Truthfully, the river is all our business. If you’ve ever stood along the banks of the Rappahannock and felt its steady flow, made memories splashing in its waters, sent your kids to summer camp, or floated with loved ones on a warm afternoon - if you’ve ever turned on your tap - then you have benefited from the life-giving presence of this incredible river.
We are fortunate to live beside one of the most scenic and historically significant rivers in the country. But this is no accident. For more than 40 years, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) has worked tirelessly to protect, restore, and advocate for this river so that we may continue to enjoy its beauty and bounty.
A River Under Pressure
Today, the Rappahannock is facing extraordinary pressures. Our communities are growing at an unprecedented rate, increasing the demand for clean water - not just for homes and businesses but also for large-scale commercial operations, including expanding data centers. Growth is a natural and healthy part of progress, but without strong protection in place, our river, our ecosystems, and our quality of life are at risk.
At the same time, changes at the federal level have led to the freezing or cancellation of critical grants and contracts that support FOR’s staff and programs. This means fewer resources to safeguard the river just when we need them most.
A Proven Steward of Resources
I have had the privilege of serving on FOR’s Board of Directors for six years, and in that time, I have witnessed firsthand what a well-run nonprofit looks like. FOR is powered by a passionate, highly trained team that knows its mission inside and out. They are supported by an unwavering force of volunteers who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, and a responsible, engaged board that ensures financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.
FOR is not just another nonprofit. It is a frontline defender of our river, our community, and our future - and it operates with remarkable efficiency, achieving so much with so little.
Now is Not the Time to Cut Support
This is not the organization that should be worried about budget cuts. This is not the time to strip away the skilled professionals who protect our watershed at a time when our river and our community need them the most.
Right now, with so much uncertainty at both the local and national level, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But this is something we can control. This is an opportunity to act - to stand up for our river, our water, and our future.
If you are looking for a way to give back, to make a real difference, to do something meaningful - this is it.
Join us. Support Friends of the Rappahannock. Together, we can ensure that our river remains a thriving, life-giving force for generations to come.
Click here to Help Us Restore, Revitalize, and Protect the Rappahannock for Future Generations!
(Please tell them that River Rock Outfitter sent you. We might just have a gift for your support!)
