Volunteer Events

Check out our upcoming volunteer events:

	Weed Warriors- Invasive Species Removal Participate in a morning of removing invasive species from our grounds and the Rappahannock's forest buffers. Jackie Nelson will teach you how to identify and properly remove plants such as Tree of Heaven, Purella, Kudzu, Wineberry, Multiflora Rose, Japanese Stiltgrass, Privet, Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, and more! It is important to dress appropriately! Wear long pants and tennis shoes. If you have questions feel free to contact Jackie Nelson at jmn55@comcast.net or call (540) 373.3448. Upcoming dates: Saturday, March 12th- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters Saturday, March 26th- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters Saturday, April 9th- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters Saturday, April 23rd- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters Saturday, May 7th- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters Saturday, May 21st- 8:30- 11 am @ FOR Headquarters
	Student Stream Team Tree Plantings Join Learn and Serve students from Colonial Forge High School in a day of planting trees on sites along the Rappahannock. The vegetated area near a stream, also called the "riparian buffer," serves a critical role in the ecological integrity and health of our waters. It decreases pollution and sedimentation associated with runoff, contributes to bank stabilization, and provides habitat and corridors to native wildlife. Help us restore the banks of our river to what they should be! Call Cate or Ren at (540) 373.3448 ext. 117 or 153 with questions, or register online using our Calendar of Events. Upcoming dates: Tree Planting Day- Saturday, March 26 from 10 am- 2 pm Tree Planting Day Backup Rain date- Saturday, April 2 from 10 am- 2 pm
	Get the Dirt Out! Workshops Become an advocate for the river by joining this citizen monitoring program that has already been successfully established on other rivers across the nation! You can help prevent pollution into our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn to identify poor erosion and sediment control practices at sites of construction or development, and how to report these deficiencies. To learn more about the history of the Get the Dirt Out! program, visit www.getthedirtout.org. Call (540) 373.3448 or go to our online Calendar of Events to register. 2011 Workshop Schedule: Guest lecturer Leon Szeptycki, director of the Environmental Law and Conservation Clinic from the University of Virginia's School of Law. Wednesday, February 9th in Jepson 100, University of Mary Washington, from 6:15- 8:15 pm. Sunday, June 12th at the FOR Headquarters from 12:30- 2:30 pm
	Bi-Annual River Clean Ups Each spring and fall, FOR hosts a River Clean Up in conjunction with the Learn and Serve students from Mountain View High School. The clean up attracts more than 300 volunteers, on average, who collect more than 3,500 lbs. of trash from more than 40 sites along the Rappahannock. The clean ups are based out of Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg. Volunteers come and check in; sign waivers; and are given supplies, site maps, and instructions. You are expected to provide transportation to the park and clean up sites. If possible, pick-up trucks are helpful for hauling trash back to the park. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins at 8:30 am. Clean up take place from 9:00- 11:30 am. Volunteers are then invited back to the park for a free lunch, as well as family friendly games and activities! If you have questions or would like to register, call Cate or Ren at (540) 373.3448 at ext. 117 or 153. Registration can also be done online at our Calendar of Events. 2011 Clean Up Dates:* Spring Clean Up and Earth Day Celebration- Saturday, April 16th Fall Clean Up- Saturday, October 22nd
	Operation Spruce Up Saturday, March 26th from 10am- 4pm Each year we do a spring cleaning called "Operation Spruce Up." Volunteers come for a day of service assisting us with building repairs and maintenance, clean ups, trail maintenance, and more to help prepare FOR for its educational programs, interpretive trips, and spring events. There are tasks for all skill levels. Boy/girl scout troops, school groups, individuals, and families are welcome. Handymen (and women) are always appreciated. Please contact Cate at (540) 373.3448, or at cate.huxtable@riverfriends.org, if you're interested in participating.
	Become a Trip Guide One of the most important ways to become involved in the health of our river is by exposing its beauty and scenic qualities to others! Each year, our Calendar of Events highlights interpretive trips on the Rappahannock, including hikes, floats, tubing trips, and more. If you have recreational experience on the river, are an experienced paddler, or have knowledge of the history and ecological diversity that thrives on the Rappahannock, and are interested in assisting on some of our trips, contact Cate Huxtable at (540) 373.3448 ext. 117.

Riverfest!

Riverfest is our annual banquet and auction to raise money for the river. Attracting over 1,000 people, the event includes drinks, fine foods, live music, live and silent auctions.

If you would like to volunteer for free admission to this event, contact Laura Niewold, our Special Events Volunteer Coordinator, at laura.niewold@riverfriends.org.