Our James Changer are a network of passionate and supportive river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you wish to make your voice heard for clean water funding, become a Riparian Steward to help plant buffer trees, or make a gift to keep our river as healthy as possible, we encourage you to seek out your personal passion to help us change the James – and our communities – for the better.

The James River Association created the River Hero Home program to celebrate individuals who take steps to improve their home, pledge to take action for the James and become a hero for our community and our river. Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River to ensure its health and enjoyment for future generations.

Daniel Klein & Lindsey Pritchard share how they got involved with the James River Association and how they are reducing their impact on the James.

We love the rain barrel that we recieved at a James River Association workshop. It’s hooked up to our downspout and we use it to water our raised bed garden in between rain events. We’ve also replaced about 200 square feet of lawn with native redbud trees and other pollinator-attracting flowers and shrubs. Replacing our lawn with native plants not only requires less maintenance, it creates more habitat for local wildlife and reduces our stormwater footprint. It’s amazing to see how many butterflies, bees, and birds have returned in just the past year. Our home is returning to the rich habitat it once was and we’re reducing our impact on the James. We couldn’t be happier!

- Daniel Klein & Lindsey Pritchard

JRA River Hero Home Member

We are so appreciative of Daniel & Lindsey’s commitment to the health of the James River and for their involvement in our River Hero Home program! Thank you for being James Changers!