Lower James River Education Program
Explore and Connect with the Lower James River
Our Lower James River Education program is based out of two locations in the Tidewater region – The Colonial National Historical Park administered by the National Park Service in Williamsburg and the Hampton Marina on the Hampton River near the mouth of the James River.
The Colonial National Historical Park also includes is home to Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield, as well as and is home to diverse habitats and ecosystems, including natural resources of forests, wetlands, shorelines, and streams. James River Association’s environmental educators staff lead a variety of land based and water based activities paddle program take place at both the Lower James River Center in the park and at the James City County Marina, which is adjacent to the National Park.
The Hampton Marina location is a vital community hub, offering direct access to the James River and Chesapeake Bay, where residents and visitors can connect with the river through recreation, education, and conservation efforts. This location not only supports boating and fishing activities but also serves as a center for environmental education and community gatherings.
The Lower James River runs from the fall line in Richmond to the Chesapeake Bay. Its watershed lies in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia, and our education programs serve students in the following locales: the Cities of Colonial Heights, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg; Counties of Charles City, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Prince George, Suffolk, and Surry.
Education Programs
Ecology Day Program
On the water around Colonial National Historical Park
Watershed Classrooms
Our educators will bring lesson plans into your classroom
Powhatan Creek
1-2 hour paddle on Powhatan Creek, a tributary of the James
Stewardship Program
Paint Out Pollution by creating local stormdrain art
Longview
Ride on our 50ft Chesapeake Deadrise out to the James River
Your trip could include:
- Canoeing: Discover the plants and animals of the James River! After a paddling safety demonstration, students will depart from the James City County Marina and paddle in scenic Powhatan Creek. We will learn about the importance and function of wetland ecosystems.
- 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.
- Seining: Using a seine net, students will discover aquatic life in the James River. This lesson takes place at the Glasshouse Beach, which is located 1 mile from JRA’s facility.
- Longview: James River Association’s floating classroom, the Longview, is a 50ft Coast Guard inspected passenger Chesapeake Deadrise. This vessel is authorized to carry 27 passengers and is equipped with an array of abiotic and biotic sampling equipment for student use. Longview can accommodate one class onboard at a time with two classes a day alongside a land based station. Programming running between 9am and 2pm.
- Invasive Species Investigation: Learn about the species living in the James River Watershed and how invasive species can impact an ecosystem.
Meet the Lower James River Education Staff
Katie Ferrell
Lower James Education Manager
Email: kferrell@thejamesriver.org
James Abbott
Lower James Environmental Educator
Email: jabbott@thejamesriver.org
Maya Anderson
Lower James Environmental Educator
Email: manderson@thejamesriver.org
Marissa Garza
Seasonal Environmental Educator
Email: mgarza@thejamesriver.org
Melissa DeHart
Seasonal Environmental Educator
Email: mdehart@thejamesriver.org
Bella Hartz
Seasonal Environmental
