James River Association Offices and Facilities
The James River Association works through the James River’s 10,000 square mile watershed, from the headwaters in the Allegheny Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. In order to advance JRA’s vision of a fully healthy James River valued by all of its surrounding communities, we have offices and facilities spread along the length of the river.
We look forward to welcoming you to our River Centers and other facilities. Please note that public access to our facilities is limited and varies due to our regular school-based education programming and staffing abilities. Read on to learn more about what you’ll find at each center!
River Education Centers
Upper James River Center – Lynchburg, VA
Since 2013, JRA has been a dedicated partner in the greater Lynchburg region. To deepen our impact, we’ve opened the Upper James River Center – a hub for river learning and recreation. Located across from historic Downtown Lynchburg in Amherst County’s Riveredge Park, this center is a gateway to exploring and protecting our vital waterway.
Interested in scheduling a school-based field trip? Fill out the application.
Interested in other potential programing? Fill out this form.
James. A. Buzzard River Education Center – Richmond, VA
The James A. Buzzard River Education Center is set to become a cornerstone of Richmond’s riverfront. This new hub will immerse students in the wonders of the James River, aligning with Virginia’s goal of providing watershed experiences for every student. From forests to deep waters, our center offers unparalleled opportunities for environmental education and river exploration. Learn how we are fostering the next generation of river champions!
Interested in scheduling a school-based field trip? Fill out the application.
Interested in other potential programing? Fill out this form.
Lower James River Center – Williamsburg, VA
Our Lower James River Center is a vital hub for environmental education, located within Colonial National Historical Park. Through partnerships with the National Park Service,we currently utilize existing facilities to connect students and the Lower James River region with the river, advancing our vision of a fully healthy river supporting thriving communities.
Our Lower James River Education Program offers watershed-based educational experiences for 4th-12th grade classrooms. The park’s natural resources, including forests, wetlands, shorelines, and streams, provide a unique setting for learning. Our paddle programs, led by JRA staff, take place at the adjacent James City County Marina.
Interested in scheduling a school-based field trip? Fill out the application.
Other Education Facilities
James River Ecology School – Hopewell, VA
The James River Ecology School is a unique JRA educational facility located on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in Hopewell, Virginia. The school offers immersive nature-based learning experiences for middle and high school students, providing opportunities to explore the diverse ecosystems of the James River and its surrounding habitats. Through hands-on activities, nature-based learning, and environmental education programs, we foster a deep appreciation for the natural world and promote environmental stewardship.
Interested in scheduling a school-based field trip? Fill out the application.
Floating Classroom – Hampton, VA
The Longview, our new floating classroom, is a Coast Guard-certified vessel designed to be accessible to all students and located in Hampton, Virginia. This addition to our existing floating classroom, The Spirit of the James in Richmond, enables JRA to expand our environmental education program and better serve the diverse needs of area schools.
Interested in scheduling a school-based field trip? Fill out the application.
Headquarters & Field Offices
Headquarters Office – Richmond, VA
Located in the heart of Downtown Richmond, Virginia, our main headquarters office serves as the central hub for development and select program staff. This office handles all administrative functions, including mail correspondence, and is the primary point of contact for general inquiries. Please send mail correspondence to this address: James River Association, 16S 17th Street, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23219.
Scottsville Field Office – Scottsville, VA
JRA’s Scottsville office is dedicated to restoring and protecting the middle James River and is located downtown on Main Street in Scottsville. We work closely with landowners to establish healthy stream buffers, reduce pollution, and enhance wildlife habitat through our James River Buffer Program. Our field office also is a home base for the local River Hero Homes program and rain barrel workshops empower homeowners to conserve water and protect our river.
