Newport News Green Foundation

The Newport News Green Foundation is a conservation nonprofit based in Newport News, Virginia, dedicated to preserving, transforming, and promoting green spaces throughout the city. It was established by resolution of the Newport News City Council in June 1998 and became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization five months later. The foundation was created in response to the city's awareness that urban development had altered its appearance, making it necessary to reintroduce landscaping along urban corridors and preserve green spaces to maintain and enhance quality of life. The foundation's mission is carried out through three main pillars: preserving existing green spaces and tree canopies; transforming and activating green spaces to benefit local communities; and promoting the value of green spaces through education and outreach. Its work contributes to the city's tree canopy, helps manage stormwater runoff, creates community gathering places, and provides equitable access to nature throughout the Peninsula. The foundation also forms partnerships with like-minded groups to educate citizens, promote resiliency, and support complementary projects. Among its notable projects are Chatham Trail, the Hilton Ravine, and the Sarfan Food Forest, which is being developed as the third largest food forest in the United States. The foundation acquired its first property in 2001 and experienced rapid growth between 2001 and 2011, acquiring 19 properties. It continues to manage and activate these spaces, offering rental opportunities and community events. The organization is led by Executive Director Tami Farinholt, who assumed the role in July 2016, and is supported by a staff and board of directors drawn from local institutions and businesses. The foundation engages the public through donations, memberships, and its Adopt a Green Space program, as well as events such as Green Drinks and volunteer cleanups. It has received recognition including a $1,000 Green Grant from Keep Virginia Beautiful in 2025. As a nonprofit, it operates as a private organization reliant on community support and partnerships to fulfill its mission.

The Newport News Green Foundation was established by resolution of the Newport News City Council in June 1998, and became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization five months later. The organization was prompted by the Council's awareness that urban development had changed the appearance of the city to the extent that landscaping needed to be reintroduced along the urban corridors and green spaces needed to be preserved in order to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the city. In 2001, the Green Foundation acquired its first property located at 10184 Jefferson Ave (on the southeast corner of Jefferson Ave and McLawhorne Dr, across from the Midtown Community Center). Between 2001 and 2011, the foundation experienced rapid growth and acquired 19 properties. In 2013, Chatham Trail (401 Chatham Dr.) was renovated to include a walking trail, benches, and a pond. In 2017, the Green Foundation partnered with the Virginia Department of Forestry and local organizations to renovate and enhance green spaces. More recently, the foundation has been developing the Sarfan Food Forest, which is being built as the third largest food forest in the United States. In 2024, VHB partnered with the foundation to refine and advance the conceptual site plan for the food forest, seeking site plan approval in Newport News. In 2025, the foundation was awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful's 15th Annual Green Grants program. The foundation continues to manage and activate its green spaces, offering community events, volunteer opportunities, and rental spaces.

• Established by resolution of the Newport News City Council

• Became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

• Acquired first property at 10184 Jefferson Ave

• Experienced rapid growth and acquired 19 properties

• Chatham Trail renovated to include a walking trail, benches, and a pond

• Partnered with Virginia Department of Forestry and local organizations to renovate green spaces

• VHB partnering to refine site plan for Sarfan Food Forest

• Awarded $1,000 Green Grant by Keep Virginia Beautiful

Nonprofit dedicated to the creation and preservation of green space throughout the city of Newport News, VA.

• Chatham Trail

  A green space with a walking trail, benches, and a pond, renovated in 2013.

• Hilton Ravine

  A preserved green space in Newport News.

• Sarfan Food Forest

  Being developed as the third largest food forest in the United States.

1. 1Official Website Homepagenngreen.com
2. 2Our Storynngreen.com
3. 3Newsnngreen.com
4. 4Staff and Boardnngreen.com
5. 5Wikidatawikidata.org