American Shad Recovery Plan
American shad was once one of the largest commercial fisheries along the Atlantic coast. The 2023 American shad stock assessment by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that populations of American shad in the James are at an all-time low. Learn what the James River Association is doing to assist the American Shad Recovery Plan.
More than one-third of all Virginians rely on the James River and its tributaries for water, commerce, and recreation. Our vision is a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. We believe if you change the James, the James will change you.
Explore
You can hike it, bike it, swim it, run it or raft it. How you enjoy the James River is up to you.
Support
Volunteer
Discover
Enjoy River Stories from across the Watershed
Stories have a power unlike any other to spotlight how our experiences shape who we are, how we relate to one another, and how something – like a river – can connect us in profound ways, both as individuals and as communities. Dive in here.
While our stories may be different, the river that runs through them is a common thread that unites us all. It is our river to share. It is also our river to protect.
Stories of the James is a collection of stories from people across our watershed that show how our river connects and unites us as individuals and communities. Our goal is to feature a number of diverse voices and backgrounds to best represent the many people and communities in our watershed, and we would love to add your story to our collection!
JRA is thrilled to partner with VPM News to bring Stories by the James to the public. Click here to listen to exclusive cuts of storyteller interviews that originally aired in the fall of 2022.
Our sincere thanks to The Tomato Fund and VPM for the opportunity.
James Changing Actions since Earth Day 2019
Your actions make a difference
It has taken over four decades to take the river from one of the nation’s most polluted rivers to one of its most improved.
When you become a James Changer, you are joining a network of passionate and supportive river lovers across the Watershed, from the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay.
We encourage you to seek out your personal passion to help us change the James – and our communities – for the better.
RiverRat Program
Riparian Stewards
James River Buffers
Living Shorelines
From the Marsh: General Assembly Update – Flood Resilience Advances
For this special guest blog edition of From the Marsh we're turning to Richmond for some updates from the 2024 Virginia General Assembly. Grace Tucker with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) provides a recap of flood resilience legislation from this session....
Living Shoreline Collaborative Partner Highlight: Barbara Gavin
Welcome to the Living Shoreline Collaborative’s (LSC) Partner Highlights! In this series, we are meeting with LSC partners to learn more about them, their home organizations, and why they have chosen to be a part of the collaborative.In this month’s Living Shoreline...
Press Release: Richmond’s Ginter Park Branch Library is Going Green
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Tuesday, February 6, 2024 CONTACT:Erin HillertDirector of Marketing & CommunicationsJames River Associationp: (608) 239-2644 e: ehillert@thejamesriver.orgRichmond’s Ginter Park Branch Library is Going Green! Residents are...
Press Statement: Top James River Priorities Addressed in Governor’s Budget; Opportunities Remain for 2024 General Assembly
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 21, 2023 CONTACT:Erin Hillert, Director of CommunicationsJames River AssociationEmail: ehillert@thejamesriver.orgTop James River Priorities Addressed in Governor’s Budget; Opportunities Remain for 2024 General Assembly...