River revitalization on track with help from Norfolk Southern grant

Apr 21, 2025

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) received a $15,000 Thriving Communities Grant in 2024, and are using the funds to protect the river.

New tools and education support: Volunteers for the Petersburg, Virginia, nonprofit now have new tools to remove invasive plants and improve forest health along the river, thanks to the funding. The grant is also supporting environmental education by enhancing the Appomattox River Center to host more workshops and community events.

“We’re already seeing signs of success from the grant, and know more beautification is to come,” said Wendy Austin, FOLAR Executive Director.

Apply for a grant: Are you from a nonprofit that could benefit from a Thriving Communities or Safety First grant? Applications are open through Sept. 1. For more information, click here.

Volunteers remove invasive plants near the Appomattox River. The work, supported by a Norfolk Southern grant, enhances the river’s long-term vitality. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Lower Appomattox River.