River Rat Training 2026

The River Rats program engages volunteers to patrol the James and its tributaries and report their sightings to us through the RiverRat portal, only accessible to RiverRats. Whether by walking a neighborhood stream, kayaking a local river, or boating the wide reaches of the lower James, RiverRats will document potential pollution sources and their effects while also reporting natural patterns in river hydrology and wildlife sightings.

Extensive training and support will be provided by the James River Association. These training sessions give future River Rats information and resources about what to look out for while on patrols.

Coffee and snacks will be provided

Saturday, February 28th
9:30AM – 1:30PM
JRA’s Williamsburg Office at Neck of Land,
1335 Colonial Nat’l Historical Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185

This training is for new River Rats and will consist of a robust presentation on issues you may encounter while carrying out independent River Rat patrols through this volunteer program. We will take breaks for snacks, questions, and the like. Time and weather permitting, we will do a small mock patrol at the river. More information to follow after your registration.

This training is now full. If you are interested in joining us for a future training sign up here.