![Blue SOJ 2023 American Shad](https://thejamesriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Blue-SOJ-2023-American-Shad.png)
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.
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Explore
You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.
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Support
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Volunteer
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Discover
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.
![VPM_News_NPR_horizontal_rgb (1)](https://thejamesriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/VPM_News_NPR_horizontal_rgb-1.png)
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.
RiverRat Program
Riparian Stewards
James River Buffers
Living Shorelines
Junior Ranger Angler Camp
Summer camp has been in full swing on the James River! In Williamsburg, at the Lower James River Center, educators have been working with students from the York County School System, introducing them to fishing and paddling skills. Through a grant partnership with the...
2024 Middle James River Expedition
Stay tuned for updates on the Middle James River Expedition, part of session 1 of the James River Leadership Expeditions program! 11 intrepid students, 3 JRA educators, and 1 teacher will journey ~50 miles down the James on canoes and experience the river between July...
Press Statement: James River Maintains Highest Health Score Among Major Chesapeake Bay Tributaries
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 10, 2024 CONTACT: Jamie Brunkow, Director of River EcologyJames River Associationjbrunkow@thejamesriver.org | 804.592.0347 James River Maintains Highest Health Score Among Major Chesapeake Bay Tributaries The University of...
Press Release: Partnership makes waves with innovative approach
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT:Jamie Brunkow, Director of River EcologyJames River Associationjbrunkow@thejamesriver.org | 804.592.0347 Partnership makes waves with innovative approach to stopping shoreline erosion Nature-based living...