The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance will host the first of its River Talks meetings next week to call attention to the health of the Nansemond River.

The event will be held May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Ruritan Club at 8881 Eclipse Drive. It is free and open to the public.

NRPA is working with the CEH Heritage Foundation to present the program that will discuss the health and degradation of the Nansemond River and what the public can do to get involved.

“Our goal is educate and inspire them,” sad Elizabeth Taraski, executive director of NRPA. “An important component of our mission is community education.”

Three key speakers will lead the discussion, including Nick Worth, co-chair of NRPA’s water quality monitoring committee, and Karla Smith and John Wass, co-chairs of NRPA’s education committee.

They will discuss the water quality of the Nansemond, areas of concern, shoreline projects and the river’s upcoming report card, for which NRPA is currently collecting data.

After the speakers, there will be a question-and-answer session.

“The purpose is to share with the public different issues and topics related to the environment and simple tips the public can engage in to be environmental stewards,” Taraski said.

This is the first discussion the group has held, but NRPA wants to have three every year in May, September and January.

The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance started in late 2009 when 14 citizens decided to commit to restoring Suffolk’s waterways. NRPA now has members from 40 families, Taraski said.

Taraski said the group aims to work with other community organizations to educate the public about the Nansemond River’s health.

NRPA is working with the city to place medallions on storm drains in the region to remind citizens anything dumped down the drains empties to the river.

For more information on the River Talks or other NRPA events, contact the group’s office at 745-7447 or email Taraski at etaraski@gmail.com.