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.

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You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.

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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 of 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!
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.

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
Riparian Stewards
James River Buffers
Living Shorelines
Press Release: Project to Reduce Stormwater Runoff Underway at Richmond’s East End Branch Library
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Friday, September 22, 2023 CONTACT:Erin HillertDirector of Marketing & Communications James River Association p: (608) 239-2644 e: ehillert@thejamesriver.orgProject to Reduce Stormwater Runoff Underway at Richmond’s East End...
Harvest Rainwater at Home Using a Rain Barrel this Fall!
Rain barrels are an easy way to harvest rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff at home. Did you know a single rain barrel can harvest hundreds, even thousands of gallons of rainwater annually? If you don’t have a rain barrel and are interested in installing a rain...
Press Statement: JRA Statement on Memorandum from Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on Protection of State Waters
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 29, 2023 CONTACT:Bill Street, President and CEOJames River Association(e) bstreet@thejamesriver.org (c) 804.516.1400James River Association Statement on Memorandum from Virginia Department of Environmental Quality...
Press Release: JRA’s James River Watch Program Keeps River Users Informed
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Tuesday, June 6, 2023 CONTACT:Erin Hillert James River Associationehillert@thejamesriver.org | 608.239.2644The James River Association’s James River Watch Program Keeps River Users Informed Every Memorial Day since 2013, the James...