James Changer Campagin
In 2020, the James River Association launched the James Changer Campaign and in the following years, we successfully raised $28.4 million. These vital funds were instrumental in providing 3 years of operational and program support, funding critical restoration projects, building JRA’s endowment, and enabling significant capital improvements that will serve the James River and its communities for years to come.
Our Commitment to Environmental Education
A cornerstone of the James Changer Campaign was the development of innovative new facilities designed to enhance our educational reach and on-the-ground impact. We proudly celebrated the grand opening of our flagship education center and our largest capital investment to date: – Richmond’s James A. Buzzard River Education Center in the summer of 2024. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for river education and community engagement.
Beyond Richmond, the campaign enabled the expansion and opening of two other key facilities: the Upper James River Center in Lynchburg and the Lower James River Center at Neck O’ Land Visitor Contact Station in Colonial National Historical Park in Williamsburg. These regional centers significantly enhance our capacity to serve communities throughout the James River watershed.
The campaign was also instrumental in the construction of a unique floating classroom, our Deep Rise vessel, appropriately named ‘The Longview.’ This cutting-edge educational vessel brings the river to life for countless students and community members, providing hands-on learning experiences directly on the water.
The impact of the new and expanded facilities, coupled with the comprehensive operational and program support, cannot be overstated. They represent a transformative investment in the future of the James River and the communities that depend on it. These strategic initiatives enable the James River Association to deepen its commitment to conservation, education, and advocacy, ensuring a healthier James River for all.