Protect Migratory Fish

Once thriving symbols of Virginia’s river ecosystems, historically vital migratory fish are now vanishing. This alarming trend affects multiple species, signaling deeper issues within crucial waterways like the James River.
Discover how the James River Association is fighting to understand the underlying causes and secure a future for these struggling populations.

Sign up for our emails

Follow us

             

Volunteer

Whether planting trees, patrolling the river, or helping to install living shorelines, your help matters!

Greening Richmond's Libraries

Join us as we work together with partners and volunteers to aid Richmond’s Public Libraries.

Support our Connect with the James Program

Get your ‘Paddle to Protect’ shirt today!

Rain Barrel and Native Plant Workshops

Join us for a Fall River Hero Home workshop!

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.
News & Notes

James River Recreational Water-Quality Results for 2026

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 15, 2026 CONTACT: Anna LukeDirector of Marketing and Communicationsaluke@thejamesriver.org James River Met Recreational Water-Quality Standards 87% of the Time During 2026 Monitoring Season Nearly 87% of samples met...

read more

THE COLLECTOR’S BARREL: James River Art in Action

Congratulations Winner - Emilee Adamson Congratulations to Emilee Adamson! You are taking home this custom, river-inspired rain barrel created by artists Matt Lively and Ed Trask (complete with delivery and expert installation by our team!). A massive THANK YOU to...

read more

Press Releases

James River Recreational Water-Quality Results for 2026

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 15, 2026 CONTACT: Anna LukeDirector of Marketing and Communicationsaluke@thejamesriver.org James River Met Recreational Water-Quality Standards 87% of the Time During 2026 Monitoring Season Nearly 87% of samples met...

read more

Event Calendar