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 Northside 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.
Our educational programs serve students in both the Upper and Middle James. The Upper James River starts at the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers in Botetourt County and travels through 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; Counties of Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Highland, Rockbridge; and small areas of 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; Counties of Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, Prince Edward, and Nottoway.
Education Programs
If you are committed to providing students with quality field-based learning experiences but are limited by funds, please contact JRA for more information about need-based scholarships for appropriate individuals and schools.
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 from Riveredge Park
Stewardship Program
Paint Out Pollution by creating local stormdrain art
Watershed Classrooms
Our educators will bring lesson plans into your classroom
Your trip could include:
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Canoeing or Kayaking: Discover the plants and animals of the James River! After a paddling safety demonstration, students will depart from Riveredge Park and paddle in the scenic James River. We will learn about the importance and function of wetland ecosystems.
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Wetlands and Watersheds: Investigate the health of the James River with abiotic water quality testing. Students will also conduct a water filtration experiment by designing a “wetland in a bottle” that mimics wetland filtration processes.
- Invasive Species Investigation: Learn about the species living in the James River Watershed and how invasive species can impact an ecosystem.
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Ecology Day Trip |
Downriver Exploration |
Stewardship Program |
Watershed Classrooms |
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No. of students |
<25 | 26-50 | <25 | 34 | 34 |
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Duration of programming |
4-5 hours | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours | 45 min |
| Description | Wetland paddle, land-based program | Wetland paddle, land-based program | Wetland paddle and water quality on Powhatan Creek | Paint Out Pollution at a local stormdrain | In-classroom visit from a JRA educator |
Meet the Upper James River Education Staff
Rob Campbell
Upper James Senior Regional Manager
Email: rcampbell@thejamesriver.org
Charles Johnson
Upper James Education Manager
Email: cjohnson@thejamesriver.org
Kali Grayson
Environmental Educator
Email: kgrayson@thejamesriver.org
Jaimi McPeek
Seasonal Educator
