Help us use the power of nature to provide a healthier place to live,
opportunities to expand knowledge, and to create
the Appomattox River Trail Blueway-Greenway for ALL to enjoy.
Imagine growing up without experiencing nature and how that would impact your wellbeing and quality of life.
“These students had never been to the river even though they lived nearby. Walking the trail, one 16-year-old said, This has been a really relaxing day”.
Thank you for helping FOLAR change that and bring the power of nature to everyone. We are so lucky to have a Blueway-Greenway of extraordinary beauty connecting our communities. At FOLAR, we are committed to doing more to make it a welcoming environment and encourage everyone to actively connect, learn, share, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy Appomattox River.
We know you care about making a difference for our river, environment, and our communities – just like FOLAR member, John. I spoke with John after he’d been volunteering at Stewardship Saturday one sunny morning at University Blvd trailhead in Petersburg. John is semi-retired and happy to spend more time protecting the greenway. John discovered the river and its beauty while working as Medical Director of our local medical center’s hospital laboratory. “My co-workers weren’t familiar with the river or trail.“ So he decided to be an activist for the river and the community that he fell in love with. “It’s like my second home.”
“I enjoy the commraderie of the Stewardship group and work. It’s very rewarding.”
In addition to giving his time, John’s generous financial gifts helped FOLAR create the native pollinator garden that so many have enjoyed – both people and pollinators!
And the students I mentioned above have now been able to enjoy the garden and stewardship, too. FOLAR’s program partner, Mindy, provides service opportunities to local students. She brings high schoolers to help remove invasive plants and take care of the Appomattox River Trail Blueway-Greenway
“My students have learned so much about the plants and ecosystem from FOLAR staff, Elise. They’ve expanded their ideas of career opportunities in environmental science through their
river stewardship experiences.”
“Getting kids out in nature is always the best kind of learning, said Mindy. “And when they were there, and saw trash around the trailhead, they picked it up and were absolutely uplifted by making the place better!”
This is one of the most rewarding parts of our work at FOLAR – engaging with our community members, seeing the impact now, and the potential for a better future. Our work is possible because of partners like Mindy and FOLAR Members like John – and you!
FOLAR depends on your support to protect the health of the river and develop the Appomattox River Trail.
Because of you, FOLAR protected 8 acres of riverfront land this year. Your support helped FOLAR collaborate with communities to bring more than $20 million in state funding to the region for Appomattox River Trail development, to add bike lanes, to extend the Hopewell Riverwalk, and to create a new Trailhead plan in Prince George. Your membership powers FOLAR’s educational and recreational programs, and the FOLAR Environmental Stewardship Scholarship.
You can make a lasting impact like John and Mindy
through your gift and FOLAR membership.
It’s easy to renew your membership. Go to www.folar-va.org/donate to make a tax-deductive gift online by debit or credit card.
Now is the time to renew or join FOLAR and help us harness the power of nature for all!
