CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA — The James River Advisory Council, JRAC, kicks off its annual James River Week, Sept. 9-16, with a variety of activities ranging from Films on the Floodwall to boat tours to dining and social events. All revolving around the river we love and protect.
For more information about these events, visit JRAC’s online calendar: https://jrac-va.org/signatureevents/james-river-week/.
Some of the events include:
- Virtual View of the James River, Sept. 9-16 – Art Works Inc. presents a virtual view of the James as captured by photographers and artist this year.
- Kayak Discovery Course, Sept. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. – Discover the James by kayak during this guided, interpretive course. (fee)
- Bald Eagle Tour, Sept. 9 and 10, 7-9 a.m. or 9:30-11:30 a.m. – During this two-hour Discover the James boat tour, see bald eagles in their natural habitat. (fee)
- James River Story Times, Sept. 11, 12 and 14 at various locations, 10:30 a.m. – Celebrate the James through stories, games, music and crafts.
- Presquile National Wildlife Refuge Land and Water Tour, Sept. 12, 8-11 a.m. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife guides will tour the wetlands of the wildlife refuge and Shirley Plantation. (pre-registration required)
- James River Social, Sept. 12, 4-6 p.m. – Come network with JRAC and friends at the Conch Republic at Rocketts Landing.
- James River Film Screening, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. – Watch films made by local filmmakers and photography featuring the James River on the Floodwall.
- Riverfront Canal Cruises, Sept. 13-17 – This 40-minute tour narrates the history of the James River and the Kanawha Canal. (fee)
- Maymont’s Family Camp-Out: Creatures of the James, Sept. 15-16 – Search for nocturnal creatures and meet Maymont’s animal ambassadors before enjoying s’mores and stories by the campfire. (fee)
- iNaturalist Walk, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-noon – Document species by camera or cell phone throughout the James River Park system.
With more than 950 pre-registrants, online registration has closed for the annual JRAC Regional Cleanup, Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Now in its 18th year, the cleanup is a tremendous regional effort in which volunteers remove hundreds of bags of trash and recyclable materials from the James and its tributaries. The cleanup includes 16 different cleanup sites throughout the James River watershed.
About JRAC: The James River Advisory Council provides a forum for the diverse interests along the James River in Central Virginia and engages the public about issues and challenges facing the river. JRAC’s vision is a healthy, beautiful, economically vital and accessible James River that is cared for by a diverse and engaged community that acts on its behalf.
JRAC’s membership includes representatives from local jurisdictions, businesses and industry, civic organizations and individuals. By leading discussions about the river, and hosting regional events and programs, the council sets the tone for positive and interactive relationships among partners throughout the region.
