On Saturday December 10 girls from Prince George Girl Scout Troop 553 led by Troop Leader Cindy Grebas cleaned up the trails along the river at Appomattox River Regional Park. Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) provided the bags, gloves and vests and instructed the girls in safety. The girls who participated were Dani Milam, Courtney South, Jade Hall, Brittany Grebas, Amanda Grebas, Camille Schoyer-Butler, Madison Bailey, Sydney Thomas and Elizabeth Rook. The young ladies were able to fill 8 trash bags along the 1 mile trail including bottles, cans, plastic and assorted trash. When the work was done they were rewarded with hot dogs cooked and provided by Jimmy Dailey, a former FOLAR volunteer of the year. Teaching youth to clean up our rivers is part of FOLAR’s education effort. Prince George Parks and Recreation picked up the trash from this groups effort.

On a cool and rainy day 19 brave souls entered FOLAR’s 4^th annual Paddle or Battle. Starting in Petersburg on Pocahontas Island paddlers began their journey of 10 miles toward Hopewell City Park at 9 AM. Shortly after that at 10 AM the battlers took suit and made their way toward Hopewell. As the morning wore on and the watch began to see who would first come under the Hardaway Marks Bridge toward City Park. Shortly after 11:30 the first paddler came under the bridge and as he drew closer it became apparent the Jim Gould, who had come all the way from Nags Head to enter, would be triumphant. Jim’s time of 1hour and 40min would be the fastest time we have had in the 4 year history of the event. Other winners were Al Dodson in the over 50 male class, Christine Petri in the over 50 female class and the team of Kattie Sangregorio and Sorena Campbell in the under 50 female class. Paddlers continued to trickle in and around 2 PM they were all accounted for to complete another successful event for FOLAR.


Jim Gould is congratulated by Wayne Walton, Chairman FOLAR, as 2011 winner of the 4^th Annual Paddle or Battle in record time.

You are cordially invited to attend the

Annual Meeting

of the

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River

With Featured Speaker

Mr. John A. Rooney, Jr.

Photographer

Wednesday evening, October 6, 2010

at 7:00 p.m.

Appomattox Regional Library

245 East Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA 23860

          R.S.V.P. by                                         Dessert Reception

          October 1, 2010                                Following the Meeting

          861-1666

          This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

          Directions:    Take Route 36 and/or Route 10 into downtown Hopewell and look for the Beacon Theatre.

                               The Library is located directly behind the Beacon Theatre

Balancing nature and wildlife of the Appomattox
0 Comments | Progress - Index, The; Petersburg, Va., Aug 13, 2006 | by T DEVON ROBINSON
Editor's note: Today, The Progress-Index continues its series on the Appomattox River. Each Sunday through August 27, we will examine the many ways that people are connected to the river, from a historical perspective, a current viewpoint and a look to the future. This week: Wildlife and Friends of the Lower Appomattox River. Next week: Lake Chesdin and the Brasfield Dam.

Although the Appomattox River drove the economy of the Tri- Cities for over 300 years, it currently looks nearly untouched by humans.

Where mill wheels once churned, box elders and trumpet creepers dominate the shore. Where hogsheads of tobacco were once loaded, snowy egrets now perch and water moccasins slither.

Through the efforts of the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) these wild sections will not only be preserved but also enhanced to provide more access.

FOLAR is in the process of establishing blueways (boat routes) and greenways (nature trails) on the river, which will tie into historic sites along the river, parks and established stops on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, said R. Steve Thomas, an Explorer Scout Troop leader and member of FOLAR.

In the Tri-Cities, the fall line area marks where the majority of costal birds cease traveling west. From near the Brasfield Dam down to the James River and beyond, it is possible to see great blue herons, Canada geese, bald eagles, osprey and snowy egrets. Just east of the confluence of the Appomattox and James rivers, a pair of rare peregrine falcons occupies a nest on the north tower of the Benjamin Harrison Bridge.

There are three designated stops on the trail along the river, Thomas said.

Point of Rocks Park in eastern Chesterfield County offers the opportunity to watch tidal birds along its establish trails near and in its tidal freshwater marsh.

The other river stops include the Appomattox River Boat Launch, accessible from the Chesterfield County side of the Brasfield Dam and the Appomattox Riverside Park.

Along with coastal birds, other birds native to non-coastal areas can be found in the wooded and freshwater areas along the river.

In the river is a wide variety of fish, according to a report from FOLAR. They include resident fish -- such as bass, mackerel, catfish and carp -- and herring and shad, which migrate to the fall line in the spring.

Along with birds and fish, there are small animals that live in the trees and shrubs in the area. Along the shore, it is possible to spot beavers, rabbits, raccoons and water snakes, Thomas said.

Although there are forests nearby, there is not real threat of coming across larger animals, such as a bear, along the river. The largest animal that may be found at the river is deer and even that is a rarity.

"They'd much rather be in your backyard or your garden," Thomas said.

- T. DeVon Robinson may be reached at 722-5160.

Copyright c The Progress-Index 2006
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