PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 31, 2023
CONTACT:
Erin Hillert, Director of Communications
James River Association
Cell: 608.239.2644 | Email: ehillert@thejamesriver.org
2023 James River Week is Full of River Adventures and Events!
RICHMOND, VA – Every September, community partners team up to organize a week-long celebration of Virginia’s most incredible asset, the James River. James River Week provides many exciting ways for people to enjoy the James through river-based activities, events, education, and more.
The planning committee for James River Week is composed of six organizations including the James River Advisory Council (JRAC), James River Association (JRA), Maymont, Friends of James River Park, Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation, Chesterfield County Public Library, and Central Virginia Waste Management Authority.
James River Week officially kicks off on Saturday, September 9, with JRAC’s James River Regional Cleanup from 9am-noon. This will be the 24th year the event has spanned more than 75 miles of the James River watershed, and everyone is encouraged to register including boaters, paddlers, and pedestrians.
The festivities on September 9 continue with a River Trail Hike at Powhatan State Park, a James River Week Kick-off at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery West Creek, and several events at Maymont including a James River Urban Wildlife presentation with beloved photographer, Bill Draper.
James River Week is typically packed with kid-friendly opportunities, and this year is no exception. From Toddler Time at Maymont on September 11 to James River Story Time at several Chesterfield County Public Libraries throughout the week, little ones can enjoy fun, interactive education focused on the James River and all the many critters that depend on it.
“Maymont is proud to be a collaborator for James River Week,” said Krista Weatherford, Director of Programming and Community Engagement for Maymont. “This year, Maymont will not only be offering programming, but will also be the location for community partners to provide their programming. We have a great lineup of programs and activities including art, photography, dance, films, hikes, and more! Something for everyone.”
Josh Stutz, from Friends of the James River Park had this to say “James River Week is a great opportunity for us to draw more attention to the love people have for the river. So many Richmond families use the JRPS to access the river and we are proud to be a part of these events.”
Hikes and volunteer opportunities are also a big focus of 2023 James River Week, from a hike with Blue Sky Fund on September 12 to a litter cleanup at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News on September 16. River lovers can also make a difference by signing up for Maymont’s Introduction to Rain Gardens on September 14, volunteering for several opportunities with Friends of James River Park throughout the week, or helping with JRA’s Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island on September 15.
No James River Week would be complete without river-focused food, and JRA is partnering with restaurants across the watershed for their third annual Seafood for the James promotion. 10% of select seafood and fish dishes will be donated to JRA during James River Week to protect and conserve the James River.
“We are very excited to be partnering with restaurants from Lynchburg to Williamsburg for the third installment of Seafood for the James,” said Erin Hillert, Director of Marketing and Communications for JRA. “10% of a special seafood or fish dish during James River Week will go toward protecting the river in honor of the 10,000 miles of the James River watershed.”
James River Week is truly overflowing with opportunities throughout the entire eight-day celebration, with several signature events toward the end of the week. Notable offerings include a screening of A Sturgeon Story: Searching for Giant Leaping Dinosaur Fish on September 15 and “AGUAS” performed by the Latin Ballet on September 16, both at Maymont.
For a complete list of all James River Week events including dates, locations, and more, visit thejamesriver.org/james-river-week.
####
OUT CENTRAL VIRGINIA WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY:
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) was formed in 1990 to serve the region’s solid waste and recycling needs. CVWMA coordinates programs for trash and recycling on behalf of 13 local governments. The authority strives to be a leader in waste reduction, with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment for everyone’s benefit. For more information, visit www.cvwma.com.
ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION:
For more information, visit https://www.chesterfield.gov/150/Parks-and-Recreation.
ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
For more information, visit https://library.chesterfield.gov/.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE JAMES RIVER PARK:
Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) is the largest nonprofit support organization for the James River Park System (JRPS). With a mission that focuses on protecting, expanding, and enhancing the JRPS, FOJRP works with the City of Richmond to implement projects that make a real difference in the Park. 2022 marks 50 years since the creation of the JRPS, and FOJRP are excited to be dedicating additional resources to park improvements. For more information, visit https://jamesriverpark.org/.
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION:
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Scottsville, Richmond and Williamsburg, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information, visit www.thejamesriver.org.
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ADVISORY COUNCIL (JRAC):
The James River Advisory Council (JRAC) provides a forum for the diverse interests along the James River in Central Virginia and engages the public about issues and challenges facing the river. JRAC’s vision is a healthy, beautiful, economically vital and accessible James River that is cared for by a diverse and engaged community that acts on its behalf. JRAC’s membership includes representatives from local jurisdictions, businesses and industry, civic organizations and individuals. By leading discussions about the river, and hosting regional events and programs, the council sets the tone for positive and interactive relationships among partners throughout the region. For more information, visit jrac-va.org.
ABOUT MAYMONT:
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy. Stroll through the gardens and arboretum, see native wildlife habitats, feed friendly goats, explore The Robins Nature Center and visit the Mansion. For more information, visit https://maymont.org/.