From the free-flowing Rappahannock to the majestic James, rivers are an essential part of our ecosystem, history and community. These nonprofits have dedicated their time to protecting Virginia rivers, educating people about the importance of rivers and river safety and advocating for restoration and conservation. Their hard work, and the work of hundreds of volunteers who support them, aid in protecting the health and accessibility of the rivers for generations to come.
Friends of the Rappahannock River
Friends of the Rappahannock was started in 1985 by a group of community members who started doing regular cleanups on the river. In 2004, Friends of the Rappahannock aided in the removal of the Embrey Dam, making the Rappahannock River the longest free-flowing river in Virginia. Today, the nonprofit has grown to around 30 employees who are dedicated to restoration, education and advocacy.
“FOR is the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock river,” said Carleigh Starkson, its communication manager.
The nonprofit relies on the hard work of volunteers and donations from community members, or “river friends.” The Rappahannock River is the sixth most endangered river in the country, so all help is appreciated.
Click here to learn more about FOR and get involved in its conservation efforts.
James River Association
The James River Association began as a small community volunteer organization focused on the tidal James River in 1976 after it was closed to any kind of fishing because of pollution from the Kepone spill in Petersburg, Virginia.
Now focusing on the entire river, the mission of JRA is “to protect the James and connect people to it,” said CEO Bill Street.
The nonprofit does a lot of public policy and ground restoration work, like planting trees and working with lower-income and underserved communities to improve the urban green infrastructure in Virginia.
To connect people to the James River, JRA provides school-based education programs, summer camps, leadership expeditions for high school kids and public programing. The sturgeon-watching trips are a highlight of the programming; the James is the only river in the world that offers it.
The James River is an essential part of Virginia’s history and life for people who live nearby. So many people depend on the river to move through their daily lives, so it is vital that it is kept clean and protected.
“Most people who live around the James get their drinking water from the river,” Street said. “We all have a stake in keeping the James healthy and safe so that our resources can also be healthy and safe.”
JRA is celebrating Eco Fest on September 13, 2025. Check out the nonprofit’s new location and learn more about JRA here.
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River was formed in 2000 by representatives from the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell and the counties of Dinwiddie, Chesterfield and Prince George. Its goal is to empower conservation, stewardship and sustainability.
The nonprofit focuses on conservation of the land and works closely with local governments and landowners to protect the Appomattox riverfront corridor. Because of FOLAR’s hard work, over 24% of the lower Appomattox riverfront corridor is protected from future development.
Maintaining the health and prosperity of native plants and wildlife along the Appomattox River is another big part of FOLAR’s mission. Volunteers can help protect and support the river, plants and wildlife by participating in invasive plant removals or planting native gardens.
Learn more about FOLAR and how to support the river here.
