Eco Ambassador Council backs five efforts to improve access, safety, and habitat in local communities
The Eco Ambassador Council (EAC), a coalition catalyzed by Carter Bank and composed of local businesses—including Blair Construction, Clark Gas & Oil, Frith Construction, Hooker Furnishings, Intertape, Jones & DeShon Orthodontics, and Pickle & Ash—has announced funding for five transformative environmental projects across Southern Virginia and the Dan River Basin.
These businesses work together with their charitable investments to drive regional change by supporting initiatives that build community resilience, expand access to nature, protect ecological health, and promote economic growth.
Each initiative represents a shared commitment to sustainability, safety, equity, and the restoration of natural spaces—directly benefiting local communities while protecting the region’s unique ecosystems.
“These projects demonstrate the power of local action,” said Tyler Carter, EAC member and community reinvestment administrator for Carter Bank. “Each one addresses a different facet of environmental health such as making nature more accessible, restoring ecosystems, or simply keeping people safe on the river. They’re proof that with the right support, small communities can lead big change.”
Teaching Water Safety
One initiative, Water Safety Education for All, is led by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA). It brings free, beginner-friendly kayak safety classes to underserved communities in Henry County, Martinsville, Patrick County, and Danville. Participants, many of whom have never had access to formal instruction, will learn core river skills such as trip planning, boat fitting, paddle techniques, and Leave No Trace ethics.
Each participant will also receive personal safety gear, including river maps, dry shirts, waterproof flashlights, whistles, and multi-tools. The program is designed to promote safe recreation, outdoor equity, and stewardship of regional waterways.
Clearer River Signage
Also led by DRBA, the Play It Safe River Access Safety Signage Initiative will install more than 50 permanent, bilingual signs at public river access points in Virginia and North Carolina. The signs will feature paddling tips, emergency contacts, river condition guidelines, and environmental ethics.
Featuring universal icons and English/Spanish messaging, the signs are designed to improve safety for all users—including those with limited literacy—and enhance emergency response capabilities.
“With the support of the EAC, we’re breaking down barriers—whether physical, economic, or cultural—to create welcoming spaces where everyone can safely and meaningfully connect with the outdoors,” said Anna Wheeler, DRBA’s recreation and stewardship manager. “The EAC is an incredible network of business leaders who truly understand the environmental needs and challenges facing our region and are committed to combining their resources to make the greatest possible impact.”
Fred Clifton Park Revitalization
In Patrick County, EAC funding will support the Fred Clifton Park Renovation project to breathe new life into a scenic community asset known for its breathtaking overlook and peaceful setting. Volunteers will repaint worn structures, clean up the grounds, and install interpretive signs to highlight the park’s geological, ecological, and cultural significance.
Located near the popular Lovers Leap scenic stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the enhanced park will better serve both residents and travelers, encouraging longer visits, greater engagement with nature, and a deeper appreciation of the region’s natural heritage.
“We are excited to receive the grant,” said James Houchins, Patrick County’s director of economic development and tourism. “The Eco Ambassador Council’s dedication to enhancing green spaces is a great service to local communities. I have often said that Patrick County has many hidden gems, and Fred Clifton Park is one! This grant will help keep the park fresh and inviting.”
Woodland Trail Bridge Rebuild
In Spencer, the Woodland Trail Bridge Rebuild will restore a vital trail connector at the Spencer-Penn Centre. The deteriorated bridge currently limits access to a looped trail used by seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities for exercise, wellness, and education.
Led by local volunteers, the rebuilt bridge will ensure continued access to the only outdoor trail in Spencer that is fully accessible to those with mobility needs.
“After some major storms wiped out the bridge on the Woodland Trail, we are so excited to know that thanks to the Eco Ambassador Council, the bridge will be rebuilt and the full trail will again be accessible to our community,” said Susan King Sabin, executive director of the Spencer-Penn Centre. “These partnerships are critical to providing the best resources and opportunities to our neighbors and visitors. Having beautiful assets only matters if they are accessible to everyone.”
River Restoration in Stuart
The South Mayo River Structures Removal Project, led by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR), will eliminate two low-head dams and two sets of concrete bridge piers in Stuart. The outdated structures block fish migration, collect debris, endanger paddlers, and degrade habitat.
Removing them will improve safety and open nearly 10 miles of the South Mayo River to aquatic species, including the state-threatened Orangefin Madtom and lay the groundwork for potential reintroduction of extirpated mussel species. In addition to ecological gains, this three-week project will significantly improve safety and river access in Stuart — supporting eco-tourism, recreation, and a community-wide connection to the health of the river.
“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is incredibly excited to have been awarded grant funds from the EAC to support the removal of defunct structures in the South Mayo River,” said Louise Finger, stream restoration biologist with VDWR. “These funds, in combination with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Tech, and other partners, will improve aquatic habitat, fish passage, and safe, recreational use of the river.”
Beyond the Checkbook
EAC support includes more than financial backing. Members will also be hands-on and engage their workforce to volunteer for some of the projects. As these five projects move forward in the coming months, they will collectively promote safety, education, environmental equity, and a deeper sense of connection to the natural resources that belong to the Dan River Basin.
“These projects show what’s possible when local businesses step beyond the day-to-day grind and come together to invest in the shared future of our communities and environment,” said Anna Lester, vice president of Clark Gas & Oil and partner at Pickle & Ash. “The EAC is more than just funding—it’s about building a culture of stewardship, connection, and collective responsibility.”
As these five projects unfold in the months ahead, their collective impact will ripple through the region—strengthening environmental equity, improving safety, and deepening the community’s connection to the Dan River Basin.
