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.
The James River Watershed
The James River is Virginia’s largest river, flowing across the entire state from its beginning at the headwaters of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers in Bath and Highland Counties, to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads.
Each year millions of Virginians go to the James and its tributaries to boat, fish, swim, hike or just take in the beautiful scenery.
News & Notes
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers contributed over 5,500 hours to improving the health of the James River in 2018, with over 2,000 people showing up with friends, family, and four legged companions to lend a hand. We want more people to discover what our volunteers already know: If you...
read moreEnjoy the Outdoors Responsibly This Memorial Day Weekend
The James River is forecast to reach minor flood stage in Richmond Rainy and overcast days are moving on just in time for Memorial Day weekend. As parks begin to reopen and you make plans to enjoy the outdoors this holiday weekend, the James River Association...
read more2019 Chesapeake Bay Report Card: James River Sees Slight Recovery But Remains Strained by Pollution and Changing Climate
The latest annual report card for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, issued by the University of Maryland, showed the overall health score for the James River increased four points from 50% in 2018 to 54% in 2019. Chesapeake Bay health declined 3 points from 47%...
read more