Community Conservation
Our Community Conservation program has two key goals.
First, we empower residents of the 10,000 square-mile James River watershed to implement river-friendly conservation practices at home. Second, we work with communities to better manage stormwater runoff through the use of gray and green infrastructure.
Our community-driven approach to conservation and stewardship strengthens community resilience and supports cleanup plans for the James River to meet water quality goals. Our projects improve stormwater management, reduce localized flooding, and expand tree canopy in communities that need it the most.
Our Programs
River Hero Homes
River Hero Homes is a community of stewards that realize the first step to a healthier James River starts at home. Implementing river-friendly conservation practices at homes is as easy as properly disposing of pet waste, using native plants, reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and conserving water. Members of the River Hero Homes program receive a membership card, yard flag, sticker, and discounts at local nurseries and other businesses in partnership with the James River Association.
City of Richmond Stormwater Management Projects
The James River Association is tackling stormwater runoff in Richmond through several key initiatives. We’re partnering with Richmond Public Libraries and others to install green infrastructure at library branches, raising awareness and reducing runoff. Additionally, we collaborated with the City of Richmond and other partners to create a green street on Minefee Street, improving safety and water quality in a local creek. These projects demonstrate our commitment to a cleaner, healthier James River.
Greening Richmond's Libraries
In an effort to increase public awareness of stormwater runoff and reduce it, the James River Association is working alongside Richmond Public Library, Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O, and Four Winds Design to plan, design, and install green infrastructure that manages stormwater at library branches across the City of Richmond.
Bellemeade Green Street Project
In partnership with the City of Richmond, Groundwork RVA, Timmons Group, and 3North, the James River Association planned and implemented a green street along Minefee Street, between Bellemeade Park and Hillside Court in Richmond’s Southside. The green street was designed to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Minefee Street as well as improve local water quality in Albro Creek, a tributary of Goode’s Creek that flows through Bellemeade Park.
City of Petersburg Stormwater Management Projects
Petersburg is taking a proactive approach to stormwater management by conducting a comprehensive drainage study. This study involves mapping the city’s storm sewer system and modeling its capacity to handle stormwater, especially given the increasing frequency of heavy rain events. The results will inform a plan to address drainage issues and improve the system. This effort builds upon previous studies and plans, such as the Petersburg Walkable Watershed Concept Plan, to find effective solutions.
Petersburg Citywide Drainage Study
The City of Petersburg is working with a team to conduct a study that explores drainage in the city. The team is actively mapping the city’s storm sewer system and modeling its capacity to manage stormwater. Following the completion of the study, the city will create a plan that addresses drainage issues and improves the system.
Petersburg's Lakemont Community
Some residents of Petersburg’s Lakemont and Whitehill neighborhoods have experienced localized flooding as a result of an inadequate storm sewer system in recent years. Poor drainage in areas of the community is exacerbated by the increasing frequency of heavy rain events fueled by climate change. The Petersburg Walkable Watershed Concept Plan (2016) and Lakemont Neighborhood Drainage Study (2019) identify projects capable of alleviating flooding in the community.
Green Infrastructure Stewards
Green Infrastructure Stewards are trained volunteers who work alongside our staff members to maintain stormwater best management practices, including rain gardens and conservation landscaping, installed through the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative.
Ongoing stewardship ensures practices installed on library grounds reduce stormwater runoff as intended, while also ensuring communities have access to welcoming and well-maintained green spaces. Volunteers who participate in stewardship events will have opportunities to learn about the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative, green infrastructure and stormwater best management practices, and stewardship skills that can be applied at home and beyond.
Spring 2025 Community Planting Events
The James River Association is recruiting volunteers to assist with conservation landscaping and street tree planting efforts at Richmond Public Library branches, the James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, and the Lower James River Center in Williamsburg.
- February 28: Richmond’s Ginter Park Branch Library
- March 20 & 21: Richmond’s Ginter Park Branch Library
- April 11: Richmond’s East End Branch Library
- April 17 & 18: Lower James River Center in Williamsburg
- May 2: James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond
Meet Our Staff
Justin Doyle
Director of Community Conservation
Email: jdoyle@thejamesriver.org
Katy Riley
Community Conservation Coordinator
Email: kriley@thejamesriver.org