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 moreA Taste From the James – Thanksgiving Edition
Did you know you can actually cook full meals with some flora and fauna around the River? Maybe grandma will let you bring some of these recipes to Thanksgiving! Venison Deer meat can turn people off. Those that have had bad experiences with it typically think it is...
read moreProjects Creating New Opportunities to Enjoy the James and its Tributaries
The James River Association has a vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. We work to achieve that vision by protecting the James and connecting people to it. Increasing river access and riverside spaces for people to enjoy is an...
read more