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.

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. 

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.  Thanks to our amazing donors, we were able to fully meet the match opportunity in June of 2024.
 ​

 Progress Photos

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.

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.

Center Location

• The Conservation Fund in partnership with the Capital Region Land Conservancy has closed on the critical 5-acre parcel along Richmond’s riverfront that will help protect the “view that named Richmond.” The purchase will also fill the only major gap in public access along the north bank of the James River from Rocketts Landing to Tredegar, to complete the Virginia Capital Trail and help fulfill the goals of Richmond’s Riverfront Plan and James River Park System Master Plan.
• The site known as “Echo Harbor” along Dock Street is adjacent to Great Shiplock Park and has extensive history as a dock and marine terminal. 
• JRA will build the James A. Buzzard River Education Center on 0.85 acres of the site to serve as a launchpad for a lifelong love of the rivers for all Virginians, as a reflection of the diversity of the natural and human communities around the James and as gathering point for the exchange of ideas and a catalyst for change. 
• With close proximity to woods, shallow water, deeper waters and protected waters, the site is strategically positioned to provide quick access to a variety of environmental education and river experiences. 
• The entire 5-acre riverfront site will be protected by public ownership and conservation easements, making this important parcel available for generations to come.
• Located in Richmond’s East End, the James A. Buzzard River Education Center  and the surrounding park will provide greater river access for underserved communities and diverse visitors.
• JRA, 3North, and Kaleidoscope Collaborative conducted a community engagement process in 2021 to gather input from community members and stakeholders as to how the river education center can best serve students, residents, and visitors.

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

• A gateway to our river for people of all skills and ages
• A provider of positive first river experiences and future opportunities that build on them 
• An interactive, hands-on learning environment 
• A hearth for river storytelling and socializing

Reflecting the diversity of what the James offers and the different communities we serve

• A building that connects us to the ecology of our river
• The spectacle of our river as an event
• The juxtaposition of history, nature, and recreation as a unique trait of the James River 
• A narrative of our path to a healthy river 

Fostering a confluence of ideas and providing a catalyst for the community

• The powerful synergy of stewardship & recreation
• A workplace for the JRA and other like-minded groups
• A landmark to represent collective goals and values
• A crossroad for outdoor activities
• A public space for local engagement

Budget Update

$9,000,000 Goal
$8,910,000 Raised to date

---

For more information on the campaign or to make a gift, please contact Ashleigh Moody, VP of Development at [email protected]​.