Calendar of Events

2010 Events

March

Monday, March 29th  9 AM-1PM
Spring Cleaning at Presquile: Pitch in to help JRA education staff clean up the house and clear trails in preparation for spring education programs on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. Contact Heather at (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or email at hmurdoch@jrava.org

April

April 1, 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Volunteer Training: Outreach & Class Programs
Do you love public speaking, teaching and engaging conversations? This session will train new volunteers how to become dynamic and accurate JRA representatives while delivering our in-class school programs or staffing our booth at public events. Volunteers will learn about JRA's background, our class programs and presentation tips. This training is ideal for those interested in consistent, long-term volunteering for JRA. Ages 18 and up. Food and drink provided. Free. Call Heather to register. (804) 788-8811 x 205.

Saturday, April 10 – West Broad Street Trash Clean-up
Roadside and Horsepen Branch trash clean-up at the intersection of W. Broad and Falmouth.  Meet behind Advance Auto.  Wear sturdy shoes or boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  Gloves and bags will be provided.  Sponsor: James River Association.  Contact Michelle 788-8811 ext 204, email volunteer@jrava.org, www.jamesriverassociation.org

April 29, 5:30 - 8:30 pm: Volunteer Training: Media Contribution
Are you constantly behind the camera? This session will train new volunteers how to become photography and video contributors for JRA. Find out why we need you, what we are looking for and how we will use your images. Volunteers will learn about JRA's background, hear tips from media professionals and go on a photography excursion along the canal walk (so bring your gear!). This training is ideal for those with previous photography and/or video skills and who have their own equipment. Ages 18 and up. Food and drink provided. Free. Call Heather to register. (804) 788-8811 x 205.

May

May 1, 9 am - 1 pm: Canoe Trip at James River National Wildlife Refuge
Search for bald eagles, herons and more while paddling the tranquil waters of Powells Creek at James River NWR. Guided by US Fish & Wildlife Service staff. Must bring your own canoe or kayak and life jacket. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Free. Registration required. Call (804)788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

May 9, 12 - 3 pm: Mother's Day River Paddle
Bring Mom and the family on a memorable exploration along the tidal James River. Learn canoeing basics and discover your connection to America's Founding River. Location: Deep Bottom Park, Henrico County. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

May 14-15: Dominion Riverrock
The second sports and river-life festival will be held on Brown’s Island May 14-15. Athletes of all levels can register at the event’s new Web site, dominionriverrock.com. 

May 29: Chickahominy Water Trail Festival
JRA is excited to announce the creation of the newest addition to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Water Trail. Learn about the unique history and natural beauty of the Chickahominy or sign up for the Race to Rockahock and put your paddling mettle to the test. For more information >>

June

June 5, 3-7pm: 20th Annual Westover Lawn Party
The Westover Lawn Party is held every year at historic Westover in Charles City county. The Westover Lawn Party is our primary fundraiser and includes a delicious seafood bar, bluegrass music, a live and silent auction and many exciting children ’s activities.  All of the proceeds from this event help to support our efforts to protect and restore the James River. For ticket information contact Sherrie Tribble at stribble@jrava.org or (804) 788-8811 ext. 202

June 20, 12 - 3 pm: Father's Day River Paddle
Bring Dad and the family on a memorable exploration along the tidal James River. Learn canoeing basics and discover your connection to America's Founding River. Location: Deep Bottom Park, Henrico County. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

June 26 - July 3: James River Adventure: Leadership Canoe Camp (Session 1)
This is no ordinary summer camp! High school students interested in becoming future eco-leaders spend seven days paddling a beautiful section of the James River by day, sleeping along its grassy banks by night. Become an expert in current conservation issues and solutions, responsible living and community leadership on this awesome river adventure. For rising 10-12th graders. $600 per person. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext 205 or 214.

July

July 10: 3rd Annual Runnoff Rundown
Volunteers will run the the entire 340-mile length of the James River in one day as a benefit for the James River Association (JRA). Informational pdf. For more information contact stribble@jrava.org or 788-8811 ext 202.

July 12 - 16, 9 am - 3 pm: Wild About Richmond Summer Camp
Maymont and the James River Association are teaming up to introduce campers to the natural side of Richmond! Explore the James River by canoe, fish for aquatic creatures, hike through natural habitats, soak up some of Richmond's unique history, enjoy an overnight adventure on Presquille Island and more! For rising 7-9th graders. $344 / $310 Maymont or JRA members. Register online here: https://www.maymont.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=631, or call (804) 358-7166 ext. 324.

July 24 - 31: James River Adventure: Leadership Canoe Camp (Session 2)
This is no ordinary summer camp! High school students interested in becoming future eco-leaders spend seven days paddling a beautiful section of the James River by day, sleeping along its grassy banks by night. Become an expert in current conservation issues and solutions, responsible living and community leadership on this awesome river adventure. For rising 10-12th graders. $600 per person. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext 205 or 214.

August

August 21, 10 am - 12 pm: Browns Island & Pipeline Trail Tour
Discover the rich history of Browns Island while making your way to the hidden, yet spectacular walking trail along the rapids of the James River. Sturdy shoes recommended. $3 per person. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

August 22, 1 - 3 pm: James River Park Trash Clean Up
Bring your family out to help pick up trash and recyclables from our riverside park, Pony Pasture. Gloves and bags provided. Free. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

August 28, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm: Volunteer Training: Watershed Restoration & Maintenance
Are you all about taking action? This session will train new volunteers how to lead watershed restoration and maintenance projects for JRA. Learn about rain gardens, trash pick-ups, buffer plantings, project management and more. Conducted on several sites, volunteers will learn about JRA's background, hear tips from restoration professionals and see a variety of project examples. We will work on at least one site, so please dress appropriately. This training is ideal for those interested in long-term volunteering with JRA. Ages 18 and up. Food and drink provided. Free. Call Heather to register. (804) 788-8811 x 205.

September

September 2, 5:30 - 8:30 pm: Volunteer Training: Education Field Program Assistants
Do you love being on the river? This session will train new volunteers how to help lead JRA's educational canoe day-trips. Conducted on the water, this training will prepare volunteers for what to expect, discuss content covered during the trip and how to help student paddlers. This training is ideal for those with previous paddling skills and who want to volunteer for more than two similar JRA events per year. Ages 18 and up. Canoes, life jackets, paddles, food and drink provided. Free. Call Heather to register. (804) 788-8811 x 205.

September 4, 9 am - 3 pm: Paddle the Chickahominy Water Trail
Discover the magic of the Chickahominy River! Join JRA and the Chickahominy Tribe on this beautiful river voyage. Bring your own canoe or kayak, or borrow one from us. Some paddling experience preferred. Location: Chickahominy Riverfront Park, James City County. Ages 14 and up. Registration required. Call (804) 788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

September 18, 9 am - 12 pm: Canoe Trip at James River National Wildlife Refuge
Paddle Powells Creek through the remote setting at James River NWR. Guided by US Fish & Wildlife Service and JRA staff. Canoes, life jackets and paddling instruction provided (if needed). Free. Registration required. Call (804)788-8811 ext. 205 or 214.

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. $30 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.