American Shad Recovery Plan
American shad was once one of the largest commercial fisheries along the Atlantic coast. The 2023 American shad stock assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that populations of American shad in the James are at an all-time low. Learn what the James River Association is doing to assist the American Shad Recovery Plan.
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.
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You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.
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James River Leadership Expeditions
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 James River Leadership Expeditions program!
Greening Richmond's Libraries
Join us as we work together with partners and volunteers to aid Richmond’s Public Libraries.
Outdoor Summer Camp
Registration is open for our Lynchburg summer camp for rising 3rd through 8th graders!
Living Shorelines
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.
Conserve Water at Home Using a Rain Barrel – Spring 2025
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 water conserved! They can save residents...
Wintertime Blues? You Can Start Gardening Earlier Than You Think!
The days may still be short and the air unwaveringly chilly, but you can start prepping for the next gardening season (and even begin planting!) sooner than you think. Prep Tasks: Turn your compost. Be sure to look out for any animals that may have turned your compost...
Press Release: Green Infrastructure Projects Expanding to Two More Richmond Public Library Branches
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettDirector of Marketing & CommunicationsJames River Association(804) 215-6142lbennett@thejamesriver.orgGreen Infrastructure Projects Expanding to Two More Richmond Public Library...
Press Statement: Governor’s Budget Supports Key Conservation Initiatives
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 6, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea BennettDirector of Marketing and Communications(410) 212-3819lbennett@thejamesriver.org6Governor’s Budget Supports Key Conservation Initiatives – but Additional Investment is Needed RICHMOND, VA – On...
Enjoy River Stories from across the Watershed
Stories have a power unlike any other to spotlight how our experiences shape who we are, how we relate to one another, and how something – like a river – can connect us in profound ways, both as individuals and as communities. Dive in here.
While our stories may be different, the river that runs through them is a common thread that unites us all. It is our river to share. It is also our river to protect.
Stories by the James is a collection of stories from people across our watershed that show how our river connects and unites us as individuals and communities. Our goal is to feature a number of diverse voices and backgrounds to best represent the many people and communities in our watershed, and we would love to add your story to our collection!
JRA is thrilled to partner with VPM News to bring Stories by the James to the public. Click here to listen to exclusive cuts of storyteller interviews that originally aired in the fall of 2022.
Our sincere thanks to The Tomato Fund and VPM for the opportunity.
