (380th)

Governmental agencies constitute the largest employer group in Norfolk (20.7%). Nationally, gov- ernment employees represent just 6.6% of the local workforce.

The City of Norfolk is challenged by an abundance of tax exempt properties. In 2014 (data updated March, 2015), City of Norfolk tax exempt property included the following:

Sub-Category # Parcels Total Assessed Value

Federal Government 59 $5,031,661,200

Commonwealth of Virginia 514 $87,465,800

Norfolk State University 22 $169,458,100

Old Dominion University 267 $381,801,100

Virginia Port Authority 2 $351,035,200

City of Norfolk 1,962 2,195,192,700

NRHA 1,170 594,528,400

Norfolk Airport Authority 10 $436,021,100

Regional General Municipal 84 $140,968,700

Religious 776 $708,041,400

Secular Organizations 259 $685,305,600

TOTAL EXEMPT 5,125 $10,781,479,300

As of July, 2014, the assessed value of taxable land in the City of Norfolk was $17,806,235,050, while the value of tax-exempt land was 10,781,479,300. As measured by value, 37.7% of property is tax exempt.

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Demographics

As of the 2010 census, there were 242,803 people, 86,210 households, and 51,898 families in the City of Norfolk. The population den- sity was 4,382.8 people per square mile. There were 94,416 housing units, at an average density of 1,757.3 per square mile.

Norfolk’s racial demographics have not changed significantly since 2007, e.g., 48.17% of Norfolk residents are white, 43.37% are black, 4.76% are Hispanic, and 3.49% are Asian.

Nationally, 14% of children live in poverty, compared to 16% in Virginia, and 28% in Norfolk.

Nationally, 20% of children live in single-parent households, compared to 30% in Virginia, and 50% in Norfolk.

According to the census, the age distribution in Norfolk was 24.0% under the age of 18, 18.2% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years.

Median income for a household in the city was $31,815. Median income for a family was $36,891. Males had a median income of $25,858 versus $21,907 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,372. About 15.5% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the federal poverty line, including 27.9% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those ages 65 or older.

Norfolk’s morbidity indicators reflect, and are consistent with, other state trends. Obesity in chil- dren, adolescents and adults remains a concern, as are low birth weight, physical inactivity, exces- sive drinking, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.

In comparison to state and national levels, incidents of violent crime are high (716 per 100,000 in Norfolk, vs. 233 per 100,000 in Virginia, and 66 per 100,000 nationally).

Norfolk crime statistics reveal an overall downward trend in crime based on data gathered from the past 11 years, with violent crime increasing, and property crime decreasing.

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In 2010, the city’s violent crime rate was higher than the national violent crime rate average by 52.92%, while the city property crime rate in Norfolk was higher than the national property crime rate average by 91.07%.

In 2010 the city violent crime rate in Norfolk was higher than the violent crime rate in Virginia by 189.03% and the city property crime rate in Norfolk was higher than the property crime rate in Vir- ginia by 141.54%.

Fast food restaurants are accessible to 51% of Norfolk’s residents, as opposed to 50% of Virginia residents, and 27% of the U.S. population. Food deserts, urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy and affordable food, are not uncommon.

In addition, daily fine-particulate matter exposure, while not so high as state statistics, is signifi- cantly higher than national levels (8.8 ppm vs. 12.3 ppm).

Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services

Norfolk boasts pristine beaches.

Norfolk has a variety of parks and open spaces. The city maintains 3 beaches on its north shore in the Ocean View area. Five additional parks contain picnic facilities and playgrounds for children. The city also has several community pools open to residents.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens offers lively displays.

In all, the parks system includes 2 festival parks (Town Point Park and Ocean View Beach Park), 3 beach parks, 6 community parks, 12 dog parks, 17 community centers with active park amenities, and 71 neighborhood parks.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden, which opened in 1939, is a 155 acre display, conservation, re- search, and cultural venue open year round.

The Virginia Zoo boasts diverse wildlife and teaches

conservation of biodiversity.

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Arts and Culture

Norfolk is the principal home of several major per- forming arts companies. In addition, Norfolk plays host to numerous yearly festivals and parades, mostly at Town Point Park in the downtown section of the city.

The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in the Ghent district, is the region’s foremost art museum. The late John Russell, art critic for the New York Times, once noted that the Chrysler boasts objects “any museum in the world would kill for.”

Harborfest annually draws thousands of each year,

capitalizing on Norfolk’s natural appeal as an

inviting waterfront city.

Nauticus, the National Maritime Center, features hands-on exhibits, interactive the- aters, aquaria, digital high-definition films and an extensive array of educational pro- grams.

The General Douglas MacArthur Memorial contains the tomb of the late General and his wife, a museum, vast research library, personal belongings, and a short film that chronicles the life of the famous general of the Army.

The Hermitage Museum, an early 20th

century Tudor-style home on a 12 acre estate fronting the Lafayette River, fea- tures an eclectic collection of Western and Asian art. The Virginia Opera, founded in 1974, conducts performanc- es at the Harrison Opera House and statewide. Old Dominion University’s Ted Constant Convocation Center offers large scale concerts, while the Nova Theatre provides a more intimate atmosphere for smaller groups.

Chrysler Museum Tiffany Glass

Ted Constant Center

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Sports

Norfolk serves as home to two profes- sional sports fran- chises in Virginia – The Norfolk Tides and the Norfolk Admirals. Norfolk has two uni- versities with Division I sports teams – the Old Dominion Univer- sity Monarchs and Norfolk State Univer- sity’s Spartans, which provide many sports, including football, basketball, and base- ball.

Norfolk is also home to the Norfolk Blues Rugby Football Club.

College sports contribute to the diversity of recreational opportunities in Norfolk.

Education

Norfolk Public Schools, the city’s public school system, includes 5 high schools, 8 middle schools, 34 elementary schools, and 9 special-purpose/preschools.

There are also a number of private schools in the city, the oldest of which, Norfolk Academy, was founded in 1728.

Virginia Wesleyan is an innovative 4 year liberal arts college in Norfolk.

Religious schools located in Norfolk include St. Pius X Catholic School, Holy Trinity Parish School, Alli- ance Christian School, Christ the King School, Norfolk Christian Schools, and Trinity Lutheran School. The city also hosts the Governor’s School for the Arts.

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Norfolk is home to three public universities, and one private. It also hosts Tidewater Community College. Old Dominion University, founded as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary in 1930, offers degrees in 68 undergraduate and 95 (60 masters/35 doctoral) graduate degree programs.

Eastern Virginia Medical School, noted for its research into reproductive medicine, is located in the region’s major medical complex in the Ghent district.

Eastern Virginia Medical School students benefit from the latest in medical modeling and simulation technology and

pioneering standardized patient programs.

Norfolk State University, the largest majority black university in Virginia, offers degrees in a wide variety of the liberal arts. Tidewater Community College offers 2-year degrees and specialized training programs. In addition, several for-profit schools operate in the city.

Norfolk Public Library, Virginia’s first public library, offers 12 locations around the city and a book- mobile.

In addition to VCE’s Norfolk Unit, Virginia Tech operates three Agricultural Research and Extension Centers in Hampton Roads. These facilities, in Suffolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach, are heavily invested in research and extension education.

Within program areas, emphasis is directed toward sustainable production that considers profitabil- ity for producers and processors, quality of food and fiber products, and soil, water, and air protec- tion.

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Currently, Virginia Cooperative Exten- sion’s Norfolk Unit is comprised of one Agriculture and Natural Resources - Horticulture Extension Agent, a Unit Administrative Assistant, three Supple- mental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-ED) Program Assistants, and two Expanded Food Nutrition Educa- tion Program (EFNEP-ED) Program Assistants. The Norfolk Unit also shares a 4-H Youth Development Ex- tension Agent with the City of Ports- mouth.

Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Research and Extension Center

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Community and Resident Perspectives

To assess issues of pressing concern to Norfolk’s residents, a community survey was electronically

distributed to area stakeholders, including businesses, elected officials, and individuals. The survey

instrument was anonymously completed by 54 key stakeholders, businesses representatives, and

residents. Of those who responded to questions concerning demographics, 52% were between the

ages of 18 and 64, while 48% were 65 or older. Data showed that 32% of those who completed the

survey were male, and 68% were female. Ethnically, 10.42% were African American/Black, and

89.58% were white. Asked how long they had lived in Norfolk, 37.5% indicated an average of 18

months, while 97.92% have lived here, on average, 47 years.

A forced choice Likert scale was utilized to measure respondents opinions. Respondents were

asked to rank the importance of 33 community issues as either “Unimportant”, “Somewhat Im-

portant”, “Important”, or “Very Important”. Comments from participants were also invited.

Additional information was gleaned from the City of Norfolk’s Priority Area Plan. The City of Norfolk

utilizes a priority setting model to convey its vision and associated priorities (set by the City Council

with community input).

Data from each source was then collected, processed, and tabulated for analysis. This analysis re-

vealed five key priority areas in which VCE sponsored programs play a particularly important role,

reflecting goals and objectives aligned with The City of Norfolk’s Priority Area Plan:

Economic Vitality and Workforce Development

Lifelong Learning

Environmental Sustainability

Asset Development in Children and Adolescents

Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Communities

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Priority Issues

Economic Vitality and Workforce Development

The City of Norfolk’s Priority Area Plan has identified Economic Vitality and Workforce Develop-

ment as a City-wide priority. Economic Vitality and Workforce Development is defined as “a

growing, competitive and diversified economy that enhances the quality of life for residents

through a wide range of housing, shopping, educational, cultural, business, and employment op-

portunities.”

The city has identified several objectives and intermediate measures aligned with this priority

strongly supported by VCE programs in Norfolk. These include marketing cultural experiences

available in Norfolk, increasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of Norfolk’s workforce, and

eliminating barriers to employment.

Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry. Collectively, agriculture and forestry have a total eco-

nomic impact in excess of $79 billion annually in output or sales, providing 501 thousand jobs

(10.3% of Virginia’s workforce). Each of these jobs supports another 1.5 jobs elsewhere in Vir-

ginia’s economy. In addition, the value-added impact of agriculture and forestry is about $37 bil-

lion – about 10% of Virginia’s gross domestic product.

Currently, VCE programs support these objectives by educating and training people for positions

in a number of areas relating to Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR). The ANR Horticulture

Extension Agent works with other area agents and professionals each year to provide commercial

and municipal employees (groundskeepers, arborists, pesticide applicators, landscape designers,

irrigation contractors, growers/producers, etc.) with updated training on new research develop-

ments, products, practices and services in order to be current and competitive. This training also

enables employees to obtain and maintain licensure to practice in the commonwealth. Training

and testing is used to certify pesticide applicators, crew managers, advanced crew managers, irri-

gation contractors, arborists, and horticulturists.

In addition, area Extension Agents partner to provide horticulture and pesticide applicator training

to military inmates at the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig. This training program, designed to ac-

commodate inmates serving sentences of 10 days to less than 10 years, provides valuable job

skills for the incarcerated so that upon re-entry to the general population, they may productively

contribute to Norfolk’s economic growth by having eliminated barriers to employment.

By providing educational services to increase knowledge, skills and abilities of Norfolk’s work

force (and strengthen Norfolk’s economic base) VCE offers a number of programs that have

positive impacts for cultural institutions.

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The ANR Extension Agent routinely plans, markets, creates, implements and evaluates programs

while providing leadership to the Unit’s Extension Master Gardener volunteers. These programs

are diverse in nature, and directly support many lifestyle and cultural amenities. By building rela-

tionships with individuals, governmental agencies, and academic, as well as other institutions,

VCE staff and Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute to reaching clientele with re-

search-based knowledge to work for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and im-

proved quality of life. Inter-agency partnerships and collaborators include: Norfolk Public Health

Department; Virginia Department of Health; Norfolk Emergency Response and Preparedness;

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; Old Dominion University; Virginia Wes-

leyan College; Norfolk Botanical Garden; Norfolk Recreation, Parks and Open Space; Hermitage

Museum; Cape Henry Audubon Society; Norfolk Environmental Commission; Fred Heutte Cen-

ter; Norfolk Public Library; Virginia Horticultural Foundation; Virginia Department of Conservation

and Recreation; Bon Secours Health System; Airfield Conference and 4-H Center; U.S. Navy;

U.S. Department of Defense; Tidewater Community College, and Norfolk Public Schools. These

valuable relationships permit VCE programs to reach a broad, far-reaching audience.

The impacts of these various programs are particularly significant in that they support many of

the goals elucidated in the City of Norfolk’s Priority Plan, including:

job creation and training

economic development

environmental sustainability

providing opportunities for life-long learning

protection of cultural resources

emergency management, preparedness, and response

food security

obesity prevention education

access to healthy, affordable, nutritious foods

youth development

neighborhood improvement

tourism

urban forestry management

recycling

healthy, active lifestyles

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Lifelong Learning

In its Priority Area Plan, the City of Norfolk expresses a desire for “residents of all ages (to) enjoy a

culture of learning that enables them to reach their full potential, achieve personal goals, and,

through their knowledge, skills, abilities, and talents, become well equipped to support a prosperous

economy.”

Objectives and intermediate measures associated with this priority include increasing vocational

and technical skills training opportunities for Norfolk residents; identifying and partnering with local

educational institutions, businesses, and community resources to promote and expand life-long

learning for the city workforce and community members; and increased accessibility to program-

ming at libraries and recreation centers to be used as a resource for communication and education.

Lifelong learning may be broadly defined as learning that is pursued through life: learning that is

flexible, diverse, and available at different times, and in different places. Lifelong learning occurs to

fill needs. According to Delors (2006), education is at the heart of both personal and community

development; its mission is to enable each of us, without exception, to develop all our talents to the

full and realize our creative potential, including responsibility for our own lives and achievement of

personal aims. Delors four “pillars of education’ for lifelong learning include:

Learning to know—mastering learning tools, rather than acquisition of structured knowledge.

Learning to do—equipping people for the types of work needed now and in the future including

innovation and adaptation of learning to future environments.

Learning to live together, and with others—peacefully resolving conflict, discovering other

people and their cultures, fostering community capability, individual competence and capacity,

economic resilience, and social inclusion.

Learning to be—education contributing to a person’s development: mind and body, intelli-

gence, sensitivity, aesthetic appreciation and spirituality.

By employing both non-formal and informal education practices, VCE offers programs that are

learner-centered, responsive to identified community needs, accessible, inclusive, diverse, and flex-

ible. Programs are offered to many and varied organizations in many settings, e.g., libraries, recre-

ation centers, college campuses, churches, community groups, etc. Many programs exist as a re-

sult of forging strong relationships with other area agencies. Essentially, all VCE programs offer

opportunities for life-long learning.

Reference:

Delors, J. (1996) Learning: The Treasure Within Report to UNESCO of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-

first Century, UNESCO

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Environmental Sustainability

In its Area Priority Plan, the City of Norfolk stresses a “premier waterfront community that creates

a positive, regenerative effect on its environment, avoids detrimental impacts, and thrives eco-

nomically and culturally”.

VCE’s Strategic Plan offers similar direction, seeking to increase profitability and sustainability of

Virginia’s commercial food, fiber, animal, recreation, and green industries, while demonstrating

awareness of social, economic and environmental considerations in program development and

delivery through an outreach plan that increases involvement in under-represented audiences,

fosters cooperative relationships between public partners as a means of addressing resident’s

needs and includes teamwork that promotes local, regional, state, national and international priori-

ties.

The City desires to enhance efficient use and protection of natural resources, and reduce the neg-

ative impacts of coastal flooding. Currently, the ANR Extension Agent offers a number of pro-

grams to support these goals.

While jobs skills training affords clientele with employment opportunities to strengthen Norfolk’s

economic base, it also plays a crucial role in protection of natural resources and protection of the

city’s urban tree canopy. In addition, the ANR Extension Agent works with other area agents to

offer a Pesticide Disposal Program, financed through a grant from the Virginia Department of Agri-

culture and Services (VDACS). Agents solicit pesticide users to register unwanted pesticides to

be collected and disposed of. This program greatly reduces pesticide exposure risks.

ANR Horticulture Extension Agents regularly organize

and instruct courses to licensed pesticide applicators to

meet state and federal regulations for safe and sound

pest management decisions to protect public health and

food systems.

The ANR Extension Agent serves offers

leadership to the Norfolk Environmental

Commission’s Community Gardens Initiative,

advising citizens, groups and organizations

regarding community gardens and green

space. These services include consultation

for the purposes of facility development,

including organizational strategies, fund-

raising, management, and code compliance.

He also serves on Norfolk’s Emergency

Operations Team, providing assessment

assistance in the wake of natural and man-

made emergencies. As a liaison to the

Agricultural Sector, he coordinates envi-

ronmental issues and offers guidance in

addressing threats to food security, the

environment, historic, and cultural resources.

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The ANR Extension Agent also serves on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Urban

Forestry Committee, providing leadership and offering strategies and support services to other pub-

lic, private, local and regional agencies to improve quality of life. He also serves as a resource to ex-

amine issues pertinent to regional planning for urban forest management and restoration, potential

tree canopy legislation, and related issues.

ANR programs enjoy strong support from a diverse audience for their focus on sustainability.

Around the world, educators, governments, political bodies, planners, landscape architects, and en-

gineers refer to the idea of “sustainable landscapes” as a subject of increasing importance. Sustain-

ability and sustainable design are at the intersection of environment, economy, and society, reflect-

ing the significance and relevance of ecosystem services and limits, fair and durable prosperity,

health, and social justice. Sustainable landscapes foster environmental sustainability and the

preservation of relevant functions (e.g., biodiversity, water filtration, energy balance). In addition,

sustainable landscapes support ecosystems while providing for human well-being through provision

of food, water, timber, and fiber, and by regulating services that affect climate, diseases, flooding,

and water quality. These ecosystem services are tied directly to the acquisition of cultural services

that deliver recreational, aesthetic, and even spiritual values, while supporting soil formation, photo-

synthesis, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.

Regardless of whether they are scrutinized in social,

political, economic, or aesthetic contexts, evidence for

the environmental sustainability of landscapes is often

related to their multi-functionality, services, and/or re-

silience. The term “sustainable landscape” broadly

reflects two schools of thought—one focused on the

design and protection of scenic assets, the other, on

understanding the dynamic, multi-functional links be-

tween ecosystems and human well-being.

To address these various needs, the ANR Extension

Agent and his Extension Master Gardener volunteers

plan and implement various programs targeting con-

sumer horticulture audiences at various venues oper-

ated by Norfolk Public Libraries, the Norfolk Public

Health Center, and Norfolk Recreation, Parks, and

Open Space. These programs are designed to en-

courage behaviors that support preservation of bio-

diversity, water conservation, nutrient

management, pest management, and local food

systems.

Dr. Laurie Fox discusses buffer zones and pond

management with Extension Master Gardener

trainees at Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads

Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

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Extension Master Gardeners staff VCE’s Helpline, answer-

ing homeowner’s questions about plants, trees, etc.

Norfolk’s Extension Master Gardeners also in-

vest time, energy and resources to support

many related initiatives. The annual Arbor Day

celebration, a joint-project of VCE and Norfolk

Recreation, Parks, and Open Space, encour-

ages stewardship of the natural environment

and preservation of our urban tree canopy.

Utilizing the City’s nursery, Extension Master

Gardeners annually propagate several tree

species, and distribute seedlings throughout

the city. The Significant Tree Program, led by

Extension Master Gardeners, encourages

preservation of urban forests, while recogniz-

ing trees of exceptional merit and Norfolk, and

encouraging appropriate tree planting.

Extension Master Gardeners regularly staff the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Butterfly House, where

they instruct visitors on such topics as the importance of pollinators, and preservation of biodiversi-

ty. These inquiry-based and experiential learning processes facilitate a greater understanding of

ecology and the fundamentals of entomology.

Ask a Master Gardener serves the community at various venues (Lowe’s, Norfolk Botanical Gar-

den, etc.) from January—November each year. The Extension Master Gardener Speaker’s Bureau

offers educational programs addressing a variety of topics, and gardens at the Virginia Zoo, main-

tained and interpreted by Extension Master Gardeners, demonstrate organic cultivation and pest

control methods. Extension Master Gardeners also lead programs at the Zoo for small children,

connecting plants, animals and people, through story and craft.

Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners also invest time, energy, and resources to conserve natural

resources at the (Cape Henry Audubon Society’s) Weyanoke Wildlife Sanctuary, and through con-

servation-oriented programs offered at the Hermitage Museum, and the Ernie Morgan Eco Garden.

The Native Dune Demonstration Garden teaches appropriate plant selection to prevent coastal ero-

sion, and capture sand for dune growth. Extension Master Gardeners also demonstrate square-

foot gardening techniques at the Fred Heutte Center.

The Community Gardens Taskforce Group offers consultation services as well as hands-on garden-

ing instruction. Under direction of area Extension Agents, Extension Master Gardeners also con-

tribute their time by serving as moderators and aides at the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course’s

nationally recognized training for professionals in the green industry. (Extension Agents and Exten-

sion Specialists coordinate speakers and moderators for over 100 classes at this event, and also

instruct many of the classes.)

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Asset Development in Children and Adolescents

As children grow and mature, positive youth development programs accommodate their physical,

intellectual, psychological (and emotional) as well as social development needs, necessary for

healthy development and well-being. Realization of these needs diminishes the likelihood of an

adolescent from joining groups whose activities, attitudes, and social norms have been document-

ed as having detrimental effects not only on adolescent development, but also, success in adult-

hood.

Data from area stakeholders indicates that education and asset development in children rank high-

ly as priorities. Survey responses indicated that fostering positive values (e.g., caring, honesty,

integrity, responsibility and restraint), positive identity (e.g., self-esteem, sense of purpose, a posi-

tive view of personal nature), and social competencies (e.g., planning and decision making, cultur-

al competence, and resistance skills) were rated as “important” or “very important”.

As the oldest and perhaps best known youth de-

velopment program, 4-H offers research-based,

life changing experiences through clubs, camps,

afterschool and school enrichment programs.

4-H is designed to grow healthy people who can

successfully function in an adult world. By devel-

oping positive assets to offset and/or minimize risk

factors, 4-H offers a game plan, structuring, for its

participants, experiences that facilitate this transi-

tion.

4-H programs use many vehicles as a “hook” for

youth development, emphasizing “learning by do-

ing” opportunities for young people who receive

4-H Robotics Programs teach young people design

fundamentals by challenging them to think crea-

tively and critically as they build their own robots

“hands-on” experiences, while fostering youth/adult partnerships, providing youths with emotionally

and physically safe environments, and ensuring that activities are developmentally appropriate. In

addition, 4-H offers fun social activities while providing opportunities for youth service in the com-

munity.

The 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent delivers diverse programs in schools, recreation cen-

ters, wellness centers, at military bases in support of each of these issues. STEM education is em-

phasized, as is CHARACTER COUNTS! ® These programs engage, empower and educate while

promoting student achievement, and fostering attributes to enhance social and emotional

development.

The 4-H Agent also works with the YMCA, and in partnership with the Human Movement Sciences

Department at Old Dominion University.

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Through 4-H, young people develop many beneficial assets, including good emotional self-

regulation skills, coping skills, and positive self-image through acquisition of knowledge, abilities,

and unique experiences in a safe, affirming, supportive environment led by adults and older

youths—excellent role models and mentors. By creating opportunities for young people to practice

(and develop) critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, and life-skills

needed to navigate the waters of multiple cultural contexts, 4-H is a particularly useful vehicle

whose inherently immersive qualities and many intangible characteristics offer a means by which

young people may cultivate positive attributes (e.g., ethics; accountability; adaptability; personal

productivity; people skills; self-direction; responsibility).

4-H is an integrated process—a group of experiences and settings—whereby nurturing

environments foster the development of important assets in young people – all while introducing

life-affirming skills, beliefs, and values, and while protecting young people from the adverse

effects of negative life experiences. As such, it supports issues deemed important to survey

respondents, and the City of Norfolk’s Priority Area Plan.

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Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities

In its Priority Area Plan, the City of Norfolk emphasizes the need for a community whose “residents

of diverse backgrounds and interests feel encouraged and empowered to assist in the development

of safe and healthy neighborhoods, thereby fostering a culture of leadership, pride and well-being

that advances Norfolk’s brand as desirable and enjoyable place to live, learn, work, and play”.

Goals associated with this priority include:

Providing a safe environment for residents, workers, and visitors

Creation of a culture that promotes health, engages in prevention, and supports economic and

social well-being of individuals and families through the provision of an array of programs and

services; and

Enhancing the vitality of Norfolk’s neighborhoods.

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Objectives and Intermediate Measures aligned with these goals include:

Increased access to activities and resources that promote healthy lifestyles

Enhanced neighborhood safety

Increased access to early learning centers, libraries, and out-of-school recreation programs

Enhancing resident’s and civic organization’s capacity to shape their neighborhoods

Improving maintenance of private property

Places where people live, work, and play and care about demonstrate qualities that reflect a com-

munity’s values, inspirations and potential. Ideally, these places are inviting, inclusive, and per-

haps, most importantly, accessible to the public. Memorable characteristics and a pleasant and

safe atmosphere function well for a variety of community activities, meaningful to both local inhab-

itants and visitors. Places can be parks, streets, historic districts, street corners, markets, plazas,

gardens, or a wide variety of other public destinations. The quality of place influences quality of

life. Great places attract people and vitalize local economy. When people are drawn to the same

place, they tend to get to know one another. People interacting with one another build stronger,

healthier communities. Ultimately, creating good public spaces promotes people’s health, happi-

ness, and well-being.

Norfolk’s built environments have an impact on residents physical activity levels, access to oppor-

tunities, including healthy food, lifestyle choices, and behaviors. Research has shown that we can

improve health and quality of life through different planning approaches in our communities. Our

interaction with buildings, parks, road systems, schools, and other infrastructure we encounter in

our daily lives ultimately affects health and well-being.

Family and Consumer Sciences programs utilize a holistic approach to improve the well-being of

Virginia’s residents. Extension staff plan, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational pro-

grams tied to three specialty areas: Nutrition/Wellness; Family Financial Education; and Family

and Human Development. As with all VCE programs, partnerships and collaborations with other

agents, Extension Specialists, non-profit and other organizations are the norm.

Participants in VCE’s Family Nutrition Program (FNP) gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and

changed behavior necessary to choose nutritionally sound diets, and improve well-being. FNP

provides nutrition interventions on a variety of subjects including diet quality, food safety, physical

activity, food security, lowering fat consumption, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.

Staff organize programs in the community, at schools, and in homes to bring about nutrition and

physical activity-related lifestyle changes.

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Organwise Guys, a fun, interactive, evidence

-based program for children from Kindergar-

ten to 2nd grade, uses puppets of different

internal organs to teach kids about what we

eat, and how we move, affect our bodies.

This process empowers young people to be

“smart from the inside out”.

Organwise Guys adheres to the Virginia

Standards of Learning, while helping to re-

duce childhood obesity.

MyPlate offers practical information to help consumers

make healthy dietary decisions.

FNP offers programs for children and adults addressing

improved diet, nutritional welfare, improved food produc-

tion, preparation, storage, safety, and sanitation.

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids, developed

by VCE, teaches children, grades 3—7, about

healthy lifestyle choices, including:

The importance of nutritious food choices,

and how to use MyPlate

How to enjoy food in moderation by choos-

ing the right serving size

Healthy beverage choices

Healthy snack choices

The importance of being active

Teen Cuisine, developed by FNP, is a hands-on cooking program that teaches students, grades

8—12, important life-skills for eating smart, which will stay with them as they grow into adults. Les-

sons discuss choosing healthy foods and preventing food-borne illnesses. Specific topics include:

Eat Smart—students learn the basics of MyPlate, hand-washing, and safe knife skills

You Are What You Eat—students learn to read food labels and choose healthy food

Power Up With Protein—students learn how each nutrient on a food label affects our bodies

Fight The Fat—Students learn ways to make smart food choices when eating out, and the

health effects of different types of fat

Have A Plan—Students learn how to plan meals

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Adult FNP programs include Eating Smart and Moving More. This program helps participants

make healthy changes by teaching ways to choose and prepare nutritious meals and to be more

physically active. These lessons are fun, interactive, and full of great information to inspire be-

havioral changes for good health. Topics include:

MyPlate—Families learn how to use MyPlate as a guide to eating smart and to balance ener-

gy from food and physical activity

Shop for Value, Check the Facts—Families learn to use labels to compare different foods

Choosing More Fruits & Vegetables—Families learn to add a variety of color of fruits and veg-

etables to their plates each day

Fix it Safe –Families learn how to keep food safe to prevent illness

Smart-Size Your Portions and Right-Size You—Families learn how to use proper sizes to eat

smart and be healthy

Through these and a multitude of other diverse programs, FNP encourages a culture that pro-

motes health, engages in prevention, and supports economic and social well being of individuals

and families.

The many benefits of VCE’s Family Nutrition Program are complemented by Agriculture and Nat-

ural Resources horticultural programs. The benefits of gardens and gardening are diverse.

Individually, gar- dening provides our cognitive, affective, and psycho-motor domains with many

aids that continue to be researched and documented. Studies show that those who garden enjoy

its moderate car- diovascular benefits. Gardeners also consume a balanced diet, including fruits

and vegetables, with greater frequency than do non-gardeners.

Gardening favors us in other ways as well, including reductions in stress hormones, such as cor-

tisol, accompanied by mood elevation. Research suggests that the physical activity associated

with gardening can help lower the risk of dementia, and that gardening may improve symptoms

of depression.

Beyond the merits imparted to individuals, gardening elevates communities. Lands devoted to

the creation of public parks, botanical gardens, community gardens and other green space are

intrinsic to successful urban development. While it may be impossible to quantify the benefits

inherent to certain elements of open space, models have been developed which clearly demon-

strate the substantial economic value of such areas as they relate to several pressing issues.

These include: the “social capital” of community cohesion, removal of air pollution by vegetation,

human health, tourism, and greater tax revenue associated with increased value of nearby prop-

erties.

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VCE’s taskforce supports development of Community Gardens,

like this one at East Ocean View.

These many benefits are realized through

partnerships with government, community

organizations, and residents to create,

restore, enhance and maintain community

gardens, neighborhood parks, land-

scapes, and related green space, and

promote coastal resilience.

Community Gardens, in particular, create

green spaces that nourish, inspire, and

unite communities, while addressing ur-

ban decay and environmental degrada-

tion. The most frequently cited social

benefit of community gardens is their

power to create a strong connection

among participants, who often come together across a chasm of race, culture, and economic sta-

tus to share the simple joys of gardening. This “social capital”, while difficult to measure, is a val-

uable asset. These gardens build solidarity among their members and strengthen people’s attach-

ment, both to the garden itself, and to each other. The collateral benefits of this sense of attach-

ment extend to the neighborhood and city as a whole, encouraging people to put down roots, and

invest in their communities. Community Gardens have many benefits, among them:

Aesthetic – adding beauty and vibrancy to the landscape

Economic – increasing nearby property values and contributing to higher quality of life

Social – strengthening community ties, reducing crime, bridging intergenerational and cross-

cultural divides, and empowering residents

Engagement – active participation by young people, seniors, and those in health care settings.

Therapeutic – designed to accommodate client treatment goals

Food – affordable, fresh produce of high quality

Environmental – may serve as a model for sustainability

As discussed earlier, 4-H Youth Development programs foster development of assets to sustain

safe, healthy and inclusive communities as well.

VCE is a model which can address many areas of need and priority as resources can be

identified.