From the Middle School Envirothon to Trout Releases to Earth Day Staunton to Tire Collection Day to Riverfest in Waynesboro, last month was one of our busiest months of 2025 so far!
Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered at each of these events - we couldn't have done it without your help!
Now Hiring
We are hiring a new Strategic Outreach Specialist!
How to apply:
•The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected. If you are interested, please send the completed application to Savannah Fersner at info@friendsofthemiddleriver.org by May 16, 2025.
•A pre-employment background check will be required.
• A valid driver's license is required.
FOMR Float Trip Season Has Launched!
Our first 2025 float trip occurred this past Saturday and was a success! Thirteen paddlers enjoyed spotting many birds, including a bald eagle pair.
Our next float trip will be focused on fishing and will occur on June 14th. Sign up for the June paddle trip by emailing info@friendsofthemiddleriver.org with the subject "June 14th Float Trip."
Clean the Bay Day 2025 in Staunton
Lewis Creek Watershed Advisory Committee (LCWAC) runs the annual Clean the Bay Day event for the City of Staunton.
This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 9 AM - Noon.
We still need volunteers to help us clean up a stretch of Lewis Creek along Commerce Drive, from Columbia Gas to New Hope Road.
Following all of the cleanups that morning, everyone is invited to the meet together at noon for a pizza lunch, provided by Skyline Rotary.
If you would like to join the FOMR group in cleaning up Lewis Creek along Commerce Drive, please let Mason know atmknly4g49@hotmail.com
SURF and TURF, a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Story
Join Bobby Whitescarver & Jeanne Hoffman and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay on Wednesday, June 11th for a fundraising event from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Visulite Theatre in Staunton. The event includes an 11-minute film, "SURF and TURF - A Chesapeake Bay Watershed Story," and a happy hour with local food and beverage.
The film is about how what we do in the Shenandoah Valley affects the waters of the Bay. The happy hour will include wine from Swoope’s own Oxeye vineyard, local beer, and beef from Whiskey Creek Farm (Bobby & Jeanne's farm).
In case you missed it -- last month, we rolled out a brand-new way to support Friends of the Middle River in 2025!
Like you, we’d rather be paddling than putting stamps on envelopes and pestering you for money, so we’re excited to create an easier way for you to show your support. With YOUR help, our river-themed membership - ranging from our Riffle tier at $30 to our Watershed tier at $240 - will help us continue and even expand our work. Our local community has always played an essential part in our organization’s ability to be the voice of Middle River - YOU are Friends of the Middle River. We’re looking forward to the ways in which this new membership program will help us to continue to connect and grow locally.
Please check out our FAQs on our "Join FOMR" landing page to learn more about how our new model works and become a Supporter. And we hope to see you on the water!!
Find the Join FOMR landing page by clicking the "support" button below!
Maybe we met you at a festival recently or you signed up after you saw us collecting tires, but you still wish you knew more about our organization... First of all, welcome! And just so you know, we do have a slightly more detailed sign-up form that tells us some more about you - like any potential volunteer interests you might have - and also gives you the chance to sign up for our River Access Program.
