50th Anniversary 1976 – 2026
50th Anniversary 1976 – 2026
Launch of the Batteau Festival
Join us in Lynchburg June 19-20
The festival kicks off Friday with a concert from the Hackensaw Boys. The batteaus depart on their journey on Saturday, followed by the Ultimate Air Dogs dock jumping at Riverfront Park.
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
RIVERKEEPER
BUFFERS
STORMWATER
SHORELINES
ADVOCACY
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
James River Outfitters: Kayak Rentals, Tubing, Boat Rentals & Guided Trips in Virginia
Summer is finally here, and there is no better way to cool off than on the water! To make planning your next adventure seamless, we have put together the ultimate guide to the best James River outfitters in Virginia. Whether you are looking to rent a kayak in...
James River Association Calls for Urgent Action Needed to Address Impending Crisis at Shoosmith Landfill
PUBLIC STATEMENTFor Immediate ReleaseJune 3, 2026Urgent Action Needed to Address Impending Crisis at Shoosmith Landfill James River Association is calling for urgent state intervention and funding to address the growing threat of an environmental and public health...