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
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.
RiverRat Program
We are recruiting the James River’s first line of citizen defense, the RiverRats, who play a vital role in protecting and restoring the James.
Riparian Stewards
Volunteer are needed to nurture & monitor select riparian forest buffers we have installed through our programs.
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.
News & Notes
James River Buffer Program: Buffers are for the Birds!
In June, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) hosted a program in Highland County, “Buffers for Birders,” where participants traveled from all over Virginia to learn more about the value of planting forested buffers for bird habitat restoration. Countless avian species...
From the Marsh: Summertime Blooms
Welcome back to the marsh, where the heat of summer is in full swing! The fish are jumping, birds are fledging and learning to fly, and many plants are in bloom. Today, we will be examining a few species of marsh plants that bloom during the hottest time of the year....
Press Releases & Statements
Press Release: Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation to award JRA 2022 Century Fund Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Friday, June 17, 2021CONTACT: Erin Hillert, James River Association (e) ehillert@thejamesriver.org (p) 608.239.2644 Bill Bodine, Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (e) bbodine@lynchburgfoundation.org (p) 434.845.6500Greater Lynchburg...
Press Release: JRA Program, James River Watch, Allows River Users to “Know Before You Go”
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 16, 2022 MEDIA CONTACT:Erin HillertSr. Marketing and Communications ManagerJames River Associationehillert@thejamesriver.org |608.239.2644James River Association’s Program, James River Watch, Allows River Users to...
Events & Volunteer Opportunities