Friends Of the River Education Programs get A+ from Dow

Since being formed in 2005, the Friends Of the River San Bernard (FOR) organizers and board of directors have worked to educate residents, elected officials and the public about the need to preserve and protect the health of the San Bernard River.

However, one piece has always been missing – an education program for youth that would help assure a vibrant future for the river and those who depend upon it. That dream got a big boost at the F.O.R.’s annual “State of the River” dinner on February 23, when the Dow Chemical Company Foundation announced a $15,000 grant to go toward the group’s environmental and educational programs. In particular, the grant will help F.O.R. start the F.O.R. Rangers program for local youth aged 11-15.

“The Friends Of the River have demonstrated that they are committed to environmental conservation and can achieve great things when they set out to accomplish a goal, so we are very proud to support them in their efforts to teach young people about the importance of caring for the river and all our natural resources,” said John Cook, Dow Environmental, Health and Safety Delivery Leader. Cook has a particular tie to the river. He and his family had a home on its banks for several years and several of his relatives continue to have riverfront residences.

“I spent a lot of great years enjoying the natural beauty and recreation the San Bernard offers and I’m really proud that the Dow Foundation is joining with Friends Of the River to teach and promote environmental sustainability,” he said.

“Dow Chemical has provided Friends Of the River with a great opportunity to enlighten and inform people about the San Bernard River,” said Chaney Moore, Friends Of the River President and river resident. “With this money, we will be able to set up information stations at the boat launches along the river with material on the ecology and environment as well as start up a program to educate our youth on the importance of our river habitats.”