Become a Hero for the James during River Hero Home Month!

Did you know a cleaner James River can start in your own backyard? Every time it rains, fertilizers, herbicides, bacteria from pet waste, and chemicals flow from our properties into local waterways. This pollution can make the James River unsafe for people and wildlife.

Our River Hero Home program brings awareness to these issues and celebrates individuals who take action to stop pollution in their own backyard. All you have to do to become a River Hero Home is to pledge three out of five James Changing actions to help reduce stormwater runoff from your property.

It only takes a minute to take the pledge – and these steps will make you a hero for your community and your river.

“The individual actions of many can improve the health of the James River and its tributaries. Become a River Hero Home and contribute to a healthy James River from wherever you call home.”

Justin Doyle

Community Conservation Manager, James River Association

Stormwater runoff continues to be one of the largest threats facing the James River. Becoming a River Hero Home is an easy way to help protect the James River. Anyone living in the James River basin can join by signing a simple online pledge to protect the James through everyday river-friendly actions like picking up after your pet or reducing lawn fertilizer. While these actions may seem small, when adopted on a wide scale, they can have a significant impact on local water quality.

Ways to get involved this River Hero Home Month

Visit Richmond Public Libraries during the month of October to find information about how you can become a River Hero Home! Every patron checking out books will receive a free bookmark from the James River Association’s River Hero Home program. You’ll find books about rivers, watersheds, composting, native plants, rain gardens, and more, for both you and your children.

Would you like to harvest rainwater and reduce harmful stormwater pollution by installing a rain barrel on your home? This month, River Hero Home members will be the first to know about upcoming rain barrel workshops and have presale access for the opportunity to purchase a rain barrel. Each rain barrel purchased comes with a free native plant from Enrichmond TreeLab!

Follow along on social media as we post information daily about native plants, fellow heroes, garden centers, and what you can do to impact water quality in your neighborhood!