When we started working on the outdoor set for the Hampton Roads Show at WAVY TV 10, we knew there were three critical elements: the fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, and of course some lighting and landscaping to complete the look. After talking with the producers, though, we decided to surprise them with one more addition...

The space at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is starting to look green - and that's for a good reason! We're using all kinds of greenery, from crab apple trees and more, to make this a welcoming home for our turtle friends, and the space is quickly coming together.

Watch to see how we're using trees, shrubs, greenery, and even crab apple trees to facilitate this new turtle habitat.

Big projects require a lot of material, and this one is no exception. In fact, we are using over one MILLION pounds of material to create the new turtle habitat at the Virginia Zoo, including:
100 tons of gravel
820,000 pounds soil
60,000 pounds of gravel used for bedding
153,000 pounds of boulders...

As we build out the turtle habitat at the Virginia Zoo, we wanted to introduce you to the turtles that will live here! First up is a construction update, and then we get to the main point. Because I don't know that much about turtles, I decided to interview one of the zoo keepers, a turtle specialist, about exactly what we'll need to make this the perfect turtle haven.

In Phase 2 of our Virginia Zoo project in Norfolk, we're working on the intake bay that ultimately becomes the center of this turtle habitat. First, we had to fill up the tank with gravel and soil to make the filtration system work. This gravel - and the wood we installed - will create a more realistic habitat for the turtles.

After the initial clean-out was completed, we started on the next big task: installing the wetland filter with four ponds that lead to an intake bay. This intake bay will be vital, since any debris from the trees and wildlife surrounding the habitat will flow into it, allowing for easy clean-up so the area does not quickly become a mess. The base of this pond area is two different kinds of soil with fabric to help keep everything in place.

Next up, we'll finish the pier and allow the gate to open. Part 3 coming soon, so stay tuned! Watch the video to see our progress and what's coming next.

What's going on at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk? Well, there's always a lot happening...and this time, we have something to do with it! This current space we are working on is the old entrance to the Sea Lion exhibit, which no longer exists. Clearly, the area is overgrown and needs some work, which is where we're stepping in!

Working at the Virginia Zoo is different than in a traditional backyard. We set out to employ a technique called bio mimicry...