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2011 Winter newsletter

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News and Information from Friends of the Rappahannock's river protection work
11
Newsletter of the Friends of the Rappahannock Advocacy · Restoration · Education River Views Volume 18 Issue 4 Winter 2011 Inside This Issue Cover Story: First Tidal Clean Up Director’s Notes Sponsor Spotlight: REI Tidal Community Event Americorps Update Offshore Wind Education Update Riverfest FOR in Action Membership Survey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1 Editor Collette Caprara Newsletter Layout Lauren Thompson First Tidal River Clean-up By Lowery Pemberton, Americorps VISTA, Tidal Rappahannock Stewardship Coordinator River clean-ups get friends and families out along the Rappahannock. The community comes together to help keep our river scenic, healthy, and trash-free. One of the main objectives of the Tidal Rappahannock branch of FOR is to elicit community participation by hosting such events as clean-ups where people can be in the water or on land. For the tidal region, community involvement and commitment is very important, given that most of the waterfront property there is privately owned. Our very first Tidal Area Clean-up on September 10 involved outreach to schools and marinas along the river and residents of a small local community. Following tropical storm Lee and hurricane Irene, the first Tidal Clean- up could not have come at a better time. With rain averaging 16 inches in 24 hours, trash and debris were everywhere. Although many people worked throughout the week to clean up debris in their own yards, individuals still took the time to volunteer to help the community recover from those disasters. A total of 35 volunteers came together from Christchurch School, St. Margaret’s School, June Parker (Continued on page 4) Rappahannock Legacy Society Benefits include: Invitations to exclusive FOR events Name engraved on Stepping Stones in the Legacy native plant Garden Legacy Society Events (i.e. Breakfast by the River) FOR signed Legacy Society Member certificate Framed Picture of the Rappahannock River and... A clean and healthy river Interested in learning more about the Rappahannock Legacy Society? Contact Rebecca Kurylo at (540)373-3448 x113 Rebecca.kurylo@riverfriends Northern Neck Youth participate in first FOR Tidal Clean Up. St. Margaret Students clean up the Rappahannock River from kayaks. FOR worked with local marinas to clean the tidal Rappahan-
Transcript
Page 1: 2011 Winter newsletter

Newsletter of the Friends of the Rappahannock Advocacy · Restoration · Education

River Views

Volume 18 Issue 4 Winter 2011

Inside This Issue Cover Story: First Tidal Clean Up Director’s Notes Sponsor Spotlight: REI Tidal Community Event Americorps Update Offshore Wind Education Update Riverfest FOR in Action Membership Survey

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1

Editor Collette Caprara Newsletter Layout Lauren Thompson

First Tidal River Clean-up By Lowery Pemberton, Americorps VISTA, Tidal Rappahannock Stewardship Coordinator

River clean-ups get friends and families out along the Rappahannock. The community comes together to help keep our river scenic, healthy, and trash-free.

One of the main objectives of the Tidal Rappahannock branch of FOR is to elicit community participation by hosting such events as clean-ups where people can be in the water or on land. For the tidal region, community involvement and commitment is very important, given that most of the waterfront property there is privately owned. Our very first Tidal Area Clean-up on September 10 involved outreach to schools and marinas along the river and residents of a small local community.

Following tropical storm Lee and hurricane Irene, the first Tidal Clean-up could not have come at a better time. With rain averaging 16 inches in 24 hours, trash and debris were everywhere. Although many people worked throughout the week to clean up debris in their own yards, individuals still took the time to volunteer to help the community recover from those disasters.

A total of 35 volunteers came together from Christchurch School, St. Margaret’s School, June Parker

(Continued on page 4)

Rappahannock Legacy Society Benefits include:

♦ Invitations to exclusive FOR events ♦ Name engraved on Stepping

Stones in the Legacy native plant Garden

♦ Legacy Society Events (i.e. Breakfast by the River)

♦ FOR signed Legacy Society Member certificate

♦ Framed Picture of the Rappahannock River

♦ and... A clean and healthy river

Interested in learning more about the Rappahannock Legacy Society?

Contact Rebecca Kurylo at (540)373-3448 x113

Rebecca.kurylo@riverfriends

Northern Neck Youth participate in first FOR Tidal Clean Up.

St. Margaret Students clean up the Rappahannock River from kayaks.

FOR worked with local marinas to clean the tidal Rappahan-

Page 2: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 2 River Views

Director’s Notes John Tippett, Executive Director

The Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) Executive Committee voted Tuesday, September 6 to join a lawsuit seeking to challenge the issuance of a special exception permit for sand and gravel mining on Black Marsh Farm, located on the banks of the Rappahannock in Caroline County. It is the great preference of FOR not to become involved in lawsuits, but rather to engage constructively and pro-actively with landowners, businesses, and governments to protect the region’s greatest natural resource: the river. In this instance, however, the prospect of an industrial operation directly on the banks of the river was counter to the mission of FOR “to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River.” More specifically, we have a long standing position opposing the “industrialization of the river corridor”, meaning the riverfront and the area immediately adjacent to the river. We want to clarify exactly what we are opposing, what we are not opposing, and what we support. FOR is fully aware of the importance of mined natural resources to our way of life. The streets we ride on, the sidewalks we walk on, the foundations of the houses we live in, all contain sand and gravel. FOR does not oppose sand and gravel mining as long as appropriate safeguards are used, and as long as it is done in a location that is not environmentally or scenically sensitive. The company proposing to do the mining at Black Marsh has a track record of environmentally responsible operations. However, we must disagree when it comes to the location of this project, that industrializes a scenic riverfront peninsula known as “Skinker’s Neck” . Of equal concern to us is the precedent this would set for 1) more riverfront mines in Caroline County, and 2) the use of extremely large barges in a reach of the river that is literally as narrow as the barges are long. A series of such mines down the Caroline riverfront poses issues of scenic impairment, recreational impairment, commercial fisherman impacts, and increased potential for water quality impacts. FOR also recognizes the importance of landowner rights. They are the cornerstone of our free market economy and free society. Individual landowner decisions to place land in conservation easements is one of the many means by which FOR works to protect the river. FOR actively pursues refinement of zoning laws that clearly support landowners in their use of their property, as long as those uses are consistent with the protection of our shared resources, in particular, the river. FOR is not necessarily against special exception permits. In zoning law, special exceptions are the means by which governments and the public can add their voice to landowner decisions about land use, a forum in which conditions can be added that protect neighbors and shared assets. However, it should be noted that a special exception is not a use envisioned by the County as “by right”, nor is it one of the many “special uses” that are defined in the code as potentially compatible. Special exceptions are meant to be a very high bar to cross. The owner bought this land knowing that mining was neither a “by-right use” nor a “special use”. FOR strongly supports river stewardship: the thoughtful combination of preservation and utilization of natural resources in and around the river. Communities with a “steward’s” relationship with their resources have a sense of “ownership” that informs their choices in a way that protects their resources for tomorrow. Land can be farmed, fish can be caught, minerals can be mined, animals and fowl can be taken, as long as these activities are done with appropriate regard for the environment, and particularly, for a healthy and scenic river. In our lawsuit regarding the proposed Black Marsh mine, we seek to avoid a future where the scenic Rappahannock becomes, little by little, an industrialized corridor. Industrialization of this narrow "protective skin" of the river runs contrary to maintaining a healthy and scenic river for those that come after us. Therefore, our mission compels us to stand up and take action against it. Having exhausted all other remedies available through the public participation process, we have opted, with great deliberation, to utilize legal tools for the first time in our 26-year history. We wish to emphasize that our concern is based on the mine’s location, not on mining itself. Not only is the mine on the riverfront, it is in fact on a peninsula bounded on two sides by river and one side by sensitive wetlands. If this proposal was to mine a gravel deposit not located immediately on the river, we would likely have viewed it much differently. Indeed, we took no such action against other nearby sand and gravel mines that are located well off of the riverfront. Those mines confirm that the meandering of the river throughout the Rappahannock valley has supplied the area with widely dispersed sand and gravel deposits that are not located immediately adjacent to the current river front. Protecting a natural riverfront corridor does not have to be at odds with obtaining the natural resources that are necessary for modern life. These resources are abundantly available elsewhere, even nearby, without impinging on the Scenic Rappahannock that gives so generously to us all, yet lacks a voice of its own.

John Tippett is executive director and John Wack is an executive committee member of Friends of the Rappahannock

Page 3: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 3 River Views

Spotlight on Supporters: REI grant $15k in support of FOR’s “Rappahannock Restore Corps” and Tidal Rappahannock Stewardship Projects

– An interview with Rhonda Krafchin, Outreach Specialist, Fairfax REI – How does REI view its environmental impacts and what actions are you taking? Environmental stewardship is core to REI’s purpose. We work at the store-level and beyond to ensure that future generations have a connection to the natural spaces we all enjoy. Through volunteerism, education and community partnerships, REI helps inspire stewardship within the local communities. We also use our business to find innovative solutions to some of society's most pressing challenges by operating our business with a sustainable approach. Some key areas we focus on include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste & optimizing recycling, green building & product stewardship and sustainable paper usage & forestry. Our annual stewardship report (www.rei.com/stewardship) is our commitment to transparently report how we address our operational environmental impact, protect outdoor spaces and provide and inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Why does REI sponsor FOR programs? REI is more than great gear and we are committed to reducing our impact from top to bottom, from our business practices to our product. REI's core mission is to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. In 2011, we will donate over 4.2 million dollars to non-profits across the country that work to preserve and maintain natural spaces through active volunteer programs. Working with land managers and non-profits, we also recruit thousands of volunteers each year to care for trails, waterways and open spaces. By supporting community partners such as FOR, who connect people to the outdoors, REI is helping protect the natural places we love. What was your most recent activity on the Rappahannock? I haven’t been on the Rappahannock ever! I did a river cleanup last year with FOR, and we picked up trash along a side street and side creek. When’s the next paddling trip? : ) As an appreciation to you and REI for your generous financial, in-kind and volunteer support of our river protection programs, we would like to take you and your employees for a paddle down the river! You can have a look first hand at the programs you are supporting. The Rappahannock Restore Corps will be conducting cleanups, stream bank restorations & tree plantings, invasive plant removal, citizen water quality monitoring and expanding these programs downstream into the tidal region. THANK YOU Richmond and Fairfax REI!

REI Outreach Specialist, Rhonda Krafchin and FOR

Executive Director, John Tippette at Riverfest..

Community Events that Make a Difference by Lowery Pemberton, Americorps VISTA, Tidal Rappahannock Stewardship Coordinator

Wine on the Water/ Art in the Park is a new event in the small town of Tappahannock created a lot of interest this summer. The event not only provided a great time for members of the community on a Friday night, but also generated proceeds for the benefit of the community. Friends of the Rappahannock gave a presentation of its programs at the event and donated a rain barrel to the Tappahannock Artists’ Guild, which was decorated by the talented local painter, Bob Carter, and displayed at the festival. It drew a lot of attention from the crowd and was a great conversation starter for both FOR and TAG. The rain barrel was then auctioned off at the September event and raised $300 for the Tappahannock Artists’ Guild! My role as FOR's tidal Rappahanock stewardship coordinator does not only entail going out on the water to protect the river but also conducting outreach to the public to inform them of ways that they can make a difference in the health of our rivers. The relationships formed with local organizations at the Tappahannock festival will continue to grow.

Local Tappahannock Artist, Bob Carter

Page 4: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 4 River Views

Friends of the Rappahannock Christens

Tidal Rappahannock River Steward Boat

Boat rides were given to all interested parties at a christening ceremony for the new River Steward Boat. The Rotary Foundation is well known as supporting water projects in developing countries. However, the Rappahannock Rotary wanted to also do their part locally. The Rappahannock Rotary donated $15,000 to support the Friends of the Rappahannock and their river protection program. The christening ceremony was held on Wednesday Nov 9th at 7:00AM at City Dock in Fredericksburg, Va. Friends of the Rappahannock and members from the Rappahannock Rotary poured a bottle of Rappahannock Headwaters water over the bow. Everything we do on the land from the headwaters down affects the river all the way to the bay. The Tidal Rappahannock River Steward will use the boat to lead projects throughout the tidal Rappahannock River region. Conducting water quality analysis and educational outreach throughout the Northern Neck.

Marina, and the Simonson Community. Together, volunteers at the four locations collected over 700 pounds of trash that included many food wrappers, a car tire, and even a tractor tire. Residents of the tidal region respect and cherish the Rappahannock River as well as a strong sense of community. Working together we can make our river more healthy and scenic for all to enjoy. One day we will reach our goal of cleaning the entire river edge, from headwaters to the mouth. River clean-ups in both Fredericksburg and along the tidal area of the river are being planned . We hope to make a big splash in the spring and start the summer off right! The fall clean-up was an important step toward our long-term goal!

by Lowery Pemberton, Americorps VISTA, Tidal Rappahannock Stewardship Coordinator

(Continued from page 1- Tidal River Clean Up)

Page 5: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 5 River Views

Sincere Thanks and Farewell to Three Outstanding Volunteers!

With the changing of seasons comes the close of service terms for a few Friends of the Rappahannock AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Starting together in August 2010, Ren Druash and Cate Huxtable were a team, making a positive impact on Friends of the Rappahannock’s stewardship and volunteer programs. Lauren Thompson followed in their footsteps joining Friends of the Rappahannock in November.

Ren Druash served as FOR’s stewardship coordinator. She served the Rappahannock by applying her knowledge of soil conditions and native plants to improve

plantings along the Rappahannock. Friends of the Rappahannock planted buffer trees with the help of community volunteers in 2010. Ren will continue to work outdoors as an Outdoor Adventure Programmer with Nature Zone in Lynchburg, Virginia. Cate Huxtable revved up community volunteers during her AmeriCorps service as Friends of the Rappahannock’s Volunteer Coordinator. As a Fredericksburg native, she used her knowledge of the area to reach out to the community to get volunteers

involved at FOR. Cate’s hard work for the river earned her a job as the American Canoe Associations Stewardship Coordinator. Lauren Thompson worked to create lasting connections with current and future FOR members. She increased the number, locations, and attendance of FOR's outreach events and lent her voice for the river by speaking on its behalf. Lauren will continue to speak about natural waters as a teacher.

 

Friends  of  the  Rappahannock  relies  on  the  hard  work  of  their  AmeriCorps volunteers.  These  young  professionals  receive  on‐the‐job  training,  an experience that,  in return,  prepares them for future career paths.   When you donate  to Friends of  the Rappahannock you are not only supporting our  river protection  and  preservation  programs  but  also  the  career  development  of future river stewards. 

Welcome New AmeriCorps Volunteer Sarah Hagan!

Sarah, who will be serving as a volunteer coordinator, was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia along the James River. She is a recent graduate from the University of Mary Washington, where she majored in Biology.

Her enthusiasm for the environment began early in life and she is so excited to be a part of FOR. Sarah is looking forward to working with the already dedicated pool of volunteers and is hoping to spark interest to expand community involvement in maintaining the health of their river. Next year, she plans to continue her education in graduate school by studying Forestry and Environmental Management.

Page 6: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 6 River Views

Offshore Wind—Promise and Pitfalls

by Aimee Delach, Senior Program Associate at Friends of Wildlife

As the U.S. strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its dependence on foreign energy, attention has turned toward wind energy as a potential source of electricity and even – contingent on the widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid vehicles—as a source of energy for transportation. In 2008, the Department of Energy published a theoretical roadmap for achieving a goal of having the U.S. getting 20% of its electricity from wind by 2030. This report found that to achieve this goal, wind energy production would have to increase from its current level of about 40 gigawatts (GW) nationwide, up to 300GW, and suggested that about 54GW of that would come from offshore wind.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory then set out to figure out just how much potential there was for wind energy off the shores of the United States. The answer was, to put it simply: there is a lot. Virginia alone, with its relatively short coastline, has the potential to provide more than 94 GW – twice the target identified in the “20% By 2030” report. The offshore wind potential of the entire U.S. is staggering--4,150GW (more than twice the entire projected electricity demand). Thus, development of less than 2% of the total potential would put the U.S. well above the recommended 54GW. Moreover, the Internet company Google is planning to invest $200 million in a transmission backbone for Atlantic offshore wind, increasing the feasibility of being able to get the electricity to the millions of customers in the eastern United States.

That’s the potential of offshore wind energy. Unfortunately, there are also pitfalls. The challenge of climate change is pressing, but there are additional considerations involved in the proper siting and operation of wind facilities. The nation’s lengthier experience with land-based wind facilities has shown that there are numerous potential obstacles and impacts that must be taken into account including the necessity of maintaining buffer zones around airports and radar installations, figuring out how to integrate an inherently intermittent energy supply into the grid, and reducing impacts to wildlife and habitat (particularly for birds and bats that can collide with the structures and for prairie-dwelling species for whom tall structures on the landscape constitute a major habitat disturbance). Some projects have also faced local opposition with regard to the appearance or noise of the turbines.

Offshore windpower faces its own set of challenges, some of which are parallel to those of onshore projects and others that are entirely unique. For instance, much less is known about the movement of birds (and bats) over water and how they utilize the airspace in both day and night. On land, researchers have learned much by monitoring sites of wind projects for bird and bat fatalities, but this would be nearly impossible over water. Efforts are underway by the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture and others to map bird movements, areas of concentration, and the potential impacts of wind turbines on marine birds.

In addition, the very act of building in a marine environment brings its own challenges. Some of these are engineering such as determining how to build and anchor a turbine that will function reliably in difficult conditions of waves, storms, and corrosive salt water. Another challenge would be to avoid interference with both submerged obstacles, shipping lanes, military activities, and recreational and commercial boating and fishing. Furthermore, little is known about whether the turbines themselves will have impacts on bottom-dwelling communities, fish, or marine mammals. In addition, as is evidenced in the ongoing saga of the Cape Wind project off the coast of Nantucket (which initially applied for a federal permit in 2001 and received it in 2010, and still faces a potential lawsuit from opponents) any new idea tends to elicit a bevy of questions and opposition that must be overcome.

Page 7: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 7 River Views

FOR’s Education Programs Update by Daria Blom, FOR Education Director

School is back in session, which means our Fall field trip season is in full swing! With more than 2,500 students registered to attend field trips this fall, we certainly will be making use of our new education shelter. Many thanks go to Bob and Zac Doniel and all the Dominion volunteers who built our beautiful new outdoor classroom! Many local children will have an opportunity to participate in FOR’s new expanded field trips this autumn through the generous support from the Ukrop’s Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region in recognition of the Union First Market Bank and its commitment to our community. In addition, FOR has a new partner in education! This school year, we will be working with the King George Middle School Ecology Club, with a special focus on watersheds—particularly, that of the Rappahannock River. FOR education staff, teacher sponsor Robin Anderson, and 4-H technician Teri Misch will join forces to provide bi-monthly educational and outreach programs for the Club. This program is supported by a generous grant from the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region’s Community Enrichment Fund.

Eagle Scout, Zac Doniel and Dad, Bob Doniel

A sincere thanks go to all our community partners for

their support for and investment in our river and

our children’s future!

Weather Cooperates to Make FOR's 2011 Riverfest a Great Success by Janet Wright, FOR Volunteer of the Year

Friends of the Rappahannock Riverfest 2011 was scarcely wet, acceptably wild, and totally wonderful.

Energetic crews of faithful volunteers, donning "wellies" and rain jackets, were undaunted by a significant wetness factor as they swarmed the grounds around the landmark yellow barn to set the stage for the riverfest revelry. Soon, the crabs and bar-b-ques were rolling in, along with the beer truck and bars and the bands were setting up. Folks from Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties gathered to greet friends, swap stories, and listen to great local musicians over bountiful plates of food.

Auction items donated by river fans throughout the community were enticingly displayed in the silent auction and excitement mounted in the live

auction where items ranged from nature adventures to one-of a kind items. As with previous Riverfests, the real power behind this successful festival was a "renewable energy source" that combined with the efforts of the staff of Friends of the Rappahannock--the generosity of families and businesses throughout the community who served as sponsors, volunteers, and donors.

Proceeds from Riverfest will make it possible for FOR to continue to serve as the river's voice through its efforts to protect and preserve our treasured resource as well as through its expanded educational outreach. Each year, thousands of local children have the opportunity to explore river’s banks, examine critters in and out of the water, learn how they can help to sustain the Rappahannock's ecosystem, and learn how they can have FUN safely in the water. In addition, hundreds of homeowners, farmers, businessmen and others are introduced to ways that they can help to keep sediment and contaminants out of the waterway and other ways they can promote the health of the river. As restoration and preservation projects continue along the river, the delicate ecological balance of Chesapeake Bay, is likewise protected--for the benefit of all. After all, we want to "Save the Crabs--So We Can Eat Them" again next year while enjoying the incredible hospitality of the Taylor’s at their beautiful homestead - Farley Vale Farm.

Page 8: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 8 River Views

FOR in ACTION! FOR and Habitat for Humanity are currently working on TWO homesites where FOR will provide runoff infiltration retrofits as part of our new Mobile Rainscape Retrofits program, funded through Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

FOR provided presentations on the health of the river and how citizens can help reduce dead zones at the Spotsylvania Roundtable (Chamber of Commerce), the Lion's Club and Rappahannock Rotary.

This years Riverfest was a nearly sold out event! The fund-a-intern program raised $10k to support Americorps volunteers at FOR, the raffle raised $1,500 and the auction raised 18k. Thank you for

your support of a healthy and scenic Rapphannock! Stay tuned for the final funds raised!

Two new Americorps will be joining us in November. Hanna Von Oeyen will take over as Stewardship Coordinator and Racheal Poore become our new Membership and outreach Coordinator.

FOR would like to thank all our supporters in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Campaign - YOU helped FOR receive enough Facebook votes for Toyota to donate a BRAND NEW TOYOTA HYBRID to us. This fuel efficient vehicle will help us continue to reach folks throughout the entire watershed; from the farmers along the

headwaters to the crabbers near the Bay. Thank you!

City of Fred. Public Schools receive support for outdoor environmental

education programs that reach students during school through

field trips, during breaks from school with special summer and

spring break programs, and after school at community-based after school care sites. Thanks to a generous

contribution from a local foundation all of these programs are offered free of charge to the students.

City of Fred. Parks and Rec. and FOR are partnering to provide all of these programs.

University of Mary Washington students earn college credit

through an internship with FOR. Interns will provide environmental education to Title 1 schools in our

region.

We wish a fond but bittersweet farewell to our

Asstistant Director, Jennifer Allen. She has been an

instrumental part of our capacity building success over

the past five years. The rushing waters of the Rappahannock

are whispering nature's Thank You to Jenn for her leadership and the legacy she left here at

FOR.

Joining us as our new Program's Manager is Chip Rice, formerly with the Virginia Department of Conservation

and Recreation and a veteran of all things "watershed" in Virginia. Chip starts on October 11 and will be managing

many of Jenn's former projects. He will be focussed on expanding our restoration programs in the headwaters.

Become our Friend on Facebook and stay up to date with all FOR news and events!

Page 9: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 9 River Views

.

Office Work and Data Entry – Assist with essential office tasks and database input of volunteer and member information. Grounds Maintenance – Help with upkeep of FOR’s 12 acre grounds and building maintenance are a constant need! This is a perfect job for those who like to be outside working with their hands. Outreach - Help share FOR's mission and many programs by representing us at outreach events. This is the perfect volunteer opportunity for someone who is passionate, engaging, and likes to interact with the public! Rappahannock Restore Corps - Join our restoration efforts by helping to plant trees, removing invasive species with Weed Warriors, organizing a river clean up with friends, or helping to lead a rain barrel building workshop! Interpretive Trip Guide – Our interpretive trips are one of the best ways to introduce people to the river and motivate involvement in river advocacy and restoration. Each year, our Calendar of Events highlights interpretive trips on the Rappahannock, including hikes, floats, tubing trips, and more. If you have knowledge, experience and/or interest in assisting on some of our trips, contact us today!

Want to have a larger role in FOR? Volunteer Today!

Interested in volunteering? Contact Sarah Hagan

(540)373-3448 x117

[email protected]

Friends of the Rappahannock River Float!

FOR Community Outreach event creating rain barrel conservation art!

Volunteers help FOR stay an active non-profit!

Page 10: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 10 River Views

Welcome to our New Members!

A heartfelt Thanks goes to all those who have helped FOR continue its efforts to protect and preserve our river!

Office Work: Janet Wright, Emily Deschambault, Hannah von Oeyen, Brittany Combs, Tim Hogan, and Matt Schoen Outreach: UMW’s Circle K Club, Shannon Hauser, Janet Wright, and Scott Virden Website: Brendan Downey Education: Jessica Trask Grounds: Mike Blashford, Bob Sargeant, and Jacob Bickers and Boy Scout Troop 1422 Weed Warriors: Jackie Nelson, Karen Nagy, Glenn Andrews, and Robbie Andrews Tidal River Cleanup: Christchurch School, St. Margaret’s School, Carol Brooks, and Abigail Clark, June Parker Marina and Simonson Community RiverFest: There are so many people who make this event a success, too many to name. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made RiverFest 2011 an amazing event! Fall River Cleanup: Nick Martino and the Mountain View High School Learn and Serve Students, Cynthia Lucero-Chavez, our sponsor ComCast, City of Fredericksburg Parks and Rec, Stafford R-Board, and all the wonderful volunteers who came out to clean up the river! Interpretive Trips: Special thanks to Bill Micks and staff at the Virginia Outdoors Center for donating all boats and assisting with trip logistics. Fall Colors Float: Brian Gudmundsson and Dave Pierron. Fall Birding Hike: Joella Killian. FOR Board: Kandy Hilliard, Richmond McDaniel, Matthew Bushman, Ken Machande, Lloyd B Harrison III, John Moen, Wayland Marks, John Mitchell, Jamie Grebosky, Mike Fray, Rebecca Hanmer, Linda Dort, John Monroe Wack Jr, Collette Caprara, Laura Niewold, and Kim Weakley

FOR's gratitude also goes to Zac Doniel, Bob Doniel, Boy Scout Troop 21 (with special thanks to Mike and Sean Bruffey), Dominion Virginia Power, Craftstar Homes, Lowes Commercial, Team Fishel Utility Contractor, Atlas Environmental

Services, Asplundh Tree Experts, and to Penn Line Tree Experts for their amazing work on our brand new Micks Education Shelter. A big thank you also goes to Lowes for generous donation of materials and workers to create a new shed

at FOR!

Lifetime River Steward The Pemberton Family  The Beam Family

Jon VanZandt  Indvidual Family Bonnie Sechrist 

The Krizov Family  Brian Wooddell The Jacoby Family  Bryan Difrancesco The Embrey Family  Charles V Latimer The Metzgar Family  Charles Wise The Snead Family  Christian "Steve" Allen The Drumm Family  Christina Stephens The Alexander Family  Don Shelton The Potterton Family  Linda Coker The Holtzman Family  Scott McDermott The Boyd Family  Kathryn F Hopper The Packett Family  Adam Letcher The Barnum Family  Terri Mosey The Terhune Family  Margaret Gallagher The McCash Family  Lisa E Tuttle The Spruill Family  Pamela M. Lane The Zubick Family  Elena Prokos The Lovitt Family  Richard M Stott 

Page 11: 2011 Winter newsletter

Winter 2011 11 River Views

Not a member yet? Join Friends of the Rappahannock!Not a member yet? Join Friends of the Rappahannock!Not a member yet? Join Friends of the Rappahannock!

Membership Survey

Please make your check payable to Friends of the Rappahannock. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Maintaining the water quality and scenic beauty of the

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Thank you for taking the time to fill out this quick member survey. We want to be responsive to your interest. How long have you been a member of FOR? Less than 1 year 1-3 years +3years What made you join FOR? What events or programs do you enjoy participating in? Education Programs: Liveable Neighborhood Workshops or Rain Barrel Building Interpretive Field Trips (Canoeing, Hiking, Kayaking) Restoration Projects: River Clean-ups, tree plantings, stream bank restorations School Field Trips or Summer Camps for Children Volunteer Opportunities

Would you Participate in Member only Events or programs?

Yes No

What type of events would you like to attend?

Education Programs: Liveable Neighborhood Workshops or Rain Barrel Building

Interpretive Field Trips (Canoeing, Hiking, Kayaking) Restoration Projects: River Clean-ups, tree plantings,

stream bank restorations School Field Trips or Summer Camps for Children Volunteer Opportunities

Other Ideas:


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