PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2025
CONTACT:
(804) 215-6142
lbennett@thejamesriver.org
The James River Association to Host its Second Annual EcoFest this Weekend
The free community celebration returns with even more activities and fun for the whole family
(Richmond, VA) – The James River Association will host its second annual EcoFest celebration at their James A. Buzzard River Education Center on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The community is invited to join us at this event to learn about the ecology of the James River, discover eco-friendly practices, and meet many of the partners working to improve our local environment!
Folks will get the chance to:
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Eat blue catfish tacos (to help mitigate the impact of invasive species)
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Ask conservation landscaping questions at the Local Ecotypes Richmond Natives (LERN) Free Advice Booth
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Shop products from locally-owned sustainable businesses
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Meet nonprofits working to protect the watershed
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Watch fish survey demonstrations with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
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…and so much more!
This year’s EcoFest will also feature an even wider array of activities, including a sauna and cold plunge experience, tree climbing, free e-bike rentals and bike tours, electric vehicle demonstrations, and more. Attendees can also expect the return of last year’s favorite events, including a tree giveaway and free paddling trips. Pre-registration for paddling is recommended here.
We invite all EcoFest attendees to explore inside the James A. Buzzard River Education Center. This building – located near Dock Street Park right off the Virginia Capital Trail – serves as JRA’s hub for our education programming in the Central Virginia region. We encourage folks to come inside to see the facilities, meet our team, and learn more about JRA’s work.
Several non-profit partners will be in attendance at EcoFest this year, including Shalom Farms, the Science Museum of Virginia, Southside ReLeaf, Groundwork RVA, Capital Trees, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
EcoFest is made possible by our generous sponsors, including Ian Patrick at Merrill, Commonwealth Fusion System, ReMax, South State Bank, Sol Systems, and the City of Richmond’s Office of Parks and Recreation.
EcoFest will be 100% supported by renewable energy thanks to the support of Sol Systems who will be on-hand to provide information about solar energy and renewable energy choices.
For more information visit: https://thejamesriver.org/
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ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 that serves the waterways and communities of the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000 square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.