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March 27 Weed Warriors
Come out to help FOR keep its natural area pristine! FOR has identified over 12 species of invasive plants on its property, and we need volunteer help to keep them at bay. Join us for a morning session of weed management and learn about how to keep our river ecosystems native. 9 am-12 pm. Free
April 3 Spring Wildflower Hike
University of Mary Washington Professor Michael Killian will lead this easy interpretive hike along our trails in the riverside forest buffer. It’s the perfect time of year to catch our local wildflowers in full splendor. You will learn how to identify these little beauties and some of the stories behind their names. 10 am-12 pm. Rain or shine. $5 individual/$15 family
April 14 Get the Dirt Out Training
You can help prevent potential damage to property, public areas, and most importantly, our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn to identify poor erosion and sediment control practices at construction sites, and how to report these deficiencies. Trained volunteers will become local monitors collecting crucial observations, to be used in stopping polluters, and protecting the health of our watershed. 6pm-8:30pm. Call for more information. Free
April 24 Earth Day River Cleanup
Come enjoy a morning beside the Rappahannock while helping to keep it scenic, healthy, and trash free! FOR and Mt.ViewHigh School will host the Spring River Cleanup in conjunction with Earth Day at Old Mill park. Join us as we tidy up the river, and stay for the festivities which will include: live music, great food, guided walks of the park’s natural features, field games, kite flying, nature crafts and more! Pre-registration required for cleanup. Free.
May 13 Annual Meeting
Join us for our annual meeting to celebrate conservation successes, meet new friends, and share homemade fixin's. Please bring a potluck dish to share. 6pm. Rain or shine. Free
June 5-6 Celebrating the RappahannockRiver
Located at OldMillPark. Multiple events include: the 30th Whitewater Mid-Atlantic Canoeing and Kayaking Championships, 4th Annual Rappahannock River Easement Celebration, 4th Annual Paddle for a Cause, and 4th Annual Scout Challenge Race. Contact the American Canoe Association at (540) 907-4460, or the VirginiaOutdoorCenter at (540) 371-5085, for more information.
June 12 Civil War Canoe Float
Park Service Historian Greg Mertz will lead this engaging canoe trip through the history of the Civil War…from the river’s perspective. As you paddle down the river, you will stop at several sites to learn about significant Civil War events. This trip fills up fast, so register early! Bring a bag lunch. Minimum age is 8 yrs. 9 am-4 pm. Backup: June 13 $30 ind./$75 family
June 19 Family River Safety and Tubing Trip
Come learn river safety from Carol Brooks, and then put it into practice while we tube down a section of the Rappahannock. Plan on getting wet and wear shoes that will stay on your feet (no flip-flops). Minimum age is 8 years. 12:30-4:30 pm. Backup: June 20. $15 ind./$45 family
June 20 Lifetime Member & Giving Circle Float
All Lifetime members and Giving Circle Members are invited to join us on this exclusive interpretative paddle. John Tippett will lead the group from Motts Run to FOR through rapids uncovered by the removal of Embrey Dam. Bring a snack. 1pm-5pm. Free to Lifetime Members and Giving Circle Members.
June 26 River Easement Hike and Float
Fredericksburg’s River Steward, Lee Sillitoe, will guide us through a section of the city’s riparian land holdings and discuss the importance of conservation easements and streamside buffer zones. We will canoe from Mott’s Run Landing, and then hike to EnglandRunFalls. Bring a bag lunch. Minimum age 8 years. 9 am-2 pm. Rain or shine. $15 ind./$45 family
July 10 Nighttime Canoe Float
Nighttime is when the river comes alive! Join Bob Sargaent for an enjoyable float in the dark and hopefully spot some wildlife. Meet at the FredericksburgCity Dock. Minimum age is 6 years. 7:30-10:00 pm. Backup: July 11 $15 ind./$45 family
July 18 Lightning Bug Canoe Float
It’s a magical experience to paddle the glassy river under moonlight. Come join guides Michelle Meyer and Bob Sargeant as we learn all about the fireflies that light our way. Minimum age is 6 years. Meet at FredericksburgCity Dock. 7:30–10:00 pm. Backup: July 19. $15 ind./$45 family
August 7 Historic Canal and Lock Tour
Intact remains of the Rappahannock’s 1800’s-era canal system hide undisturbed behind the riverbanks. Dr. William Trout of the Canal Society will lead this interpretive canoe trip exploring these fascinating remains of a bygone era. A FOR classic! Minimum age 8 years. 10am-4pm. Backup: August 8. $30 ind./$75 family
August 14 Sunset Canoe Float
Join guides Michelle Meyer and Bob Sargeant on this dusk float. Hopefully, we will see plenty of wildlife as the nocturnal river habitat awakens! Meet at the City Dock. Minimum age 6 years. 6:30-9:00 pm. Backup: August 15. $15 ind./$45 family
September 18 20th Rappahannock RiverFest
Wine and dine on steamed crabs and BBQ at FOR’s annual gala. Live music, fine food and drinks, and live and silent auctions. Tickets sell out early and are sold ADVANCE ONLY! Call (540) 373-3448 to order tickets, or for more information.
October 8 Volunteer Appreciation Cookout
Every year volunteers donate their time and energy to serving the RappahannockRiver. Join us for a potluck dinner to recognize their achievements. Everyone is welcome. Please register in advance 540-373-3448. Starts at 6 pm. Rain or shine. Free
October 16 Rappahannock Fall Colors Float
There’s nothing like floating our beautiful river when the forests are glowing in Fall colors. Join us for a colorful trip down the Rappahannock. Meet at Fredericksburg City Dock. Bring a bag lunch. Minimum age 6 years. 11 am-2 pm. Backup: October 17. $15 ind./$45 family
October 23 Fall River Cleanup
Join us for a morning of picking up trash along the River and local streams. We will provide supplies, site map, and lunch—be prepared to drive to your site. If you have a truck, please bring it to haul trash! Pre-registration required. Adult supervision of youth under 16 required. Rain or shine. Free
November 6 Fall Birding Hike
University of Mary Washington Biology Professor Dr. Joella Killian will lead this interpretive hike along the river and up the Rappahannock Canal path. Bring binoculars for better viewing of numerous migratory birds and winter residents along the way. 9 am -12 pm. Rain or shine. $5 ind./$15 family
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