Serving each region of the Rappahannock River
This year was a year to remember, but for Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) it will be remembered as a year for growth and expansion. In 2020, we instituted the River Steward program allowing us to increase our ability to advocate, restore and educate across all 2,100...
Rappahannock River Adventures in 2020
At FOR, we believe the Rappahannock River is a treasure to share so everyone can work to help protect it.In 2020, we continued to work with partners to increase public access to the river. Our staff celebrated new public access sites and shared some of the more hidden...
Providing environmental education while supporting teachers and families
In 2020, FOR adjusted our approach to environmental education to support teachers and families. Normally, classrooms of students visit us for field trips at our 17-acre nature preserve for a wide range science and environmental lessons. We also visit classrooms to...
Community helps clean up litter in 2020
This year, people flocked to the river in greater numbers as a way to connect with nature and enjoy time with family and friends. Friends of the Rappahannock organizes river clean ups to reduce the amount of trash harming our streams and wildlife. Most years, we...
Planting trees in 2020
Working with partners and volunteers, we planted a record number of trees and gave away thousands throughout the Rappahannock River watershed. Trees play a vital role in improving water quality by filtering runoff before it flows into our streams and river.
Fracking Ban Passes General Assembly
The Virginia General Assembly banned hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, in the eastern part of the state. This legislation received extensive support and now protects the communities and natural resources of the lower Rappahannock River region from water...
Reflecting on 2020
Advocacy
Campaigning for state scenic river designation on the Lower Rappahannock River
Working towards more public access and river safety along the Rappahannock River
Removed the threat of fracking from the Rappahannock River
Restoration
11,000 bushels of donated and recycled oyster shell were installed on reef restoration projects
38,300 trees planted by FOR, partners and volunteers to create new riparian buffer
11,900 trees given away in ten counties
Education
Supporting teachers by providing professional development, online resources, materials for activities and virtual field trips
Supporting families by hosting pop-up programs, modified summer camp, citizen science activities and materials for “at home” activities
Supporting students by offering outside learning opportunities at homes, in local parks and at FOR
