Connect with the James
Connect with the James
We believe the best way to develop an appreciation for the James River is to connect with it. The James River Association does this through guided programs, as well as information to help you explore on your own.
We offer guided canoe and kayak programs that connect people to the history and natural resources of the James and its tributaries through outdoor recreation from March until November. We also offer monthly James River Rx sessions that use ecotherapy practices to connect people to nature through art, journaling, meditation, and a variety of other mindful practices.
Spending time in nature, especially near water, offers great benefits to our emotional, mental, and physical well being. Take care of yourself and join James River Association staff members on an upcoming program to learn about the river and become a better steward of our natural resources.
James River Guided Paddles
Join the James River Association on guided canoe and kayak programs on the James River and its tributaries in the Richmond region.
James River RX
The James River Association is prescribing you a dose of nature!
Lynchburg Outdoor Social Club
Catch up with other Lynchburg locals and enjoy an hour long after work paddle on the iconic James River.
Preregistration is required for all programs. Participants must review and agree to the Essential Eligibility Criteria and the Release and Waiver of Liability to participate. The James River Association will provide canoes and kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices to participants. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for being outdoors and getting wet.
Registration fees are considered donations to the James River Association and are not refundable. In the event a program is canceled, James River Association staff members will make an effort to reschedule it.
Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Connect with the James: The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon, to benefit James RIVERKEEPER® For more information on the SPLASH Event Series, presented nationally by Toyota, please visit www.splashseries.org
Williamsburg Paddles
View and Join the James River Association on guided canoe and kayak programs on Powhatan Creek in James City County. Participants will learn about the natural resources and rich history of the area.
May 2019
Monday, May 6, 2019, 5:30 pm – Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak
Monday, May 20, 2019, 5:30 pm – Explore Powhatan Creek by Canoe -Previous canoeing experience required.
June 2019
Monday, June 3, 2019, 5:30 pm – Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak
Friday, June 21, 2019, 6:00 pm – Explore Powhatan Creek by Canoe -Previous canoeing experience required.
Richmond Paddles
Join the James River Association on guided canoe and kayak programs on the James River and its tributaries in the Richmond region. Participants will learn about natural resources, history, and efforts to make the rivers of the region accessible for outdoor recreation.
April 2019
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 5:30 pm – Introduction to Canoeing – Turkey Island Creek
May 2019
Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 5:30 pm – Explore Richmond’s Riverfront by Canoe – Great Shiplock Park
June 2019
Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 5:30 pm – Explore Richmond’s Riverfront by Canoe – Great Shiplock Park
Wednesday, June 12, 2019, 6:00 pm – Introduction to Canoeing – Turkey Island Creek
Wednesday, June 14, 2019, 6:00 pm – 6/12 Explore Hopwell’s Riverfront by Canoe
The James River Association is prescribing you a dose of nature! Research has shown that intentional time in nature is good for our physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s time to slow down, put down your phone, notice what’s around you, and simply breathe in the fresh air. Participants should expect a brief meditation, connection exercises like journaling, art, exploration, and sharing this experience with others in the group.
There are recurring James River Rx sessions in the James River Park System in Richmond on the second Wednesday of every month. Based on participants, needs, and seasons the time could change. There will also be special events throughout the watershed at various points in the year.
These experiences will be led by Amber Ellis, JRA’s Watershed Restoration Manager, who has a certificate in Ecotherapy through the EarthBody Institute. If you have any questions about our James River Rx program, please contact aellis@jrava.org for more information
Richmond James River Rx
October
Wednesday October 10th at 5:30 pm – James River Rx – Chapel Island
“Loved the location, off of the beaten path, loved the people in attendance. Amber guided us through with love and care-for ourselves and nature. Looking forward to attending more! Thank you!”
“I was much calmer for the rest of the day, and I felt much more connected and renewed in my appreciation of nature and my life.”
James River Rx attendeeJames River Adventures is located in Amherst County across from historic downtown Lynchburg where you can enjoy cruising the city’s riverfront and within minutes be in a beautiful, natural river setting teaming with fish, birds and other wildlife. This section of the river provides a spectacular view as the river winds through riffles, pools and rock ledges. Take your own historic journey and join us for some fun on the James!
This summer we are teaming up with other local Lynchburg groups as part of the Lynchburg Outdoor Social Tribe!
Catch up with other locals and enjoy an hour long after work paddle on the iconic James River. After the paddle we will reconvene at the Water Dog, where several other outdoor meetup groups will be getting together to celebrate spending time outside in Lynchburg!
Lynchburg Outdoor Social Tribe
Closed for the 2018 Season
Can’t make it to one of our Connect with the James programs? Join us at James River Adventures in Lynchburg. We offer canoe and kayak trips, stand up paddleboards, and tubing trips from April to October. Join us for an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day on the James!
