Newsroom
Press Release: JRA to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Third Annual EcoFest
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 1, 2026 CONTACT: Anna LukeDirector of Marketing and Communicationsaluke@thejamesriver.org James River Association to Celebrate 50th Anniversary at Third Annual EcoFest Free community festival will feature a new nature...
Spend Labor Day on the James
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to soak up the last days of summer with family and friends. The James River has opportunities for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, or people just looking for a relaxing day by the water. Here are some unforgettable ways to celebrate...
2026 Native Plant Workshops
Support a Healthy James: Plant Native This Fall! Adding regionally native plants to gardens and landscapes in your yard is an easy river-friendly conservation practice that can be implemented at home. Regionally native plants incorporated into rain gardens and...
2026 Rain Barrel Workshops
Conserve Water at Home Using a Rain Barrel Rain barrels are an easy and economical way to water plants and reduce stormwater runoff at home. Did you know that a single rain barrel can harvest hundreds, even thousands of gallons of rainwater annually? That’s A LOT of...
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...
