ERT: A Highlight of the Chesapeake and Hampton Roads Region
Students, host families, and managers of the local American Exchange Project group from Oscar F Smith High School in Chesapeake visited the Elizabeth River Trail along the ERT-Fort Norfolk section this past month.
The American Exchange Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit domestic intercultural exchange program defined by adventure, connection, and hometown pride. Over two weeks in the summer, recently graduated high school seniors from across the country embarked on an adventure that helps them discover a new American town and rediscover their own. Oscar F Smith’s Exchange Manager, Cristina Foss, was in charge of coordinating fun activities that showcased the uniqueness of the Hampton Roads & coastal Virginia region. She believed the ERT to be one of the highlights that showcases the very best of their community. On top of the ERT, the students also enjoyed visiting multiple locations in the region such as the Naval Station and the Chesapeake Bay beaches on the Eastern Shore.
Invited to join this group outing was William, a passionate trail user and trailside resident who is a member of the UPenn alumni chapter here in Norfolk. William provided insight to students as to why Norfolk’s location and great amenities, like the ERT, keeps him staying in the area in his postgraduate stage of life. A lot of these high school graduates, mostly from the west coast, are exploring worlds outside of their usual realm.
As part of their visit, the students took part in a litter cleanup service project and did some trail exploration. The students’ litter trek included a sweep of treasured Plum Point Park and a quick clean of a popular trail amenity: the ERT Fitness Course. Students were seen admiring the riverfront views of Norfolk’s working waterfront, taking photos of themselves along Plum Point Park’s coastline, and also taking a few turns working through the obstacles of the Fitness Course before they headed out for lunch at Torch Bistro in the Chelsea Business District.