FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2015
CONTACT:
Nat Draper
Education Manager
(804) 788-8811, ext. 218
ndraper@jrava.org
James River Association Launches Upper James River Education Program
The James River Association is pleased to announce the launch of its new Upper James River Education Program. This program will introduce students in the region to the James River, its ecology, and how they can care for it. Schools in the region will have the opportunity to learn about the river first-hand on canoe trips, as well as through lessons in the classrooms. By teaching these concepts and providing meaningful, hands-on education, students will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the James River.
“Water will be the defining issue of the 21st century so it is critical that the youth of today become the James River stewards of the future,” said Nat Draper, Education Manager for the James River Association. “Starting the Upper James River Education Program is an exciting step for the James River Association and continues our commitment to provide quality educational experiences throughout the James River watershed.”
Based out of its office in Lynchburg, the James River Association education program will be run by Brooke Newton, the new Upper James River Educator. Newton recently moved back to her home town of Lynchburg, where she graduated from E.C. Glass High School. Before working with the James River Association, Newton provided environmental education for students from 6th-12th grade, as well as led teacher training courses and student leadership programs on the tidal portions of the river as manager of the Virginia Canoe Program with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build a new environmental education program here in Lynchburg and introduce students to the wonders and inspiration that I enjoyed on the James River growing up,” said Newton. “The James River means so much to our region and we all need to do our part to keep it healthy. I can’t wait to work with our local schools to help students develop both a solid understanding about the river as well as a personal connection to it.”
To learn more about the James River Association’s Education Program, visit www.JamesRiverAssociation.org.
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ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION:
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works through its core programs – Education, Community Conservation, Watershed Restoration, River Advocacy and the Riverkeeper Program – to help people of all ages enjoy, appreciate and protect the beauty and health of the James River for future generations to enjoy. For more information visit www.JamesRiverAssociation.org.