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 James River Water Quality Recap
While the 2025 James River Watch (JRW) season provided important safety communications to river lovers across the state, it also serves as a vital check-up for one of Virginia's most cherished natural resources. A record number of volunteer citizen scientists joined...
James River Association Celebrates 50 Years
PRESS RELEASEJanuary 5, 2026 CONTACT:Anna LukeDirector of Marketing and Communicationsaluke@thejamesriver.orgJames River Association Celebrates 50 Years of River Revival, Community Action, and Stewardship Richmond, VA (January 5, 2026) – The James River Association...
Press Releases & Statements
James River Association Celebrates 50 Years
PRESS RELEASEJanuary 5, 2026 CONTACT:Anna LukeDirector of Marketing and Communicationsaluke@thejamesriver.orgJames River Association Celebrates 50 Years of River Revival, Community Action, and Stewardship Richmond, VA (January 5, 2026) – The James River Association...
Press Statement: Remembering Kepone: 50 Years Later, a Cleaner James River
PRESS STATEMENT December 16, 2025 CONTACT: Anna Luke Director of Marketing and Communications aluke@thejamesriver.org Remembering Kepone: 50 Years Later, a Cleaner James River James River Association marks the anniversary of an environmental disaster that closed...
Events & Volunteer Opportunities