Education & Outreach

If you teach in a public high school in the James River Watershed, then JRA has a great opportunity for you…

Following 2011 successful James River Expedition, the Dominion Foundation has generously supported JRA in hosting another summer of student and teacher exploration in 2012. JRA is now inviting teachers from public schools in Virginia’s James River watershed to apply to participate in an eight-day journey of discovery, adventure, and inspiration with guides from the James River Association. We are looking for educators from any discipline who would like to learn more about this local natural resource and incorporate it into their teaching. Selected teachers will help recruit four rising 10th-11th grade students from their school to join a team of three teachers and twelve students total. Each team will complete one of three eight-day journeys that will collectively navigate the James River next summer. Join us to share the rich history, ecology and culture of America’s Founding River while practicing outdoor adventure skills and having a whole lot of fun! To get a feel for what this experience entails, visit www.jamesriverassociation.org/expedition and enjoy the story of a month-long expedition undertaken in 2011 by JRA. Applications (due by January 20, 2012) can be requested from Gabe Silver at gsilver@jrava.org or 804-788-8811 x. 214

JRA's Education & Outreach program provides outdoor and in-class educational experiences for youth. Our goal is to relate environmental topics in a way that is meaningful as well as memorable.

James River Ecology School:

Connecting our children with nature is a vital first step in inspiring our next generation of river stewards. Their role as environmental advocates is crucial for the future advancement of environmental policy, for restoring the health of our waterway, and for protecting the environment. Learn more about the James River Ecology School.

School & Group Programs:

JRA provides educational experiences in your classroom, on your school grounds, outdoors and on the water. Programs are always engaging, hands-on, fun and many support the Virginia Standards of Learning.

Learn more about the programs we offer. >>

The James River Expedition

On June 25, 2011, 12 high school students and four teachers left Iron Gate near Covington  for the environmental adventure of a lifetime, a trip down the James River by canoe, batteau and raft. For more information visit:  www.jamesriverassociation.org/expedition.

Outreach & Partnerships

JRA participates in many outreach events, including James River Days and the Annual James River Clean-up.

In efforts to enhance environmental education programs, we partner with local organizations such as Virginia Commonwealth University/Rice Center, Riverside Outfitters, James River Fishing School, Maymont Foundation, Children’s Museum of Richmond and the James River Park System.

Listen to Gabe Silver's interview with John Ogle

James River University

If your group or organization would like more information about our Education & Outreach programs, please contact (804) 788-8811 ext. 214.