What does it mean to build green infrastructure?  

How is climate change impacting the Chesapeake Bay? 

What can residents of Hampton Roads do to lower pollution?

Those are among the questions the Chesapeake Bay Foundation hopes to help answer in an upcoming five-week advocacy course for adults.

It’s designed to teach current or potential volunteers about environmental issues through the lens of the bay, said Lisa Renee Jennings, the foundation’s Hampton Roads grassroots coordinator.

The nonprofit started hosting the courses about two decades ago, in different areas around the state each time.

But the topics have changed a little over time.

Climate change is more of a focus now, for example, Jennings said, as well as increasingly discussing environmental justice and the effects of urban agriculture.

Participants will also learn about bay science, fisheries and oyster restoration.

Jennings said previous students have gone on to speak about these issues in Richmond and start their own eco-businesses.

“Giving them those tools to be better volunteers, better advocates is obviously extremely important to us,” Jennings said. “And the more people that can speak up for clean water, the better outcomes we have for the bay.”

The foundation asks participants to do 20 hours of bay-related community service. They’re then given the title of a “Chesapeake Steward.”

The course will be held in downtown Hampton for five consecutive Tuesdays starting next week. 

Those interested can register at http://www.cbf.org/HRvoices.

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