Upper James River Education Program

Explore and Connect with the Upper and Middle James River

Our Upper James River Education Program is a hub for environmental education and community engagement, located along the scenic James River at Riveredge Park in Amherst County, VA. The Park is located across from downtown Lynchburg on the north side of the river and is the gateway between the Upper and Middle James River. The center offers hands-on learning experiences focused on river stewardship, conservation, and local ecology. It serves as a base for programs that connect students with the river’s unique natural resources, promoting a deeper understanding of the watershed and its importance to the region. 

Additionally, our education team can bring place-based learning directly to schools and communities across the watershed, exploring local creeks and tributaries of the James River.

Our educational programs serve students in both the Upper and Middle James. The Upper James River originates at the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers in Botetourt County, then traverses the mountains to Lynchburg. Its watershed lies in the Blue Ridge and the Valley and Ridge regions of Virginia, which includes the Cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, and a small area of Roanoke; the Counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, Rockbridge; and small regions in Giles and Montgomery. 

Our current programs predominantly serve the Middle James, traveling from Lynchburg to the fall line in Richmond. Its watershed lies within the Piedmont region of Virginia and includes the Cities of Charlottesville and Lynchburg; the Counties of Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, Prince Edward, and Nottoway.

Ecology Day Program

A memorable day on the water and land around Riveredge Park 

Downriver Exploration

A scenic 3-mile paddle on the James River 

Stewardship Program

Paint Out Pollution by creating local stormdrain art 

Your trip could include:

• Flatwater or Downriver Canoeing: Discover the plants and animals of the James River! After a paddling safety demonstration, students depart from Riveredge Park and paddle on the scenic James River. We will learn about the importance and function of wetland ecosystems.

• Watersheds and River Ecology: Investigate the health of the James River with abiotic and biotic water quality testing. Students will collect macroinvertebrates, conduct water quality experiments, and learn about human impacts on the James River.

• Native and Invasive Species Investigation: Learn about the plants and animals living in the James River Watershed and how invasive species can impact an ecosystem.

Looking for something else to support your students’ learning? Reach out! We offer personalized trips to meet the needs of your group or choose from our selection of outdoor and science-based offerings that best suit your grade level and interest!