As we wrap up the James River Watch bacteria monitoring season, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our incredible volunteers! Your dedication to collecting weekly water samples has been invaluable in tracking the health of the James River. Your efforts help keep our communities informed about potential water quality issues and ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Thank you for your time, commitment, and passion for protecting our river. We couldn’t do it without you!
Several volunteers shared their inspiration and love for the river and we wanted to highlight their passion before the season closes. If you’re interested in volunteering next season, feel free to sign up now. We’ll be in touch when the 2025 training sessions begin.
Our thanks goes to Mary Larson, James River Watch volunteer in Richmond.
What inspired you to volunteer to monitor water quality?
As a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, (Riverine chapter), I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to Citizen Science as well as make water quality & safety information more readily available to the general public. During these volunteer efforts, I’ve enjoyed visiting spots along the James River watershed that I’d not previously visited — such as this year’s water sampling site which was at the Grapevine Bridge along the Chickahominy.
What is your favorite thing about the river?
I live in downtown Richmond and have a riverfront view, of which I never tire. I’m in direct sight of an eagles’ nest and have watched a pair raise eaglets for several years in a row. I love watching all springtime bird activity near and on the water, as well as seeing rafters and kayakers enjoying the rapids. I especially love and appreciate hiking in the various parks along the river — personal favorites are The Wetland and Belle Isle. The James is such a natural treasure to local urbanites.
Are you involved with JRA in any other ways?
No, but I’d like to be! As a certified Virginia Master Naturalist I’d love to volunteer with JRA to teach (or help teach) classes to the public in topics such as Nature Journaling as well as in the use of various plant identification apps such as Seek by iNaturalist (Apple or Google) and the Flora of Virginia app. Thanks for the opportunity to help with water quality monitoring! This was my second year doing so, and I’ll likely sign up again next year!
And to Sam Leach, James River Watch volunteer in Richmond.
What inspired you to volunteer to monitor water quality?
I was looking for a very hands on volunteer opportunity that has clear impact in my community. It was interesting learning how the river watch program gathers data and communicates it to a huge portion of Virginia!
What is your favorite thing about the river?
The huge amount of diversity in scenery in different sections of the river. I love sitting on rocks at reedy creek with my dogs or walking along the trails in other parts.
Are you involved with JRA in any other ways?
I also did some buffer zone planting in Schuyler earlier this year! Always up for more opportunities to help out!
And to Tamara Eddy, James River Watch volunteer in Richmond.
What inspired you to volunteer to monitor water quality?
I am a Biology Major and River Studies and Leadership Certificate Student at VCU, I am passionate about the health of the James River and recently learned about ways to access water quality this past Spring. I have been interested in volunteering with the JRA and in my search for opportunities I found the River Watch program!
What is your favorite thing about the river?
There are so many things to love about the river, from the paw paw and sycamore trees lining the banks and the hellgrammites beneath the rocks to paddling through the rapids. Though, I think my favorite thing about the river is how energized and happy I feel after visiting.
Are you involved with JRA in any other ways?
I have also participated in the Starr Hill ‘Love Your River’ trash clean up at Ancarrow’s Landing.
And to Nikki Jo Barton, James River Watch volunteer in Richmond.
What inspired you to volunteer to monitor water quality?
I was inspired to volunteer to monitor water quality because I know first hand how important and useful it is to be able to check the river’s current conditions. As someone who frequents the river almost daily, and as a kayaker and canoeist, I am constantly curious about; what the water temperature is, how high the river is, and what’s going on with the quality of the river water. I was excited to discover that I could be a small part of helping get that information to the public.
What is your favorite thing about the river?
My favorite part of the river is the constant change. From day to day and season to season it is never the same. I love watching the sunrise in the morning on the rocks at 42nd street and being able to witness the changes of the river and the wildlife. Watching ducklings grow bigger and mallards’ head change to green.
Are you involved with JRA in any other ways?
I have volunteered for invasive species clean ups at Chapel Island and donate to JRA.
Thank you to all of the James River Watch Water Quality Monitor Volunteers for helping us keep an eye on the James!