Hampton’s beautiful waterways, beaches and greenery are something we strive to protect for many future generations to enjoy. Celebrate Earth Day by supporting these amazing green initiatives in Hampton: 

Attend the Hampton Mosaic Festival 

Come out to Mill Point Park for Hampton Mosaic Festival, held annually in April, to celebrate our diverse history, cultures, and the environment’s impact on us all through dance, music, visual art, storytelling, demonstrators, food, crafts and unique vendors.

The impact of our natural environment on our culture, way of life and planet will be prominently featured by exhibitors from the Hampton Clean City Commission in honor of Earth Day. This event also encompasses heritage & cultural festivals, making it an event you don’t want to miss! 

Learn about oysters beds with Shored Up

The eco-tourism group Shored Up is dedicated to educating people on how to protect Hampton’s waterways, particularly the oyster beds that are critical to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding water.

They have won a Virginia Green award 3 years in a row for their Oyster Paddle and Shellabration program, a series of narrated kayak tours on the Hampton River to educate on the ecological, economic, and culinary importance of oysters.

Check their website for upcoming events or tours.

Eat at Fuller’s Raw Bar

Fuller’s Raw Bar has previously been recognized for recycling more oyster shells than any member of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, meaning they clean out and save shells after meals at their restaurant.

These empty, recycled shells help create ‘sanctuary reefs’ as baby oysters like to attach onto them, ultimately creating habitats for other fish and marine life and keeping the Bay healthy. Help sanctuary reefs get created by choosing to eat at Fuller’s – they offer delicious, fresh oysters cooked any way you like! 

Other restaurants that participate in Save Oyster Shells include Baker’s Wife Bistro + Bar and Pour Girls Bar & Gril.

Spend Some Time Outdoors

You don’t have to spend money or attend an event to participate in Earth Day! Simply being mindful and trying to either appreciate nature, spend a little less gas or electricity, or find a way to be less wasteful are good things to consider.

If you’re looking to get outside for Earth Day, we recommend:

• Explore the green spaces around Hampton

Looking for a low-effort, low-commitment activity? Simply go for a walk in one of our scenic spots! Whether you’re going with others or want to enjoy some quiet alone time, these places can give you a simple, happy moment to appreciate nature.

• Follow a self-guided or walking tour

Need more of a purpose or destination than just a stroll outdoors? Keep your mind occupied with a informative outdoor tour.

Fort Monroe regularly offers free guided tours or you can request a printed copy of their self-guided walking tour when you stop in at the Visitor & Education Center.

Or explore more the city and the history of Hampton through one of our many self-guided cell phone tours.

Stroll through our historic city and listen to captivating audio narratives at each stop, immersing yourself in the stories that shaped Hampton into the charming coastal gem it is today.

• View historic markers in Hampton

A big motivation to preserve the Earth for the future comes from appreciating things as they have been in the past. When you explore Hampton history at the Hampton History Museum, Air Power Park or any Civil War Trails sites, know that the markers you see there have been recognized by Virginia Green for the recyclable and sustainable materials used to make and update them!