Newsroom
Meet the Water Quality Expert Behind James River Watch
August is National Water Quality month, and what better way to celebrate than by learning about JRA’s GIS and Water Quality Manager, Michael Gillert? As the backbone of the James River Watch program, Michael guides volunteers in gathering bacteria samples at various...
A Boater & Angler’s Guide to Stopping Invasive Species in Virginia
Virginia’s rivers and lakes are incredible places to boat, fish, and spend time on the water. But non-native invasive species can quickly damage these ecosystems if they spread. The good news? Stopping them is simple, and it comes down to a few basic habits every time...
Meet the Invasive Species Threatening Virginia’s Waters
Invasive species threaten Virginia’s rivers, lakes, and streams–damaging ecosystems, harming native wildlife, and disrupting recreational activities. Whether you’re a boater, angler, or simply enjoy time on the water, your actions matter. By following a few simple...
Middle James River Expedition 2026
There’s no better way to learn about the James than by spending five days living on it. For our second expedition of the summer, a new group of high schoolers spent five days and four nights paddling, camping, and getting a hands-on look at the river’s ecology. From...
6 Great Spots to Explore in the Upper James River Watershed
The Upper James River watershed is a wonderful summer destination, offering everything from relaxing river floats to rewarding hikes to waterfalls. Whether you want to cool off at a river access point, paddle a calm stretch, or take in a dramatic waterfall view, this...
James River Explorers – Shark Week
Every summer, Shark Week sparks curiosity about one of the ocean’s most recognizable creatures. While sharks might seem like distant ocean dwellers, their story connects directly to the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. From ancient shark teeth buried along...
Green Infrastructure Projects Completed at Six Richmond Public Library Branches
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 22, 2026 CONTACTS: Anna Luke Director of Marketing & Communications James River Association (313) 410-8829 aluke@thejamesriver.org Tamara JenkinsDeputy Director, Public AffairsCity of RichmondOffice of Strategic...
Meet Your James Riverkeeper: A Q&A with Tom Dunlap
When you look out over the James River, you are looking at a vibrant ecosystem that supports communities all across Virginia. But our waterways need advocates to speak on their behalf. Enter our "waterkeepers." The Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement of...
Six Turtles You Might Encounter in the James River
The James River is home to a fascinating variety of turtles, each with unique adaptations and habitats. From the iconic snapping turtles to the elusive musk turtle, these reptiles play a vital role in the river’s ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife...
50 Picnic Spots Along the James River
Summer is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate 50 years of the James River Association than by getting outside and enjoying the watershed we all work so hard to protect! To mark our 50th anniversary milestone, we’ve dusted off our classic guide from five years...