Native Fish Coalition Virginia Chapter

05/24/2026

You might notice 5 new signs along Cheesecake Brook encouraging you to watch for fish, and share the news of what you find via email or an online form accessible via the QR code on the sign. Friend…

05/21/2026

The Newton Cemetery and Arboretum fish tours were a huge success. As things progressed, they became more about the aquatic habitats and what lives there than simply fish…

05/20/2026

New Hampshire NFC formally supported the proposal to increase the Fisheries Habitat Fee because the disposition of the funds collected were clearly defined, beneficial to wild native fish, and protected in statute…

05/17/2026

The streams that NFC is responsible for are two of the most difficult to access in the watershed. As such, there is very little data available for them, making out involvement all the more important and impactful…

05/16/2026

Last summer, the Virginia Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition helped launch an extension of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail in Damascus, Virginia, creating a unique new way for people to experience the region’s native aquatic life and mountain streams.

Much of the effort was spearheaded by our board member, Loughran “Lock” Cabe, whose article on the project is featured in the latest edition of Virginia Wildlife magazine.

We’re proud to see this project and Loughran’s work recognized statewide while helping shine a light on native fish conservation and healthy waterways in Virginia.



A NEW TYPE OF TRAIL:

RIVER SNORKELING ARRIVES IN DAMASCUS

The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is bringing a novel way of watching aquatic wildlife to accessible sites with a wide variety of species.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOUGHRAN CABE

On a sunny summer afternoon in July, a van pulls into a public lot in downtown Damascus, Virginia, and a group of all ages pours out. Though it’s a hot day, they’re wearing full-body neoprene wetsuits and carrying snorkels. A passerby would be forgiven for wondering which of Damascus’ many recreational trails and events they’re here to attend. Surely not biking on the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail? And definitely not an afternoon jaunt on the Appalachian Trail… perhaps they’re preparing for a kayak trip on the nearby Holston River?

In fact, they’re here to take advantage of Damascus’ newest trail addition: a site on the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail (BRST).

They’re led by Brendan Murphy of the Blue Ridge Discovery Center and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Aquatics Biologist Mike Pinder. Armed with a copy of the book “Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Virginia,” Pinder escorted them to the banks of Beaverdam Creek, one of two tumbling mountain streams that meet in the middle of Damascus. Pinder also carries a large glass-tipped orange cone that wouldn’t look out of place in a construction zone.

He explained that it’s essentially a reverse periscope for spotting fish. After gathering the group on the bank, Pinder began explaining to them how best to conduct the day’s activity: river snorkeling. He gave pointers on how best to observe the creek’s residents with nugget of wisdom like, “The fish like to come up behind you where the water is calm, turn around and take a look!”

After a quick safety briefing, the group cautiously entered the stream.

MAY/JUNE 2026 | VIRGINIA WILDLIFE

05/14/2026

Thanks to the work of Native Fish Coalition, we now know that native golden shiners and American eels call Cold Spring Brook home...

05/13/2026

NFC is honored to have received the 2026 Charles Johnson Maynard Award from Newton Conservators…

05/11/2026

On May 2nd, Native Fish Coalition was proud to take part in Richmond, Virginia’s 5th annual World Fish Migration Day celebration at Ancarrow’s Landing. Board members Chuck Maguire and David Hopler represented NFC Virginia.

Events like this help shine a light on the importance of protecting native fish, restoring aquatic habitat, and maintaining healthy, free-flowing rivers for future generations. Visitors enjoyed live fish and touch tank exhibits, fish art activities, aquatic biodiversity displays, river restoration education, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

It was great connecting with the community and sharing the value of native species and healthy waterways alongside our partners at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, James River Association, Virginia Outside, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and RES.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and helped celebrate Virginia’s native fish and waterways!

05/05/2026

Podcast!

NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard recently say down to talk about wild native fish with Tenkara Angler…

04/27/2026

Members of MA NFC and several volunteers joined Neponset River watershed Association and other organizations in an all day watershed cleanup…