40th Annual Batteau Fest

Join the festival kickoff in Lynchburg on June 13 & 14!

Protect Migratory Fish

Once thriving symbols of Virginia’s river ecosystems, historically vital migratory fish are now vanishing. This alarming trend affects multiple species, signaling deeper issues within crucial waterways like the James River. Discover how the James River Association is fighting to understand the underlying causes and secure a future for these struggling populations.

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!

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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.

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
Press Releases & Statements

Press Release: JRA sounds the alarm

Apr 3, 2025

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 3, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettJames River Association(e) lbennett@thejamesriver.org The James River Association sounds the alarm on the state of migratory fish in the James River RICHMOND, VA - To mark World Aquatic Animal...

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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.