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.
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News & Notes
Greening Amherst County Public Libraries
County residents and library users encouraged to get involved in community planning effort Every time it rains, pollutants, including sediment, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and bacteria from pet waste, flow from our yards into local waterways via stormwater...
How to Prepare Your Rain Barrel for Winter Weather
Why do you winterize your rain barrel? If you use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater, it is important to consider winterizing it before below freezing temperatures take hold. Below freezing temperatures can damage your rain barrel and reduce its lifespan. By...
Press Releases & Statements
Press Statement: James River Association Voices Concerns About Environmental Impact of Coal Train Derailment in the Chickahominy River
STATEMENT UPDATE November 12, 2025 CONTACT:Tom DunlapJames Riverkeepertdunlap@thejamesriver.org804-905-9724Update as of 11/12/2025: Crews continue working to remove train car debris and coal at the train derailment site east of the City of Richmond, in the...
Press Release: The James River Gets an Overall Grade of B
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2025 CONTACT:Angie Williams James River Association (e) awilliams@thejamesriver.org [LINK TO SUPPORTING MEDIA] [LINK TO INDICATOR CONTENT] The James River Gets an Overall Grade of B Investments in Restoration...
Events & Volunteer Opportunities