EMAILS

  • Regional Water Plan Kick-Off

    Learn how Virginia DEQ’s new Regional Water Supply Plan will impact the Shenandoah River area, with key timelines, funding opportunities, and resources for local planning.

    Wed, Mar 26,

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  • Envirothon 2025

    On a perfect spring day at Seven Bends State Park, student teams from across the region gathered for hands-on learning and friendly competition at the 2025 Envirothon. From testing water quality to presenting land management plans, the next generation of environmental leaders made their mark.

    Wed, Apr 02

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  • Let’s Talk Tallmadge: What’s Coming to Strasburg’s Industrial Park?

    Get up to speed on the proposed data center development near Strasburg, including the project timeline, infrastructure considerations, and what it could mean for our community and water resources.

    Tue, Apr 08

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  • DEQ Impaired Streams

    DEQ has released a draft study to address sediment pollution in Crooked Run, Stony Creek, and Pughs Run. Learn what it means, how you can weigh in by May 9, and what’s next in restoring our local waterways.

    Wed, Apr 16

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  • Good News is Flowing - Updates from the North Fork

    From new grants and muddy field trips to office changes and North Fork Fest plans, there’s a lot happening at Friends of the North Fork. Catch up on conservation wins, student adventures, and how to join us on (and off) the water this season.

    Tue, Apr 29

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  • Music, Mosaics, Mother's Day, and May Mayhem

    From crowned raffle champs to upcoming volunteer days, Mother’s Day brunch spots, and The Fever Project’s EP release, this newsletter is packed with ways to get outside, get involved, and celebrate the season.

    Wed, May 07

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  • River Running Low? Here's What That Means for You

    The North Fork is running lowβ€”and that means a higher risk of harmful algal blooms. Learn how to spot trouble, plan a safe river day, and report what you see. Plus: tips for foam ID, dam safety, and why you should never drink the river.

    Wed, May 14

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  • Well, That Escalated Quickly...

    The North Fork might be roaring after recent rain, but drought conditions haven’t disappeared. Learn why flashy river flows don’t mean recovery, when it’s safe to paddle again, and how to spot signs of pollution post-storm.

    Wed, May 14,

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  • The Creek Was Full of Foam. Then the Kids Showed Up.

    In this wild week: students cleaned Stoney Creek, hundreds of kids went full nature-chaos on field trips, the EPA may launch a stream study, and we welcomed macro-certified intern Molly. Plus: mark your calendarsβ€”North Fork Fest is almost here!

    Tue, May 27

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update – May 29, 2025

    Sat, May 31

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update – June 4, 2025

    Fri, Jun 06

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  • Honoring Margaret Nelson

    With deep gratitude, we remember longtime supporter Margaret Nelson. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20 in Woodstock. All are welcome to join in honoring her generous spirit and lasting legacy.

    Fri, Jun 13

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update – June 11, 2025

    Thu, Jun 12

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update – June 18, 2025

    Fri, Jun 20

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update - June 25, 2025

    Fri, Jun 27

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  • Out of the Office, Into the Wild

    We closed the door on one chapter. Want to know what’s next?

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork. Conditions Update - July 2, 2025

    Fri, July 4

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  • The Dam That Wouldn’t Quit

    Once upon a time…

    Burnshire Dam

    July 9, 2025

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update - July 9, 2025

    Fri, July 11

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  • Water You Up To?

    North Fork Conditions Update - July 16, 2025

    Fri, July 18

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NEWS

  • Seven Bends park improvements hinge on replacing aging low-water bridge

    By Ryan Fitzmaurice The Northern Virginia Daily

    Mar 19, 2025

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  • The River’s Reach: Spring 2025

    By Laura Bennett FNFSR

    March 20, 2025

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  • Advocates push for dedicated funding to combat algal blooms in Shenandoah River

    By Ryan Fitzmaurice The Northern Virginia Daily

    Dec 13, 2024

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  • Shenandoah County asked to support environmental center at Seven Bends State Park

    By Ryan Fitzmaurice The Northern Virginia Daily -

    Nov 27, 2024

    Updated Nov 28, 2024

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  • Friends of the North Fork welcomes new staff members

    By Ashley Miller The Northern Virginia Daily

    Aug 21, 2024

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  • New Leaders at the Helm

    Checking in with Friends of the North Fork, Sustainability Matters and the Town of Mount Jackson
    July 31, 2024
    BY MARGARET LORENZ AND AMY VOSS-DEVITO

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  • E. coli spikes prompt Shenandoah River safety warnings

    By Ryan Fitzmaurice The Northern Virginia Daily

    Jul 17, 2025

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INSTAGRAM

View fullsize In the slow-moving waters of Virginia’s North Fork, a rare and majestic creature begins her descent. Once a humble piece of patio furniture, the Plasticus loungius migratorius has entered a sacred phase of her lifecycle: the downstream drift.
View fullsize Don’t sit. Don’t stay. Just swim. It’s the dog days of summer and your pup deserves better than the couch and a lukewarm water bowl. We’re talking soggy fur, kayak takeovers, frog chases, and full splash zone behavior. This i
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View fullsize 🚨 River Report: July 23 🚨 She’s calming down, folks. 🦠 E. coli levels (via Friends of the Shenandoah River): • Meems Bottom: 152.9 • Deer Rapids: 63.3 • Strasburg Park: 73.8 All sites are below the EPA’s safe recreatio
View fullsize You haven’t truly lived in the Valley until you’ve almost stepped on a beetle the size of your hand. Spotted in town—meet the Eastern Hercules beetle (female). No horns, just pure girthy elegance. ✨ North America’s heaviest
View fullsize We see you. You like BBQ with a view. You like bidding with a drink in hand. You like your music live and your river clean. So we made you a night that checks all the boxes. Rendezvous for the River is back and we are celebrating 20 years of our bi
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View fullsize 🚨 River Report: July 16 🚨 Good news: this week the river’s looking a little less spicy, but don’t start planning your river float like it’s 1994 and you’re invincible. It’s summer in the Valley - so don’t skip th
View fullsize Lunchtime Tuesday Trivia! You’re munching your sandwich, we’re serving river sass. Name this low-water bridge before your chips are gone. Is it: A) The scene of your childhood trauma (thanks, Dad’s ‘95 Tacoma) B) Where your
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View fullsize Dear Potomac, try to keep up. Love, Shenandoah. #shenandoahriver #harpersferry #potomacriver