CONSERVING AND PROTECTING THE APPOMATTOX RIVER FOR ALL TO ENJOY      

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July 2020


ALONG THE RIVER WITH FOLAR
New Trail in Colonial Heights
Finishing touches are being completed on the Phase IV section of the Appomattox River Trail in Colonial Heights. This section adds 2,100 feet to the trail west from the Boulevard Route 1 Bridge. The Trailhead access is at Roslyn Landing Park or Appamattuck Park. The official opening of the new section will be announced soon. 
Find other Trailhead locations of the developing Appomattox River Trail.
2020 FOLAR Scholarship Recipients
Rana Ritchie
Alexandria Johnson
FOLAR is proud to partner with the John Randolph Foundation to offer the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River Environmental Stewardship Scholarship for students attending local high schools. The 2020 recipients are Alexandria Johnson, a graduate of Prince George County High School who will attend Virginia Tech majoring in General Engineering and Rana Ritchie, a graduate of Thomas Dale High School in Chesterfield County who will be attending the University of Virginia majoring in human Biology. Congratulations to these two very deserving scholars!  The FOLAR Environmental Stewardship Scholarship was created through the generous initiating sponsorship of the Victor and Reiko Liu charitable fund.  
Your donation will empower FOLAR to continuously award this scholarship to students who have a passion for environmental stewardship and support the next generation of environmental professionals. 
Business Donates Cleaning  
FOLAR recently partnered with local Petersburg  business, Budz with Sudz, and the City of Petersburg to remove graffiti from structures along the Appomattox River Trail. Owner/operator, David Leming, worked over several days to return the structures to their original beauty. This effort kicks-off the FOLAR Community Cares monitoring project.   Your DONATION helps FOLAR purchase the environmentally safe supplies necessary to continue this program through the year. 
Governor Proclaims June as Scenic Rivers Month 
The proclamation highlights the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program and the importance of rivers to nature, the economy and people's well-being.  It also celebrates the designation of six new state scenic rivers effective July 1.  "As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the scenic rivers program, we are reminded of the irreplaceable ecology, history and recreational opportunities along Virginia's waterways," Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler said. "Through Governor Northam's ConserveVirginia initiative, we are working to protect scenic viewsheds, watersheds and the rivers themselves, because we know that healthy ecosystems support healthy communities and local economies."
Less than 2% of nearly 50,000 river miles in Virginia are designated as state scenic rivers, the lower Appomattox River is a designated Scenic River. The designation is achieved through a legislative process that begins at the local level.
Last Days to Participate in the FOLAR Blueway Survey
Help provide FOLAR with information that will be used to inform the development of a lower Appomattox River Water Trail Master Plan (or blueway master plan) that will address amenities and signage needed to improve paddler experiences on the river.  This project will complement the Appomattox River Trail Master Plan, completed by FOLAR in 2017 through funding from The Cameron Foundation. .
Click here to TAKE THE SURVEY Now! 
SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT
ConnectRVA 2045 is the long range plan to guide the Richmond region's transportation investments over the next 20 years to support the mobility needs of our community and its future growth. Use our Needs Assessment map to help us to identify problems or issues that you experience when trying to move throughout the region (by transit, car, bike or on foot). To add issues to the map, click on "Corridors" or "Nodes" at the top of the screen, select a category, and place your dot or line on the map. Nodes generally represent intersections or places; corridors are extended sections of road.
INCREASING FOLAR IMPACT
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Meet New FOLAR Board Member Karen Epps
We're excited to welcome Karen Epps to the FOLAR Board of Directors as the appointed member from Colonial Heights. Karen is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Colonial Heights and has served in that position since 2014. Karen has been a strong advocate for trails, greenspace, and river activities as vital economic drivers and tourism assets.


FOLAR's Heather Barrar is presenting
with Peter Krebs from the Piedmont Environmental Council on "Overcoming Barriers to Connectivity through Collaborative Action" at the Greenways & Trails Track of Land Conservation & Greenways Conference, July 21.  Keynote Speakers are Chuck Flink, "The Greenway Imperative", and Nathan Burrell, "Connectivity, Equity, and Access".
Volunteers  have been the strength of FOLAR throughout our 20 year history delivering amazing results all along the Lower Appomattox River. From building trails, to river clean-ups, to delivering special events for enjoying the river, our volunteers embody the dedication, enthusiasm and care for our environment.  Learn how you can get involved!
With the help of our supporters and partners we are making progress in improving the health of the river. Your support has enabled FOLAR to make a difference by organizing conservation efforts; developing park, trail, and water access; and delivering environmental stewardship programs that engage individuals, schools, communities, and businesses to work side by side.
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Thank you to our many sponsors who help support   FOLAR's work!
STAY CONNECTED to FOLAR. Add us to your Social Network

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FOLAR on Facebook where we have more than1,600 friends

 

Twitter at @FOLARVA Jump in and share your love of the Lower Appomattox River!

 

FOLARVA on Instagram  Share all of your beautiful river and related nature photos

FOLAR Linkedin  Updates and activities on the river 

 
AmazonSmile - You Shop. Amazon Donates!
When you shop with Amazon, please consider using  AmazonSmile  for your future purchases.  When you do, you'll be able to  select FOLAR  as your charity and Amazon will donate 0.05% of your purchase to support FOLAR's work to conserve and protect the beautiful Lower Appomattox River!  It's easy to participate.  Just go to  www.amazonsmile.com
 instead of www.amazon.com and use your same Amazon login information and password.  You'll be prompted to select your favorite charity.  It's simple, it's helpful and - it's EASY! Thank you for your support.