Kayak launch construction starts!

We were pleased to officially break ground on the kayak launch project yesterday afternoon at Four Mile Run with representatives from the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities and general contractor Landivar and Associates. And we had a good omen and sure sign of spring earlier in the week with the return of an osprey!

See the full press release, or drop by the park to see the progress!

Photo credit: Judy Lo

Kayak Launch to Break Ground this Spring!

We are pleased to announce that we have awarded the kayak launch construction contract to Landivar and Associates, and the project will break ground early in the coming year. The construction timeline is detailed below.

We still need support to get to the finish line -- a total construction cost of $542,486. You can help us close a $40K gap with a year-end contribution!

Here's what to expect as we build and open the DC metro area's first free public ADA-accessible Potomac River paddling access:

• March 2025: groundbreaking and site preparation
• April 2025: installation of helical piles and concrete abutments
• May 2025: installation of boardwalk decking/railings
• May-June 2025: attachment of gangway and floating launch
• June 2025: OPENING
  

Kayak Launch Construction - Invitation to Bid

28 August 2024 -- The Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation has today issued the invitation to bid (ITB) to obtain bids from qualified bidders and enter a contract for construction of the kayak launch project on Four Mile Run in Alexandria, Virginia. Details and full ITB here.

The launch will be an accessible and ADA-compliant floating launch with transfer platform and roller entry/exit. It will be the first such access point to Four Mile Run and the Potomac River for the Washington, DC metro area. See kayak launch project page for details.

Kayak Clean-up Schedule: Summer

Days are long, and great for paddling. Join us for time on the water while keeping Four Mile Run litter-free!

  Wednesday, June 26 @5:30pm (full)

  Saturday, July 6 @ 8:30am

  Thursday, July 18 @ 5:30pm

  Saturday July 20 @ 8:30am

  Saturday August 3 @ 8:30am - sign-up is open

  Saturday August 10 @ 8:30am - sign-up is open

REGISTER HERE -- Kayak clean-up registration opens around two weeks before each event.

This page will be updated periodically as dates are added.

Support Youth Conservation Internships during Spring2ACTion!

Wednesday, April 24, is Alexandria's Spring2ACTion giving day, an opportunity to support the work of local nonprofit organizations, including the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. This year our $7,500 Spring2ACTion campaign supports paid internships for local youth!

Four Mile Run conservation interns work as a team on such tasks as woodland assessment, photographic wildlife surveys, invasive plant removal, water quality monitoring, and assistance with outdoor programs for children/youth. Through their experience, Four Mile Run conservation interns develop skills in natural resource conservation, field research, and leadership, and they have even co-authored scientific research (see the 2020 microplastics study in the Virginia Journal of Science).

Help build the future of conservation at Four Mile Run with a Spring2ACTion donation!