Roberts Recognized For Years of Service To Organization and to the Shenandoah River
Washington, DC – October 7 – Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) has awarded to Don Roberts, founder and owner of Front Royal Outdoors its prestigious Protector of the Shenandoah Award for 2026, PRKN President Betsy Nicholas announced today.
Nicholas said, “Don has an incredible history of supporting PRKN and in making the Shenandoah accessible to thousands of river enthusiasts. Without him, we would not have made the progress we have over the last many years in protecting and defending these treasured waters.”
Roberts works closely with Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. When asked why Roberts was recognized, Frondorf said, “Through Front Royal Outdoors, Don has spent decades introducing people to the beauty, wonder and magic of the Shenandoah River system. But his contribution goes far beyond putting people in boats. His quiet, behind-the-scenes support has been essential to the work of the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and to protecting this watershed.”
Roberts is a lifelong resident of the Valley and sponsors Shenandoah Riverkeeper’s twice-weekly River Report radio broadcasts about the issues affecting the Shenandoah and his extensive support of PRKN’s Trash-Free Shenandoah campaign and its Riverkeeper paddling events has brought more Valley residents onto the river and into the conversation about protecting it. His Front Royal Outdoors has been for the last 11 years the starting point for the organization’s annual Shenandoah River birding trip.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award because the Shenandoah has given so much to me, to my family, to my business and to this community. I’ve watched countless people experience the river for the first time, and there’s something special about seeing someone fall in love with it the way so many of us have. Supporting the Shenandoah Riverkeeper is one way of giving something back to the river that has given us so much. My hope is that we never take the Shenandoah for granted—that we continue to stand up for it, protect it and make sure future generations have the opportunity to experience the same clean, beautiful river that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy.”
Nicholas added, “Don is a guy who believes that if the river has given you something, you ought to give something back – and he has again and again.”
Frondorf concluded, “Don has helped countless people discover the Shenandoah. He has helped inspire them to fall in love with it. And, once they fall in love with it, they take ownership of it and want to protect it. Many thanks.”
###
About Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, and Shenandoah Riverkeeper. PRKN’s mission is to protect the right to clean water for all communities and all those who live in and rely upon the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds by stopping pollution, making drinking water safe, protecting healthy river habitats, and enhancing use and enjoyment for all.
For more information, visit our website.
Photo Credit: Jon Grant
