Friends of the Rappahannock
2002 Calendar of Events
interpretive canoe trips guided hikes overnight adventures
Go to Month: March & April Links: Learn More about FOR
May & June Virginia Outdoor Center
July & August Fredericksburg Visitor Center
March
23 Lauck’s Island Tour & Picnic 2
Hop into rafts and float over to explore this fascinating island in the Rappahannock. Our historic and naturalist guides will show you the old homestead ruins, identify native plants, and much more. Cookout lunch included on the beach! Meets @ F.O.R. 10am-~3pm. Â
6 Wildlife Float )
Join a wildlife biologist from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries on this canoe-based exploration of the tidal Rappahannock. Search for Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, and other wildlife. Meet at Fbg City Dock - 4pm. Â
20 River and Regional Cleanup
Come grab a trash bag and a map - help us give the river a facelift! Call the office to register at . Meet between 8:30-9:00 am at Old Mill Park.
27 Birding Hike P
Dr. Joella Killian will lead this interpretive hike along the river and up the Rappahannock Canal path. Bring binoculars to see numerous birds along the way. 8am. À
27-28 Dismal Swamp Camp / Float <
We’ll canoe into the overnight camp area and take interpretive canoe excursions into Lake Drummond and the deeper parts of “the Swamp”. Guides will teach you about the fascinating flora and fauna that abound. A true adventure - now an F.O.R. classic! Meet at 6:30am Ä 
12 Heron Rookery Exclusive
Guide Bill Micks will lead a small group on this canoe float/hike to view the amazing sight of a heron rookery in full splendor. 8am-3pm. Ã 
18 Pocahontas/Crow's Nest Float
Chief Robert “Two Eagles” Green of the Patawomeck Tribe opens the world of Native American history as you explore the Potomac and Accakeek Creeks, site of Pocahontas' capture and historic villages. 9am-4pm. Ã 
19 Family River Safety Hike
Join river safety instructor Lou Gramann along the banks of the Rappahannock for this family orientation to the Rappahannock. Noon-2. Bring picnic bag lunch! FREE
1-2 Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race Call for details.
9 Historic Canal and Lock Tour
Dr. William Trout of the Canal Society leads this interpretive float trip exploring fascinating remains of a bygone era. An F.O.R. classic! 10am. Â 
16 Fathers Day Civil War Float
Park Service Historian Greg Mertz leads this engaging paddle through the history of the Civil War…from the Rappahannock’s perspective. Sells out early! 9am. Ã 
23 Something's Fishy…Float Trip O
Naturalist Kenny Mills will lead this canoe trip to search the river for turtles and mussels. Come learn about the problems affecting these critters. Bring a lunch; picnic on the rocks. 1pm-5:30pm. Â 
6 Lightning Bug Float
It’s a magical experience to paddle the glassy river under moonlight. Come learn all about the fireflies that light our way. 7:30pm. Meet at Fbg’s City Dock. Á
7 Fredericksburg History Float
Living history interpreter Bobbie Sullivan brings Fredericksburg history alive on this easy flat-water canoe trip in Downtown. 2-5pm. Á Meet at Fbg City dock.
13 Berry Farm Float D
We'll work up an appetite exploring tidal wetlands by canoe, and then paddle back to the Westmoreland Berry Farm to indulge ourselves with a fresh berry sundae (included). Great family fun! 9am-5pm à 
19-21 BOY’S River Camp Weekend!
Pro guide Smith Coleman and river-man Rick Kiehna lead this fun-filled 3 day camp for boys age 11-15. Canoeing, river camping, and fishing instruction included. Space is limited! 3 days/2 nights - includes meals. $120/child. Meet at 9am.
28 New! Waterman Trip
Hop in the crab boat and join a real working waterman on Potomac Creek! Experience first-hand the trade of commercial crabbing and fish netting. 1-5pm  
27-28 GIRL’S River Camp Weekend!
LeeAnn Mikkelson and Krista Thompson from F.O.R.’s staff plus safety guide Ms. Lou Gramann will lead this overnighter for girls age 11-15. Canoeing, camping, exploring and campfire fun! Space is limited! 2day/1 night - includes meals. $80/child. Meet at noon.
August
3 Photography Float
Join photographer/naturalist Jerry Clifton from Richmond Camera on this Rappahannock canoe float and learn some of his secrets to taking that "perfect shot". 4-7pm. Meet at Fbg’s City Dock Â
11 New! Embrey Dam Trip
See the Dam before it’s demolished in 2005! City Planner and local history expert Erik Nelson will lead this canoe float and portage around the Dam, providing insight into its fascinating history. 10-2. Â 
17 Nighttime Wildlife Float
Nighttime is when the river comes alive! Join guide Bob Sargeant on this evening float to see all kinds of busy critters at work. 8pm. Meet at Fbg’s City Dock. Á
24 Shark Tooth / Fossil Float F
We’ll paddle along Horsehead Cliffs and then meet with a Westmoreland Naturalist for a picnic on the beach. Bring a bag lunch and a spaghetti strainer for fossil sifting! You’ll come home with lots of fossil and shark treasures. 10am-4pm. Ã 
14 Fall River Cleanup!
canoe or by foot. Call the office to register at . Meet between 8:30-9:00am at Clore Bros. Outfitters.
21 Rappahannock RiverFest
Wine and dine on crabs and beef at F.O.R.’s annual gala on the banks of the Rappahannock at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home. Live music, fine food, entertainment, and an auction make this event an annual sell out. Tickets in ADVANCE ONLY! Call .
28-29 Starlight Overnighter <
Guide Bill Micks will lead you through the pristine “confluence” section of the Rappahannock. You’ll camp under the stars at the junction of the Rappahannock and Rapidan. Bring own food and gear. 9am. Ä 
October-November
Oct.27 Rapp. Fall Colors Float
We’ll wrap up the season floating our beautiful river in its Fall finest. There’s nothing like it! 10am-4pm. Ã 
Fee Schedule canoe equipment included
À $4 indiv./$8 family* $5 indiv./$10 family
Á $12 / $24 $15 / $30
 $16 / $32 $20 / $40
à $24 / $48 $30 / $60
Ä $32 / $64 $40 / $80
All proceeds support F.O.R.’s Conservation Programs!
Provide your own transportation from FOR to site
Transportation provided from FOR Office
All programs originate at Friends of the Rappahannock’s office, unless otherwise stated. Our street address (not for mailing) is 3219 Fall Hill Avenue in Fredericksburg. Our mailing address is listed below.
* The Family Rate is for up to 4 persons. The Family rate is for parents and their children only.
**Annual FOR membership is $20/indiv. or $25/family. Join and receive your trip discount that day!
PRE-PAID Reservations REQUIRED
 |
|
Fredericksburg: Yours to Enjoy Fredericksburg owes its existence to the Rappahannock River. Settled at the fall line of the river in the early 1700’s, the lively colonial port city was George Washington’s hometown. The city prospered until the devastating Civil War. Four major battles were fought in and around Fredericksburg, which changed hands seven times during the war.
Despite the ravages of war, over 350 eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings still stand in Fredericksburg’s historic district and are now antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Seven major attractions, including the Washington family homes, are open on the city’s historic tour.
Tour Old Town Fredericksburg by foot, on a trolley bus, by carriage or on a living history walk. Begin your tour at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center in the heart of Old Town at 706 Caroline St. The center’s helpful travel counselors can give you a free parking pass, information on touring, plus help with dining, shopping, and overnight accommodations. For further information on Fredericksburg, please call or visit the Visitor’s Center at 706 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401…on the web at www.fredericksburgva.com… email: |