More than one-third of all Virginians rely on the James River and its tributaries for water, commerce, and recreation. Our vision is a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. We believe if you change the James, the James will change you.
Explore
You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.
Support
We’ve taken the river from a D- to a B- in terms of overall health – but we need help to reach our goal of a Grade A James.
Volunteer
Whatever your interests are, there is a role for you in improving the health of the James River.
Discover
The James is Virginia’s largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, at 340 miles long it is one of the longest rivers in America that begins and ends in the same state.
James Changing Actions since Earth Day 2019
Your actions make a difference
It has taken over four decades to take the river from one of the nation’s most polluted rivers to one of its most improved.
When you become a James Changer, you are joining a network of passionate and supportive river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay.
We encourage you to seek out your personal passion to help us change the James – and our communities – for the better.
RiverRat Program
We are recruiting the James River’s first line of citizen defense, the RiverRats, who play a vital role in protecting and restoring the James.
Riparian Stewards
Volunteer are needed to nurture & monitor select riparian forest buffers we have installed through our programs.
James River Buffers
Your property may qualify for a buffer planting. 100% of project costs are covered for qualifying landowners.
Living Shorelines
We can help eligible homeowners in the tidal watershed install living shorelines.
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News & Notes
Support a Healthy James: Plant Native This Spring!
Springtime is upon us and April is Native Plant Month in Virginia! 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...
Top Seven Reasons to join the James River Leadership Expedition
Summer is just around the corner! It’s once again time to start making plans for what to do with all that free time. Have you considered spending 5 days adventuring and camping on the James River in canoes? In case you needed another reason to consider joining JRLE,...
Press Releases & Statements
Press Statement: Virginia House and Senate Adopt Budget Proposals
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:February 7, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettDirector of Marketing and Communications(410) 212-3819lbennett@thejamesriver.orgVirginia House and Senate Adopt Budget Proposals RICHMOND, VA – On Thursday, February 6, the Virginia House and...
Press Release LCS Education Foundation Receives 70k
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 22, 2025 CONTACT:Lynchburg City SchoolsAustin Journey(434) 515-5068journeyat@lcsedu.net Lynchburg City Schools Education FoundationDawn Wise434-515-5081wisedf@lcsedu.net James River AssociationCharles Johnson...
Events & Volunteer Opportunities