Our State of the James report summarizes ongoing efforts to bring the James River back to full health. This comprehensive assessment of the health of the river is published every two years.

Discover the key findings

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.

BE A JAMES CHANGER

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

We’ve taken the river from a D- to a B- in terms of overall health – but we need help to reach our goal of a Grade A James.

Volunteer

Whatever your interests are, there is a role for you in improving the health of the James River.

Discover

The James is Virginia’s largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, at 340 miles long it is one of the longest rivers in America that begins and ends in the same state.

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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

Your property may qualify for a buffer planting. 100% of project costs are covered for qualifying landowners.

Living Shorelines

We can help eligible homeowners in the tidal watershed install living shorelines.

James Changing Actions since Earth Day 2019

Record your action

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.

News & Notes

2025 James River Agenda

Jan 9, 2025

Across the Commonwealth and across the aisle, Virginians value clean water and healthy rivers. The James River supports thriving industries, from family farms and working forests to local tourism and outdoor recreation businesses, and it delivers clean drinking water...

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Press Releases & Statements
Events & Volunteer Opportunities

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!

Submit Your Story

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.