James River Regional Cleanup - Cleaning Up the Source
10th Year Cleanup Proclamation
The James River Regional Cleanup was held on June 13th.
For the 10th consecutive year, the James River Advisory Council held its James River Regional Cleanup. Each year, hundreds of volunteers on foot and in boats converge on selected sites for part of a day. They collect hundreds of bags of trash and recyclable materials, as well as larger debris such as tires.
The event’s success has grown steadily, as has its educational component. This year’s theme, “Cleaning Up the Source,” is designed to trigger thought about where trash that’s in and along the river comes from. The James River is the centerpiece of one of Virginia’s largest watersheds, which includes the many tributary creeks or streams and the land around them. Much of the litter collected was actually discarded at other points within the watershed, such as in roadside ditches that drain to small streams and eventually the James.
The cleanup occurs along more than 70 miles of the river and among many localities. Activities west of Richmond are above the fall line (nontidal) and primarily involve the cleanup of shoreline litter that is accessible by volunteers on foot or those paddling small craft such as canoes. Activities east of Richmond are below the fall line (tidal) and include both shore-bound volunteers and those in larger boats. In addition to picking up litter, volunteer opportunities at each of the designated sites include assistance with registration, cooking and special projects.
Cleanup sites
Appomattox and Buckingham Counties
- James River State Park
Charles City County
- VCU Rice Center
Chesterfield County
- Dutch Gap Boat Landing
- Robious Landing Park
- Falling Creek Ironworks
Goochland County
- Westview Landing
Henrico County
- Osborne Park and Boat Landing
- Horsepen Branch
Powhatan County
- Maidens Landing
Richmond (James River Park System)
- Reedy Creek
- Pony Pasture Rapids
Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer. Please remember that each site has a maximum capacity, therefore you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the site a few minutes early to sign in and receive instructions. Participants should bring gloves, water, sunscreen and insect repellent, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Businesses or organizations interested in becoming sponsors, or individuals interested in getting involved in the planning of future cleanups, are encouraged to e-mail JRAC Executive Director Kimberly Conley at conleyk@chesterfield.gov.
If you are interested in receiving JRAC event notifications, please send an email with your name on it to JRAC Executive Director Kimberly Conley at conleyk@chesterfield.gov.
