ALONG THE RIVER WITH FOLAR
Hopewell Riverwalk Phase II coming in 2021
Hopewell City Council has approved the second phase of the Hopewell Riverwalk, allowing final design and construction to begin in the near future. The second phase includes an extension of the existing walkway from its western terminus to the Hopewell City Marina, adding approximately 1,400 linear feet and bringing the total length to more than 3,300 feet. The project also includes the construction of a new trailhead plaza at the marina and various other improvements for visitor access and enjoyment.

Phase I of the Riverwalk (Pictured Left) received the Governor's 2020 Environmental Excellence Gold Medal and was named Best New Facility (Greenways, Blueways, and Trails) of 2019 by the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.
$500,000 Challenge Grant launched to fund revitalization of treasured historic park and trail and develop long-imagined bridge across the river!
We are excited to announce that The Cabell Foundation in Richmond has awarded FOLAR a $500,000 challenge grant for the purpose of supporting improvements to the historic Ferndale Park area and old Canal Trail as well as design the pedestrian-bicycle bridge crossing from Dinwiddie to Chesterfield County. All donations raised toward this grant will be matched 1-to-1, up to the $500,000 amount.
The grant from The Cabell Foundation will only be awarded if FOLAR can raise the matching amount in the next 24 months. We invite you to participate and double your gift and impact as we all work together to complete the Appomattox River Trail for our region.
FOLAR working to conserve more land along the Appomattox
FOLAR's work to complete an 8-acre land acquisition along the river in Petersburg for the Appomattox River Trail greenway is being made possible by two recently awarded grants to FOLAR. We are very appreciative of the generous support from both the DCR Virginia Land Conservation Fund and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). In 2020, the VOF helped FOLAR acquire nearly 5 acres along the river and established a public conservation area. 
Grant helps trail work continue
Thanks to a generous grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, FOLAR will continue to make improvements to the Petersburg section of the Appomattox River Trail. Dominion Energy has a long history in the area as the roots of the company date back to the creation of the Appomattox Trustees in 1787 who oversaw The Upper Appomattox Company. Pictured: Wendy Austin accepts grant check from Earnest Greene, External Affairs Manager at Dominion Energy in front of their new building in Dinwiddie County.
INCREASING FOLAR IMPACT
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Manager of Development and Philanthropy
FOLAR is excited to be expanding our team! The Manager of Development and Philanthropy is a primarily externally facing position with responsibility for working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. In collaboration with the FOLAR team, the Manager of Development and Philanthropy will conduct the daily activities of FOLAR’s development program, organize and lead FOLAR fundraising, work with community partners, and other stakeholders to increase organizational awareness and revenue that will power our mission to conserve and protect the Appomattox River for all to enjoy. This position is ideal for an experienced and dynamic fundraiser with a passion for building and stewarding relationships in support of environmental conservation and strengthening community.
More information at www.folar-va.og
Leadership Changes: Board Officers Elected
At its December Annual Meeting, the FOLAR Board of Directors elected the Executive Committee Officers to lead FOLAR into 2021. Pictured from left to right are:
Sam Hayes, Chair; Sr. Transportation Engineer, Moffat Nichol; Planning Commission, Dinwiddie Co.
Christian Volk, Ph.D., Vice-Chair; Water Quality Manager, Virginia American Water
Betty Estes Treasurer; Broker/Owner, Rockwater Realty
Kim Conley, Secretary; Board and Community Affairs, Chesterfield Co.; Exec. Director, James River Advisory Council (JRAC)
Mike Golden, Immediate Past Chair; Director Parks & Rec (Ret.), Chesterfield Co.
Welcome to our new FOLAR Board members
The FOLAR Board of Directors is comprised of two representatives from each of the six jurisdictions along the Appomattox River as well as At-Large members and representatives from the Crater Planning District Commission and Virginia State University. In 2020, FOLAR saw the retirement of three treasured board members: Ken Newman, Debbie Newman, and Richard Taylor and elected four new members to fill vacated seats.
Pictured above left to right, are new members:
Wayne Crocker – Director, Petersburg Public Library System
Paul Reynolds – Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, University of Virginia
Chris Rizzo – Ret. Master Police Officer in Fairfax Co. and Master Deputy in Loudoun Co.
Wert Smith, Jr. – President, Owen Printing Company-The Dietz Press
3RD Annual State of the Trail
On February 22nd, FOLAR convened the 3RD Annual State of the Trail to share progress and plans with the partners from the region that are working together to build the 25-mile Appomattox River Trail greenway-blueway. The video report of the state of the trail and slide presentation from the meeting are available at FOLAR sites.
EVENTS
5TH Annual 5K Trail Run-Walk | Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 9AM

The Prince George County Parks & Recreation is partnering with the TriCities Roadrunners to hold its 5TH Annual 5K Trail Run. Participants at all levels are encouraged to come out. All profit and donations will benefit FOLAR and the Special Olympics. The event will follow COVID safety protocols and be held rain or shine. More Information at FOLAR-VA.ORG or Register at https://runsignup.com/arrp-5k
Become a Friend by making a tax-deductible donation to FOLAR.

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.


Thank you to our many sponsors who help support FOLAR's work!
Shopping online? 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!
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