Lead, partner and unify the community for the Appomattox and James Rivers

Welcome to Friends of Chesterfield's Riverfront

The Friends of Chesterfield’s Riverfront is a local, non-profit organization formed as a result of the Riverfront Plan adopted by Chesterfield County in January 1997. Friends represents community leaders and citizens interested in promoting and enhancing the Appomattox and James Rivers. The non-profit organization is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of nine to 15 citizens which includes riparian landowners, industry, business, conservation representatives and county representatives.

The Riverfront Plan (Riverfront-Plan.pdf)

Friends Brochure (FriendsBrochure.pdf)

What makes Friends different from other groups supporting rivers? 

The Friends is the only local, non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be formed specifically to track the progress and insure implementation of an adopted Riverfront Plan. Chesterfield County is proactive in adopting a plan that focuses on key natural resources, the river and their environs. Friends has a local emphasis. While welcoming members and participants from the metropolitan region, Friends’ volunteers and donations Friends remain in the community!

What is Friends Mission? 

The Friends mission statement is to Lead, partner and unify the community for the Appomattox and James Rivers. Through the diversity in its membership and Board of Directors representation, Friends fosters positive relationships, partnerships and collaboration between a variety of individuals, businesses, industry and the county to enhance the natural resources and built environments associated with the rivers.

• Developing educational programs on environmental issues;
• Organizing public events, forums and citizen’s outreach efforts to promote public awareness of environmental and riverfront preservation issues;
• Encouraging conservation of wildlife and preservation of public and private open spaces;
• Promoting improved public access to the James and Appomattox Rivers; and,
• Supporting sustainable economic and industrial development activities that are compatible with a long-range, environmentally sound riverfront plan.

• Educate members, other groups and the community about the rivers through Friends’ activities and involvement in community projects.
• Conserve natural and cultural resources along the rivers.
• Manage Friends’ resources to maximize its focus on the rivers through partnerships & collaboration with the community.
• Market and promote the rivers for the betterment of the community and region.