James River Association

Green Infrastructure Stewards Volunteer Event
2025-10-03 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | West End Branch Library, 5420 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23226, United States
Green Infrastructure Stewards are volunteers who work alongside James River Association staff members to maintain stormwater best management practices, including rain gardens and conservation landscaping, installed through the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative.
Volunteers who participate in stewardship events will have opportunities to learn about the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative, green infrastructure and stormwater best management practices, and stewardship skills that can be applied at home and beyond.
Sign up here!

Native Plants Workshop: Go Green, Go Native! Hull Street Branch Library
2025-09-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Hull Street Branch Library, 1400 Hull Street Road, Richmond, VA, 23224
Did you know that adding regionally native plants to your yard is one of the easiest ways to be a River Hero at home?
Join the James River Association for a free workshop to learn how native plants:

Reduce stormwater runoff leaving your property.
Provide vital habitat for local wildlife and pollinators.
Thrive in our climate without the fuss of many non-native species.

Native Plants Workshop at Hull Street Branch Library

Date & Time: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Hull Street Branch Library, 1400 Hull Street, Richmond, VA
Fee: FREE!

Learn about the best native plants for our area, where to source them, and how to incorporate them into your spring planting plans. Every registration comes with a free regionally native plant courtesy of Local Ecotype Richmond Natives (LERN)!

Register Now!

Walk and Wade Meet Up: Richmond Fly Women
2025-09-24 17:00
Postponed until 9/24! Join our partners for an evening of golden hour fishing on the James River, exclusively for women! Experience the beauty of the river as the sun sets and enjoy a relaxing evening with fellow anglers.
The event will happen in Richmond, but details will be sent out closer to the date. Please be sure to bring warm layers, wading shoes, and a headlamp for the walk back. While the air will be warm, expect the temperature to drop as the sun goes down.
Need to borrow some gear? No problem!
To join the meetup, please RSVP by commenting on our partner’s Instagram post. We can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP

Fields, Forests & Streams Celebration!
2025-09-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Maymont The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA, 23220
Get your tickets today to “Fields, Forests & Streams Celebration!” and help support Capital Region Land Conservancy’s work to protect the places and land you love in the Richmond region!
Join us at Maymont for food and drinks, silent auction, entertainment, exclusive entry to The Robins Nature Center galleries, and special guests celebrating CRLC’s 20th Anniversary.Conserving the land we love over the past twenty years – like the James River Park System, Malvern Hill, Mayo’s Island, and “The View That Named Richmond” – has taken time, effort, and expertise. Now is YOUR chance to help CRLC protect more of our treasured places, while having fun doing it.
Cost: $50

Get your ticket now!

Nurture with Nature 2025
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Reeling and Rafting, 265 Ferry Street, Scottsville, VA, 24590
Celebrate nature for “Nurture with Nature” in Scottsville! This is a wonderful opportunity to discover simple ways to improve your health just by spending time outdoors. There will be plenty of fun for everyone, including a Wildrock play station, a hammock hang out, rafting, live music, crafts, and much more. Don’t miss out on this fantastic day dedicated to the simple joys of nature and well-being. We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn More!

3rd Annual Pawpaw Festival
2025-09-20 11:30 - 15:00 | Powhatan State Park, 4616 Powhatan State Park Road, Powhatan, VA, 23139
Powhatan State Park’s 3rd Annual Pawpaw Festival will showcase local vendors offering delicious food, refreshing brews, unique crafts and adorable critters. Attendees can enjoy acoustic music performances, ranger-led programs and animal encounters throughout the day.
Cost is $20 per vehicle / $10 with an annual pass

Learn More!

James River Regatta
2025-09-20 10:30 - 16:00 | Reeling and Rafting, 265 Ferry Street, Scottsville, VA, 24590
Get your paddles ready! The Middle James River Paddle Race is back, and it’s a can’t-miss event for every river enthusiast. Race a 7 or 9-mile course, then celebrate your finish at the Nurture With Nature festival, a free event with live music and food. Your participation supports valuable youth and arts programs. Race categories include Solo Kayak, Tandem Canoe, and Solo Canoe. Be sure to check the river levels and be prepared for up to Class 2 rapids.

Register now!

Wandering the Wetlands
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA, 24553, United States
Join “Wandering the Wetlands,” a guided exploration of the expansive wetlands at James River State Park. Discover and identify the unique plants and animals that call this habitat home. The one-mile, level-terrain hike is suitable for all ages, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your camera or binoculars to get a better look at the local ecosystem! The event is free, though standard park admission or parking fees apply, and no registration is required.
Dates & Times:
September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Green Hill Pond at James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553.

Learn More!

Sturgeon Watching Trips
2025-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Jordan Point Marina, 101 Jordan Point Road, Hopewell, Hopewell, 23860, United States
The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon – Registration opens August 1, 2025.
Celebrate James River Week and the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with the James River Association! Join staff members for an outing on the Spirit of the James launching from Jordan Point Marina. Participants will learn about the natural resources of the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make their Fall spawning migration up the James River mid-September.

Learn More!

Run of the River
2025-09-19 10:00 - 17:00 | Maymont The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA, 23220
Themed “Run of the River,” discover the remarkable ecology of the James River. Say hello to Maymont’s newest family members: two porcupettes!
Cost is $10 per adult / $8 per child

Get Tickets!

Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island
2025-09-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Shiplock Park, 2803 Dock St, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
Join the James River Park System Invasive Species Task Force in our ongoing habitat restoration project at Chapel Island.
Meet in the parking lot at Great Shiplock Park at Dock and Pear Street. Registration is required, please click the link below to register.

Register Now!

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Contact: Joey Shelton
Email: jshelton@thejamesriver.org

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Midlothian Library
2025-09-19 10:00 - 10:30 | Midlothian Library, 100 Millworks Crossing, Midlothian, VA, 23114, United States
This week’s Chesterfield Public Library Pre-K Story Time focuses on rivers, lakes and other bodies of water in celebration of James River Week. Hear stories, sing songs and make a craft. Registration required.
Free

Register!

James River Run
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | The Veil Brewing Co, 4910 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
Join Southside Striders Run Club at the Veil in Forest Hill for a group run along the James River! The group meets at 6:00pm, and leaves by 6:05. This run will head down for a beautiful view of the James River from nearby roads and neighborhoods. The run has two length options – 2 miles and 4 miles.
After the run, grab a FREE beer at the Veil! You can also chat with staff from the James River Association about their work to protect the James and connect people to it.

Learn More!

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Chester Library
2025-09-18 10:00 - 10:30 | Chester Library, 11800 Centre Street, Chester, 23831, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time Meadowdale Library
2025-09-17 10:30 - 11:00 | Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Boulevard, North Chesterfield, VA, 23234, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Enon Library
2025-09-16 10:30 - 11:00 | Enon Library, 1801 Enon Church Road, Chester, VA, 23836, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Central Library
2025-09-16 10:30 - 11:00 | Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Boulevard, Chesterfield, 23832, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Clover Hill Library
2025-09-16 09:30 - 10:00 | Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian, Midlothian, 23112, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Bon Air Library
2025-09-15 10:30 - 11:00 | Bon Air Library, 9103 Rattlesnake Road, North Chesterfield, VA, 23235, United States

Chesterfield Public Library: Pre-K Story Time: Ettrick-Matoaca Library
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield, Virginia, 23803, United States

Build a Batteau
2025-09-14 15:00 - 16:00 | James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA, 24553, United States
Join “Wandering the Wetlands,” a guided exploration of the expansive wetlands at James River State Park. Discover and identify the unique plants and animals that call this habitat home. The one-mile, level-terrain hike is suitable for all ages, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your camera or binoculars to get a better look at the local ecosystem! The event is free, though standard park admission or parking fees apply, and no registration is required.
Dates & Times:
September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location:Green Hill Pond at James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553.

Learn More!

Litter Cleanup at Three Lakes Park
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Three Lakes Park, 400 Sausiluta Driver, Richmond, VA, 23227
Join us for a litter cleanup at Three Lakes Nature Center on Sunday, September 17th. Meet on the Nature Center deck where we will provide a safety orientation, gloves, litter grabbers, and trash bags. Please bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, preferred gloves, and water. Those under 18 must be present with a parent or guardian.
Signup by emailing khb@henrico.gov.

Email to Register!

2025-09-13 13:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Hopewell
The Rivers & Roads Festival is a family friendly festival with a fly-fishing workshop, a giant kiddie kayaking pool, river-themed face painting, art projects courtesy of Lamb Art, an inflatable obstacle course and so much more.
Kick back and enjoy the soundtrack of Rivers & Roads. From 1 to 6 PM, Downtown Hopewell comes alive with live music from Magnolia, Jonathan Paige Brown Jr., and Bordertown, performing right at the corner of Library and Cawson Street. Grab a drink in the beer garden, shop the local vendors, and grab a bite from nearby restaurants and food trucks. Bring your own chair — or roll the dice and hope for an open table. Either way, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the day in the heart of downtown.

Learn More!

James River Association's EcoFest
2025-09-13 11:00 - 16:00 | James A. Buzzard River Education Center, 2825 Dock Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
James River Eco Fest is back for 2025!
Join us for a day of environmental celebration and education. Enjoy free paddle tours, explore educational booths from partner organizations and environmentally conscious vendors, grab a bite from local food trucks, participate in a community trash cleanup, and learn about sustainable living at our Rain Barrel Workshop & Raffle. Plus, take home a free tree! Family-friendly activities for all ages. Learn more and get involved!

Learn More!

Free Guided Paddle Trip
2025-09-13 11:00 - 15:00 | James A. Buzzard River Education Center, 2825 Dock Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Richmond’s riverfront by canoe! Participants will learn about the natural and historic resources of Richmond’s riverfront and the James River.
Participants must be 16 years of age and older. Participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian register and accept the waiver on their behalf. A guardian must also accompany the minor on the paddle trip and register separately.
Canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices are provided by the James River Association.
FREE – This event is part of James River Week and James River Association’s EcoFest

Register Now!

Free RVA Paddlesports Paddle Your Park event
2025-09-13 11:00 - 15:00 | James A. Buzzard River Education Center, 2825 Dock Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
Join RVA Paddlesports as they offer a variety of free paddling experiences appropriate for all ages and skill levels, to increase diversity in the sport, and to promote inclusivity in the paddlesports community here in Richmond. Try a kayak, stand up paddleboard, or raft at these events. Paddling equipment and safety gear will be provided for families and individuals to take out on the water and enjoy nature.
FREE but pre-registration is suggested.

Register Now!

Richmond E-Cycle Day: More than Electronics!
2025-09-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Parker Field Annex Recycling Center, 1710 Robin Hood Rd, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Keep Richmond clean and green! Join the Department of Public Works, Clean City Commission, and Department of Public Utilities for Richmond E-Cycle Day – More than Electronics! on Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1710 Robin Hood Road. This drive-thru event for Richmond residents offers a convenient way to recycle electronics, shred documents, and safely dispose of household hazardous waste. Help us keep our waterways and community clean. Proof of residency is required. Visit www.rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission for a list of accepted items and any applicable fees.

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James River Regional Cleanup
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00
Join the James River Advisory Council in cleaning up the James River and its shorelines! The cleanup is a cooperative, regional event spanning more than 75 miles of the James River at 13 sites. Walkers, powerboats, paddle craft, and hikers are all invited to participate!

Learn More!

Seafood on the James
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-19
We’re so excited to announce our incredible restaurant partners for Seafood for the James! This week-long event is a celebration of our river, bringing together local restaurants to support the James River Association’s mission.
When you visit any of our participating restaurants, you’ll be directly contributing to a healthy James River. Most of our participating restaurants have a special offer—from specialty dishes to custom beverages—where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support our work.

See the Restaraunts!

Botanical & Bar Botanical Support the James Cocktail
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-19 | Bar Botanical, 2025 Library Ave, Crozet, Vir, 22932, United States
All James River Week long, Bar Botanical in Charlottesville & Crozet are supporting the James River by providing proceeds from the Blue Margarita to the James River Association!

Check out their website!
