Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation

Help enhance Four Mile Run Park

Your support of the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation improves the park and its environs through stream clean-ups, invasive plant removal, and tree planting, and it allows us to offer activities exploring local history and nearby nature. As we continue these efforts, we are also working to improve access to water -- water fountains and bottle fillers for drinking water, as well as better access to the stream itself for recreation.

In 2017, our accomplishments have included:

• Kick the Habit: installation of water bottle/jug fillers at the two most-used parks in Alexandria, to reduce dependence on single-use water bottles
• Food Forest: planting 41 native fruit/nut trees in the park in partnership with TreeStewards and TD Bank
• Clean Stream Extreme: purchase of kayaks, wading boots, and tools for more effective stream clean-ups, through grant funding from Dominion Energy
• Trail Improvement: collaboration with the City of Alexandria on new interpretive signage and in support of the trail connector bridge

For #GivingTuesday, we ask you to contribute to the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation's ongoing work. With your involvement and support, each day Four Mile Run becomes cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful.

We need your support as we wrap up our most ambitious project!

Last month we broke ground on our project to build a free, public, ADA-accessible kayak launch for Four Mile Run Park. It is a huge endeavor for a small organization, with the total cost expected to be more than $600,000. Although we have secured the majority of the needed funding, the overall cost (plus any unanticipated costs) will impact our operating budget and programming for this year. Your support will help maintain the level of programming you've come to expect from us, including:

• Volunteer opportunities caring for natural lands and waters: land- and kayak-based litter clean-ups, tree and wetland restoration plantings, invasive plant removal, and more.




• Paid summer conservation internships for high-school and college age youth: interns' work on woodland assessment, wildlife surveys, invasive plant removal, resource mapping, water quality testing, and assistance with outdoor programs builds skills in natural resource management, conservation, field research, and leadership.




• Programs for children/youth: our Nature Explorers And Restorers (NEAR) program serving Arlandria-Chirilagua youth and scouting programs, offering outdoor experiences such as kayaking, orienteering, birding, and exploration of the nearby nature of Four Mile Run Park.




• Interpretive events, including nature walks, local history walks, pop-up nature center, etc.

"My internship provided me with valuable information and experiences for my future career. As a student majoring in Marine Biology, any field work out in the environment is beneficial towards learning and growing as a scientist. From leadership, to teamwork, to getting CPR certified, the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation provided me with an enjoyable and enlightening experience that creates gateways for future opportunities! " -- Olivia K.   

The Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation envisions lower Four Mile Run as a cherished community resource and a model for natural lands stewardship in an urban setting. Our mission is to promote nature, culture, and community at lower Four Mile Run through restoration, advocacy, recreation, and education.