As part of our continuing outreach and fundraising efforts, FOMR is planning on having a display at the very popular Red Wing Roots Music Festival. This music festival, being held the weekend of June 21-23 in Natural Chimneys, is a great way to reach a variety of folks who appreciate the outdoors and all it has to offer. If you plan on attending, consider volunteering some of your time to help person our booth. We are located in the shade and we will have a tent. We'll display our kayak and standup paddleboard for raffle and have a simple, fun, educational display. You don't have to be an expert on bugs to help sell raffle tickets! Being a member of FOMR qualifies you to help! We're sorry this opportunity doesn't come with free entrance to the event, but if you are planning on attending anyway, please consider spending an hour or so of your day at the FOMR table.
Sign-up to volunteer with us at Red Wing Roots by filling out the form here.
You Could Be Our Next Board Member!
Volunteering on the Board of Directors is one of many ways to get more involved with leadership at Friends of the Middle River. Every year, one or two of our Board Members complete their terms and rotate off the Board. That's where you could come in -- we are always seeking folks who might be interested in Board service.
Board Member terms are three years. Board terms start January 1st, and our recruitment and interviewing process is June to October. We aim to create a diverse board, with the skills and experience that we need at any given time represented. Remember, there are many ways to provide leadership besides Board Directorship, including volunteering for committee Chair roles.
If you would like to speak to someone about the possibility of Board service, please start by filling out this form. The information you give us will be added to an applicant pool for use in filling future board vacancies. We will then be in touch with you to further the conversation!
Shenandoah Valley Campground River Roundup
June 29, 2024
Shenandoah Valley campers of all ages will explore and learn more about the Middle River during our River Roundup on June 29th. This event will occur from 10 - 11 AM.
We are in need of volunteers to help with educational activities at the River Roundup. Please email Savannah at info@friendsofthemiddleriver.org to sign up to volunteer with us on the 29th.
Upcoming Float Trip Schedule
Our monthly Paddle Trips Program will continue to be held on the second Saturday of each month until September. Participants need their own canoe or kayak and a personal floatation device. This season’s trips are all suitable for novice paddlers. Space is limited. Links for trip details and to register will be on the FOMR website homepage. (Registration for each trip should open at least 2 weeks before the trip.)
July 13 - Theme to be determined. Registration will open on 6/28/24.
August 10 - Family Fun Trip. Registration will open on 7/26/24.
September 14 - Theme to be determined. Registration will open on 8/30/24.
All trips will have a rain date and are free of charge. If trips fill up quickly, there will be a waitlist.
Volunteer Appreciation: Paddle & River Access Programs
People will care for and protect the places in the world to which they have emotional connection. Middle River — being a river with no public access — is difficult to experience directly. Many local Augusta County residents often have no idea where Middle River even is! Our River Access Program (RAP) is a network of voluntarily participating landowners who allow FOMR members who are in the program to get access via their private property for purposes of putting their canoes and kayaks onto the river. These incredible landowners get nothing in return for their generous sharing.
Besides the volunteer landowners, FOMR uses a small cadre of additional volunteers to coordinate the program, attend to signage, recruit new landowners into the program, and troubleshoot problems that arise from the hundreds of people now enjoying the river in ways previously not possible. We are so grateful for our RAP volunteers! If you have riverfront property and are interested in joining our program, you can read more HERE and/or call Savannah to start a conversation (540-609-8267).
Current RAP Booklet Version: 02/26/24
Upcoming Events
June
8 FOMR Fishing Float Trip
21, 22, & 23 Red Wing Roots Festival
25 FOMR Board Meeting, 6:30 PM
29 Shenandoah Valley Campground River Roundup
July
13 FOMR Float Trip (theme tbd)
23 FOMR Board Meeting, 6:30 PM
Friends of the Middle River, PO Box 131, Verona, Virginia 24482, United States
