American Shad Recovery Plan
American shad was once one of the largest commercial fisheries along the Atlantic coast. The 2023 American shad stock assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that populations of American shad in the James are at an all-time low. Learn what the James River Association is doing to assist the American Shad Recovery Plan.
More than one-third of all Virginians rely on the James River and its tributaries for water, commerce, and recreation. Our vision is a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. We believe if you change the James, the James will change you.
Explore
You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.
Support
Volunteer
Discover
Sign up for our emails
Follow us
Fall Rain Barrel Workshops
We are offering rain barrel workshops throughout our watershed this fall! Register now, these workshops fill up fast!
James River Week
James River Week is a week long celebration of Virginia’s most incredible natural asset!
James River Buffers
Living Shorelines
James Changing Actions since Earth Day 2019
Your actions make a difference
It has taken over four decades to take the river from one of the nation’s most polluted rivers to one of its most improved.
When you become a James Changer, you are joining a network of passionate and supportive river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay.
We encourage you to seek out your personal passion to help us change the James – and our communities – for the better.
Conservation Tips: Leave the Leaves
As winter approaches and trees let go of the leaves still clinging to them, you may be tempted to reach for your rake or leaf blower to tidy them up. However, did you know that a variety of wildlife species depend on fallen leaves, twigs, dried stems, and grasses to...
James River Buffer Program: Fall Riparian Steward Maintenance
The days are getting shorter, the evenings getting cooler, and the leaves are changing; that means fall is here. While other folks might call this pumpkin spice season, at JRA we call it riparian buffer maintenance season! Performing maintenance on buffer projects is...
Press Release: VDH Issues Recreational Water Advisory for the James River at Manchester Bridge
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Junly 17, 2024 MEDIA CONTACTS: Tom Dunlap, James Riverkeeper, James River Associationtdunlap@thejamesriver.org RE: VDH Issues Recreational Water Advisory for the James River at Manchester Bridge (9th Street to Osborne Landing) Due...
Press Release: James A. Buzzard River Education Center Opens in Richmond
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Junly 17, 2024 MEDIA CONTACTS: Ashleigh Moody James River Association(e) amoody@thejamesriver.org (c) 804.304.7430 Angie Williams, Senior Digital Marketing ManagerJames River Association(e) awilliams@thejamesriver.org (c)James A....
Enjoy River Stories from across the Watershed
Stories have a power unlike any other to spotlight how our experiences shape who we are, how we relate to one another, and how something – like a river – can connect us in profound ways, both as individuals and as communities. Dive in here.
While our stories may be different, the river that runs through them is a common thread that unites us all. It is our river to share. It is also our river to protect.
Stories by the James is a collection of stories from people across our watershed that show how our river connects and unites us as individuals and communities. Our goal is to feature a number of diverse voices and backgrounds to best represent the many people and communities in our watershed, and we would love to add your story to our collection!
JRA is thrilled to partner with VPM News to bring Stories by the James to the public. Click here to listen to exclusive cuts of storyteller interviews that originally aired in the fall of 2022.
Our sincere thanks to The Tomato Fund and VPM for the opportunity.
