Calendar of Events

2012 Events

May

May 19, 10am-12pm, Trash Cleanup at Horsepen Branch
We will meet behind the Advanced Auto located at 6300 W Broad Street, Richmond. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, grabbers, and trash bags will be provided. Pre-registration is required. This cleanup is full.

Saturday, May 19, 2:00-4:00pm Trash Cleanup in Bellemeade Community
We will be cleaning up trash at the park located in the Bellemeade Community in Richmond, VA. The entrance is located at Minefee Street and Gunn Street. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, grabbers, and trash bags will be provided. Pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Amber Ellis at 804-788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org. (This project is part of the Bellemeade Walkable Watershed efforts.)

Tuesday, May 22, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at REI
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at REI, 2020 Old Brick Rd., Glen Allen.  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

June

Saturday, June 2nd - 2-6pm - Westover Lawn Party
The Annual Westover Lawn Party is a signature event held each summer at Westover Plantation in Charles City, VA. This event, JRA’s largest fundraiser, centers on family and educational activities, live entertainment, great food and both a silent and live auction. Sponsorship is available at all levels with proceeds from the event going to support the James River Association. Visit the Westover Lawn Party website.

Sunday, June 3rd – Full Moon on the James
Discover the magic of an evening on the James River with guides from the James River Association.  Basic paddling skills required. Canoes and life jackets provided. 7 PM- 9:30 PM. Fee: $15. Registration required. Sponsor:  James River Association. (804)788-8811 ext. 214, gsilver@jrava.org.

Tuesday, June 5, 5:30-7pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at Ellwood Thomspon’s
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at Ellwood Thompson’s, 4 North Thompson Street, Richmond.  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Saturday, June 9, 9:00am-1:00pm JRAC Annual James River Regional Cleanup
Registration required on website. Select from a list of official James River Regional Cleanup sites, complete the application form, and show up Saturday, June 9. Sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided between noon and 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 14, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at Lynchburg Public Library
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg.  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Tuesday, June 14, 12-1:30pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at the Region 2000 Office
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Region 2000 Office, 828 Main Street, 12th Floor, Lynchburg.
Lunch will be provided and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Friday, June 15, 9:00am-Noon – Storm Drain Marking in Bellemeade Community
We will be installing “No Dumping” storm drain markers and cleaning up trash along streets throughout the Bellemeade neighborhood. We will be meeting at the park located at Minefee Street and Gunn Street. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, storm drain marking supplies, grabbers, and trash bags will be provided. Pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Amber Ellis at 804-788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org. (This project is part of the Bellemeade Walkable Watershed efforts.)

Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at The Stone House at Forest Hill Park
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at The Stone House at Forest Hill Park, Forest Hill Ave. and W 41st St., Richmond.  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Tuesday, June 27, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at Lynchburg Public Library
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg .  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Thursday, June 28, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at the Chesterfield County Community Development Building
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Chesterfield County Community Development Building Multipurpose Room, 9800 Government Center Parkway, Chesterfield, VA.  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

July

Tuesday, July 12, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at Lynchburg Public Library
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg .  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Saturday, July 14, 5:00pm Richmond James River Splash and Dash
The James River Splash and Dash is a competitive tube race which takes place at Richmond’s Belle Isle. Participants run a 5k trail course, grab a tube, paddle (with their hands) across a stretch of the James, and run their tube to the finish line. After the race, JRA hosts an after party that includes a band, food, beer and more! This event is a fundraiser for the James River Association. For more information visit richmond.jrsplashanddash.org.

Tuesday, July 19, 6:30-8pm  River Hero Homes Information Session at Lynchburg Public Library
Becoming a River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River.  To learn more about this new program, join JRA for an informational meeting at the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg .  Drinks and snacks will be served and advance registration is requested.  For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Michelle Kokolis at 804-788-8811 ext 204 or mkokolis@jrava.org.

Saturday, July 28, 5:00pm Lynchburg James River Splash and Dash
The James River Splash and Dash is a competitive tube race which takes place at Lynchburg's Percival's Island. Participants run a 2 mile trail course, grab a tube, paddle (with their hands) across a stretch of the James, and run their tube to the finish line. After the race, JRA hosts an after party at The Depot Grille, that includes a band, food, beer and more! This event is a fundraiser for the James River Association. More information coming soon!

August

August 18, 9am-1pm, RiverRats Training
Training for JRA’s RiverRats program, to be held at Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Amber Ellis at (804)788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org if you are interested. For more information on the RiverRats program go to http://jrava.org/get-involved/volunteer/riverrats

September

September 22, 2012, Trash Cleanup at Bryan Park
This will be held as part of the International Coastal Cleanup. We will meet at the parking area next to Shelter #3. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, grabbers, and trash bags will be provided. Pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Amber Ellis at 804-788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org .

October

October 27, 9:30am-12pm, Fall Rain Garden Maintenance
Help with weeding, planting, and mulching of several rain gardens. All tools will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Meet in the parking lot behind Advance Auto, 6300 W Broad Street, Richmond. Pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Amber Ellis at 804-788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org.

Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 9am to 1pm - UPPER JAMES RIVER VOLUNTEER CLEAN UP DAY  
Join the Upper James River Water Trail committee in partnership with Botetourt County, Clean Valley Council, Upper James RC&D, the James River Association, and Twin River Outfitters for our annual Clean Our River community clean up as a part of Fall Waterway Clean Up Project. Volunteers are needed to clear trash and debris from the Upper James River in Botetourt County. If you would like to join us be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants. Sunscreen, bug spray, gloves and trash bags will be provided. Meet at Twin River Outfitters store next to Buchanan Town Boating Access Point, 653 Lowe Street, Buchanan, VA. Bad weather alternate date will be Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9am to 1pm. Registration is required, to sign up please RSVP by Wednesday, October 3, by calling Twin River Outfitters at 540-261-7334 or registering online through this website.

November

November 10th, 9am-1pm, RiverRats Training
Training for JRA’s RiverRats program, to be held at the Peninsula Metropolitcan YMCA, 7827 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Amber Ellis at (804)788-8811 ext 205 or volunteer@jrava.org if you are interested. For more information visit the RiverRats program section of our website.

Year-Round

Eagle & Wildlife Eco Tours
On the first & third Saturdays of every month. 9 am - 11 am, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
On the first & third Sundays of every month. 7 am - 9 am, 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Experience the untamed beauty and majesty of bald eagles on the James River. Relax and enjoy their conservation success story aboard the Discovery Barge II, a 24 ft. pontoon boat. Departs from Deep Bottom boat landing in Varina, VA. $40 per person. Registration required. Contact Capt. Mike with Discover the James at (804) 938-2350. www.DiscoverTheJames.com.

Bald Eagle Photography Tours
On the second Saturdays of November - March. 9 am - 12 pm, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
On the second Sundays of November - March. 7 am - 10 am, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Experience the untamed beauty and majesty of bald eagles on the James River. Relax and enjoy their conservation success story aboard the Discovery Barge II, a 24 ft. pontoon boat. Departs from Deep Bottom boat landing in Varina, VA. $50 per person. Registration required. Contact Capt. Mike with Discover the James at (804) 938-2350. www.DiscoverTheJames.com.