James River Association

Toddler Time: Exploring the James River at Maymont
2025-09-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Learn More!

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, 2025-06-09 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!

40th Annual Batteau Fest
2025-06-13 18:30 - 2025-06-14 17:00 | Percival’s Island, 1600 Concord Turnpike, Lynchburg, 24504, United States
Celebrate Virginia’s heritage, history and waterways at the 40th Annual Batteau Festival! Join the festival kickoff on Lynchburg on Friday June 13 and Saturday June 14 as the batteaus launch from Percival’s Island for their eight-day journey along the James River.
Festivities include:
🪕 Friday bluegrass concert with Holy River and the Hackensaw Boys
🛶 Saturday boat launch and vendor market. Watch the boats depart, meet local artisans, and learn about the rich history of batteau and the James
🚲 Bike rentals (or bring your own) to ride along and cheer on the boats as they make their way down the river!
🍻 Live music and drinks at Trailhead after the boats launch
Want to experience the batteau yourself? Join JRA for free public batteau rides on Wednesday June 11 from 10 AM – 1 PM (ages 50+) and 2-6 PM (all ages).
The 40th Annual Batteau Festival is hosted by Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Virginia Canals and Navigation Society, and the James River Association.

More Information and Schedule of Events

Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island -June 13
2025-06-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Great Shiplock Park, 2803 Dock St, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States

Free Public Batteau Rides - Batteau Festival
2025-06-11 10:00 - 18:00 | Upper James River Center, 150 Rocky Hill Road, Madison Heights, VA, 24572, United States
In anticipation of the 40th Annual Batteau Festival, join the James River Association for free public batteau rides! Climb on board for a unique educational batteau 30-minute ride and tour of the James River, then enjoy lunch on your own at the food truck on site. Meet at JRA’s Upper James River Center at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights.
Morning Session (Ages 50+) – 10 AM – 1 PM
Registration Required. Registration closes June 6, 2025.
Afternoon Session (All Ages) – 2 PM – 6 PM
Walk ups welcome! First come-first served; no registration required

Register to attend a morning session!
