Since 2013, JRA has had an office in Lynchburg and works with each school district in the region to provide environmental education programs. In 2017, JRA moved its office to Riveredge Park and launched a river outfitter program, James River Adventures. To bolster environmental education programs and river experiences available to the greater Lynchburg region, James River Association (JRA) will establish a new hub for river activities serving students and the general public - advancing our vision of a fully healthy river supporting thriving communities. This River Education Center will provide a long term home for JRA in the Lynchburg community.
Center Location
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The Upper James River Education Center, located in Amherst County’s Riveredge Park, is strategically located across the James from historic Downtown Lynchburg and below Scotts Mill Dam, the last of seven dams thereby allowing extended paddle trips down the James.
Through a partnership with Amherst County, JRA is currently utilizing the existing building and boat ramp at Riveredge Park for its operations. Neither the building nor the boat ramp were built for environmental education and therefore present limitations. JRA will enhance the current building, outfit its new batteau, and develop a new river access point to improve JRA’s school-based and public river programs. The new facilities will strengthen the Lynchburg region's connection to the James River and help it leverage the benefits that the river can provide. |
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With expert guidance from 3North Architects, JRA has developed a master plan of enhancements for the site including:
Building - The enhancements to the existing building will feature:
Batteau Landing and River Trail:
Additional plans for the site include a new pathway to a river access site designed by Hurt & Proffitt, Inc. that features a paddlecraft launch and a floating dock for JRA’s batteau. The new pathway that leads to the James River will improve access to an area of the river that offers easy and safe paddling conditions for beginner paddlers. This new river access will enhance Riveredge Park and help facilitate JRA’s environmental education and public programs.
JRA added a hand-built batteau to its fleet in 2018. These vessels have been navigating the James River for centuries and helped establish the river culture and heritage of the region. The batteau provides a unique opportunity to engage students in river ecology lessons, science investigations, as well as celebrate the local history. The batteau is a great asset for the community and will be made available on a regular basis for public trips to help connect the community with the James.
Building - The enhancements to the existing building will feature:
- Renovating interior space to create a dynamic classroom with interactive teaching tools including a “riverquarium” and the latest technology that allows students to see their local environment in a global perspective.
- Opening the river-side wall and adding a covered patio that will allow the classroom space to expand to outside and accommodate larger groups. This will reorient the building to the river, greatly improving the views and connections to the James.
- Installing an outdoor pavilion that is developed with sensitivity to the surrounding nature and can showcase views of the river and downtown Lynchburg. It will be designed to function as both a classroom and a covered stage for small concerts or community events.
- Highlighting environmentally conscious features that not only benefit the entire facility but also serve as demonstration areas for learning activities such as the installation of rain gardens, native landscaping and energy and water conservation practices.
Batteau Landing and River Trail:
Additional plans for the site include a new pathway to a river access site designed by Hurt & Proffitt, Inc. that features a paddlecraft launch and a floating dock for JRA’s batteau. The new pathway that leads to the James River will improve access to an area of the river that offers easy and safe paddling conditions for beginner paddlers. This new river access will enhance Riveredge Park and help facilitate JRA’s environmental education and public programs.
JRA added a hand-built batteau to its fleet in 2018. These vessels have been navigating the James River for centuries and helped establish the river culture and heritage of the region. The batteau provides a unique opportunity to engage students in river ecology lessons, science investigations, as well as celebrate the local history. The batteau is a great asset for the community and will be made available on a regular basis for public trips to help connect the community with the James.
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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 $501,000
DOCK + PATH + CANOE LAUNCH ..... $110,000 SITE + OUTDOOR CLASSROOM ..... $132,000 BUILDING ..... $135,000 FURNITURE + EQUIPMENT ..... $37,000 SOFT COSTS ..... $45,000 CONTINGENCY ..... $42,000 For naming opportunities, contact Ashleigh Moody, Acting VP of Development, at amoody@thejamesriver.org.
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