October 4th is World Animal Day! So many amazing animals call Virginia home. Highlighted here is a seasonal visitor, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (featured photograph above by Larry Tipton @larryhokie on Instagram), which is only found in the Americas. Hummingbirds will overwinter in central America, and move up the eastern half of the USA and into…
YOU CAN STILL SHOP FOR PADDLE BATTLE MERCHANDISE – CLICK HERE TO SHOP – Your purchase supports FOLAR’s river stewardship and Conservation programs on the lower Appomattox River. Thank you for supporting FOLAR for the 15th Annual Paddle Battle In support of our ongoing work to conserve, protect and promote the Appomattox River for all…
The Board of Directors and staff of the FOLAR announces it has successfully acquired nearly 8 riverfront acres along the state designated scenic Appomattox River in Petersburg. This acquisition secures a critical gap in the developing 25-mile Appomattox River greenway-blueway trail & park system that spans six jurisdictions, connecting a rich diversity of neighborhoods, areas…
The FOLAR Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS. These awards honor the impact of individuals and organizations who have made a difference for our community through exemplary service and philanthropy in support of conserving and protecting the Appomattox River for all to enjoy. CHAIRMAN’S…
Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized the winners of the 2022 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards at the recent Environment Virginia Symposium. The Appomattox River Trail – University Boulevard Overlook & Trailhead was recognized as a silver medal winner, the program’s second highest honor, along with two other projects from across the state. Reginald Tabor, Director of Planning…
What started as an idea jotted on the back of paper napkin has resulted in a $35,000 proactive grant from John Randolph Foundation (Ursula M. Gibbs Memorial Endowment) to Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) to support its current challenge grant effort for the Appomattox River Trail’s vital western entrance spanning Dinwiddie and Chesterfield…
By: Wayne Covil, Jan 21, 2022 PETERSBURG, Va. — The dream of a 25-mile trail running along the Appomattox River from Hopewell to Dinwiddie County is getting closer to reality. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a very therapeutic walk out here. A lot of people come out here because it’s just a nice trail and…
By Jack Jacobs, January 20, 2022 One of the next legs of another regional walking and biking trail is being further mapped out. The planning process is underway for the western edge of the Appomattox River Trail, a partially completed 25-mile paved path that will run east-west from Hopewell to Lake Chesdin. Friends of the…
Paddle Battle Has Record Breaking Year We could not be prouder of the 13th Annual PADDLE-or-BATTLE held on Saturday, September 25, 2021. We had a record turnout and record-breaking times. This event is FOLAR’s signature recreation program, and it has so many community benefits. We’re promoting physical activity, environmental stewardship and conservation, and tourism in…
By Zach Armstrong, The Prince George Journal — The Friends of the Lower Appomattox River will consider climate change impacts into the development of the Appomattox River Trail blueway and greenway relating to the ecosystem, park and trail infrastructure as well as the park and trail users. “The climate change adaptation framework isn’t going…