About the James River Association
A Healthy James River for All
The James River Association is dedicated to being a guardian of the James River, providing a voice for the river, and taking action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of its natural resources. Established in 1976 by a group of concerned citizens, we work throughout the 10,000-square-mile watershed to ensure a fully healthy James River that supports thriving communities. By actively addressing the most pressing issues facing the waterway, we collaborate with partners and local communities on restoration and conservation initiatives while striving to make the benefits of a clean, healthy river accessible to everyone.
Our Work
We Protect & Connect
We Protect
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What we do: We monitor the river, respond to problems, seek policy changes, and implement on-the-ground projects to restore the river’s health.
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Our programs: Watershed Restoration, James Riverkeeper, and River Advocacy.
We Connect
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What we do: We help communities benefit from the river by increasing river access, supporting events, and implementing volunteer projects. We believe in a James River for all.
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Our programs: Environmental Education and Community Conservation.
Our Strategic Goals
JRA has set two Strategic Goals for our efforts to achieve a fully healthy James River.
Restoration Action
Keeping Virginia moving forward to fully implement the cleanup plans for the James River under the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup effort.
Community Integration
Helping communities realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it.
Our Culture & Values
We are OPTIMISTS.
We believe in pragmatic possibility through commitment. We believe we can make an impact. We believe people can do better. We believe the James can be preserved, improved and power the potential of all communities in the watershed.
We are CATALYSTS.
We are proactive change-makers. Creativity, inclusion & connection spark innovation & enthusiasm. By embracing a full range of perspectives & experiences, we inspire a wider audience to join us and uncover new possibilities that benefit everyone.
CREDIBILITY is our currency.
We operate with integrity, transparency, and honesty because our work depends on the trust placed in us. Therefore, our words and actions seek to honor the full range of needs and contributions of our community members.
COMMUNITY drives everything we do.
We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve common goals, honoring every voice in the process. We support, respect, nurture and empower people. We ensure that our engagement with the river reflects and respects the interests and identities of all who call Virginia home.