Teach & Learn

Resources for Students, Teachers, and Explorers

Discover a wealth of educational resources to teach and learn, designed to inspire and empower educators, students, and community members , including SOL-aligned lesson plans, the Virtual Classroom, James River Watch data, and the State of the James report.

Teacher Resources

Home Study Resources

Community Resources

Professional Resources for Virginia Educators

Empowering school systems with SOL-aligned environmental literacy.

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Floating Classroom Experience

Floating Classroom

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Paddling Field Trip

Paddling Field Trips

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Watershed Classrooms

Watershed Classroom

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Professional Learning

Student Research & Home Learning

Empower students with tools and resources for independent study and STEM exploration, fostering a deeper connection to the James River.

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Explorer Blog Series

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Science with James River Watch

James River Watch

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James River Leadership Expeditions

Leadership Expeditions

River Health & Safety Data

Understand the big picture of our watershed’s health through our biennial report card, which grades the river on fish and wildlife, habitat health, and pollution reduction.

James River Watch Conditions Map gives you conditions of the James in your area.

Learn more about our efforts to bring back American Shad to the James River.

Community Engagement

Community Education & River Stewardship

We believe that education is the first step toward meaningful action. By providing the general public with scientific data and specialized training, participants gain a deep understanding of watershed ecology and the technical skills necessary to monitor and protect our natural resources.

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Water Quality & Pollution Science

Learn the scientific methods used to identify pollution threats and master the technical protocols for Water Quality Monitoring to accurately assess the health of your local stream.

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RiverRats & Watershed Patrol

Learn to identify and document environmental hazards—from erosion and sediment runoff to illegal discharge—while gaining the technical skills needed to report pollution threats directly to the James Riverkeeper.

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Ecosystem & Habitat Restoration

Gain expertise in shoreline and forest ecology through our Marsh Stewards and Riparian Stewards programs, where you will learn the mechanics of living shorelines and the vital role of streamside buffers.

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Urban Ecology & Stormwater Management

Study the impact of the built environment on river health by learning how to mitigate runoff through Green Infrastructure principles and understanding the ecological threat posed by invasive species in our urban corridors.

Explore Our Watershed

Learning Experiences on the James

Students who join us on the James River Leadership Expeditions learn life altering skills.

Volunteers learn about the importance of water quality and how to track the river's health.

Freshswater mussels are extremely important to our streams' ecosystem.

Riparian Stewards learn valuable skills to support our riparian buffers.

Atlantic Sturgeon Watching trips bring spectators from across the James River Watershed

Students make friends and learn the importance of protecting our environment at our James River Summer Camps

We offer paddling opportunities for students of all levels.

James River Watch Water Quality monitoring

Marsh Stewards learn about the importance of living shorelines.

Education trip on the Spirit of the James

Students on a MWEE field trip on the James River

Get Involved Today

Ready to make a difference? Click the button below to explore opportunities to support the James River through our various programs. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or participating in our educational initiatives, your involvement is crucial to our mission.

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