Protect Migratory Fish
Once thriving symbols of Virginia’s river ecosystems, historically vital migratory fish are now vanishing. This alarming trend affects multiple species, signaling deeper issues within crucial waterways like the James River.
Discover how the James River Association is fighting to understand the underlying causes and secure a future for these struggling populations.
Volunteer
Whether planting trees, patrolling the river, or helping to install living shorelines, your help matters!
Greening Richmond's Libraries
Join us as we work together with partners and volunteers to aid Richmond’s Public Libraries.
Support our Connect with the James Program
Get your ‘Paddle to Protect’ shirt today!
Rain Barrel and Native Plant Workshops
Join us for a Fall River Hero Home workshop!
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.

Explore
You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.

Support
We’ve taken the river from a D- to a B in terms of overall health – but we need help to reach our goal of a Grade A James.

Volunteer

Discover
Press Statement: James River Association Voices Concerns About Environmental Impact of Coal Train Derailment in the Chickahominy River
STATEMENT UPDATE November 12, 2025 CONTACT:Tom DunlapJames Riverkeepertdunlap@thejamesriver.org804-905-9724Update as of 11/12/2025: Crews continue working to remove train car debris and coal at the train derailment site east of the City of Richmond, in the...
Press Release: The James River Gets an Overall Grade of B
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2025 CONTACT:Angie Williams James River Association (e) awilliams@thejamesriver.org [LINK TO SUPPORTING MEDIA] [LINK TO INDICATOR CONTENT] The James River Gets an Overall Grade of B Investments in Restoration...
Press Releases
JRA Breaks Ground on Living Shoreline Project in Hampton
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2025 CONTACT:Ryan WalshSenior Coastal Restoration Managerrwalsh@thejamesriver.orgThe James River Association Breaks Ground on Living Shoreline Project in Hampton This new project will help protect the shoreline and...
Press Release: JRA to Host its Second Annual EcoFest this Weekend
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 10, 2025 CONTACT:Linnea Bennett Director of Marketing and Communications, James River Association(804) 215-6142lbennett@thejamesriver.org The James River Association to Host its Second Annual EcoFest this Weekend The free...
Event Calendar
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.




