
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.
James River Leadership Expeditions
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 James River Leadership Expeditions program!
Greening Richmond's Libraries
Join us as we work together with partners and volunteers to aid Richmond’s Public Libraries.
Outdoor Summer Camp
Registration is open for our Lynchburg summer camp for rising 3rd through 8th graders!
Rain Barrel and Native Plant Workshops
Join us for a spring River Hero Home workshop!
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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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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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.
Plant Native and Install a Rain Barrel at Home this Spring
Springtime is here and the James River Association is offering FREE native plants and rain barrel workshops to City of Petersburg residents. These workshops are intended to educate residents and empower them to implement river-friendly conservation practices at home....
Learn About the James and Ways You Can Improve its Health this Spring!
This spring, the James River Association is offering educational programs that build awareness of the health of the James River and ways residents of its watershed can take action to improve its health at home and in their communities. Join us in-person at the James...
Press Statement: Virginia House and Senate Adopt Budget Proposals
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:February 7, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettDirector of Marketing and Communications(410) 212-3819lbennett@thejamesriver.orgVirginia House and Senate Adopt Budget Proposals RICHMOND, VA – On Thursday, February 6, the Virginia House and...
Press Release LCS Education Foundation Receives 70k
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 22, 2025 CONTACT:Lynchburg City SchoolsAustin Journey(434) 515-5068journeyat@lcsedu.net Lynchburg City Schools Education FoundationDawn Wise434-515-5081wisedf@lcsedu.net James River AssociationCharles Johnson...
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.
