The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce is the recipient of one of the 2024 Dan River Basin Association’s (DRBA’s) EcoAmbassador Council Grants. The $1,000 grant will go toward creating and installing the River Ranger supply box on the Mayo River Rail Trail.
The chamber recently installed a Free Little Library in the parking area adjacent to the river access point and would add a resource that provides tools for kids to explore the river. The idea is to have a container that consists of waterproof bug, bird, and animal identification sheets, seine nets, binoculars, magnifying containers for aquatic species, a logbook for people to record what they find and other related items. Funds would be used to purchase some of the recommended books from the Start with a Book River Rangers program to be placed in the current Free Little Library.
The Mayo River Rail Trail is a pedestrian walkway located in downtown Stuart and follows the Mayo River. The river is an active stocking site with many people fishing it. During warmer months, the river is a popular spot for the community to come and splash in the cool water. There is a natural “beach” area that has perfect access to the water. It is also a spot where our large home school groups use it for outdoor activities.
This grant is made possible through the generous support of the following businesses: The Lester Group, Hooker Furnishings, Clark Gas & Oil, Frith Construction, Jones & DeShon Orthodontics, Blair Construction, Carter Bank & Trust, and Pickle & Ash.
