James River Association

Litter Cleanup at Three Lakes Park
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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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!

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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.

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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 | VA
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!

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Seafood on the James
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-19 | VA
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!

James River Week: Art Interpretations
2025-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23059
As part of James River Week 2025, Art on Wheels leads a paper casting workshop inspired by the natural beauty of the James River while exploring sustainable practices. This program is held in partnership with Keep Henrico Beautiful. Advance registration required at henricolibrary.org/events.
This event is free and has limited spots.

Register Now!

Rivers and Roads Fishing Tournament
2025-09-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Hopewell City Marina, 1051 Riverside Avenue, Hopewell, VA, 23860
The Rivers & Roads Fishing Tournament kicks off the morning of Friday, September 12th and continues through Saturday, September 13th, ending with an exciting award ceremony at the Marina. With a $15,000 grand prize on the line, anglers from near and far will test their skills on Hopewell’s waters. Whether you’re on the boat or cheering from the shore, it’s a celebration of our river and the community that surrounds it.

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Toddler Time: Exploring the James River at Maymont
2025-09-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Maymont Foundation The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Dr, Richmond, VA 23220, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Connect with nature and history at Maymont. Your child will meet animals, make crafts, sing songs and learn stories, all while playing and exploring with Maymont’s educators. Your toddler might even make a few new friends!
For ages 18 months to 4 years; adult must accompany child. $15 per child/adult pair

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Green Infrastructure Stewards Volunteer Event
2025-08-29 09:00 - 12:00 | East End Branch Library, 1200 N. 25th Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, 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!

Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak
2025-08-25 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-08-11 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-07-21 16:00 - 17:30 | James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by kayak. Participants will launch from James City County Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided by James City County.
Demand is high, and these trips fill up fast. Because these trips are free, registration will open 2 weeks before the trip date.
Free

Register to attend!

Sketching Cruise
2025-08-16 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Jordan Point Marina, 101 Jordan Point Road, Hopewell, Hopewell, 23860, United States
Join the staff of JRA and Artspace for a brand new experience on our educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, and spend a couple hours sketching the James just down river of Richmond in Hopewell. Art Journaling is a journey of its own. We are going to explore a section of the James River discovering the possibilities of mark making in time, place and so much more. There will be instruction as we travel to our destination and the opportunity to explore the scenic James. No matter what your drawing skills, we are going to experience something new, something old, and a connection to a special place. JRA is excited to welcome Paul “Buddy” Terrell aboard the cruise, a local Richmond artist and Artspace Membership VP, as our special guest instructor.
$35 per participant

Register to attend!

Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island
2025-08-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-18 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

JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival
2025-08-09 14:30 - 22:30 | Brown Island, Tredegar Street & S 5th Street, Richmond, 23219, United States
Volunteer at JamPacked!
The James River Association (JRA) is excited to partner with WestRock and the JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival in 2025!
JRA is gathering an energetic group of volunteers to assist the JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival in serving beer at vendor booths in exchange for drink tickets. All volunteers (21 & over) will receive a free entry into the festival along with one drink ticket.
Register below to volunteer and help support clean water by serving beer!

Volunteer!

Native Plant Workshop at Petersburg Public Library
2025-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA, 23803
Join the James River Association at Petersburg Public Library on Tuesday, August 5, at 7:00 pm for a workshop about native plants. Participants will learn about the benefits of native plants, how they support local wildlife, and where to source them. Registration for this workshop is free and each registration comes with a regionally native plant courtesy of Local Ecotype Richmond Natives (LERN).
Adding regionally native plants to gardens and landscapes in your yard is an easy river-friendly conservation practice that can be implemented at home. Regionally native plants incorporated into rain gardens and conservation landscaping projects reduce stormwater runoff leaving your yard.
Event Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 7:00 pmLocation: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VirginiaFee: Free to Residents of the City of Petersburg

Register Here

Rain Barrel Workshop at Petersburg Public Library
2025-08-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA, 23803
Join the James River Association for a rain barrel workshop at the Petersburg Public Library on Tuesday, August 5, at 6:00 pm. Staff members will instruct workshop participants on how to assemble and install rain barrels at home. Registration for the workshop is free and each registration comes with a 55-gallon drum and a RainRecycle Rain Barrel Kit from The Rain Barrel Depot.
**IMPORTANT** You MUST have a vehicle capable of bringing the rain barrel home with you! Dimensions of each barrel are 22.5″ x 33.5″
Event Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:00 pmLocation: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VirginiaFee: Free to Residents of the City of Petersburg

Register Here

James River Rats - Middle James River Rat Training
2025-07-26 09:30 - 14:00 | James A. Buzzard River Education Center, 2825 Dock Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
This training is now full – if you are interested in attending a future training session, please fill out this form.
This training is for prospective new River Rats and will consist of a robust presentation on issues you may encounter carrying out independent River Rat patrols through this volunteer program. There will be time for questions and breaks. Time and weather permitting, we will do a small mock patrol at the river—more information to follow after your registration.

Gallery Exhibit: The James and Other Waters
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Bond Millen Gallery, 5601 Cary Street Rd, Richmond, 23226, United States
From July 17-August 30, The Bond Millen Gallery in Richmond will feature the work of artist B. Millner with an exhibit called “The James and Other Waters.” The artist, in collaboration with the gallery, will donate 50% of the proceeds from sales of this exhibit to JRA.
The Bond Millen Gallery will also host an exhibit opening reception on Thursday, July 17th from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. with the opportunity to meet and speak with B. Milner.
Parking is minimal at this location. We recommend parking along Rio Vista Lane or utilizing the St. Catherine’s parking lot and walking across Cary Street.

Living Shorelines Volunteer Event
2025-07-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Newport News
Living shorelines are nature-based approaches for shoreline protection and are the preferred stabilization method for tidal shorelines. In addition to stabilizing shorelines, they conserve and restore natural habitats and provide ecosystem services.
Volunteers are needed for a living shoreline installation. Volunteers will be planting along a shoreline, but need to be well prepared for hot weather. Please bring water and dress accordingly.
Volunteers also need to feel comfortable handling a dibble bar (a heavy, 10 pound rod used to insert into the ground to open a hole for a planting) and walking on uneven surfaces. Tools will be provided for volunteers, to be used individually and not shared. We do ask that you bring your own gloves.
Please register for volunteer projects below and we will be in touch with further details and location/directions as the date approaches.

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Contact: Ryan Walsh Email: rwalsh@thejamesriver.org

Register Now!

Living Shorelines Volunteer Event
2025-07-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Smithfield

Seasons of the James Workshop
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:00 | East End Branch Library, 1200 N. 25th Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
Join us for a workshop at the East End Branch Library in Richmond.
Join the James River Association to learn about flora and fauna found along the James River. Staff members will highlight plants and animals visible along the James during the summer months and share an update on the river’s health. Conservation tips that participants can implement at home will also be shared.
Just so you know, registration is not required.

Science on a Saturday Pontoon Boat Trip
2025-07-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Jordan Point Marina, 101 Jordan Point Road, Hopewell, Hopewell, 23860, United States
Join the JRA program or education staff for a new ‘Science on a Saturday’ experience on our 40-foot educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James! Each trip will feature a different in-depth ‘science lesson’ sharing the current health of our river, how our work impacts the river and what you can do yourself to help! Spend a couple of hours with friends and fellow river lovers just down from Richmond in Hopewell.
$35 per participant

Register to attend!

WILD Presence American Shad Event
2025-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | https://thejamesriver.org/event/wild-presence-american-shad-event/
WILD Presence: Discover the American Shad – A Benefit for the James River Association
Explore “WILD Presence,” a virtual journey into nature presented by Find Your Nature. This session shines a light on the American Shad, featuring Tom Dunlap, James RIVERKEEPER with the James River Association. Learn about these incredible anadromous fish, the threats they face, and the James River Association’s work to restore their populations.
Deepen your connection through expert discussion, meditation, and nature journaling. While this workshop is free, donations are encouraged, and all proceeds directly support the James River Association.
RSVP is required for Zoom details. Hosted by Amber Ellis, founder of Find Your Nature.

Register Now!
