Front Royal Outdoors Founder Don Roberts Named 2026 Protector of the Shenandoah

A lifelong Shenandoah Valley resident who has spent decades helping people experience the Shenandoah River has been recognized for his work to help protect it.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network has named Don Roberts, founder and owner of Front Royal Outdoors, the recipient of its 2026 Protector of the Shenandoah Award.

The organization announced the award Oct. 7, recognizing Roberts for his longtime support of river protection efforts and for making the Shenandoah accessible to thousands of paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

“Don has an incredible history of supporting PRKN and in making the Shenandoah accessible to thousands of river enthusiasts,” Potomac Riverkeeper Network President Betsy Nicholas said. “Without him, we would not have made the progress we have over the last many years in protecting and defending these treasured waters.”

For Roberts, the recognition is closely connected to a river that has been part of his life, family and business.

“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,” Roberts said.

Helping People Discover The River

Through Front Royal Outdoors, Roberts has spent years introducing residents and visitors to the Shenandoah.

Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf said the work has done more than simply get people onto the water.

“Through Front Royal Outdoors, Don has spent decades introducing people to the beauty, wonder and magic of the Shenandoah River system,” Frondorf said. “But his contribution goes far beyond putting people in boats.”

Don Roberts, founder and owner of Front Royal Outdoors, has been named the 2026 Protector of the Shenandoah by Potomac Riverkeeper Network for his longtime support of the Shenandoah River and efforts to connect people with the waterway.

Frondorf said Roberts has also provided important behind-the-scenes assistance to the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and its work throughout the watershed.

Roberts sponsors Shenandoah Riverkeeper’s twice-weekly River Report radio broadcasts, which provide information about issues affecting the river.

He has also supported the organization’s Trash Free Shenandoah campaign and Riverkeeper paddling events.

For the past 11 years, Front Royal Outdoors has served as the starting point for Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s annual Shenandoah River birding trip.

Those efforts have brought more people to the river while introducing them to issues of its health and protection.

Roberts said he has seen firsthand what can happen when someone experiences the Shenandoah for the first time.

“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,” Roberts said.

That personal connection, he said, is one reason he has continued supporting efforts to protect the river.

“Supporting the Shenandoah Riverkeeper is one way of giving something back to the river that has given us so much,” Roberts said.

From Enjoying The River To Protecting It

Potomac Riverkeeper Network officials said getting people onto the Shenandoah can play an important role in building long-term support for protecting the watershed.

People who develop their own connection to the river are more likely to care about what happens to it, Frondorf said.

“Don has helped countless people discover the Shenandoah,” he said. “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.”

Nicholas described Roberts’ approach in similar terms.

“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,” she said.

Roberts said he hopes that sense of responsibility continues with future generations.

“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,” he said.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a nonprofit organization that includes three regional Waterkeeper branches: Potomac Riverkeeper, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper and Shenandoah Riverkeeper.

The organization works to protect water quality in the Potomac and Shenandoah watersheds, address pollution, protect river habitats, and promote public use and enjoyment of the waterways.