Upper James River Education Center
Since 2013, the James River Association has been a committed partner to the greater Lynchburg community. To enhance our impact, we established the Upper James River Center—a dedicated space for river learning and recreation. Situated across from historic Downtown Lynchburg in Amherst County’s Riveredge Park, this center serves as a gateway to exploring and safeguarding our invaluable waterway.
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Upper James River Center Location
The Upper James River Center, located in Amherst County’s Riveredge Park, is strategically located across the James from historic Downtown Lynchburg and below Scotts Mill Dam, the last of seven dams thereby allowing extended paddle trips down the James.
Through a partnership with Amherst County and support from the community, JRA established the Upper James River Center and a new river access point to enhance its school-based and public river programs. This Center serves as a hub for river activities, advancing our vision of a fully healthy river supporting thriving communities. The center strengthens the Lynchburg region’s connection to the James River, helping it capitalize on the benefits that the river can offer.
Key Features of the Upper James River Education Center
- Thanks to guidance from 3North Architects the main building hosts a renovated interior space to create a dynamic classroom with interactive teaching tools and the latest technology that allows students to see their local environment in a global perspective.
- The river-side wall opens into a covered patio that allows the classroom space to expand to outside and accommodate larger groups. This reorients the building to the river, greatly improving the views and connections to the James.
- A new outdoor pavilion that is developed with sensitivity to the surrounding nature and showcases views of the river and downtown Lynchburg. It is designed to function as both a classroom and a covered stage for small concerts or community events.
- The landscaping in the area has environmentally conscious features that not only benefit the entire facility but also serve as demonstration areas for learning activities such as the installation of rain gardens, conservation landscaping and energy and water conservation practices.
