The Eco Ambassador Council (EAC), a coalition formed by Carter Bank, with members including Blair Construction, Clark Gas & Oil, Frith Construction, Hooker Furnishings, Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) and Jones & DeShon Orthodontics, is proud to announce the selection of eight community-led environmental projects that will receive a combined $70,778 in funding during 2026–2027. To date, the EAC has invested $257,178 in projects throughout the region since 2022.
The projects span Southern Virginia and North Carolina’s northern Piedmont and focus on expanding outdoor recreation, improving water safety, protecting wildlife habitat, reducing litter, enhancing environmental education and creating more equitable access to the region’s natural resources. Together, they represent the EAC’s continued commitment to investing in projects that strengthen both communities and the environment.
“These projects reflect the kind of practical, community-driven solutions that create lasting impact,” said Tyler Carter, Community Reinvestment Administrator for Carter Bank and an EAC member. “Whether we’re helping a young person experience their first paddle trip, protecting a threatened species or improving access to public green spaces, every investment represents our shared commitment to making this region’s natural resources healthier, safer and more connected.”
Among this year’s funded projects is the Outdoor Equity and Access Initiative, which will remove barriers that often prevent underserved communities from enjoying the outdoors by providing free guided paddling and hiking programs, transportation assistance, outdoor equipment and multilingual educational materials. By addressing financial, geographic and language barriers, the project will make outdoor recreation more accessible while encouraging lifelong environmental stewardship.
Building on a successful educational program that has been piloted in Martinsville and Danville, the EAC will also fund the Epic River Experience for youth in Patrick County. This program will bring hands-on river education to local high school students who will receive beginner paddling instruction and water safety and stream quality education while gaining confidence on the waterways that define their community.
EAC Leadership members also selected the Step into Nature program, a new guided hike series that will introduce participants to local trails while incorporating Leave No Trace principles, outdoor safety and environmental learning.
“What makes the Eco Ambassador Council unique is that local businesses aren’t simply writing checks; we’re investing in the future of the communities where our employees and families live. Every project we support strengthens our region by protecting the resources that make this region such a great place,” said Michael Jones, Director of Global Energy & Sustainability at Intertape Polymer Group (IPG), the newest member of the EAC. “These investments create opportunities for people to build meaningful connections with nature that can advance to lifelong stewardship.”
Wildlife conservation remains a priority for the EAC, and through the Bog Turtle Signage Initiative at I.C. DeHart Park in Woolwine, educational signage and habitat enhancements will increase awareness of the federally threatened bog turtle while protecting one of the region’s most sensitive wetland ecosystems.
To improve water quality, the EAC has also funded Virginia’s First Trash Trout Installation which will be installed in Martinsville. The floating litter collection system will intercept trash in Jones Creek before it reaches larger waterways while engaging volunteers in ongoing cleanup and watershed stewardship efforts.
“The Eco Ambassador Council continues to prove that when businesses invest in conservation, the entire community benefits,” said Jim Frith, Chairman of the Board of Frith Construction and a founding member of the EAC. “These projects will inspire more people to become lifelong stewards of the natural places that make this region special.”
Following overwhelming public interest, the EAC has funded Paddle Safety Classes for the second year. Six beginner-friendly classes will be provided in 2027, and participants will receive personal flotation devices, safety equipment and practical skills needed to safely enjoy river and lake recreation.
“Investing in the community where we live and work impacts not only local businesses but contributes to quality of life for our citizens and specifically our employees. It also showcases our public spaces to our region’s visitors,” said Tim Clark, President, Blair Construction and a founding member of the Eco Ambassador Council. “It’s a long-term commitment at Blair Construction to give back and be a part of the continued growth in Southern Virginia. When I was asked to be part of this council, there was no hesitation because I knew the impact we could make on our community.”
Environmental education will expand in the region through a previously funded project, The WaterShed, an outdoor classroom in Bassett, Va.. In phase two, there will be a native pollinator garden and stormwater demonstration area where students can explore biodiversity and habitat restoration through learning experiences aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning.
The Angel Overlook Enhancement Project in Meadows of Dan was also selected for funding and will improve one of Patrick County’s most scenic destinations by adding picnic facilities and landscape enhancements that encourage visitors to spend more time enjoying the panoramic views of Pilot Mountain and the Sauratown Mountain Range.
“Investments like these improve quality of life for residents, enhance tourism and encourage people to get outside and enjoy everything our region has to offer,” said Anna Lester, Vice President of Clark Gas & Oil and a founding member of the EAC. “One of the things I love most about the Eco Ambassador Council is that every business can choose how they want to be involved. Some members simply help select and fund projects, while others roll up their sleeves alongside their employees and families to volunteer to help support these projects. We love having the opportunity to work together outside the office, give back to our communities and see firsthand the difference these projects make.”
