The James A. Buzzard River Education Center, a future landmark on Richmond’s historic riverfront, strengthens our efforts to reach our vision. To expand our education program and help reach Virginia’s goal of giving every student three meaningful watershed experiences before they graduate, JRA will introduce a new hub for environmental education - connecting students and the region with the river and advancing our vision of a fully healthy river supporting thriving communities.
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The James River Association reached the initial goal set for the James A. Buzzard River Education Center of $7 million, allowing the project to move forward. This included the purchase of 0.85 acres of a now preserved 5-acre site on Dock Street adjacent to Great Shiplock Park, and the completion of extensive planning and development of the site. The ground breaking took place in May of 2023.
Due to the dramatic rise in construction costs, the budget to complete the River Center increased to $9 million. Existing and new donors have continued to support the project, and raised approximately $8.2 million towards the $9 million goal in 2023. |
In December of 2023, JRA received great news from the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation in Richmond. Recognizing the significant impact of this project, the foundation has generously offered a challenge grant opportunity of $400,000 to complete the campaign for the Center. Every dollar given towards the Center will be matched dollar for dollar until we reach the match and complete the campaign.
Take advantage of the match and help complete the James A. Buzzard River Education Center donate today. |
During his life, Jim was a tireless advocate for the James River and an enthusiastic proponent of youth environmental education. He was a key leader and visionary of the James River Center project in Richmond, Virginia and all that it will make possible for the river he loved and for future generations to come.
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To honor Jim’s love of the James and the importance he placed on environmental education, Susan Snyder contributed $1 million to JRA as a challenge gift to the community to name the James River Center in Jim Buzzard’s honor. This $2M naming opportunity has become a reality through the generosity of Susan Snyder, and the family and friends of Jim's.
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Center Location
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With expert guidance from 3North Architects, JRA has developed a master plan of enhancements for the site including:
- A lobby area to welcome and orient visitors.
- Flexible classroom spaces and exhibits with interactive activities such as a “riverquarium” and the latest educational technology that allows students to see their local environment in a global perspective.
- Cutting edge sustainability practices so that it actually functions as a forest from the river’s perspective and can inspire visitors to live more sustainably in their own lives
The building and facilities will incorporate the following themes:
Celebrating the importance of the James River and launching lifelong lovers of the river
Reflecting the diversity of what the James offers and the different communities we serve
Fostering a confluence of ideas and providing a catalyst for the community
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Budget Update $9,000,000 Goal $8,510,000 Raised to date $400,000 Challenge grant received from the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg - all donations matched dollar for dollar until the goal is reached. For more information on the campaign or to make a gift, please contact Ashleigh Moody, VP of Development at amoody@thejamesriver.org.
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