50th Anniversary 1976 – 2026
50th Anniversary 1976 – 2026
JUMP IN
The James River Association works to protect the James and connect people to it.
Keep the Comeback Coming
Find ways to enjoy and protect the river near you.
Enjoy the River
Protect the James
Teach and Learn
The River's Story
OUR IMPACTS
Our goal is a Grade-A river that everyone in the watershed can enjoy. These are some of our accomplishments from the last year:
420 Acres of Riparian Forest Buffers Assessed
22,000 Student Watershed Interactions
477 Water Quality Test Analyzed
268 Rain Barrels Distributed
ABOUT US
OUR WORK
Our Mission
To protect the James River and connect people to it.
Our Vision
A fully healthy James River, valued by all communities in the watershed.
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. We believe in a James River for all.
EDUCATION
We inspire the next generation of river stewards.
JAMES RIVERKEEPER
Our James Riverkeeper patrols the water to track pollution and respond to threats.
BUFFERS
We plant native trees and vegetation along local streams.
STORMWATER
We work to prevent runoff pollution before it reaches our waterways.
LIVING SHORELINES
We protect riverbanks from erosion using natural living shorelines.
ADVOCACY
We amplify community voices to defend clean water policies.
Our Mission in Motion
Experience the story of the James River’s recovery and how we’re working to protect it for the next 50 years.
Keep the Comeback Coming
THE LATEST
News & Notes
Green Infrastructure Projects Completed at Six Richmond Public Library Branches
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 22, 2026 CONTACTS: Anna Luke Director of Marketing & Communications James River Association (313) 410-8829 aluke@thejamesriver.org Tamara JenkinsDeputy Director, Public AffairsCity of RichmondOffice of Strategic...
Meet Your James Riverkeeper: A Q&A with Tom Dunlap
When you look out over the James River, you are looking at a vibrant ecosystem that supports communities all across Virginia. But our waterways need advocates to speak on their behalf. Enter our "waterkeepers." The Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement of...