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) established 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 Center provides a long term home for JRA in the Lynchburg community.
Center Location
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The Upper James River 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 developed a master plan of enhancements for the site including:
Building - The enhancements to the existing building features:
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 features:
- A renovated interior space to create a dynamic classroom with interactive teaching tools and the latest technology that allows students to see their local environment in a global perspective.
- The river-side wall opens into a covered patio that allows the classroom space to expand to outside and accommodate larger groups. This reorients the building to the river, greatly improving the views and connections to the James.
- An outdoor pavilion that is developed with sensitivity to the surrounding nature and showcases views of the river and downtown Lynchburg. It is designed to function as both a classroom and a covered stage for small concerts or community events.
- Highlights environmentally conscious features that not only benefits 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 incorporates the following themes:
Celebrates the importance of the James River and launching lifelong lovers of the river
Reflects the diversity of what the James offers and the different communities we serve
Fosters a confluence of ideas and providing a catalyst for the community
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Remaining Needs Retention Wall funding still needed: $30,000 For more information on the campaign or to make a gift, please contact Ashleigh Moody, VP of Development at [email protected].
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