DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Your name: Alexandra Cantwell
Your position: Director of Adult Education & Conservation
Company name: Norfolk Botanical Garden
Website: norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
Phone Number: 757–441-5830
Business address: 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518
Industry: Museums and Cultural Institutions
Describe what the company you work for does and what your position entails:
I work for Norfolk Botanical Garden, a 175-acre public garden dedicated to horticulture, education, and community engagement. As the Director of Adult Education and Conservation, I lead efforts to create impactful programs that connect people to nature and emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship. I work with an incredible team that oversees everything from educational classes and community partnerships to our seasonal intern programs and the beloved summer Butterfly House Exhibit, home to hundreds of native butterflies that help us teach visitors about insects and habitat restoration.
My role blends science, storytelling, and strategic planning, and I love that no two days are ever the same. Whether I’m teaching classes at the garden or doing community plantings, it’s all about inspiring people to care for the world around us.
What is your personal connection to the Elizabeth River Trail?
As a Norfolk resident, I’ve enjoyed countless walks and rides along the Elizabeth River Trail over the years, and now that I live right along it, I get to explore it even more often! I love strolling through Freemason at sunset, passing the boat club and Pagoda, or checking out what’s in bloom along the Chelsea stretch and Weyanoke. It’s been incredible to watch the trail grow and truly become a cornerstone of Norfolk life – connecting neighborhoods, habitat, and people along the Elizabeth River.
Accessible and approachable outdoor spaces like this are so important for our community’s well-being, and seeing everything the ERT has accomplished since 2016, and all they have planned, is genuinely inspiring and so exciting, so when the opportunity to partner with them and give back arose, there was zero hesitation to get involved! We spoke with Kindra and Morgan about being able to provide native perennial plants for projects early last year, and since then have been able to not only provide plants, but also join in on some of the fantastic community events as well!
Why did you/your organization decide to provide in-kind support to the trail?
We wanted to support ERT because, like NBG, ERT is dedicated to connecting people with the outdoors, and their ongoing trail beautification efforts mirror our commitment to green spaces, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. I feel that our missions complement each other, and by supporting partnering organizations, we further our support for our community.
Last fall and again this spring, we donated a variety of native perennials to enhance the donor sculpture bed – a popular area along the trail in downtown Norfolk right at the Pagoda. It’s a spot I personally walk past all the time, and seeing it filled with vibrant native plants not only adds beauty but also helps support local wildlife – plus it’s been so much fun to walk past and see all the people investigating the flowers in bloom, or posing for pictures with them!
Donating these plants felt like a meaningful way to extend our mission beyond the Garden’s gates and support an organization in Norfolk that gives back to its citizens in so many ways, and we look forward to any more opportunities that may come our way.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what benefits do you feel the trail has for the business community?
Trails and green spaces like the ERT make areas more beautiful, inviting, and enjoyable, which draws more people in. When people feel good in a space, they tend to stay longer and come back more often, which, for local shops, translates to more potential customers.
Research shows that green spaces improve mood and reduce stress, but also boost how people feel about the businesses nearby, which then leads to an increase in sales. The ERT helps create that kind of positive, walkable environment that brings us together, whether for business, fun, or both! The ERT, as an urban green space, not only benefits the people and the environment, but also the local economy!
What’s your favorite trail moment?
I used to work along the ERT, and after a hectic shift, my coworkers and I walked along the trail to the (then new) exercise park and simply just got to act like kids again and play on the equipment and hang out in the park. Being outside with friends, talking about the wildflowers in bloom and looking for insects along the way, timing each other on the equipment (and all performing terribly), was such a fun, simple memory, and I think about it every time I pass the park. Playing in all that snow on the ERT this winter almost topped it, though!
Favorite Trailgrazing spot? (i.e. best local food spot steps from the trail)
In my opinion, the Bakehouse at Chelsea can’t be beat when it comes to a good treat. If you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, they’ve got you covered from pastries to pizza. (Bakehouse folks if you’re reading this – please bring back the Croinnoli!) When it comes to drinks, though, Cure Coffeehouse is my most frequented stop for a classic iced coffee.
Best view of the Elizabeth River from the trail?
I’ve got to go with Plum Point Park for the versatility – from seeing nature rebound after the marsh restoration and the mink ducking in and out of rocks, to watching the sunset and sailboats or fireworks on the fourth of July, it has it all! Though I do love the detour to the new loop through Lambert’s Point Public Open Space – it’s nice to have some elevation around here!
