The James River Association (JRA) was founded in 1976 and is a member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the James River. We believe if you change the James, the James will change you! OUR MISSION: The mission of the James River Association is to be a guardian of the James River. We provide a voice for the river and take action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of its natural resources. OUR VISION: To see a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. WE PROTECT: JRA monitors the river, responds to problems, seeks policy changes, and implements on-the-ground projects to restore the river’s health. We protect through our Watershed Restoration, James Riverkeeper, and River Advocacy programs. WE CONNECT: JRA helps communities benefit from the river by increasing river access, supporting river-related events, and implementing volunteer projects. We connect through our Environmental Education and Community Conservation programs. OUR APPROACH: Awareness - Ensuring all watershed residents know their connection to the James and their role in protecting it. Appreciation- Ensuring everyone has a personal connection to the James River and is inspired to do their part. Action - Engaging partners and members to put projects on the ground that protect the James and connect people to it. Advocacy - Achieving policy changes to drive actions needed to protect the James and connect people to it. JRA continues to focus and align its programs to address the most pressing issues facing the James River. Through the support of its members, supporters and partners, the James River Association is poised to usher in a new chapter of success for the River and the organization. Please visit our website at thejamesriver.org for more information or to support or become involved with JRA.
External link for James River Association
211 Rocketts Way
Suite 200
Richmond, VA Virginia 23231, US
150 Rocky Hill Rd
Madison Heights, Virginia 24572, US
1335 Colonial Pkwy
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, US
Every year, combined sewer overflows affect the James, yet many people have never heard of this aging system in Richmond. Thank you to VPM, RVA's Got Issues, and host Rich Meagher for inviting us to chat about this important issue! If you haven't had a chance to listen, tune in here: https://lnkd.in/e4EYzQMJ
RVA's Got Issues new episode, "Would you swim in the James?" is now live! Catch up on the latest episodes of RVA's Got Issues wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e4EYzQMJ.
Join the James River Association, Amelia County Extension Office, and Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District for a fun and informative walking tour of Red Handle Farm! ~ Learn about pond management and its importance for healthy ecosystems. ~ Discover various conservation programs available to farmers and landowners in the region. ~Network with fellow conservation enthusiasts and local farmers. Open to everyone! Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just curious about sustainable practices, this tour is for you. Spots are limited! Register now for just $5 (lunch included) Registration closes September 18th, 2024. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eTaFWqBZ
The James River Association is proud to announce the unveiling of a new Atlantic sturgeon sculpture honoring our CEO, Bill Street, and the resurgence of the Atlantic sturgeon in the James River. The sculpture was installed at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center this week to commemorate the significant progress made in the river's health over the past 48 years, 20 of which under Street's leadership. Bill Street has been instrumental in our efforts to protect and restore the James River. Under his leadership, we have implemented numerous initiatives to improve water quality, enhance habitat, and support the health of the James. Our collaborative efforts with numerous partners over the past few decades have culminated in the remarkable recovery of the James River, enabling the return of the Atlantic sturgeon, a species once thought to be extinct in the river. The sculpture, designed by renowned artist David Turner, is a powerful symbol of the river's resilience and Richmond's commitment to environmental stewardship. This beautiful piece of artwork will also serve as an educational tool for the center's programs, inspiring today's youth. The sculpture will stand as a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources. Pictures do not do this sculpture justice! Swing by the James River EcoFest this Saturday, September 7th between 1 and 6 pm to view it in person!
We have teamed up with partners across the watershed to provide a week of events dedicated to the enjoyment, appreciation, and conservation of the James River! From boat trips to cleanup events, story time, crafts and fun festivals - join us at an event near you! Many thanks to our partners Keep Henrico Beautiful, Maymont, Powhatan State Park, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for making this week possible! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dbv42Ytk
Our fall rain barrel workshops are in progress! We still have openings in the below workshops, save your spot now! James River EcoFest in Richmond - 9/7/24 Broad Rock Branch Library in Richmond - 9/10/24 Starr Hill Downtown at the Dairy Market in Charlottesville - 10/19/24 Lower James River Education Center - 9/25/24 Cunningham Creek Winery in Fluvanna - 10/3/24 Rain Barrel Workshop and Tree Giveaway at East End Branch Library in Richmond - 10/12/24 Plant Native! Festival in Henrico - 10/19/24 Register for a workshop on our website: https://lnkd.in/eWBXKt8V
Our very last James River Watch email of the year! Thank you to those who joined us all year long - and to the long list of amazing volunteers! https://lnkd.in/e-53jtTg
Bacteria results are in for the James River Watch. We are having another great week on the James with 93% of the access locations having bacteria levels within the safety limit for swimming! View our notification email: https://lnkd.in/e5jTHbfc or visit www.JamesRiverWatch.org to check an access site near you!
The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon Trips are back! The Atlantic sturgeon, a living fossil with a prehistoric appearance, can grow up to 14 feet, weigh 800 pounds, and live for 60 years. They inhabit the Atlantic Ocean but return biannually to their birth rivers for spawning. In the James River they can usually be spotted between July and October, with peak activity in mid-September. Join us on our sturgeon watching boat trips launching from Osborne Park and Boat Landing next month! The cost of the trip is $35 and participants must be at least 12 years old. We have a limited number of trips this year, so register early! https://lnkd.in/g3YTvDvC
Many thanks to the Richmond Times-Dispatch for sharing our article by James Riverkeeper, Tom Dunlap, 'Keeping the James River clean is a moral imperative'. "The James River is more than just a body of water; it is a living testament to our shared heritage, warts and all. From Kepone in the 1970s to our most recent sewage leak, we see that moments of crisis can become opportunities for growth and renewal." https://lnkd.in/gjSCM447
We're excited to share some positive news about the James River! Bacteria samples from across the watershed have been reviewed and uploaded to the James River Watch website. The whole watershed is looking great this week with a passing rate of over 90%! This is fantastic news after dealing with recent sewer leaks and heavy rain. We encourage you to get outside and enjoy the river this weekend! Before heading out, remember to check our website for the latest bacteria scores, river levels, and other important information. Let's make the most of this beautiful weather! Get the results at: https://lnkd.in/dWXmyXKG