As we start a new year, the Friends of the Middle River board would like to thank all of our supporters, volunteers, and followers. We could not do what we do without you.

2025 was a busy year for FOMR.

1. We partnered with both the Staunton and Augusta County Parks & Rec departments to offer float trips and “family fun on the river” programs.

2. Our annual tire collection day with the New Hope Ruritan Club took 178 tires to the landfill.

3. 54 volunteers participated in 6 river cleanup projects covering 14 miles of river, and removed 76 tires and hundreds of pounds of trash.

4. The events/outreach team attended 5 events this year, including the new Enchanted Mushroom Festival in Churchville.

5. In 2025, our hard working science team achieved the major goal of bringing our benthic monitoring program up to level 3. This makes us only the second nonprofit in the state to do so. E-coli next.

6. In September, we debuted our new Friends of the Middle River T-shirts and they are beautiful.

2026 looks to be another busy year beginning with big changes to the FOMR Board of Directors. Six of our long-time, valued members are transitioning off this year. That includes the following:

1. John Bauman - Board Chair

2. Antonio Martinez - Treasurer & Fundraising/Marketing

3. Marion Bittinger - Education Chair

4. Nancy Owens - Events Chair & Board Development

5. Nancy Stevenson - Earth Day & Events 

6. Peter Barlow - Stewardship & Fundraising/Marketing

We would like to thank all of them for their years of dedication and service to Friends of the Middle River. They will be missed.

The new board taking over this year consists of returning members:

1. Mason Kilbourn - Board Chair & Recreation Co-Chair

2. Don Kain - Safety Chair & Recreation Co-Chair

3. Bruce Dorries - Fundraising/Marketing 

4. Chelsea Thomas - Education

And new board members:

1. Karen Andersen - Science, FOSR

2. Lindsey Kilbourn

3. Jim Arnold

4. Riley Murray

5. Caroline Clem

2026 should be an exciting year with many new faces and fresh ideas. We look forward to continuing our current programs and adding some new initiatives.

I would also like to say a big thank you to our outstanding Watershed Coordinator Savannah Fersner who runs the office, writes the newsletter, and keeps us all straight. Thank you, Savannah!!

We hope the new year brings each of you health, happiness, and a chance to join us on the river.

Best wishes,

Mason Kilbourn 

Chairman of the Board

Friends of the Middle River