Connect with the James
Connect to the River as We Work to Restore It
Whether you are seeking a peaceful afternoon on the water or an in-depth look at our local ecosystem, our seasonal programs offer unique ways to engage with the James River. Join our experts and educators for guided excursions and lectures designed to deepen your connection to our watershed’s ongoing recovery.
Registration for our 2026 James River Atlantic Sturgeon Watching Tours is open!
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Our guided Connect with the James trips and events fill up quickly, sign up here to receive a notification when registration opens.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the James River Association (JRA) is marking its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this dual milestone, JRA is launching a new lecture series, “Currents of History,” to explore the enduring connection between the James River and the American experiment.
From the river’s role in our nation’s founding to its modern story of civic action and environmental renewal, join us for an evening of expert-led discussion and community.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, E. Claiborne Robins Jr. for making this lecture series possible!
Perfect For
Adults interested in learning about history.
Location
James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, Virginia.
To Book
Use the booking button below and follow the prompts. If a date is not highlighted in the booking calendar, there are no open seats.
2026 Lectures
Currents of History: Tim Roberts
Currents of History
September 24, 2026
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Tim Roberts, MA, RPA, Founder and Principal Investigator of Black Star Cultural Resources, and former Project Archaeologist and Community Outreach Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Anthropologist and archaeologist Tim Roberts will present findings from site-specific research on the Dock Street location of the James River Association’s James A. Buzzard River Education Center. The site was once part of Rocketts, one of America’s busiest inland ports in the 18th and early 19th centuries. By the early 1800s, the riverfront had become a mixed-use district where free people of color and enslaved individuals — many “living apart” from their enslavers — formed communities deeply woven into the maritime economy. Roberts will share individual accounts of enslavement, freedom, resistance, and opportunity, set against the backdrop of the James River.
Guests will have the opportunity to view a new, permanent installation at the Center: a series of educational panels, based on Roberts’ research, along the J. A. Buzzard Center’s Experiential Ramp.
An audience Q&A will follow the talk. Light refreshments will be served.
Historic Batteau Trips
Step aboard our James River Batteau replica for a unique 1-hour trip! Discover the historic design of this flat-bottomed cargo boat. See local sights near Lynchburg, including canal remnants and city views. Learn about the river’s ecology.
Perfect For
Family outings, birthday celebrations, small reunions, or a unique afternoon with friends.
Capacity
Private groups of up to 6 passengers
Location
Departing from Riveredge Park, Lynchburg.
To Book
Contact Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org to schedule your private tour.
Booking a Historic Batteau Trip
Ready to book your group? Private trips are available for parties of up to 6 people at a rate of $210 per hour. To schedule your excursion, please email Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org. Please provide at least 2 weeks’ notice so we can coordinate a date and time that is mutually agreeable for your group and our staff.
Join our education team on the Spirit of the James for a stable and informative tour of the riverfront. These tours offer a unique vantage point for observing the wildlife and changing landscape of the watershed.
Perfect For
Nature photographers, history buffs, and those looking for a relaxing, educational outing.
Capacity
20 passengers per tour
Location
Ages
12+ (Under 18 must have a guardian).
Cost
$35 per participant.
To Book
See booking button below for upcoming trips.
2026 James River Atlantic Sturgeon Watching Tours
Every late summer, endangered Atlantic sturgeon return to the tidal James River for their annual spawning run. These prehistoric fish can grow up to eight feet long and are known for occasionally launching their entire bodies out of the water—a dramatic behavior known as breaching.
Join James River Association staff aboard our open-air pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, for a guided search along active sturgeon habitat. As we navigate the river, you will learn about the history, ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts working to restore these ancient giants in Central Virginia.
Because we are exploring a wild river ecosystem, sturgeon sightings can never be guaranteed. However, every trip offers a front-row seat to local wildlife, river views, and a memorable educational experience on the water.
Trip Essentials
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Ages: 12+ (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
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Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required for safety on board.
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What to Bring: Photo ID, camera or binoculars, and small personal bags with snacks or non-alcoholic drinks (no coolers or pets permitted).
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Waiver: Online waiver required prior to boarding.
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What’s Included: 1.5-hour guided boat tour, educational commentary from JRA staff, and all safety gear/life jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email announcement about a trip, but I do not see it listed on this page. How can I find it?
Some of our trips fill up very quickly. If you received an email about an open trip, but there are no dates circled in blue in the booking software, the trips are full. Some trips fill within 12 hours of an announcement.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time so we can get everyone settled and start our trips on time.
What ages can participate?
Anyone ages 16 and over may participate on a Connect with the James paddle trip and ages 12 and up for a pontoon boat trip. We do require a parent or guardian to register and fill out the waiver on the minor’s behalf.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in a small bag. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, large bags, coolers, and pets are not permitted on board.
Can I get a refund?
In the event of a weather cancellation, we will do everything we can to rebook you to a new trip date. If you are unable to make your trip, please let us know at least three days in advance and we can move you to a different trip. Registration fees are not refundable, in the event of a cancellation that can not be rescheduled, we will change your fee to a tax deductible donation.
Can I move to a different trip?
We can possibly move your trip registration to a later date, if spots are available. Please contact info@thejamesriver.org to inquire about a rebooking, at least one week in advance of your scheduled trip.
Do you supply all the equipment?
Yes, JRA supplies the vessel, life jacket, paddle and shuttling of equipment. Participants are required to wear closed toe shoes, and are encouraged to wear sunscreen lotion, a hat and attire appropriate for the weather and bring a water bottle.
Where do I meet the trip guide?
Each paddle below has a Google map to the location site. Please use those directions to guide you to the appropriate location.
