Friends of Dragon Run, the group that works to protect the watershed and biodiversity of this remote waterway that leads into the Piankatank River, has reported on a successful 2025 and outlined its plans for the new year.
FODR marked its 40th anniversary last year with acquisition of two new properties and an “extraordinary response to our fundraiser—positioning us to purchase another large property in the early days of 2026,” the report said.
The fundraising effort, with an initial goal of $100,000, surpassed all expectations and exceeded $350,000, the report said.
Friends of Dragon Run will again offer paddle trips this year, in spring, summer, and fall, and plans to host hikes, citizen science events, stewardship activities, general meetings with guest speakers, and its annual picnic, the report said.
In addition, FODR’s youth outreach committee is planning its third Dragon Run Environmental Academy Mentorship training for educators. School groups will be taken on paddling and educational experiences on the Dragon and along the swamp.
Another FODR group, its citizen science committee, will document biodiversity in the Dragon and watch for invasive species. Native species being monitored include wood ducks, prothonotary warblers, beaver activity, and vernal pools.
This month
Coming up in January is preparation for a prescribed burn on Wednesday, Jan. 14 to remove vegetation from young longleaf pine trees at the FODR Moser tract; trash cleanup on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Bestland Bridge, Cheaneys Bridge and Byrd’s Bridge crossings of the Dragon; a member/guest Winter Walk in the Woods at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25; and a woodcock walk on Saturday, Jan. 31 at FODR’s Bulman property. Some of these activities are limited to FODR members. Details, and opportunities to sign up for membership or to volunteer, can be found on the organization’s website, dragonrun.org.
Why it’s special
Dragon Run is a mostly undeveloped 40-mile stretch of water that serves as a boundary for four counties, Essex, King and Queen, Gloucester and Middlesex. FODR said “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.”
The fact that it is hard to access has protected the Dragon from development and contributed to its abundant wildlife with “remarkable biodiversity,” the group said.