DeFord Manor was officially recognized today as a "River Star Home" by the Elizabeth River Project. I am pictured receiving the designation banner from Joshua Harris, President of the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth River Project. River Star homes meet a seven part pledge to keep pollution from entering the Elizabeth River and related waterways. Completed in March, DeFord Manor serves as the on-campus residence for the University president. In keeping with the University's environmental sustainability initiatives, approximately 460 trees, shrubs and plants fill the landscape surrounding DeFord Manor. Nearly a mile of underground stormwater chambers and a bio pond are also a part of the project. DeFord Manor circle and driveway are a "green" driveway. This surface helps control runoff, prevents flooding and replenishes groundwater by allowing water to penetrate through the driveway rather than running off the top. Surface water is absorbed through the permeable driveway material, and the soil below filters the water, preventing chemicals from vehicles and other sources from getting into the ground water or contaminating the water in storm drain systems.
