Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) is a non-profit organization of local citizens who preserve and maintain the natural integrity of the Occoquan River, other watersheds, and promote pollinator habitats and species.
Vision of Friends
To energize individuals, community, and business groups to take on the challenges of keeping Virginia’s and the nation’s reservoirs and rivers clean, by controlling excessive sedimentation and pollution through the use of rain barrels and community gardens. This message will be brought to schools, civic groups and community organizations, as well as local and federal government agencies.
Goals
Coordination of our management efforts and programs.
Open communications and develop cooperation among intergovernmental jurisdictions.
Develop public and private partnerships focused on maintaining the natural integrity of drinking water sources.
Engage the community, including the Spanish-speaking population, to become stakeholders of our environment.
Encourage and educate the community on the benefits of native plants and food gardens to help increase the food supply for pollinators.
Education and Coordination
FOTO is working with community groups, schools, federal, state and local governments to promote watershed preservation and pollinator habitats and species.
FOTO continues to expand contacts with other groups to enlarge watershed stakeholders. Installation of international signs along the watersheds is one of our projects.
FOTO is proceeding to engage the Spanish speaking community to become stakeholders of our environment and become active in maintaining clean and safe our rivers. In addition to the bilingual signs described below, we will be installing other bilingual signs in DC, Fairfax and PrinceWilliamCounties. Also we are preparing videos, literature and some TV programs.
FOTO has rain barrels for sale. Visit the Rain Barrel section to find out more.
It’s official, we’re a 2024 Water and Environment grantee! Thanks to the American Water Charitable Foundation for helping our team create positive change in our local community.
FOTO Fall River Clean Up 2024
A More Pristine Occoquan River/Reservoir—October 5, 2024
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) hosted their bi-annual river/reservoir cleanup event. With the belief that collective action can lead to significant change, 205 dedicated volunteers—including 78 children—gathered to help restore and preserve the natural beauty of the Occoquan and its surroundings.
The cleanup covered multiple critical areas, including the Bull Run, Fountainhead, the Occoquan Regional Park/Marinas in Fairfax County, the Lake Ridge Marina, the Town of Occoquan, and the Harbour Brethren Club in Prince William County. A wide array of community groups and organizations lent their support, such as the Sandy Run Scullers Rowing Club, Virginia Search & Rescue Dog Association (VSRDA), George Mason Powerlifting Team, Ulliman Schutte Construction LLC, Northern VA Geocaching Org. (NoVAGO), Bull Run Rotary Club, Osbourn High School Interactive Club, Nicki Bellezza (FCWA), South County Key Club (SCKC), Lake Ridge Middle School National Honor Society, Boy Scout Troop 1396, BS Pack 1365, BSA Troop 219, BS Troop 1369 and their leaders, and families with their children, who also played a crucial role. A special acknowledgment goes to Harry Wiggins of Troop 1396, who generously provided his pontoon boat so Scouts could remove trash from the water.
Volunteers were able to gather an impressive 140 bags of trash alongside a variety of oversized items collected, such as three tires, a shopping cart, four chairs, two gasoline cans, four buckets, five gutter moldings, six large plastic pieces, two coolers, a small trampoline, a large metal piece, several Styrofoam pieces, two poles, two wooden pallets, and a picnic stool, 12 whiskey bottles, golf club, and a bow/arrow.
The event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, the numerous organizations, volunteers, and participants. FOTO extends a heartfelt “Thank You” to the Fairfax and Prince William County park managers, their staff, and the FOTO’s station managers who contributed their energies to make this cleanup a success.
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Occoquan Fall Art Festival Imagination Alley
September 28/29 2024
This weekend, the rain stayed away, and sun peaked through, allowing the Occoquan Fall Art Festival to shine in all its glory! Friends of the Occoquan had the pleasure of participating in Imagination Alley, a bustling hub of creativity and community. Throughout the day, we shared the mission of Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) with festival-goers, sparking meaningful conversations about environmental stewardship and conservation.
Children eagerly joined us for a hands-on activity, transforming old CDs into colorful animal creations. The CD animals not only delighted the kids but also highlighted the importance of recycling and reusing everyday materials.
The event was, as always, well-organized, with friendly staff and excellent support. Well done, Town of Occoquan-Government
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, create, and show support for our cause! Thank you to our FOTO volunteers Dianne Schimpf-Meetre and Allison Meetre, Betty and Anthony Vanegas, Brittany Bower and Steve Hunter.
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Boy Scout (Troop 1369) Completes Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
A huge shout out to First Class Scout Nico McKinnon of Boy Scout Troop 1369 in the Lake Ridge division! To earn his Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge, Nico provided a service to a local non-profit (Friends of the Occoquan) by picking up trash along the Occoquan. Over three cleanup sessions, this River Hero collected six trash bags, a 40-gallon barrel, a tricycle, and even a baby pool! Friends of the Occoquan are so grateful for Nico's hard work, proving that one person can truly make a difference. Thank you, Nico!
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July 2024
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV), a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to engaging Northern Virginia communities in enjoying, conserving, and restoring nature for the benefit of birds, wildlife, and people. They advance their mission through educational programs, citizen science, conservation, and advocacy.
ASNV offers workshops, classes, and field trips on birding and natural history topics, while their Audubon at Home program helps create wildlife-friendly habitats. You can find out more by visiting their website at https://www.audubonva.org/
We had the pleasure of having Leslie Paulson evaluate our property and give us the official stamp of approval!
River Fest 2024 Conservation Alley
June 2024
The weather couldn't have been more perfect this weekend for the Town of Occoquan Spring Arts and Crafts Festival 2024. Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) once again participated in Conservation Alley, engaging children with creative and eco-friendly activities. At the FOTO tent, kids made drip irrigation bottles for houseplants from used plastic water bottles and crafted environmentally inspired bookmarks. FOTO also provided free drinks, snacks, stickers and bookmarks for the ecofriendly children who stopped by.
All of us at the FOTO booth were particularly impressed with the young artisans (and supportive parents) in Conservation Alley. Among them was young scientist Linda Pistun, whose book and fertilizer I personally purchased, and her brothers from Reclaimed Rubble LLC, who create art from bottle caps and crayons. Another standout was diversity advocate Read with Carylee, offering a selection of diverse children's literature. Her booth wasn’t hard to miss, thanks to her two young sons who enthusiastically guided visitors to their mom's booth.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Wendy Boone, who is organizing a bike trail and skate park in the Lake Ridge area in memory of her late son, with the support of family, friends, and the community. Other notable vendors included the Water Authority, PWC Park Rangers, and the Virginia Naturalist group, who were our tent neighbors and many more.
Entertainment highlights featured a captivating reading by Linda Pistun from her book Linda and the Mysterious Footprints, performances by the chorus, musicians, and dancers from Rockledge Elementary School, and lively music from the DJ.
Thanks to FOTO volunteers for helping to run the booth this weekend, and to our sponsors who make all our work possible.
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Rockledge Elementary School Community Resource Fair
On Friday, May 31st FOTO participated in Rockledge Elementary School’s Community Resource Fair. The parents and children learned about various organizations in their community. FOTO provided drinks and environmental book markers and stickers.
FOTO Donates Two Garden Beds, Soil, Compost and Plants to Belmont Elementary School
May 2024
Exciting news from Belmont Elementary School! Friends of the Occoquan donated two awesome 6x3 raised beds for their Courtyard Garden! A huge shoutout to FOTO member Steve Hunter for building and delivering these beds. FOTO also provided a rich mixture of soil and compost to fill up the beds.
The raised beds will be turned into herb gardens, and FOTO donated strawberry mint, oregano, and more herbs to help them get started. The Belmont Elementary Green/Garden Club worked hard to move the beds, fill them with soil, and plant the herbs. Great job, everyone!
Thank you to our grantmakers who make this environmental work possible.
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Neabsco Elementary School-Pink Space Theory
On Earth Day, April 22, 2024, Neabsco Elementary School buzzed with eco-friendly excitement as Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) joined the Pink Space Theory Great Math Minds group to celebrate water conservation. Hosted by Pink Space Theory, a mobile STEAM-based makerspace in the Washington, D.C., area, this educational event was a delightful blend of learning and hands-on activities.
Monica Nichols, the President of Pink Space Theory, kicked off the event by introducing FOTO’s Project Manager Sonia Monson, and volunteer Diane Meetre to the eager group of upper elementary girls. Before diving into the interactive sessions, participants engaged in discussions about Earth Day's significance and this year's mission to combat plastic waste. Topics ranged from the power of water to understanding erosion, setting the stage for the main activities.
Sonia Monson sparked curiosity by presenting a jar of pickles, prompting the girls to ponder the connection between it and the looming black (pickle) barrel nearby. This led to an exploration of rain barrels, demonstrated in detail by FOTO. From crafting rain barrels to repurposing plastic bottles into watering tools for indoor plants, every activity echoed this year's Earth Day theme: Planet vs Plastics. All the while, relishing the taste of dill and sweet pickles.
Beyond the enriching sessions, attendees were treated to thoughtful tokens of appreciation, including floral light-up headbands, sunflower seeds for planting, refreshing drinks, snacks, and boxed pens and mini notebooks—a fitting conclusion to a day filled with learning and fun. Neabsco Elementary 5th graders will use the rain barrel in their school garden.
Special thanks go to Monica Nichols, photographer Krystal who works for KM Studios, 5th grade teacher Ms. Souder and FOTO volunteer Diane Meetre for their invaluable support throughout the activities. And of course, a heartfelt gratitude to all the young girls whose openness to learning and enthusiasm made this event truly memorable. A big thank you to our event sponsors!
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Belmont Elementary School Rain Barrel Workshop- Round #2
On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, FOTO Project Manager Sonia Monson presented a rain barrel workshop to a few of the members of the Belmont Elementary School Green Club. This was the second workshop where children gathered and made rain barrels for the Belmont school garden located in the school’s courtyard. This time around FOTO donated three rain barrels to complete the four corners of the garden area. Within the next few weeks FOTO will be making two garden boxes for the courtyard area and supplying soil, compost and some fresh herb plants and seeds to go into the boxes. Special thanks go to their dedicated teacher, Kathy Lamont, Gifted Education Resource Teacher for K-5, and Brenda Paniagua, the Parent Liaison, for making this impactful workshop possible.
Thanks to our sponsors American Water and Dominion Power.
PSA By Jaxon a River Hero
April 2024
Meet Jaxon, a young River Hero, and a true inspiration. When Jaxon's mom shared a video of him with us, we were deeply touched by his enthusiasm and the simplicity of his message. It was so heartfelt that we couldn't resist asking his mom if we could share his message with others.
Thank you Jaxon for teaching everyone the invaluable lesson that we are all stewards of the earth, entrusted with the task of preserving it for generations to come.
FOTO Spring Clean-Up 2024 for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Saturday, April 6, 2024
On a windy Saturday morning, 292 FOTO volunteers worked to intercept debris from the shores and water of the Occoquan River/Reservoir before it entered the Chesapeake Bay and ocean. The Occoquan River is also the source of drinking water for one million people in Northern Virginia.
Equipped with gloves and trash grabbers, the volunteers collectively removed 2.8 tons of trash. The items collected were 272 bags of trash and five large 50-gallon drums, five gasoline cans, 15 pieces of wood with nails, four Styrofoam pieces, a lawn chair, two coolers, two hubcaps, and one large metal piece.
The River Heroes included the Boy Scout Troops 501B&G, BS Troop 1396, BS Pack 1365, Girl Scout Troop 54063, Woodbridge High School Crew, Lake Ridge Middle School, Alan Starks with American Water and Nikki Bellezza with Fairfax Water employees, the Bull Run Rotary Club and Osbourn Park High School of Manassas, Trail Keepers Coalition, Sandy Run Scullers, Fame Church. Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), including numerous families with children and other participants.
The sites cleaned up in Fairfax County were Bull Run Park/Marina, including the Occoquan Forest area, Fountainhead Park/Marina, the Occoquan Regional Park, Lake Ridge Marina, the Town of Occoquan, Northshore, and Harbour Brethren in Prince William County.
FOTO is grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who braved the cold and windy weather, including the Park Managers, Fairfax, and Prince William County staff. We also thank our sponsors, site captains, helpers, and FOTO Team.
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FOTO Presentation to the Manassas Centennial Garden Club
April 11, 2024
Upon an invitation from the Manassas Centennial Garden Club, Renate Vanegas and Sonia Monson gave a presentation on FOTO's various programs, including community gardens and rain barrels. The Garden Club promotes community beautification and environmental preservation, which aligns beautifully with FOTO's mission. Many of the Club's members are Master Gardeners who help people develop skills in all phases of gardening. The setting for the meeting was Sheila Epstein's beautiful home overlooking the Occoquan River, which provided a perfect backdrop for our discussion.
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Rockledge Elementary STEAM Night
On January 23, 2024, Sonia Monson and Dianne Meetre, members of Friends of the Occoquan, took part in Rockledge Elementary's annual STEAM Night, orchestrated by Carla "Shelly" Waller, the school’s Instructional Technology Coach. The event featured diverse math and science-related booths for students to explore.
At the FOTO booth, Sonia and Dianne actively engaged students in discussions about water conservation and protection. They posed thought-provoking questions that prompted students to consider effective strategies for preventing water wastage and contributing to its preservation. For their valuable contributions, the students were rewarded with animal bookmarks. This interactive and informative session not only raised awareness about water-related issues but also encouraged active participation and learning.
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Rain Barrel Workshop at Belmont Elementary School PWC
December 12, 2023
Today, Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) had the opportunity to enhance the Belmont Elementary School garden's green initiatives by leading a workshop for their enthusiastic green team. Comprising of 3rd-5th graders, this dedicated group meets every second Tuesday of the month, actively working to transform their school into a more environmentally friendly space.
During the workshop, the students not only learned about the importance of rain barrels, but also actively participated in the hands-on experience of converting a pickling barrel into a rain harvester. This engaging session not only deepened their understanding of sustainable practices but also empowered them to contribute to making their school a "greener" place.
In a show of support, FOTO provided the students with essential tools for their environmental journey, including a notebook for notetaking, a pen, and a sticker (thanks to Clean Virginia Waterways). Special thanks go to their dedicated teacher, Kathy Lamont, Gifted Education Resource Teacher for K-5, and Brenda Paniagua, the Parent Liaison, for making this impactful workshop possible. Together, we are fostering a culture of environmental awareness and school spirit at Belmont Elementary School.
Thank you sponsor American Water for making this workshop possible.
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"Budding Beekeepers: Eco Kids Embracing the World of Bees"
"Budding Beekeepers: Eco Kids Embracing the World of Bees" 11/7/23
Earlier this week, the Friends of the Occoquan were treated to a delightful experience – a beekeeping adventure with a remarkable young enthusiast. Christian Baselice, a spirited third-grader, surprised us all with his knowledge and passion for bees. Before we even began the hive inspections, Christian eagerly shared his insights into the intricate world of bees, unraveling the mysteries of honey production within the hive.
Ensuring that everyone (including another adult guest-Curtis) was geared up for this buzzing escapade, our main bee aficionado, Steve Hunter, accompanied by his grandson Christian, led the way to the hive. What struck me the most was Christian's remarkable lack of fear. Even to this day, I approach beehives with a hint of trepidation, but Christian exuded confidence and fearlessness throughout the entire experience.
As we observed the hive's activities, Christian seamlessly delved into discussions about bee brood, robber bees, and the enchanting world of honey-making. His words resonated with confidence and assurance, revealing a genuine enjoyment for the beekeeping adventure. In an era dominated by technology, witnessing a young child so attuned to nature, particularly the intricate world of bees, is both heartwarming and reassuring.
The Friends of the Occoquan extend heartfelt thanks to Steve, Christian and Curtis for gracing us with their presence at the FOTO Homestation during this bee inspection. Their shared passion for beekeeping and the natural world is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future.
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Trick or Treatment Event- Prince William County Service Authority
On Saturday, October 28th, 2023, a delightful event took place in Prince William County, thanks to the ingenious and eco-conscious efforts of Michelle Miranda (Bouchard) and the dedicated team at the Service Authority. They conjured up an extraordinary spectacle known as "Trick or Treatment," a unique fusion of environmental enlightenment and Halloween fun.
The event was a harmonious blend of local environmental groups, all converging to impart wisdom, interactive learning experiences, and Halloween delights to the 300+ attendees. Among the luminaries present, the Friends of the Occoquan shimmered brightly, sharing knowledge about their river clean-up initiatives, the benefits of rain barrels, and community garden outreach programs.
At the Friends of the Occoquan table, those who visited enthusiastically participated in creating designs on glow in the dark rocks and explored the world of recycling art through cork and napkin ghosts. One particularly memorable moment at the event was when I advised a young boy to charge his rock in the sunlight. He promptly went to the window, raised his rock, and began singing the "Sun Song."
The "Trick or Treatment" extravaganza was a symphony of appreciation for our environment, a true masterpiece where Halloween merriment danced hand in hand with ecological wisdom. Thanks to the Service Authority team for this memorable and fun day.
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Growing Mushrooms
Cultivating mushrooms is a fascinating and rewarding process. To begin, select a suitable tree for mushroom growth, ensuring it's freshly cut. Allow the tree to rest for approximately two weeks, permitting natural decomposition processes to begin. Next, carefully drill holes into the tree and insert mushroom plugs, which are inoculated with the desired mushroom species, such as Shiitake or Lion's Mane. Secure the plugs in place by gently hammering them in and sealing each hole with melted wax to prevent contamination. Regularly monitor the moisture levels of the tree, providing water when necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions. Lastly, exercise patience as you wait for the mycelium to colonize the tree over the course of approximately one year, ultimately yielding a bountiful harvest of your chosen mushroom varieties. This method not only provides a hands-on experience in mushroom cultivation but also fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate symbiosis between fungi and their host trees.
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Water Quality Field Day
June 2, 2023
On Friday, June 2nd Friends of the Occoquan participated in Water Quality Field Day at the Griffith Treatment Plant in Lorton, Virginia sponsored by Fairfax Water and other agencies. The event covered topics that included water protection, stream and river clean-ups, native plants, gardening, rain barrels, and other water/environmental-related topics.
With over 150 Fort Belvoir 6th-grade students and their teachers in attendance, the event was meticulously coordinated, ensuring that each group of students rotated smoothly between stations. The provision of t-shirts, breakfast goodies, and lunch for all participants demonstrated the organizers' attention to detail and commitment to the comfort and enjoyment of the attendees.
FOTO's presence at the Water Quality Field Day brought a unique perspective on the importance of plants in preserving the quality of our waterways. The "Planting Mammoth Sunflowers" activity presented by Sonia Monson and Diane Meetre offered an opportunity for students to learn about the positive impact of plants on the environment while engaging in a hands-on gardening experience. By planting sunflower seeds and taking them home, the students were able to connect with nature and witness firsthand the growth and care required for these plants.
The Sunflower Kit provided to each child was a thoughtful addition to the activity. With four seeds, a plant marker, a follow-up sheet on plant care, and a book marker, FOTO ensured that students had the necessary resources to continue their gardening journey beyond the event. This comprehensive kit not only encouraged the students to nurture their plants but also empowered them with the knowledge and tools needed to take care of their sunflowers responsibly.
In addition to the sunflower planting activity, FOTO also provided a brief lesson on rain barrels to further educate the students about water conservation. This integration of water-related topics within the event highlighted the organization's commitment to promoting sustainable practices and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our precious water resources. The students had the opportunity to learn about practical solutions like rain barrels that contribute to water conservation efforts, enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship.
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Actions Speak Louder- Interview with Dominion Energy
Friends of the Occoquan would like to thank the Krieg Family from Norfolk, Virginia for opening their home and garden to us. A big thank you to Isabelle Krieg for teaching FOTO all about raising Swallowtail butterflies. So much to learn from our Eco Kids! Note from Isabelle's Mom: Isabelle was interviewed by Friends of the Occoquan for her work with Butterflies 🦋 This was such an amazing experience for Isabelle.....she has worked very hard and gained so much knowledge about Black swallowtail butterflies.How to raise and care for them🦋🦋..it's so cool for her to be able to share what she does to help Mother Earth🦋
Photo credits- Kelly Krieg
Panther Fresh Community Garden- Norfolk, Virginia
Trash Warrior
Yesterday on my evening walk I ran into this trash warrior picking up trash alongside a residential road with her mom. Her name is Senna and she is a Daisy member working on one of her environmental badges. What a great eco friendly activity for parents and their children. Thanks for your hard work Senna and Mom!
Make a Contribution or Donation:
Please send a check or money order payable to FOTO to the address below:
or pay with credit card using paypal by clicking the link below:
Contact Information
Friends of the Occoquan P.O. Box 1452 Woodbridge, VA 22195-1452 Tel. (703)624-7124
