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
2025 Plant This, Not That, This Spring
Spring is the perfect time to celebrate native plants. What better way to embrace the season than by enhancing your landscape with these essential species! While non-native and invasive species offer little ecological value and can even cause harm to natural...
James River Buffers: Buffers and Flooding
How riparian forests protect the land from flooding and how you can protect buffers when floodwaters comeAs heavy precipitation events increase in frequency and intensity, landscapes across Virginia are becoming increasingly prone to flooding. These floods can have a...
Press Releases & Statements
Press Release: JRA sounds the alarm
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 3, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettJames River Association(e) lbennett@thejamesriver.org The James River Association sounds the alarm on the state of migratory fish in the James River RICHMOND, VA - To mark World Aquatic Animal...
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...
Events & Volunteer Opportunities