Over
FODR Members and Growing
More Than
Active FODR Volunteers
We Own and Manage
Acres of Land Along the Dragon
We've Helped To Protect
of the Dragon Run Watershed
WHO ARE WE?
More Than Just Friends.
Friends of Dragon Run doesn’t just promote preservation, we bring people together to experience the beauty of this diverse ecosystem.
ABOUT THE AREA
What Is Dragon Run?
The Dragon Run wilderness is a unique ecosystem located on Virginia’s middle peninsula. In a study conducted by the Smithsonian Institution, Dragon Run was ranked second (first in Virginia) in ecological significance among 232 areas investigated in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Photo via virginiaplaces.org
"Virginia's Most Pristine Water Body"
Let's Keep It That Way.
The unique character of Dragon Run and its natural beauty exist primarily because it is remote. Several highway bridges cross its 40 mile run to the Piankatank River. Most access points are, however, reached only by a one mile or more trek through forests and swamplands and across private property.
This natural protection has contributed to its abundant wildlife. Concerned landowners, who over the years have exercised good land use judgment, can be credited with the conservation of this threatened gem.
WHAT WE DO
How We Carry Out Our Mission
Friends of Dragon Run is committed to the protection and preservation of habitat which is home to so many plants, fungi, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and mammals. Our organization is made up of passionate volunteers who work hard to raise awareness of the importance of Dragon Run and its watershed. Here are some of the ways we are making a difference.
We run events throughout the year to educate the public. These include guided paddle trips on the Dragon Run, nature walks on our properties, special outdoor events for local school students, projects with William & Mary college students, and by providing speakers for community events. The focus is to highlight the beauty of this special place on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and grow advocacy for its protection.
We have partnered with the Nature Conservancy, the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in various land acquisitions, resulting in the protection of 24% of the watershed. We have been a member of the Land Trust Alliance for more than a decade and have adopted its standards and practices. Over the last 40 years, Friends of Dragon Run has acquired 1818 acres along the Dragon which will be preserved in perpetuity. Please help us with your tax deductible donation.
FODR is an all volunteer organization that relies on its members and volunteers from the community to carry on its mission. Volunteers perform tasks outdoors with like-minded individuals such as: monitoring properties, roadside trash pickups, helping at stewardship events, supporting our hikes and paddle trips by escorting guests, and participating in citizen science events (bioblitz, bird and butterfly counts). We also encourage the community to get involved with local challenges that may impact the Dragon Run Watershed.
MAKE A REAL
IMPACT
Friends of Dragon Run needs you! We depend on members, volunteers, and donations to save the Dragon. All contributions are tax deductible and since we are an all volunteer land trust, all proceeds go directly into the purchase, protection, and preservation of the land along the Dragon and its flora and fauna. Everyone who makes a transaction with us receives our Monthly Dragon Tales News Bulletin by email.
Full Map of FODR Properties
- #1 - Big Island Complex (Big Island, Williams, Revere, Bulman)
- #2 Teta Kain Nature Preserve
- #3 Powcan
- #4 Wares Bridge
- #5 Eagles Nest
- #6 Morgan
- #7 Kostyal
- #8 Moser
- #9 Dragon Flats
- #10 Rhodes
Additional Resources
Please contact us with any additional requests.
Promoting preservation and protection of the Dragon Run watershed