Today on the James

Secrets of the James - Captain Smith, what are you doing here?

2012-01-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA's Communications Coordinator

Do you recognize this man? Of course, it’s a statue of our own Captain John Smith, just as we picture him, the swashbuckler, outfitted in short cape, sword and slouchy boots as he bravely explores the New World. But this is not the statue that was erected on Jamestown Island. This is the representation of a slightly more portly Captain Smith located in front of St. Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside, London.

Here, in the city to which he returned after his extraordinary adventures in the New World, he is identified simply as: Captain John Smith, citizen and cordwainer 1580-1631. The statue’s base reads: “First among the leaders of the settlement at Jamestown from which began the overseas expansion of the English speaking peoples.”

Who would call Captain John Smith, merely a citizen and cordwainer and not the explorer of the Chesapeake Bay or governor of Virginia and admiral of New England? It’s hardly the veneration he receives in Virginia. And exactly what is a cordwainer anyway?

It turns out that a cordwainer made shoes and boots from luxurious, soft cordovan leather that only the wealthy could afford. However, American biographers tend to say that Smith was an “alleged” cordwainer. Either way, it was an honorable profession and in London the cordwainers maintained a strong and wealthy guild. So it makes you wonder… if Captain John Smith was a boot maker, perhaps he made those fabulous boots he is shown wearing in both of his statues.

In addition to the cordwainer conundrum, this chance meeting with Captain John Smith raised another question: Was the good captain right-handed or left-handed? In Jamestown, his sword is on the right, meaning he would have been left-handed. In London, his sword is on the left, meaning he would draw it with his right hand. It’s always nice to meet a familiar face when you travel, so if you’re ever in London, stop by St. Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside and visit Captain Smith.

Read more about footwear and condwainers at Jamestown:
http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/Summer00/shoemaker.cfm

JRA receives the Taylor F. Turner, Jr. Conservation Award

2012-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Jay Armstrong, FFV VP Conservation Activities; Bill Street, JRA Executive Director; Ken Eastwood, FFV President

The James River Association received the 2012 Taylor F. Turner, Jr. Conservation Award presented by The Fly Fishers of Virginia, Inc (FFV) at their 30th annual banquet, held January 14, 2012. The FFV was established in 1982 to promote the art of fly rod fishing; to foster good sportsmanship; and to promote conservation of the nation’s natural resources.

The Taylor F. Turner, Jr. Conservation Award was created in 2002 to honor individuals or organizations in the state that have made a valuable contribution to the preservation of fisheries and waterways. The award is named for former FFV president and long-time member, Taylor F. Turner Jr.

Fun "Findings" Along the James River

2012-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern

Working for the James River Association and the National Park Service along the Lower James River segment of the Captain John Smith National Historic Water Trail (CAJO) Conceptual Plan has allowed me to visit some truly beautiful places that are currently accessible for hiking, wildlife viewing, and/or access for kayaks/canoes. I have included some of my favorite “findings” below.

Kayak/canoe launch at Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a beautiful park area in Isle of Wight County that even as a native Virginian, I had never visited before. This site is a former plantation and now a public park in Smithfield, Virginia. It dates to a land grant of 1,450 acres by the King of England to Arthur Smith in 1637. The 46 acres immediately surrounding the manor house are protected by an historic easement controlled by the state of Virginia. There are walking trails, a fishing pier, and the canoe/kayak launch is very accessible and modern. http://www.windsorcastlepark.org/

View of Kittiewan Creek
from Kittiewan Plantation

Kittiewan Plantation in Charles City County, VA was one of my favorite site visits due to the beautiful views of Kittiewan Creek and the James River downstream. This site has much to offer in terms of archeological significance and Virginia history. This plantation is currently open to the public, but mainly by appointment. There is an access area for canoe/kayak launch for those interested in experiencing the area by water. There is much to experience here in terms of wildlife, vegetation and scenery. http://www.kittiewanplantation.org/

Beach located at Fort Boykin

Fort Boykin in Isle of Wight County, VA is a beautiful park with walking trails, areas to hold special events, and beautiful views of the James River; including a beach where people can lounge or get in the water during warm seasonal months. Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623!http://www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/FortBoykinHistoricPark/

Wooden bridge that
connects to the main park

Fort Huger in Isle of Wight County, VA is a truly historic fort rich in Captain John Smith and Native American history. A beautiful wooden walking path and bridge takes you to the main park where one can see the Ghost Fleet on the James River! During warmer months, there is a person conducting interpretive education in the park area. http://www.visitsmithfieldisleofwight.com/historicforthuger.php

Jaw and teeth deer
remains found at B&C area

Brown and Williamson Conservation Area is managed by the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation along with the Friends of Chesterfield’s Riverfront. Mark Battista, a Naturalist with the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation holds scheduled hikes of the conservation area, by reservation only, as the site is not currently accessible to the general public. Mark is a truly knowledgeable guide with the type of enthusiasm that inspires you to look beyond the forest floor and trees to uncover nature’s treasures! http://www.chesterfield.gov/Parks.aspx?id=6442454792

Wildlife of the James - The Striped Bass

2012-01-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern

From well-attended fishing expos to the boat that bears its name, bass are one of the most popular sport fish among Virginia fishermen. The Striped bass is often called “true bass” or “sea bass” to distinguish it from the smallmouth or largemouth species.

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Source: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis), also referred to as rockfish or stripers, vary in color from light green to blue, brown or black with a white belly. An Atlantic coastal fish, it ranges from Florida to Nova Scotia. Adults usually have 7 to 8 stripes across the sides and a forked, dark-colored tail fin. Stripers grow to approximately 20 inches and usually weigh around 30 pounds, but can max out at 6 feet long and weigh 125 pounds!

By nature, stripers are anadromous, spending most of their adult lives in saltwater, making spring "spawning runs" to freshwater tidal rivers such as the James River. Each spring anadromous stripers move from the ocean and Chesapeake Bay to spawn in freshwater reaches of tidal rivers. Some fish may swim as much as 100 miles upstream. Able to live in either fresh or salt water, some landlocked stripers spend their entire lives in fresh water. They migrate up tributary rivers of larger reservoirs to spawn, often just below dams or upstream obstructions. When water temperatures are from 55° to 60°F, the females deposit their semi-buoyant eggs in the current. They are fertilized as they are being released, and stay afloat until the fry hatch out.

Overfishing and destruction of spawning areas caused populations of the striped bass to decline at an alarming rate in the 1970s and 1980s. A moratorium on fishing brought their populations back from the brink of collapse. However, as reported in the James River Association’s 2011 State of the James report, the James River’s striped bass population is only at about 49% of the benchmark.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has established limits on the commercial and recreational fishing industry for striped bass in Virginia. Regulations located within Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq. also establish rules for aquaculture of striped and hybrid striped bass to prevent the escape of cultured hybrid into the natural environment and minimize the impact of cultured fish in the market place. One of the most important protections that the laws enforce are those of the spawning areas, which in the James River watershed span from a line connecting Dancing Point and New Sunken Meadow Creek upstream to a line connecting City Point and Packs Point. Improved river health is one of the most effective ways to protect spawning areas and improve the population numbers of this popular native fish.

A record-setting 74-pound striped bass was caught off Cape Henry on January 20 2012: http://richmondoutside.com/2012/01/22/new-virginia-state-record-striped-bass/

Top 5 Places to Enjoy Winter Wildlife

2012-01-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Winter is a great time to see wildlife when the views through the forest open up and the snow turns the landscape into a blank canvas. Check out these events and places for enjoying wildlife this winter.

1. Winter Wildlife Festival: This is a great weekend event at the Princess Anne Recreation Center in Virginia Beach. The festival is filled with awesome trips and workshops, where you can see winter wildlife and learn where and what type of wildlife to look for this time of year in Virginia.

2. Winter Wildlife Boat Trip at Virginia Beach: This two hour trip with Virginia Aquarium educators takes you off the coast of Virginia Beach where you may see humpback and fin whales or large sea birds like brown pelicans or cormorants.

3. Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center: Located in Botetourt, this place offers trails that wind you through various ecosystems such as hardwood forests, fields, spruce and cedar stands, and pond habitat, where you are sure to see a wealth of wildlife.

4. James River Park System: Located in the heart of Richmond, this park offers 550 acres and miles of trails for you to search for wildlife. Bufflehead ducks enjoy hanging out in the river this time of year. Keep your eyes open for deer and fox.

5. Your own backyard!: If you provide food, shelter, and water for wildlife in your yard, then you can view wildlife from your windows as you stay nice and warm inside.

Conservation Tips: Sustainable Snow Removal

2011-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Before the big snow season hits, make sure you are prepared to clear off that sidewalk or driveway in the greenest way possible.

• The best way is to shovel! It sounds like hard work, but not if you have the right tool. Make sure you get an ergonomic shovel (big shovel with bent handle) or if you want to spend a little extra, try out this new tool, the wovel (big shovel with a wheel)! The tip to successful shoveling is to get out there early and often. You want to shovel before the snow becomes a big block of ice, which will decrease the need for deicer and sand.

• No salt! It is harmful and even deadly for some of your plants, corrosive to cars and other items, tears up the road, and increases salinity in local waterways, which is bad for the underwater plant and animal species that call our rivers home.

• Sand is good if traction is needed, but don’t use too much. It can clog sewers and wash down to streams. Another good option is bird seed, which will keep you standing and also feed the hungry birds.

• Be a good neighbor and avoid using a snow blower. The gas powered ones contribute to air pollution, so if you must use one, go electric. Everyone loves the peace and quiet that a big snowstorm provides, so don’t spoil it with ‘vroooooooooooooooooom!’

• And if all else fails and you need something to get rid of the ice, make sure you choose an eco-friendly ice melt.
While you are out there shoveling and need something to think about, how about brainstorming on what could be done with all of this frozen water! Strategies for Sustainable Snow Management

For more information:
Green Space: Sustainable Snow Removal
Tips for Eco-Friendly Snow and Ice Removal
The Rundown on Eco-Friendly Ice Melt

Students from across the watershed learn outside

2011-12-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Students from James River watershed have participated in numerous field programs with JRA this fall. Learning to paddle canoes, identify wildlife and trees, test water sources for dissolved oxygen and other chemical parameters, and sampling for aquatic macroinvertebrates…students get their feet wet and their minds engaged.

What did we catch in the seine net? Students learn that healthy water was diverse inhabitants.

Upper James Riverkeeper Pat Calvert talks water with high school students on the Rivanna Reservoir.

Don’t Let Cold Weather Cut Your River Season Short

2011-12-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

By Massey Whorley, JRA RiverRat

About this time of year many river enthusiasts put away their boats for the winter. Although not for everyone, in Virginia it’s possible to paddle year-round. In fact, many prefer winter paddling because of the breathtaking scenery and wonderful water conditions. Boating in the winter can be fun (and safe*) if you use the right gear. If you are considering paddling the James this winter, here are some equipment guidelines.

Cotton Kills, Seriously

The number one rule of cold weather sports is avoid cotton at all costs. While cotton feels great, it is a terrible insulator once it gets wet. Leave the cotton at home!

It’s All About Layers

Instead of cotton, use layers of wool or synthetic fabrics, like fleece or polypropylene. These materials will keep you warm if they get wet – and chances are you will get wet. Also, layering keeps you warmer by trapping heat and wicking moisture away from your body. The colder the combined air and water temperature, the more layers you will need.

Wetsuits, Drysuits, and In Between

Options for the outermost layer include wetsuits, drysuits, and dry tops. When the conditions are moderate (combined air and water temperature of 100° F), wetsuits may be sufficient. As the temperature drops, a waterproof exterior layer becomes essential. Drysuits are the gold standard for cold weather boating, since they keep your entire body dry. Since drysuits can be expensive, many paddlers combine dry tops and bibs for a reasonably priced solution.

New Year’s Day 2011 on the James Paddler: Massey Whorley Picture: Rich Young

Put On A Hat, Before You Catch Cold

In addition to covering your core, be sure to cover your extremities, especially your head. Wool or fleece hats will work for many situations, but neoprene helmet liners are common, and preferred for whitewater. Neoprene gloves or pogies, (mittens that strap to your paddle), are great for boating. In addition, neoprene booties or wool socks and appropriate shoes will help keep your toes and the rest of your body warm.

*Winter is not the best time to take up paddling. And as with all water sports, winter paddling comes with risk. Those risks can be minimized through appropriate preparation -- like using the buddy system and being prepared for an emergency situation.

Thank you to our Volunteers!

2011-12-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

A dedicated core of skilled volunteers have been hard at work completing the Ecology School’s Wetland Walkway.

Volunteers have spent a half dozen days so far this fall working towards the completion of the roof structure for the platform attached to the wetland walkway. Here, groups will gather to learn about the freshwater tidal swamp and marsh that surrounds them for hundreds of acres in all directions. Working through the challenges of inclement weather and a remote site, these volunteers have been giving shape to the vision of the Ecology School. They deserve a big “Thank You!”

Caleb, Rich, and Larry finish framing the roof!

Larry and Gary attach bracing to finalize the roof frame.

Visit our website for more infomation on the James River Ecology School.

JRA RiverRat’s Top 5 Suggestions for Enjoying the River in Winter

2011-12-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Do you get the cold weather blues because it means several months away from the James River? Cheer up! With the right precautions, winter can be a great time to get out on the water. Take a look at these suggestions from JRA’s tough RiverRats.

1. “I follow the 100 rule. The combination of air temperature and water temperature must be over 100 or I don't go on the water.” Kim Payne, Lynchburg

2. “James River trips in the winter are limited to some lower James striper fishing which involves my brother's bass boat and high speed. Ski goggles are a must.” Steve Forrest, Powhatan

3. “I carry a drybag of clothes etc. plus a rescue beacon in case I get marooned on an island.” Joey Klingman, Hopewell

4. “I like breaking ice...A good skirt sure is nice.” Steve Willard, Richmond

5. “While cotton feels great, it is a terrible insulator once it gets wet. Leave the cotton at home!” Massey Whorley, Richmond

Visit our website for more information on the RiverRats program.

JRA Receives Award for Agricultural Videos

2011-12-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

The James River Association and other project partners received the 2011 June Sekoll Media Award from the Virginia Chapter Soil and Water Conservation Society for developing a multi-media educational tool that describes Virginia agricultural cost-share programs and illustrates the benefits of installing conservation practices on Virginia farms. The project was funded by Altria and was produced in partnership with the Robert E. Lee SWCD, Piedmont SWCD, Peter Francisco SWCD and videographer Bruce Berryhill.

View the four videos at the following links:

Rainwater Harvesting

Pasture Management and Alternative Energy
Cover Crops and Nutrient Management

Livestock Exclusion and Rotational Grazing

Tires, Tires Everywhere

2011-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos that JRA RiverRat Steve Willard, captured while out on his patrol near the mouth of the Appomattox River. He found a ton of tires intertwined with the roots of old uprooted trees and a lot of trash and tires in the water. This site is near where the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) collected around 5000 tires this past July. If you see trashy spots like this near your favorite stretch of the James River, or any of its tributaries, please let JRA know. We can also help you organize your own trash cleanup event. Contact us for details. volunteer@jrava.org

Whose Been Here? Identifying Wildlife from Paw Prints

2011-11-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Who left these prints?

A muddy shoreline or a fresh snowfall along the river is all you need to become a wildlife tracker. The next time you’re near a stream or river, see how many different animal tracks you can spot. To help you identify some of the more common animals found in the James River watershed, here’s a simple toe counting guide:

The 4 and 5 rule: Four toes on the front feet and five toes on the back feet means you’re tracking a rodent. It could be a mouse, a squirrel, woodchuck, or muskrat.

The 5 and 5 rule: Five toes on the front and five toes on the back feet could be a raccoon (the paw print above), a skunk, a beaver, an opossum or a member of the weasel family, such as a mink. Or, if it’s really big, a black bear. But don’t confuse a big dog paw print with a bear!

The 4 and 4 rule: Four toes on the front and four toes on the back feet could be a dog, a fox, or a coyote. The tracks could also be made by a member of the cat family, like a bobcat or a neighborhood cat. The four-toed tracks may appear similar, but look for the presence or absence of claw marks with the paw print. Feline paw prints do not have claw prints because members of the cat family have retractable claws that are not used for walking. Canine paw prints have claw prints, as will most other animal prints you’ll find.

Take a walk by the water and see who -- or what -- has been there before you!

Conservation Tips – Be a Responsible Boater

2011-11-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Do you love to go out on the James River every chance you get? Whether you have a kayak or a speedboat, you are coming in direct contact with the water and should make sure you have as little impact as possible. Here are a few ideas that are really easy and that you can start today:

• Take your trash off the boat with you and put it in a trash can.

• Do not throw trash overboard or leave it on the ground at a boat landing.

• Recycle your used fishing line by tossing it in monofilament recycling bins that are located at many boat ramps or drop it off at your local marina or tackle shop.

• When you bring out the cleaning supplies make sure you use phosphate-free, bio-degradable, and non-toxic cleaners.

These are just a few of the things that you can do to make sure you are protecting the James River for others to enjoy for generations to come. Take a look at the links below for more information on how you can be a more responsible boater.

Clean boating tips Click Here

Map of monofilament recycling sites in Virginia Click Here

Monofilament Recycling Program Click Here

Volunteer Tree Planting

2011-11-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

The James River Association worked with Friends of Bryan Park and the City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation to lead 18 dedicated Altria volunteers in a day of tree planting and cleanup on Tuesday, November 8^th at Bryan Park. This warm and colorful fall day started with a lesson from Norm Brown, arborist with Richmond Urban Forestry, on the correct way to plant a tree. Volunteers then headed out to plant 35 trees throughout the park to replace trees that were lost during Hurricane Irene, to provide more native trees along Princeton Creek and help buffer noise from the interstate. After lunch some of the volunteers headed down to Jordan’s Branch for a trash cleanup. Some cleared debris from the park’s famous azalea gardens, while others finished up mulching and watering the new trees that were planted. A total of 11 bags of trash and 2 tires were collected. Thanks to Altria for all of their hard work and dedication in supporting projects that help restore the health of the James River.

On the River

2011-11-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

By Sarah Barnett, JRA RiverRat

As August 2011 was coming to a close a group of 18 far flung friends from Richmond, Lynchburg, Washington D.C. and several other cities descended on Appomattox VA to paddle a section of the James River. We put in at Glasgow where the Maury River dumps into the James River and took out just before the dam. The main attraction for our group would be mid day in the trip going over the rapids at Balcony Falls. Our group of enthusiasts ranged in age from 23 to 61 with all levels of paddling experience. We had someone who had guided on the Gauley, a few folks who had never been on a boat other than a cruise ship, and all experience levels in between. Our group members were using all varieties of boats including sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and canoes. Since we wanted everyone to enjoy themselves it seemed the August lower water levels would be just right.

Unfortunately a footbridge was washed out so to get the boats to the river access we had to hand them across a streambed. Way to go guys!

From the beginning we knew the float would be fantastic. We had great weather and the water was perfect.

We stopped for lunch just above Balcony Falls. Wadding down to the rocks beside Balcony Falls we wanted to scout the rapids ahead of time and make sure everyone knew the best line to run.

Despite the varying ages and abilities everyone in our group made it down the rapids successfully without tipping over or falling out of their boat. We did have experienced safety boaters on hand just in case.

Later in the day we stopped to enjoy jump rock for those who wanted to take a plunge into the river from a few feet higher. Here we saw a water snake with bright orange markings sunning itself. We didn’t bother the snake and the snake didn’t bother us.

Interested in becoming a James River RiverRat? Visit our website for more information!

Top 5 Gifts for a River Lover

2011-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Thinking of the perfect gift can be a tough task. Here are a few foolproof items that anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the James River would love to have. These gifts will help your River Lover enjoy the outdoors even during the cooler months. What’s great is that you can find any of these for under $30!

1. Wool socks: These are a necessary item in keeping your feet warm, comfortable, and dry. Favorite brand? SmartWool

2. Vacuum drink bottle: Everyone needs something to carry their hot drink with them when they head outdoors during the cooler months. Make sure you find one that is stainless steel, leak proof, not too big, and will keep their drink warm for hours. Favorite brand? Thermos or Stanley

3. Dry bag: Perfect for boaters, hikers, and campers. These handy bags help keep your stuff dry in case of a rain storm or just in case you turn over your boat. There are lots of brands and sizes out there, so find the one that fits your needs. Favorite brand? SealLine

4. Hand warmers: Great for those who don’t let the cold weather keep them indoors. Whether they are out at the break of dawn hunting, going on a backpacking trip, or out fly fishing in the snow, these will keep their hands and feet toasty! Favorite brand? Lots of stores sell packs of single use warmers like HotHands or Grabber Warmers. You can also get reusable ones such as the Zippo Hand Warmer.

5. Book: The right book can get them out to places they have never been before, teach them something new, or give them photos to look through while they are stuck indoors. Some great books on the James River are: James River Reflections by Will Daniel and The River Where America Began: A Journey along the James by Bob Deans. The James River Guide: Fishing and Floating on Virginia’s Finest by Bruce Ingram is a good choice for those who like to get out on the water. For the hikers out there we’d recommend Hiking Virginia: A Guide to Virginia’s Greatest Hiking Adventures by Bill and Mary Burnham.

Volunteers Devote a Day to Construction on Presquile NWR

2011-11-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

by Anna Salzberg, JRA's Outreach Intern

October 26, 2011 was a beautiful sunny day for the 8 volunteers working on the wetlands walkway that will be part of the new James River Ecology School at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Presquile NWR is a 1329-acre island in the James River, located approximately 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia and is one of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The volunteers gained a unique experience by visiting the NWR, since it is not open to the public without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The USFWS is currently working with JRA to establish the Ecology School on Presquile NWR in adherence with the USFWS Compatibility Determination and Comprehensive Conservation Plan.

Volunteers included some folks from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the National Park Service, retired carpenters with good hearts, and a couple journalists that did not mind working hard for a good cause. This group of volunteers with diverse backgrounds and skills met at the dock across the river from Presquile NWR around 9 am. Following brief introductions, a pontoon boat traversed the James to deliver the volunteer workers and supplies to the unloading dock at Presquile. Supplies were then carried up the hill to the main construction area.

After a quick tour of the Ecology school building currently under construction and an approximate one-mile walk across the island to the wetland walkway, construction efforts were quickly underway. The main efforts on this particular day included installing tiles in the curving sections of the 557-foot boardwalk. Tiles were also transported to the gazebo area where they will be installed in the near future. All-in-all, the day resulted in productive construction and networking for all involved (not to mention the yummy lunch served by JRA). JRA continues to need volunteers to further the construction progress, so please check out the upcoming Volunteer Work Days included on the JRA website calendar. Please contact Gabe Silver at gsilver@jrava.org or (804) 788-8811 ext. 214 to sign up. JRA would love to see you there!

James River Expedition Highlight on Virginia Currents

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

We’re still talking about how much fun we had during our James River Expedition last summer. Students from across Virginia were able to learn about how important our river is, thanks to a generous grant from the Dominion Foundation. Tune into Virginia Currents on PBS tonight at 8 p.m. to watch a segment on the project!

Virginia Currents
The James River Expedition

Secret of the James - The Ghostly Sycamore

2011-10-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA's Communications Coordinator

If there’s a perfect tree for the Halloween season it’s the American sycamore. In October, as the leaves begin to fall, the ghostly trunk of the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), sometimes called a buttonwood or planetree, stands out starkly along the river bank.

You’ll recognize a sycamore by its mottled exfoliating bark that looks almost white amid the darker tree trunks. Think of it as a mummy losing its wrappings or a zombie tree and you’ll get the picture. This peeling bark is the result of the tree’s growth process. Unlike most other trees that have bark that stretches or infills as the trunk grows, the sycamore’s rigid bark lacks elasticity and flakes off to accommodate the growth of new wood.

Another distinguishing feature of the American sycamore is its round, seed pods. These round balls hang from the branches and may remain affixed throughout the winter, giving the tree a festive decorated look.

Found throughout the eastern U.S., it is one of the largest trees in the eastern forest. A sycamore can reach a height of 70 to 100 feet with a canopy spread of 60 to 80 feet. While surveying for the Kanawha Canal, George Washington recorded a sycamore tree with a trunk that measured 45 feet in circumference. That’s a monster of a tree! Also monstrous in size are its leaves, the largest of any North American tree, which often measure up to 8 inches across.

Keeping with the Halloween tree theme, the sycamore is susceptible to anthracnose fungus which can affect stem growth and form "witches' brooms" or leafless clusters of sprouts that form on limbs. For this reason, anthracnose resistant hybrids of the sycamore, like the London planetree, are better suited to an urban environment as a shade tree.

This large tree is most often found in a riparian setting, so the next time you’re near the James River, look for a ghostly pale tree trunk. You might by surprised by how many American sycamore trees you see.

RiverRats Raft-Up

2011-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

On October 15^th the James River Association (JRA) held their 1^st Annual RiverRats Raft-Up, a volunteer appreciation event. The RiverRats patrol the James River and its tributaries and to take action to protect and restore the watershed. They are a huge support to the two James River Riverkeepers, Pat Calvert and Chuck Frederickson, by having more eyes on the river.

Pat Calvert, Upper James Riverkeeper

The group gathered at Flower Camp, located near Howardsville in the foothills of Virginia. The day started off with a keynote speech from Jeff Corbin, Senior Advisor to U.S. EPA Administrator for the Chesapeake Bay and the Anacostia River that stressed the importance of citizen science. Then Bill Street, the Executive Director for the JRA, gave an update on the state of the James River. Calvert and Frederickson led hands on training on benthic invertebrates and underwater grasses.

After lunch, some of the group went on a short float from Flower Camp to Howardsville while others hiked around Flower Camp. That evening the group watched a slideshow by Will Daniel, author of James River Reflections, and listened to a talk by Bob Deans, author of The River Where America Began. Several RiverRats were given awards for going above and beyond the call of duty. The day ended with talks around the bonfire.

Some stayed through Sunday and joined Calvert on a float from the James River WMA down to Flower Camp. Overall it was a great weekend filled with education, inspiration, and pure fun with a group of people sharing a love of the James River. Thank you RiverRats!

Boys and Girls Club Camping Trip

2011-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

By Jessica Templeton, JRA’s Ecology School Manager

This past weekend a group of eleven 6th through 9th graders and a courageous adult leader from the Hopewell Boys and Girls Club joined the James River Association for a couple of beautiful fall days of camping (many for the first time!) at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County. Saturday was a busy day spent enjoying the outdoors and learning new skills: how to set up a tent, how to fish, and how to paddle a canoe.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries donated a dozen fishing poles and supplies to the fishing experience through their tackle loaner program. The weather was a bit windy, but sunny and warm. The group introduced themselves to the volunteers leading the fishing experience, in which names were associated with an animal. This is when it was discovered that Paco is the Penguin because he is “cool”. Following introductions, the whole group met at Swift Creek to grab some bait and see what fish were out there. Turns out there wasn’t much out that day besides smiles and laughter, but with the sun beaming down and a cool wind blowing; it was just as pleasant an experience as reeling in a school of fish.

As with any good camping trip, our evening was capped with a campfire and s’mores. Despite initial hesitations from some of the campers about roasting sticks pulled from the ground, “how do you know the stick isn’t dirty?,” campers didn’t hesitate to go back for two or three more before putting out our campfire for the night.

Sunday morning our very sleepy and slightly shivering group braved a hike with the sunrise on one of Pocahontas’ many hiking trails. A few of us were lucky enough to catch a majestic looking Great Blue Heron fly across Swift Creek Lake while the lake was still misting from the cool morning air. It was a peaceful and inspiring moment. This camping program was developed to connect youth with nature and inspire feelings of comfort and confidence in the outdoors. When asked who would like to go camping again, it was less than a second before every hand went up in the air. Even though this was a first camping trip for many, it certainly looks like it won’t be their last!

Conservation Tips: Fall Gardening for Wildlife

2011-10-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Here’s a tip that will actually save you time and energy! While you are out in your garden this fall cleaning up, don’t cut everything back or rake every leaf up! By being a little less tidy, you can do your part in providing valuable habitat for our critters in the James River watershed.

Many perennials and ornamental grasses provide homes and food for wildlife throughout the winter. For example, birds love the seedheads on Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), so leave some of them uncut and you just might see a Goldfinch come to feed on the seeds. Then in late winter/early spring trim them back to allow for new growth to come up. You may find that your garden takes on a special beauty during the winter, now that there is some structure left behind.

Before you pull out the blower and the rake, find some areas that you wouldn’t mind having some leaves on the ground. By leaving layers of leaves in your flower beds, they will provide your plants with nutrients and will protect their roots from the cold winter. You can then cover them up in the spring with mulch. Many critters call leaf litter their home like salamanders, frogs, various eggs of butterflies and other insects.

For more information:
http://www.beautifulwildlifegarden.com/autumn-cleanup-wildlife-garden.html
http://www.northcoastgardening.com/2010/11/fall-leaf-raking/
http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/untidy-wildlife-gardens/
http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/step-away-from-that-leaf-blower/
http://www.ecosystemgardening.com/life-in-the-leaf-litter-dont-throw-a-good-thing-away.html

A Tire-some Venture

2011-10-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

RiverRat, John Mays sent this report about a cleanup in the Upper James:

How many river tires can fit into a 30-yard dumpster? Well at least 190. That is the final count of tires collected from a river cleanup effort on the Upper James River that was held on October 8, 2011.

Members of the Upper James River Water Trail committee organized a river clean up and covered a 15-mile stretch of river in search of any and all trash that could be removed. The big culprit this year was tires that have been deposited along different stretches of the Upper James River by floods over the years.

This was the third year of river cleanup efforts lead by Twin River Outfitters, with the logistical help of the Botetourt County Parks and Recreation & Landfill departments, who help with properly disposing of the collected river trash. We got more tires this year than the last two years combined. This year we collected 190 tires, and 2 small dump truck beds of trash. Notable items included several chairs, a barrel, 2 bikes, air conditioner, clothing items, and a fiberglass Jon boat with lots of holes in it. The volunteer group concentrated its cleanup efforts over a stretch of the James River from the Springwood boat landing to Alpine.

A partial list of river cleanup volunteers included: Roger Sillmon, Susan Sillmon, Tyler Kern, Sam Baker, Kendal Moyer, John Besher, Karen Busher, Byron Busher, Kayla Beckner, Joseph Obeshai, John Mays, Dan Mays, Michael Denton, James Manuel and Mathew Fischer.

This was truly a team effort. Special thanks to all those that helped advertise this clean up event, coordinated the removal of the debris to local land fills, and those that did the river removal work.

Thanks again to all those that helped keep our river looking great. Interested in helping out next year? We have already set next year's river clean up date for Saturday October 6, 2012. To volunteer, contact John and Dan Mays of Twin River Outfitters, 653 Lowe Street, Buchanan, Virginia, 24066. Email tro@canoevirginia.net or phone the office at 540-261-7334.

Wildlife of the James - The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

2011-10-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

by Angie Williams, JRA's Events and Development Assistant

As Halloween grows near and people search out for ghosts and ghouls, one favorite fluttering treat is the occasional sight of a bat in the evening. Despite Hollywood’s attempt to create a fearsome façade there is nothing to fear from any of Virginia’s native bat species, unless, of course, you are a moth.

The Virginia Big-eared bat is Virginia’s state bat, and is considered federally and state endangered. Ranging from pale to dark brown this medium sized bat is native to southwestern Virginia as they prefer caves in Karst regions (areas with limestone bedrock) and hibernate in tight cluster near the entrances of caves that are well ventilated. They get their namesake from their characteristic ears, generally more than an inch long, which are large compared to their 3 to 4 inch body. Adding to their unique gothic appearance they have large glands on each side of their muzzle.

Human disturbance is one of the largest factors contributing to the demise of these bats. Disturbing bats during hibernation can cause them to lose fat reserves, drop their young and after repeated disturbances, even death. Another threat to this already endangered animal is the poorly understood White-Nose Syndrome. This is identified by a characteristic white fungus that forms around the muzzle of many species of bats, and causes erratic behavior. Already having killed over one million bats in the United States, this syndrome is considered “worst wildlife health crisis in memory”.

Virginia Big Eared Bat:
http://www.biology.eku.edu/bats/vabigearbat.htm
Virginia’s State Bat

White Nose Syndrome:
http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/about.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_nose_syndrome

Meet a RiverRat: David Bernard

2011-10-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

The James River Association’s RiverRats are helping our Riverkeepers keep watch over the James River and its tributaries. Meet some of the RiverRats through a monthly highlight on JRA’s blog. Their dedication, passion, and local knowledge are crucial in creating a healthier James River.

David Bernard is a semi-retired plumbing contractor who grew up playing in a tributary of the Appomattox River called Lieutenant Run. An active canoeist, he learned to paddle at Balcony Falls and loves to canoe the downtown stretch of the James.

David became a RiverRat in order to learn how to help keep the river he loves clean. His patrol section is Bernard’s Creek, a small tributary that runs along the Chesterfield/Powhatan County border. The name of the creek intrigued him, although he doesn’t believe there is a family tie. Bernard’s Creek is considered impaired once it enters the James and David wanted to know why. On his patrol he discovered that cattle from a large farm have access to the creek.

David said, “I launched my canoe on March 11 at Huguenot Springs Road bridge after a big rain. Bernard’s Creek is about fifteen feet wide there. Later I went back with Upper James Riverkeeper, Pat Calvert, by paddling upstream from Robius Landing. Patrolling a small stream requires frequent carries over logs. I had to lift the canoe over logs 18 times on the March 11 trip! Pat and I had to carry over logs at least twice just exploring the lower part.”

According to David, the best part of being a RiverRat is learning how to look for and report pollution while adventuring on a stream or river. He would encourage anyone who loves the river to become a River Rat because, “the James River and tribs need all the help they can get and you will have fun exploring your own section.”

For more information on the RiverRats program visit http://jrava.org/get-involved/volunteer/riverrats or contact volunteer@jrava.org.

Top 5 LID Projects in the James River Watershed

2011-10-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

First off, what is LID? It stands for Low Impact Development, which is an approach to development that uses innovative stormwater management techniques and works with the existing hydrology and conditions, as much as possible, so that it will have little impact on the site. You may be thinking this doesn’t sound like the most interesting topic, but take a look at some of these top examples that have been incorporated into landscapes across the James River watershed and you may be singing a different tune. Make a trip to visit some of these sites and come home inspired with a new way to view the landscape and water around you.

1. John Paul Jones Arena at the University of Virginia: Throughout the parking area and around the building you will see biofiltration areas that capture and filter the stormwater.

2. ‘Green Street’ along Capitol Street at Capitol Square, Richmond: Take a walk along the sidewalk and you will see rain gardens along the street that capture and filter stormwater.

3. Riverfront Park and Jefferson Street, Lynchburg: There is a variety of LID practices throughout this site. Take a look at the permeable pavers in the parking area and the series of rain gardens within the parking islands that capture the stormwater. There is also a large linear rain garden that you can walk over along the pedestrian bridges.

4. RiverBluff Conservation Community, Charlottesville: This neighborhood incorporates a series of rains gardens that collect and filter the stormwater. Many of the homes also have rainwater harvesting systems.

5. Conservation Garden at the Virginia Living Museum: Here you can see green roofs in action and take a walk through the garden to see the use of native plantings. The building incorporates rain barrels and cisterns to collect stormwater.

For more information about LID:

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/index.html

http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/

Paddle at Presquile

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

First Paddle at Presquile, September 25, 2011; An early fall excursion with a group of 11 Richmonders of all ages

By Gabe Silver, JRA's Environmental Educator, Photography courtesy of Patrick Wamsley

Expecting a September rain shower to descend on us at any moment, we embark across the lower James River near Hopewell by pontoon boat to explore Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in a new way. Under an overcast sky, we motor slowly, pushed along by a strong incoming tide, spotting great blue heron, great white egret, double-breasted cormorant, and bald eagle. We are hoping to see the rare, jolting surprise of the lower James in spring and fall - the Atlantic sturgeon leaping out of the water - but the river surface yields only the ripples of the light breeze.

Arriving at the island, we set off hiking across the upland fields and towards the recently constructed wetland walkway. The goldenrod is blooming, blanketing the wide vistas of old field habitat in yellow. Looking closer at this feast for the eyes, we spot beautiful monarch butterflies making a more literal feast of the pervasive blossom.

Moving from the upland field into the hardwood tidal swamp, we shift worlds. The pulsing call of insects surrounds us while we walk under the canopy of wetland forest. On either side of the boardwalk, dozens of species of plants like arrow arum, pickerelweed and wild rice make up a fall abundance of foliage, flowers and seeds. After a quick break, we launch canoes onto the narrow creek and weave our way towards the river. Finding passage around trees brought down by Hurricane Irene, we paddle down the meandering creek against the faintest hint of an incoming tide.

Soon we are in for a real treat. A barred owl sits just off the creek, perhaps waiting for a noonday meal to come scampering through the swamp. The owl’s camouflage is very good, and despite its size and proximity, it takes some time before the whole party sets eyes on the bird.

Saying goodbye to the owl, we find our way to the mouth of the creek. Back to the broad river, we explore the shoreline and raft the canoes together for a lunch adjacent to a marsh. A leisurely canoe-based meal is always nice, and our dining room can’t be beat, surrounded by wildflowers and water.

Soon it is time to return up the creek, stow the canoes, and hike back to the boat. A canoe full of spiders descending from an overhanging branch into the errant boat of two young fellows doesn’t stop us, and soon we are back on solid ground. We have paddled about 3 miles and hiked for 2 by the time we are back aboard the pontoon boat. The James has one last treat for us, as we watch a mature bald eagle chase a juvenile eagle across the river minutes before we hit the beach and our day is ended.

Secrets of the James - Where does the James River Begin?

2011-09-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA's Communications Coordinator

Jackson River near Hidden Valley

One of the most frequently asked questions about the James is: Where does the river begin? Many of America’s great rivers can trace their origin to mountain ranges where they are fed by snowmelt or upland streams. The James also begins in the mountains where it claims the heritage of two other beautiful rivers.

This mountain topography plays a major role in all rivers and in Virginia the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Front determine the direction in which its upland rivers flow. For the past 2 million years, the James River has been carrying bits of those mountains downriver, eastward to the Chesapeake Bay.

It is near the small Botetourt County town of Iron Gate, on the farm where brothers Charles and Clyde Gibson’s family has lived for generations that the James River begins, with the confluence of the Jackson and the Cowpasture Rivers. In his book, James River Reflections, author Will Daniel describes the birth of the James as seen from the air this way: “the Cowpasture River has a pure greenish color that contrasts sharply to the brown, muddy appearance of the Jackson River. Where they combine to form the James, the colors remain separated, green to the north side and muddy brown on the south side, for a mile or so downriver until they eventually merge,” Everyone should have such colorful relatives!

From its beginning in Botetourt County to Hampton Roads where it flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the James is a ribbon of history. It is called American’s Founding River because our nation began on its banks at the Jamestown settlement, but it is truly Virginia’s river, because the entire river, from its source to its mouth, is located within the state.

In 2009, Richmond Times Dispatch reporter, Rex Springston, wrote a profile of Botetourt County. You can read his article and see a photo essay of the source of the James River here.

RiverRats Come to the River’s Rescue

2011-09-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

JRA and its James Riverkeepers are recruiting more RiverRats, the James River’s first line of citizen defense. And you could be one.

RiverRats is a volunteer program that enlists individuals to patrol a chosen section of the James River and its tributaries. The purpose of the program is to put additional eyes on the river to document potential sources of pollution, report on river hydrology and wildlife sightings. It’s the perfect opportunity for someone who loves the outdoors to take the extra step to protect a favorite waterway. A scientific background is not required and both training and water testing equipment are provided.

JRA has held RiverRat training sessions in Newport News, Lynchburg, Richmond, and Buchanan and a total of 39 RiverRats have been trained and are now on patrol. There are currently 28 RiverRats patrolling above the fall line and seven patrolling below the fall line, and more are needed. RiverRats are now covering 39 percent of the main stem of the James River. The goal is to have 100% of the river covered within the next five years.

If you’re interest in becoming a RiverRat, the next training session will be held in Williamsburg on November 5. An addition session will be held in the middle of the watershed on February 25 to fill the gaps within the main stem of the James. Check the JRA website for updates on this session. After the main stem is covered, trainings will begin to recruit volunteers to cover the major tributaries, such as the Chick hominy, Appomattox, Cow pasture, Jackson, and Maury Rivers.

Each training session includes a presentation on the State of the James that highlights the importance of the RiverRat program within the greater context of river health. Participants get an overview of the program, what is expected of them, and what JRA has to offer. They learn how to conduct a patrol and how to recognize and respond to pollution or other issues that may arise on their patrols. Working with JRA’s Riverkeepers they receive hands-on experience in taking water samples. The last portion of the training session focuses on the RiverRat Action Project, a project or event they’ll conduct that promotes the protection of a waterway in their local community. The session wrap ups by going over next steps and a discussion of which section each new RiverRat wants to cover. Then they head out with their new hat, manual, and patrol kit as a new JRA RiverRat.

By helping JRA keep watch over our waterways and inspiring their neighbors to choose clean water, RiverRats play a vital role in protecting and restoring America’s Founding River. Think you’d make a good RiverRat? Then sign up for our next training session on November 5. For more information about the RiverRats program visit the RiverRats website or contact Amber Ellis at volunteer@jrava.org or 804-788-8811 ext. 205.

Brown's Island Trash Cleanup

2011-09-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

A big thank you to all the volunteers who came out to JRA's Brown’s Island Trash Cleanup on September 17^th! Thanks also to our partners Clean VA Waterways for cleaning up Belle Isle on the same day! This event was part of the 26^th Annual International Coastal Cleanup. The chilly and overcast weather did not deter our volunteers from coming out to help clean up the James River. We had 33 volunteers, kids and adults, that collected 8 FULL bags of trash and 8 FULL bags of recycling! There were also a few interesting finds like a bicycle wheel, patio chair cushion, fireworks, and an anchor. At first glance the island looked trash free, but as we moved to the east end of the island and along the Pipeline Trail we found plenty of trash. We even had two dedicated volunteers who waded through the water to get to one of the beach islands at the popular swimming spot in front of Tredegar.

Conservation Tips - Fall is the Time to Plant

2011-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

The hours of daylight are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting cooler, a sure sign that fall is almost here! Anyone with a garden will be heading outside to clean up their garden for the winter. What you may not know is that this is also the best time to transplant and install new plants, especially trees and shrubs. Some perennials would rather be divided in spring, so just make sure you check before you start digging.

Take some time to walk through your garden and make note of things you would like to transplant to a new area or areas that you may want to plant something new. By planting in the fall, you will conserve water as plants are using less water because photosynthesis is slowed by the shorter days and the sun and heat are not stressing the plants. By planting in the fall, you will give the plants time to establish a healthy root system and they will emerge in the spring as stronger plants. Need another reason? Plant sales! Many nurseries and garden centers offer discounts on plants during the fall to encourage fall planting and to clear out their inventory.

Fall Planting in Virginia
Falls’ a Good Time to Move Perennials
Shrubs: Functions, Planting, and Maintenance
Planting Trees

Wildlife of the James - Golden Garden Spider

2011-09-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Not an Itsy-Bitsy Spider! Meet the Golden Garden Spider

by Jessica Templeton, JRA Ecology School Manager

One of the local spiders whose appearance just might stop you in your tracks is the Golden Garden Spider, or the Black-and-yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia). The large, black spider with conspicuous yellow coloration on its abdomen can be spotted around the James River from your backyard garden to shrubby brush around the river banks.

You can spot the spider adorning its spiraling web during the daytime. It is usually positioned in the center of the web, facing downward towards the ground. The web is almost more eye catching then the brightly-colored spider with thick white zigzag patterns that vertically span the height of the spider’s orb.

There is much debate in the scientific world about why the Argiope would spend the extra energy and resources necessary to build these seemingly extraneous patterns, named stabilimenta. Originally thought to provide extra stability to the web, from which they originally received their name, this theory has since been dismissed. One study from Ohio State University suggests that the stabilimenta serve a defensive purpose, making their webs more visible to birds who may otherwise fly through and damage their creation (Oxford Journals). Recent studies also suggest that the zigzag patterns in the web may help reflect ultraviolet light acting as an effective predation tool to attract insects to their web (American Wetland Resources) While the intent is still unclear, Argiope do not always build stabilimenta into their web, suggesting that there is significant cost associated with the design that the benefits need to outweigh.

Even though the Garden Spider can be intimidating by appearance, it is a harmless bit of wildlife on the James. If startled, they will vibrate their web to make themselves appear more intimidating (Desert USA). If this doesn’t work, the spider will quickly drop off of its web and onto the ground in pursuit of a good hiding spot. Next time you spot a Garden Spider, put your mind at ease and take a moment to consider what purpose you think its distinctly patterned web may serve.

Of Storms and Sturgeon

2011-09-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Chuck Frederickson, Lower James Riverkeeper

Hurricane Irene—Irene certainly left her mark on the James River watershed with a huge number of downed trees and power lines. But her overall impact on the river itself seemed to be beneficial. Before the storm, I could measure light penetration in the river with a Secchi disk to around an average of 40 cm. Four days after the storm, the first day I was able to get out on the water, I was surprised to see readings of 70 cm! I got these levels at several sites from Herring Creek to Jones Neck Cut. Not a lot of sediment washing down from above Richmond, along with the big slug of water washing out the algae, lead to this situation. Nice to see, but we are back to really turbid water now after all the rain last week.

Sturgeon—The fall run of Atlantic sturgeon in the James is in full swing. So far this fall we have caught 29 sturgeon in the area near the Presquile spawning reef. As in past years, we have also seen numerous fish jumping and rolling from around Presquile up to Kingsland Reach.

Last Friday, Matt Balazik and crew from VCU caught 12 sturgeon. Ten were confirmed mature males but the most exciting catch was a female that had very recently spawned. Matt was able to extract several mature eggs from her before measuring, tagging and releasing her. Later that day a large (approximately 200 pounds) fish was caught that we believe was a gravid female, but could not confirm. That’s me with the sturgeon in the photo. Earlier this year a gravid female was caught in Burwells Bay, but this is the first one we have caught up river. I’ll be monitoring the egg mats we’ve placed on the spawning reef and give you an update.

James River Outfitters

2011-09-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Summer time is coming to an end, but you can still get out on the water and enjoy the cooler temperatures with the arrival of fall. If you don’t have your own boat or want to try something new, there are several outfitters located throughout the watershed that can supply you with everything you need in order to get out on the James River or one of its tributaries. Most of them offer trips and rentals through October.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

James River Float Company: Located in Lynchburg and Powhatan.

James River Reeling and Rafting: Located in Scottsville.

James River Runners, LLC: Located in Scottsville.

Riverside Outfitters: Located in Richmond

Twin River Outfitters: Located in Buchanan along the James River and in Buena Vista along the Maury River.

Tell us about your some of your favorite outfitters!

Secrets of the James - Meet the mink

2011-08-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA's Communications Coordinator

One of the memorable moments for students on the recent James River Expedition was the sighting of a riverside life-or-death battle between a mink and a muskrat. A mink? On the James River?

Many people are surprised to learn that mink do indeed live along the James River and its tributaries. In his History of Virginia (1626), Captain John Smith mentioned seeing “Martins, Powelcats, Weesels and Minkes.” The American mink’s (Mustela vison) habitat ranges across most of North America with the exception of the desert southwest and the Arctic shores of Canada. So it’s very possible that you’ve seen a mink and mistaken it for another of its relatives, a weasel or an otter. In general, the nocturnal, semi-aquatic mink is larger than a weasel but smaller than an otter. An aggressive predator, it feeds mainly on fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Mink have slim bodies, short legs, partially webbed feet and sleek, dark fur. They prefer to live in dens near rivers, swamps and lakes, and sometimes take over the burrows of other ground dwellers. A property dispute could have been the cause of the battle the Expedition saw, because the mink is the most important natural enemy of the muskrat. The mink, on the other hand, has few natural enemies.

Commercial mink breeders have developed a range of colors for the fur trade. The mink you might see along the James River is naturally dark brown, sometimes with a white patch under its chin or on its chest.

In the 1920s, the American mink was introduced in the United Kingdom to stock fur-farms, where they escaped or were released into the wild. Having no natural enemies there, they flourished and have become a nuisance species. In parts of Scotland, the mink is threatening ground-breeding bird populations and is the subject of controversial removal programs. But here on the James, a mink is a fairly rare and welcome sight.

Exciting Underwater Grass News!

2011-08-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

By Chuck Frederickson, JRA's Lower James RIVERKEEPER

Last Friday we received a report from our good friends and underwater grass experts at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Dr. Ken Moore and Dr. Bob Orth, that some underwater grass beds on the main stem tidal James had shown up on their most recent aerial photographs of the area. Most of the tidal creeks had grass beds but we had not found any in the river. Grass beds are important because they provide food for waterfowl, anchor bottom sediments, provide nursery habitat and in general help clean up our waters. We have been looking for this for a number of years so I could hardly wait to get out yesterday to see for myself.

At the Queens Creek site I found a huge bed of mostly hydrilla near the mouth of the creek and some smaller patches near the river shoreline. We had previously found grass beds further up the creek but nothing like this. As amazing as this site was, it was nothing compared to the Tyler Creek area. There I found grass beds extending out approximately 150 feet for three-quarters of a mile of shoreline. These grasses were mostly a form of niad. Both beds were full of crabs, fish and many of aquatic organisms.

As good as aerial photos are at identifying underwater grass beds, nothing beats human eyes on the water. If you see or know of any underwater grass beds in the tidal James, please let me know. You can reach me at keeper@jrava.org.

Conservation Tips - A Greener Way to Clean Your Home

2011-08-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA's Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Did you know that what you are using to clean your home may actually be harmful to your health as well as to our local waterways? Our household cabinets hold a plethora of cleaning supplies that may contain volatile organic compounds that wash down the drain as pollutants. This is one type of non-point source pollution, but can easily be avoided.

One option is to buy green cleaning products that are certified by the EPA. There are several brands out there now that use safe and fully biodegradable substances that will not harm our families or our waters. Some of the most popular brands are Clorox Green Works, Sun & Earth, Seventh Generation, Simple Green, Mrs. Meyers, and several others.

Even better, there are cheap and readily available items that you may already have in your home to create homemade cleaners. The major ingredients are baking soda, white vinegar, and lemons. Some other ingredients that are helpful to have around are borax, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap). Take an extra green step and reuse your old spray bottles, old t-shirts and towels, and worn out toothbrushes as cleaning tools! By making your own cleaners you will save money, reduce waste, and do your part in conserving the health of our local waterways.

Here’s a simple DIY All-Purpose Cleaner recipe that you can start with:

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Baking Soda or ½ Cup White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water
1 Spray Bottle

Directions: Dissolve baking soda or vinegar with the water in a spray bottle. It’s that easy!

For More Information:

Guidelines to Green Cleaning
Green Cleaning Products (video)
Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Home Cleaning Product Companies
EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
Zukowski, Shea. Salt, Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda. (book)
Logan, Karen. Clean House, Clean Planet. (book)

Wildlife of the James - The Bald Eagle

2011-08-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Photo By John Bragg

by Angie Williams, JRA's Events & Development Assistant

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is so named for its dynamic looks. Both the mature male and female have dark brown plumage with white feathers on their head, neck and tail, yellow feet and a large yellow beak. The term “bald” is derived from an older meaning of the word, "white headed".

Bald eagles are usually found near large bodies of water, so it is natural that their diet consists mainly of fish. However, they are opportunistic hunters and will feast on carrion when found. When hunting fish, the eagle swoops down over the water and grabs the fish with its talons. If the fish is too large for the eagle to carry there is a chance that the eagle may drown. Bald eagles can swim (a modified butterfly stroke), but they must reach land before they are able to fly again. This can put them at risk for hypothermia!

The bald eagle is the largest bird in North America. The female, which is slightly larger than the male, averages a body length of 36 inches and an impressive wingspan of between 79 and 90 inches. Eagles reach maturity between 4 and 5 years of age and usually mate for life. They generally lay between 2 and 3 eggs per year, although it is rare that all of the chicks will survive. Eagle nests are reused each year and new materials are added with each use. The largest eagle nest on record is in Florida and was measured to be 13 feet deep and 8 feet across.

Photo by John Bragg

The bald eagle officially became the national emblem of the United States of America on June 20, 1782 and was chosen because of its long life, great strength, majestic looks, and because it was native to North America. Author Maude M. Grant tells this story of America’s symbolic bird:

It is said the eagle was used as a national emblem because, at one of the first battles of the Revolution the noise of the struggle awoke the sleeping eagles on the heights and they flew from their nests and circled about over the heads of the fighting men, all the while giving vent to their raucous cries. "They are shrieking for Freedom," said the patriots.

Thus the eagle, full of the boundless spirit of freedom, living above the valleys, strong and powerful in his might, has become the national emblem of a country that offers freedom in word and thought and an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future.

When Europeans first arrived to the North American continent bald eagles were common. But as the human population increased, the eagle population decreased. Between 1917 and 1953, more than 100,000 bald eagles were killed in Alaska by salmon fisherman who feared they were endangering the salmon population. In the 1930s people became more aware of the constantly decreasing eagle population and in 1940 the Bald Eagle Protection Act was passed. This prohibited people from the taking of, possession and commerce of such birds as the bald eagle and the golden eagle.

Photo by John Bragg

Following World War II, DDT and other pesticides became widely used. These chemicals found their way into the food chain where they were ingested by plant-eating animals, which were then consumed by birds of prey, like the eagle. These pesticides were detrimental to both adult birds and to their eggs. High levels of DDT made the eggs’ shells thin and as a result they were often crushed during incubation.

In the 1960s and 70s many states placed the bald eagle on their endangered species list. In 1967 the bald eagle was officially declared an endangered species in all areas of the U.S. below the 40th parallel. This action predated The Endangered Species Act that President Richard Nixon signed into law in 1973. This was considered one of the most comprehensive and important wildlife conservation laws in the world. But by that time, the bald eagle population on the James River had been decimated.

In a testament to the species’ resiliency, in July 2007, decades after banning DDT, and passing laws to protect the bald eagle and their nests, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service changed their listing from “endangered” to “threatened.” The bald eagle is one of the few species that have come back from the endangered species list and today, a record number of 165 breeding pairs of bald eagles have been recorded on the James River.

Top 5 Places to spot a Bald Eagle

Top 5 Places to Spot a Bald Eagle

2011-08-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Photo by John Bragg

By Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Next time you go out on the James River, try to keep your head in the clouds and your eyes open to spot a Bald eagle. The best way to spot them is to understand where they hang out and what they look like. Mature eagles, both male and female, have a distinctive white head with a brown body with a very large wingspan. They nest in tall trees, usually near bodies of water. The James River now has 165 breeding pairs that were documented in March 2011 by the Center for Conservation Biology and The College of William and Mary. Below are some of the best places to see one of these majestic birds.

1. The James River Wildlife Refuge is a favorite spot for many eagles. It is not open to the public, but you can take your boat out on the James from Hopewell to Westover and you are sure to spot one.

2. The stretch of the James River near Jamestown and the mouth of the Chickahominy River is a great place to see an eagle. If you don’t have your own boat, take a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

3. The Balcony Falls area of the James River offers a beautiful backdrop for spotting a bald eagle. The large boulders offer them a great place from which to hunt. If you are planning on taking your kayak, be careful as there is a Class III rapid through this stretch.

4. There are several nesting pairs along the Nansemond River in Suffolk. This river offers an alternative to those in the Hampton Roads areas that find the tidal James a little intimidating for their canoes or kayaks.

5. The shores of Lake Moomaw are home to several pairs of eagles. This is a great open area for those in the upper part of the James River watershed to spot an eagle.

For more information:
http://www.discoverthejames.com/?q=Eagle-Tour
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/bald-eagles.asp
http://www.ccb-wm.org/virginiaeagles/index.htm

Wildlife of the James- The Barred Owl

2011-08-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

By Judith Warrington, JRA's Communications Coordinator

If you are near a wooded area on one of these warm summer nights, listen to what’s going on in the darkness. The denizens of the night are out there. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a Barred owl.

Deep moist forests or woodlands near rivers or lakes is the preferred home to one of eastern North America’s great predators. The Barred owl (Strix varia), so named because of his striped chest, is known for his distinctive call of Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all. Commonly called a hoot owl, this large, approximately 16 to 26-inch tall owl has an impressive 38 to 50-inch wingspan, a flat face, dark eyes (not the usual golden eyes of many owls), beautiful mottled plumage and is lacking ear tufts. The Barred owl’s soft brown/gray bark-like coloring allows him to virtually disappear into the trees where he roosts during the daytime.

Pairs mate for life and are territorial. Fortunately for owl-watchers, the Barred owl calls year round. Two broods of 2 to 4 chicks are raised each year and the young are in their parents’ care for about months. After this, the young owl’s stake out their own territory, which is usually not too far away? This is one owl that isn’t picky about what it eats. Insects, small mammals, frogs, snakes, lizards, roosting birds, even fish are on the menu.

Owls are so silent in their flight that even a large Barred owl can swoop past you in the darkness without making a sound, You’ll only be aware of a dark shape passing by and perhaps a rush of air. Because of their stealthy flight, Native Americans thought owls must be spirits. The owl’s silent flight is due to the comb-like structure of the leading edge of its primary wing feathers. This breaks down the turbulence and muffles the sound of the air rushing across the surface of the owl’s wings. Regardless of the physics, having an owl strafe you in the darkness is a chilling, almost supernatural experience.

Supposedly, Barred owls are attracted to campfires. Test this theory on your next camping trip in the woods and let us know if you had company.

You can hear the many sounds of the Barred owl here.

Conservation Tips: Stay Cool this Summer with Less Energy

2011-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

As things heat up this summer you don’t have to choose between being cool and saving energy. Here are some suggestions for keeping your home cooler without impacting our natural resources.

Be a Friend of the River…Make simple steps in the home

During the day keep the shades or curtains closed to stop the heat from the sun from getting in. This is especially important for the windows on the south side or your home. Another easy way to save a lot of energy is to raise the thermostat to 78 degrees, even if it is only for the hours that you are at work. By turning on the ceiling fans you can make the room feel 5 degrees cooler, so turn up the thermostat and let the breeze cool you down!

Be a Guardian of the River….Enhance your landscape to cool your home

There are lots of things you can do outdoors to help it stay cool indoors. Large shade trees planted about 15 to 20 feet from the south and west side of the house can create much needed shade during the hot summer months, but will let the warmth of the sun come through during the winter months. They also can help when planted over patios, driveways, and air conditioning units. Shrubs can be used to shade walls, which is particularly important along brick walls that can heat up in direct sunlight. Just make sure to leave enough space in your yard to allow for that nice breeze to come through.

And in general, just plant more plants! Whether it’s a shrub or a perennial, they will help keep you cool through transpiration, which is when the water vapor is transpired from the plant to the atmosphere. This process cools the air around it, making you feel a little bit cooler during these hot summer days.

Learn More:

Dominion Summer Energy Saving Tips

Summer Conservation Tips Video

Conserving Energy with Landscaping

2011-06-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Project Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

As you head out for vacation this summer, there are a few simple ways that you can tread a little lighter on the earth, conserve energy, and protect the health of our waterways.

Be a Friend of the River…travel smart.

Turn off and unplug: Before you leave home make sure to unplug household appliances, such as entertainment systems, microwaves, and computers. Do a walk through and make sure to turn off all the lights. After you are in your hotel room, turn down the air and turn off the lights when you leave the room.

Bring your own snacks and water bottle: Whether you are flying or going on a car trip, packing your own snacks and water bottle can reduce waste and be cost effective. Buy snacks in bulk and then break them into smaller reusable containers for each member of the family. Bring along your reusable water bottle to fill up for free along the way. If you are going on a car trip, fill up a large water cooler or buy a large jug of water that everyone can use to fill up their personal bottle.

Hang up the ‘Do not Disturb’ sign: To reduce water and detergent usage by hotels, most of them now offer guests the option of reusing their towels and linens more than once. They will have door hangers, pillow cards, or towel door rack hangers that allow you to communicate with the housekeeping staff that you wish to reuse your linens.

Be a Guardian of the River…choose a ‘green’ destination.

Reduce flying time or go carbon neutral: Some say the journey is more important than the destination, and flying is one of the most energy consuming means of travel. The best thing is to avoid air travel if you can. If you must fly, try to limit the distance or go carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offsets based on the tons of CO2 created by your flight. The donations are used to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions, like tree planting or investment in green energy.

Take part in ecotourism: When deciding where you want to go, either choose somewhere close by or select an ecodestination. Ecotourism is an alternative responsible form of travel that takes you to natural areas that conserve the environment and supports the health and well-being of the local people. This could include a trip that takes you to a new new,inspiring environment, somewhere to volunteer, and to places that are completely off the energy grid.

For more information on conservation travel tips and ecotourism destinations, go to:
The International Ecotourism Society
Go Green Travel Green Travel Tips
Independent Traveler: Green Travel Tips

For more information on carbon offsets go to:
Carbon Offset Companies
The Conservation Fund: Go Zero

Wildlife of the James - Ick…The Tick!

2011-06-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

By Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator
Outdoor activities make us keenly aware of one of the least favorite residents of the James River watershed, the tick. For its size, no other creature inspires such disproportionate fear and loathing! While the thought of ticks may bug you, they are not insects! Ticks are arthropods and a member of the class Arachnid, which includes such other eight-legged creepy crawlies as scorpions, daddy longlegs, spiders and mites.

Three of the most common ticks in the James River Watershed are the Lone Star tick (a potential carrier of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), the Brown dog tick (not known to carry any diseases in Virginia) and the tiny Blacklegged or Deer tick, which is found primarily in northern and eastern sections of Virginia. This tick is a potential vector for Lyme disease. Is your skin crawling yet?

Ticks pass through three developmental stages: the larval stage (sometimes called a “seed tick,” which has six legs at this stage), nymph, and adult. Each stage prefers a different host. While you might think you’re the intended victim of this tiny blood-sucker, humans are merely accidental hosts. Your lack of fur means the tick is more likely to be found and is therefore less likely to get a good meal off you. Ticks may feed for several days until they are engorged with blood, then drop off. Fortunately for us, ticks tend to wander round for several hours before they find a cozy, protected spot to feed by inserting their mouthpart into the skin. And finding a traveling tick is always much better than having to remove one that is embedded.

Here’s one comforting fact about ticks…they can neither jump nor fly. The little opportunists simply wait for a preferred host – or you – to brush by them in tall grasses or bushes. But don’t let this tiny creature keep you indoors. Learn how to avoid them. It’s your best protection against ticks. The Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech offers these recommendations:

• Do a “tick check” immediately after being outdoors or every four hours.
• Stay out of tick infested areas such as tall grass and dense vegetation.
• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily spotted and removed.
• Wear a long sleeve shirt.
• Use an insect repellent that contains at least 30% DEET.
• Check your dog for ticks.
• Learn the proper way to remove a tick. How you remove it can increase or decrease your chances of infection!

For more information about ticks, visit http://www.ext.vt.edu/
For more information about tick-borne diseases, visit the VDH website at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/

Missed an article? See them archived here.

Top 5 Fly Fishing Spots

2011-06-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

by Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

We are in the thick of the best time for fly fishing in Virginia because of the perfect water temperature, amount of insects, and great water flow. No matter where you live, there are great spots for fly fishing across the James River watershed.

1. The Jackson River: This headwater river of the James offers great spots including upriver of Lake Moomaw, accessed at Hidden Valley Campground, and downriver of Lake Moomaw, accessed by boat at a river access point in Bath County.

2. St. Mary’s River: A tributary of the James, this beautiful river meanders through St. Mary’s Wilderness Area, which is open to the public. This is a great place to catch native brook trout.

3. Back Creek: A tributary of the Jackson River, this stream is located in a rugged mountain setting in Bath County. Access is off Route 600.

4. Falls of the James: This seven-mile stretch of the James drops 105’ in elevation and runs through the metro Richmond area. It offers a unique fishing area that includes a mix of rapids, flatwater, and deep pools. It can be accessed at several points within the James River Park.

5. Rivanna River: This tributary of the James meanders through Charlottesville and joins the James near Columbia. It offers plenty of fish and easy wading. There are several access points, one of best is on Randolph Mill Lane near Shadwell.

Resources:

Fly Fishers of Virginia
Federation of Fly Fishers
Fishing the Falls of the James by Ralph White
Fly Fishing Virginia: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters by Beau Beasley

Waste Not! The Frugal Value of “Free.”

2011-05-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator
Here’s a resource worth conserving: your money. Consider these suggestions for conserving water, enriching your garden and saving money.

Create a compost pile. Why put vegetable peelings and rinds down the garbage disposal when they could be a source of nutrients for your garden? Fine Gardening offers this equation: Every pound of “garbage” down the disposal = 8 gallons of water and vegetable matter. Most garbage disposals use approximately 4 gallons of water per minute. Instead of using extra water to flush fruit and vegetable waste down the drain, create a compost pile or purchase an enclosed composter. You’ll have free organic material to enrich your garden soil.

Mulch. Mulching plant beds helps retain moisture in the soil, meaning less watering is needed. If your locality offers free mulch for pick up, take advantage of it. Rake up your pine needles and use them as mulch around your acid-loving shrubs. Whenever possible, leave grass clippings on your lawn to decompose instead of bagging them. You’ll be adding nutrients for your lawn. If you do bag your grass clippings, add them as green matter to your composter or compost pile.

Collect coffee grounds. Save the grounds from your morning pot of Joe or ask your favorite coffeehouse to save their grounds for you. Many shops already bag up their used grounds for gardeners! Check for them by the door. Used coffee grounds are great for your garden, make a good addition to your compost pile and earthworms love them.

Install a rain barrel. Using a rain barrel means “free” water if you pay utilities. If you have a well, this type of rainwater harvesting will help conserve water in case of a drought later. Either way, using a rain barrel helps lessen the amount of polluted runoff coming off your property.

Start a plant exchange. Spring and fall are good times to divide overgrown plants to give them renewed vigor. Set aside a Saturday afternoon when gardeners in your neighborhood can bring their extra plants on one location. Swap plants and offer growing advice. While you’re at it, set a date for next fall’s exchange! It’s also a good way to recycle your black plastic pots. Check with your local nursery or hardware store to see if they if they accept used pots for recycling.

The Founding of James Fort, May 14, 1607

2011-05-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

By Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator

After more than a three-month sea voyage, with stops in the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico for provisions, 103 men and boys and 39 crew members , representatives of the entrepreneurial Virginia Company of London, made landfall on the shore of what would become Virginia. They named their landing site Cape Henry, in honor of their king’s eldest son, Henry, Prince of Wales. It was April 26, 1607. But this was only their first stop for the weary Company. The windswept shore gave little protection from the elements or the native inhabitants.

Sealed orders from the Virginia Company were opened and read, and the group was directed to find an island for their settlement site, a location that was both secure and defensible. After exploring the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and not finding a suitable location, the group’s three ships, Discovery, Susan Constant and Godspeed, sailed up river. About 60 miles inland from the mouth of the Bay, a swampy island on the river’s north shore offered the best location for the construction of a fort that could be easily defended against attacks by enemy ships. (The possibility of an attack by either the Dutch, the French, or the especially the Spanish, was perceived to be as great a threat as an attack from the indigenous population.) As it turned out, attacks by mosquitoes were to take the biggest toll on the settlers.

On May 14, 1607, on this swampy island, James Fort was founded. The settlement and the river were named for King James I of England. James Fort became Jamestown and served as the capital of the new colony until 1699 when the colonial capital was relocated to Williamsburg. Today, 404 years after the Virginia Company decided to build a fort on the James River, America’s Founding River continues to spark the imagination and admiration of those of us who live along its banks.

View archived articles >>

A Plant Well-Suited to May’s Spring Showers

2011-04-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator

On my way to a weekend camping trip at James River State Park in Gladstone, I spied one of my favorite signs of spring growing along the roadside, the mayapple. If you’ve never stopped to examine this charming native perennial plant, start looking for them in mixed deciduous forests or along shaded roadsides and stream banks. Its downward curving multi-lobed leaves form a perfect little parasol, hence the mayapple’s more common name, umbrella plant.

The mayapple, Podophyllum peltatum, also called American mandrake (but no relation to the true European mandrake plant), devil’s apple or hog apple, forms bright green drifts along shady roadsides. Native to much of the Eastern and Central U.S., the plants form large colonies connected by rhizomes in moist, humus-rich soils. Springtime mushroom hunters consider the mayapple to be an indicator of the presence of tasty morels.

Plants can grow to 18 inches in height and a mature plant bears a single white flower that appears in early May, followed by a yellow-green fruit in summer. The apple name is probably due to the apple blossom-like appearance of the flower that grows under the leaves. The oblong berry itself looks more like a lime than an apple and has a lemony taste.

Mayapples have been used by the Native Americas and in folk medicine for their medicinal properties, and while the ripe fruit is not considered toxic in limited amounts, be on the safe side and don’t eat it. All other parts of the plant -- foliage, rhizomes and roots -- are highly poisonous. Even deer tend to leave this plant alone! So, if you are looking for a deer-resistant spring ground cover for naturalizing a shady, un-mowed area, this charming native could be the answer. Just be advised that the plant can be invasive and may go dormant in summer.

Although not endangered, leave plants in the wild. You can often find mayapple plants for sale at nurseries that carry native plants. Several ornamental Asian varieties of this herbaceous perennial may also be available. Plant one mayapple and you could soon have your own colony.

Whether you call them mayapples, umbrella plants or devil’s apples, these native plants are one of the welcome sights of warm weather on the James.

Poster Contest Winners

2011-04-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

1st Place Winner
Heather Gay
Robious Middle School
6th Grade

JRA conducted a poster contest, "What a Healthy River Means to Me" for public middle school science students in the City of Richmond, City of Lynchburg, City of Williamsburg/James City and in the counties of Henrico and Chesterfield that lie within 5 miles of the James River. The poster contest was designed for students to apply what they have learned about a healthy river ecosystem. They illustrated the impact of clean water on their community; on the way in which people use the river; the benefits to wildlife; and the student’s life.

The top three winners were chosen from more than 100 entries. A $100 first place prize was awarded to Heather Gay of Robious Middle School in Midlothian, whose teacher, Kimberly Giska, will also receive $100 for purchasing classroom supplies. A $75 second place prize was given to Rebekah Chun of Sandusky Middle School in Lynchburg, whose teacher, Erin Davis, will also receive $75 for classroom supplies; and a $50 third place prize went to Emily Adams, also of Sandusky Middle School in Lynchburg, whose teacher, Ms. Davis, will receive $50 for classroom supplies.

2nd Place Winner
Rebekah Chun
Sandusky Middle School
8th Grade

“The range of entries was remarkable and that made choosing the winners especially difficult,” said Sherrie Tribble, JRA’s Special Events & Projects Manager. “It was clear to our staff that the students had a good understanding of river ecology and many of them included examples of local wildlife in their work. This competition was meant to give youngsters an opportunity to express what is important to them. Enjoying the river’s natural beauty, keeping the river litter-free, and having a good time on the water were the primary themes.”

3rd Place Winner
Emily Adams
Sandusky Middle School
8th Grade

JRA will be featuring the winning art work at the new James River Ecology School that is being established at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. This contest was made possible through a generous grant given by Technical Foundations, Inc., a Richmond-based contractor, and a long-standing member of the James River Association.

Entrants that made the top ten:

Jahmorni Monroe
Albert Hill Middle School
6th Grade

Brandy Hamilton
Robious Middle School
6th Grade

Justyn Canada
Robious Middle School
6th Grade

Cadé Jones
John Rolfe Middle School
6th Grade

Sadie Lopez
Elkhardt Middle School
8th Grade

Lindsey Manning
Robious Middle School
6th Grade

Haley Quarles
WJCC- Berkeley Middle School
6th Grade

Thank you, Jamil!

2011-04-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

At the Extreme Stream Makeover in Newport News we encountered an unlikely volunteer who turned out to be one of our most dedicated.

Early Monday morning, we were registering volunteers at our “home base” in the K-Mart parking lot when a quiet, lanky teenager in low-slung pants rode his a bicycle up to the registration table, asked what we were doing… and could he have some of the food we’d set out for breakfast. “If you volunteer,” we told him. And to our surprise, he signed up!

ESM volunteer Jamil Lee takes a break during a trash cleanup.

Jamil Lee worked the morning shift planting a large rain garden at Stoney Run Athletic Complex, although he didn’t work too hard, ate lunch, then worked the afternoon shift. At the end of the day we figured we’d seen the last of him. But bright and early Tuesday morning he was back again, ate breakfast and worked all day. This time a little harder than the previous day. Before he left, he said he could only work a half-day on Wednesday, but he’d be here in the afternoon. And he was. In fact, he was there for every day of ESM.

The Monday volunteers from Anheuser-Busch must have passed on the story of this young, hungry volunteer. Each day the next group of A-B volunteers made sure Jamil had a buddy to work with him. While the company does not have an established youth mentoring program, these volunteers simply took it upon themselves to take this youngster under their wing for the week.

By the end of the Extreme Stream Makeover on Friday afternoon, Jamil had logged more volunteer hours than any other individual. When the media showed up, Jamil was there to help carry their equipment. He ended up being photographed by a local newspaper and interviewed by a TV station reporter.

At JRA we talk a lot about engaging young people in our efforts to protect the watershed. We may never know what inspired this youth to plant, haul mulch and pick up trash with JRA all week, but we’re certainly glad that he did. Thank you, Jamil!

The James River Steward's Almanac

2011-04-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

The James and Your Lawn

by Gabe Silver, JRA Education and Outreach Manager

Be a Friend of the River…choose the right mower.

Gasoline-powered lawn mowers and trimmers add quite a bit of pollution to the atmosphere, not only reducing the quality of the air we breathe but also polluting our rivers and the Bay. Air pollution easily translates to water pollution when it rains: as much as one third of nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay comes from air pollution.

Two-stroke engines, lack of emissions controls, and poor maintenance can all lead to lawn care becoming a larger burden on our environment than it has to be. The EPA says 5 percent of urban air pollution comes from gas-powered lawn equipment. Additionally, gas mowers use 580 million gallons of gas yearly with 17 million gallons being spilled during the refueling process.

Depending on the size of your lawn (which can always be reduced), there are many options available to you. First and foremost, you can keep your current equipment well-maintained. If you are ready to buy new equipment or downsize from what you use today, consider one of the following air and water-friendly options.

1. Four-stroke gasoline engines (no oil burning!)
2. Electric motor powered equipment (corded or cordless)
3. Hand-powered equipment (You guessed it…this is the best!)

This spring, please remember to consider your neighbor’s quality of life and the environment when choosing your lawn care equipment.

More Info About Greener Lawn Mowers

Be a Guardian of the River…reduce the size of your lawn.

Yes, it’s true, the big American lawn tends to be one of the worse environmental offenders around our homes. Caring for the lawn doesn’t just take a lot out of your free time; it also puts a lot of pollution into the environment. With 40 million acres of lawn across the country, the fuel, fertilizer, and herbicides really stack up against a clean environment.

This season, ask yourself if you really use your whole lawn. How much lawn do you need? Could you replace certain parts of your lawn with a mulched bed of beautiful native perennials, shrubs, or trees? What will you do with your free time not spent caring for un-used lawn space in the future?

After asking these questions, it’s time to take action. Decide how you want to reduce your lawn size this season and have at it! Then start enjoying the money and time you save.

Wildlife of the James - Migratory Fish in the James River

2011-04-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

By Gabe Silver, JRA Education and Outreach Manager

As a fisherman, it is impossible to live near the falls of the James River and not feel fish in your blood this time of year. In spring, the warming water temperature in the James triggers legendary runs of migratory fish coming up the river both to spawn and to eat the spawners. The numerous herring, shad, and rockfish in the river draw another species to the river in droves- Homo sapiens “piscavore”- our beloved fishermen, known for their absence from family life this time of year. The boat ramps and banks are crowded but there are enough fish for everyone, as long as everyone obeys catch limits and other wildlife laws.

The species of fish most sought after this time of year in the James are these:

1. American shad - a protected species that was once a mainstay in the American diet and has been decimated by dams and overharvest. A strong fighter up to 5 lbs.

2. White Perch -This small cousin of the rockfish (striped bass) is thought by some to be the best eating fish you can catch. With a stringer full, you’ve got dinner.

3. Rockfish - the striped bass is a voracious predator that can grow to over 50 lbs and is famous in restaurants and in fishing ports.

4. Hickory shad - these more numerous and smaller cousins of the American shad can be harvested in tidal waters under current regulations and are also tenacious fighters.

All of these fish have something in common. They are anadromous fish, meaning they live in saltwater but then come to the James to spawn, have fascinating adaptations that allow them to move between saltwater and freshwater throughout their life cycle. The difference of these environments is extreme; it would be something akin to a human being able to survive naked in Antarctica and Death Valley all in the same month. These amazing fish have been a boon to humans living on the banks of the James for thousands of years, and today they still are.

Learn More:

Shad Cam at Bosher’s Dam Fish Passage

Wildlife of the James Article about the American Shad

Go Native!

2011-04-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Spring is the time to start planting! Native plants provide the type of shelter and food that are necessary to sustain local wildlife. Doug Tallamy and the University of Delaware compiled a list of the most beneficial native plants, which is based on the plant’s ability to support native insect herbivores, as well as support overall biodiversity.

The top 5 woody plants and top 5 perennials for the Central Virginia region are:

Top 5 Woody Plants:

Quercus (Oak)

Prunus (Black Cherry)

Salix (Willow)

Betula (Birch)

Populus (Poplar)

More Top Woody Plants

Top 5 Perennials:

Solidago (Goldenrod)

Aster (Asters)

Helianthus (Sunflower)

Eupatorium (Joe Pye, Boneset)

Ipomoea (Morning Glory)

More Top Perennials

JRA’s Extreme Stream Makeover Program Receives 2011 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

2011-04-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

The James River Association’s “Extreme Stream Makeover” initiative was a Gold Medal award winner in the 2011 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. The awards recognize the significant contributions of environmental and conservation leaders in three categories: environmental projects, environmental programs and land conservation. The awards were presented to the winning to businesses and industrial facilities, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and individuals on April 6 at the Environment Virginia Symposium in Lexington.

Speaking about the awards, Governor Bob McDonnell remarked, “We are very proud of the Virginians in these private, non-profit and government entities who have demonstrated the innovation and dedication to improve our environment and make the lives of their fellow Virginians better.”

You can be part of this “award-winning” experience. JRA will be holding an Extreme Stream Makeover on April 11-15 in Newport News. For more information on Extreme Stream Makeover or to volunteer, visit http://www.extremestreammakeover.org/

Naval Warfare Was Changed Forever on the James River

2011-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Currier & Ives’ 1862 lithograph of the
combat between the “Monitor” and the “Merrimac”

by Judith Warrington

In early March 1862, Union naval forces controlled the lower Chesapeake Bay supplying their land troops and making trade and transport difficult for the Confederacy. On March 8, five of the Union’s most powerful men o’ war lay at anchor in Hampton Roads, when across the river came the CSS Virginia, formerly the USS Merrimack. Unlike the conventional wooden warships at anchor, the Virginia had been converted into a maneuverable, steam-powered ironclad.

Upon first sighting of the ironclad vessel, the Union ships called all crews to quarters and began firing steadily, hitting the Virginia many times, but never slowing its progress. An eyewitness described the approaching ironclad as looking “like the roof of a very big barn belching forth smoke as from a chimney on fire.” Returning fire from her cannons, the Virginia rammed the wooden-hulled sloop, USS Cumberland. Even as she went down, the Cumberland’s crew continued firing its guns in order to prevent the ironclad from destroying any other ships. A gallant action, but it was all in vain.

The frigate USS Congress was next in the Virginia’s sights. It floundered helplessly, having run aground in a failed attempt to escape. After an hour of exchanging fire, the Congress surrendered, its crew abandoned ship and then set it afire. Likewise, the steam-propelled USS Minnesota had gone aground. Only the fading daylight spared it until the next day when the Virginia would return.

As March 9 dawned, the Virginia returned to finish off the Minnesota and the remaining Union ships. But along side the frigate was the Union’s own ironclad, the USS Monitor, which had arrived from New York not long after the Virginia’s departure the previous evening. So began what many historians consider to be the first modern naval battle as the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (or as many people refer to it in this battle, the Merrimack) blasted away at each other off Sewell’s Point. Both ironclads suffered severe damage. At midday, the Monitor’s commanding officer was blinded by shrapnel, forcing the ship to temporarily withdraw. This gave the Virginia an opportunity to return to Norfolk. The engagement was essentially a stalemate, but it changed the history of naval warfare forever.

The Virginia survived another two months, only to be scuttled when Norfolk fell to Union forces in May 1862. Although the Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras on New Year’s Eve of the same year, that’s not the end of its story. To learn more about the fate of the USS Monitor, visit http://www.marinersmuseum.org/uss-monitor-center/uss-monitor-center

Today is World Water Day

2011-03-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

by Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator

Photo by Gabe Silver

In 2001, the World Health Organization and the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre established March 22 as World Water Day, a day to raise awareness of the link between clean water and health. Approximately 3.3 million people die from water-related health problems each year. Here in the U.S. we tend to take safe drinking water for granted. We’re fortunate in that regard.

While today we worry about the price of gasoline and the future of fossil fuels, the world’s future is really all about water. Water means life itself and the demand for water, especially clean water, by the world’s 83 million people will only continue to grow. Unlike energy sources, there is no substitute for water. As our moist precious resource, the world’s water supply demands protection and conservation.

We in Central Virginia are fortunate to have such an abundant and relatively clean water resource as the James River. Communities up and down its length get their drinking water from the James, rely on it for food, employment and recreation. It’s relatively easy to take such things for granted. But we shouldn’t …not on World Water day or any other day.

As spring showers feed the James and its many tributaries, we all need to be more aware of the heath of our local waters. If you think about it (and JRA hopes you do), the James River really starts in our backyards. We can help maintain a healthier river in the future by controlling runoff from new development, agricultural land and residential yards. For example, this spring, if you install a rain barrel at your home, you can capture and recycle enough water to meet approximately 65 percent of the water needs of your moderately landscaped yard. By making this one effort to control the amount of runoff from your property – by treating water as the precious resource it is – you’ll be helping to protect the James and its tributaries for at least 3 million of the world’s 83 million people. Starting today, make every drop count.

The James River Steward’s Almanac

2011-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

The James and Fido

By Gabe Silver, JRA Education and Outreach Manager

Be a Friend of the River…scoop that pet poop.

While it’s easy to assume that our pet’s waste is “perfectly natural,” there’snothing natural about the concentration of large carnivores (like dogs and cats) in our suburban and urban neighborhoods. The truth is they produce a whole lot of poop that wouldn’t be there in a natural setting. Pet waste can contain bacteria, protozoa and roundworms that infect humans and cause serious disease. Left where dropped, pet waste can wash into our rivers where we obtain drinking water and where we enjoy swimming and fishing. Whether we flush it down the toilet, put it in the trash, or compost it at home (see precautions below), we’re doing much better by the river and our neighbors than by not picking it up at all.

Learn More:

Water Quality and Pet Waste Information

Be a Guardian of the River…and compost it!

Picking up after our pets, while on a walk or just around the backyard, is a great start towards reducing our harmful effects on the river. However, flushing the pet waste down the toilet or throwing it in the trash means that more energy will go into its ultimate disposal, either being treated as sewage or being hauled to a landfill. The very best thing we can do is to let it decompose into soil-enriching nutrients in our own backyards with a pet waste composter or digester system. It’s important not to mix dog and cat waste with ordinary compost that may go onto a vegetable garden. Instead, we must choose whether to build a carefully-monitored composter (where you can ensure that the pile reaches 140 F to kill pathogens) or build a pet waste digester. The digester method is more feasible for most of us without much time or know-how to devote to large-scale composting.

You can buy pre-made products or build your own digester. It’s essentially a mini-septic tank that allows bacteria to break down the waste into harmless nutrients that then leach into the soil. A plastic tank buried most of the way in the ground with holes drilled into it and some septic starter are pretty much all you need.

Learn More:

Video of Home Made Pet Waste Digester

Example of a Digester You Can Buy

Detailed Description of Composting System

View archived articles >>

Wildlife of the James - Spring Peepers

2011-03-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Spring Peepers

Pseudacris crucifer

By Gabe Silver, JRA Environmental Educator

Who is happy about all the rain we’ve been having? Our amphibian friends, of course. Step outside on a rainy March day and you can hear the spring peeper frogs singing. Widely recognized as one of the first signs of spring, the spring peepers’ insistent call brings a sense of hope for warmer, longer days to come. The tiny frog (adults are ¾ ”- 1 ½ ” long) hibernates under logs and loose bark before becoming active as one of the first of its kind to breed in the spring.

Tan or brown in color, the spring peeper bears a dark cross that forms an X across its back, the characteristic leading to its Latin species name crucifer. While you’ve probably heard many of these amphibians, you may not have seen them. They are known to be difficult to locate, ceasing their song when approached. After breeding in wetlands or temporary ponds (called vernal pools), adults will spend the season as nocturnal carnivores, hunting beetles, ants, flies and spiders. The 900 or so eggs laid by each female will hatch into tadpoles and transform into frogs within 5-7 weeks.

The spring peeper is one of the more common frogs in the James watershed and the eastern half of the United States. However, in local areas populations have declined due to the loss of wetland habitat to other land uses. As a whole, amphibians are considered a “canary in the coal mine” for environmental health because they easily absorb toxins in the air and water through their skin. Globally, amphibians are taking the hit of pollution and climate change hard, and biodiversity in this important class of the animal kingdom is in steep decline.

You can get involved monitoring the abundance and diversity of amphibians in a citizen-science project called the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program. You learn to distinguish frog calls and then monitor a site through the season. Over the years, patterns emerge in local areas that help scientists understand what is happening to our “peeping friends. “

Watch and Listen to a Spring Peeper “Peep”

Missed a month? View the archived articles >>

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring on the James

2011-03-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

by Gabe Silver, JRA Education and Outreach Manager

A season of change blows in with the windy month of March. As the water and air temperature rise and the days get longer, animals stir with the ancient desire to migrate or find mates. It’s a great time to be a river-lover. Here are five ways to notice and celebrate spring on the James River this year:

1. Mark the arrival of the first osprey back on the James. They are expected to arrive here in mid-March.

2. Monitor the water temperature and go shad fishing when it reaches 50-550 F. You can also check out the Shad Cam at Bosher’s Dam just upriver of Richmond.

3. Pick a place in a nearby natural area you can walk to and visit it each week for the next two months. Keep a journal of the changes you see each week.

4. Follow the young-rearing efforts of a pair of bald eagles in Norfolk on this amazing web cam.

5. Get involved with the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program and help track the health of these important critters, like frogs, by learning to identify their calls and listening for them at night.

Photos courtesy of John Bragg.

Stay Safe on the River this Winter

2011-01-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Frederickson, Lower James RIVERKEEPER

There was a sad story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about two young men who died on Monday in unrelated hunting accidents. Both went into the water accidentally while waterfowling and it appears that both died from the effects of hypothermia.

On many occasions I have encouraged you to get out on the river during the fall and winter to enjoy this beautiful time of year but this story reinforces the necessity to be careful and be prepared when on the water. The water temperatures now are in the mid 30’s. At 32.5 to 40 degrees F, a person in the water will slip into exhaustion/unconsciousness within 15-30 minutes. Expected maximum survival time is 30-90 minutes. In many cases though, when moderate hypothermia sets in it becomes extremely hard to perform tasks such as reentering a boat or swimming to shore.

Please prepare carefully when going out this time of year. Always wear a personal floatation device, float coat, or even better, floatation coveralls. While these will not totally prevent hypothermia, they will offer more protection from the cold and aid in rescue efforts should you go into the water. Lastly, be careful out there. It’s never a good idea to take chances on the water but it’s even a worse idea this time of year.

Learn more about hypothermia:

http://www.natureskills.com/hypothermia_symptoms.html
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/safety/hypocold.shtml

Sustainabilty Fun Facts

2010-11-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Here are a few great facts from Bronwyn Mitchell, Executive Director of Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education

• A 5-minute shower is equal to 20-35 gallons of water.

• A heavy coat of dust on a light bulb can block up to half of the light.

• When you turn on an incandescent light bulb, only 10% of the electricity used is turned into light. The other 90% is wasted as heat.

• The plastic used in one toner cartridge contains about a half quart of oil.

• An American family of four uses up to 260 gallons of water in the home per day.

• The average American throws away 3.5 pounds of trash per day.

• Americans use four million plastic bottles every hour, yet only one out of four is recycled.

• "Tin" cans (like those used for tuna and soup) are actually 99% steel. Americans throw away enough steel every year to build all the new cars made in America.

• In the US over 40% of municipal solid waste is paper

• 1 ton of aluminum saves the equivalent in energy of 2,350 gallons of gasoline. This is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by the typical home over a period of 10 years!

• One ton of 100 percent recycled paper saves the equivalent of 4,100 kWh of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions and three cubic yards of landfill space.

• One ton of paper from recycled pulp saves 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 7000 gallons of water, 4200 kWh (enough to heat a home for half a year), 390 gallons of oil, and prevents 60 pounds of air pollutants.

• Recycling 1 ton of glass saves the equivalent in energy of 10 gallons of oil. Recycling one ton of newspaper saves 15 trees.

• One gallon of oil, when reprocessed, can generate enough energy to meet the electricity needs of a home for half a day

The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education is having their 26th Annual Conference, Educating for Sustainability, February 10-13, 2011 at the UMUC Marriott Inn and Conference Center in Hyattsville, Maryland. For more information visit http://www.maeoe.org/conference/.

Top Ten Great Views of the James River

2010-10-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

by Gabe Silver, JRA's Environmental Educator

Its impossible to measure the value of the beauty of the James River for all those who get to gaze upon it. The fall can be the best time to soak up a few great views of the James. Working our way downriver in no particular order of beauty, here are 10 memorable views of the James:

1. The Upper James in Buchanan, VA

2. Balcony Falls along Rt. 501; southeast of Glasgow, VA

3. Harry F. Byrd Bridge over the James (Blue Ridge Parkway); north of Big Island, VA

4. The Riverfront of Lynchburg, VA

5. The Rt. 15 Bridge at Bremo Bluff, VA

6. CSX Railroad Bridge in Richmond, VA

7. The Belle Isle Footbridge; Richmond, VA

8. Libby Hill Park, Church Hill Neighborhood; Richmond, VA

9. Dutch Gap and Henricus Historical Park; Chesterfield, VA

10. Jamestown Island, VA

What are your favorite places to view the James River?

Virginia’s James River Cleanup Plan

2010-10-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

We are about to embark on a new chapter in the efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries like the James River. After 25 years of setting laudable goals, of making promises that have come up short, the state and federal governments are now under the gun. By the end of the year, a plan to cut enough pollution to meet the water quality standards for our tidal waters must be developed.

Visit our website to read more about Virginia's James River Cleanup Plan >>

The Coming Fall

2010-09-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

By Chuck Frederickson

After a long, hot summer it’s starting to feel a little like fall. The water temperatures in the river are down to the low 80’s as are the air temps. This is better than the 90’s we had all summer. Sweet autumn clamatis is blooming, the yellow flowers are blooming in the marshes, fish are becoming more active and more and more butterflys are crossing the river—a great time to be on the river. A lot of the ospreys have left for the season. I’m always glad to see them come in the late winter and sad to see them go in the fall.

We have numerous Atlantic sturgeon in the river now in the area between Westover and Dutch Gap. Yesterday, eight fish were caught near our spawning reef site and all released in good shape after being measured, weighed and tagged. We also picked up several fish on our hydroacoustic receivers. I counted at least ten fish jumping. If you are out on the water in this area, keep your eyes open for jumping fish. It’s quite a sight to see a six foot long fish come completely out of the water!

Gathright Dam Releases

2010-08-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

Gathright Dam, which impounds Lake Moomaw, is located on the Jackson River, 43.4 miles upstream of its confluence with the Cowpasture River. This project is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and was authorized by Congress to regulate river flows in the Jackson and James Rivers reduce flood damage downstream, to increase low flows for water quality improvement, and to provide recreational opportunities.

The dam's operation has a heavy impact on the Jackson River and on the James River for many miles downstream of its formation, where the Jackson and Cowpasture join. The COE is currently conducting a study authorized under Section 216 of the Rivers and Harbors and Flood Control Act of 1970 - a process in which JRA will be actively participating and in which we encourage interested citizens and businesses to do so also.

As part of this study the COE made what was termed a "pulse release" from the dam on August 17th. An abrupt rise in dam releases took flow levels in the River below the dam from 280 cubic feet per second (cfs) at 6 a.m. on that day to 3,000 cfs by 9 a.m. After maintaining the 3,000 cfs flows for two hours, the COE decreased releases over the next two hours until they again reached 280 cfs.

This test was done in cooperation with the Virginia Departments of Environmental Quality and Game and Inland Fisheries and was intended to test whether such pulses are effective at removing algae and improving water quality by simulating late-summer and early-fall storm events, a natural variability that's been reduced by the operation of Gathright Dam.

Learning From Waterkeepers Around the World

2010-06-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

Last week, I had the great fortune to get together with other Riverkeepers, as well as Baykeepers, Coastkeepers and others from around the world at the annual Waterkeeper Alliance conference. As Riverkeepers, Chuck Frederickson and I are part of this great Alliance of folks who, like us, are trying to protect and improve their waters and communities. There are now around 200 of these programs on nearly every continent (we haven't got Antarctica covered yet but stay tuned).

Talking to this diverse group of colleagues from many different areas and with many different backgrounds always makes me focus on two particular ideas:

First, no matter where they live, all people depend on clean water - and this dependence goes far beyond the need for safe drinking water. Communities were historically formed around water bodies and they constitute a vital part of our lives, by providing for commerce, recreation, and an overall quality of life that we just can't have without clean and safe streams, estuaries, coasts, etc. The Waterkeepers in every area are there to support the values and the needs of our neighbors and our focus on local resources and the knowledge of our own home areas is vital to success.

Second, we always need to remember how fortunate we are to retain such a beautiful and healthy environment, but we can't take it for granted. When I hear the stories of Waterkeepers from China, Russia, Central and South America, and other regions, I quickly recognize that the challenges and problems we are facing, while similar to those others face, are often mild in comparison to those we could encounter.

My friends below, who work on the Han River in China, face dangers and a degree of government resistance and corporate corruption that I can hardly fathom.

And the feisty gentleman below continues to work for the health of his community in Mexico, even in the face of violence. Just this year, he was attacked and beaten but he won't quit.

I thank all of these brave and resolute folks for inspiring me even more to do this job and I count my blessings that so many people in Virginia support the work we do.

Karst

2010-05-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

If you care about the quality of the James River, you should know the word "karst," so here's a quick lesson in its meaning and importance. Geologists speak of "karst terrain" or "karst geology" to describe areas where the most prominent bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks, like limestone or other rocks that are easily erodible. These types of rock formations are found throughout the world and are expecially prominent in the western parts of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge mountains to the ridge and valley region to the Appalachian plateau. The map below shows the Virginia counties where most of our karst is found.

Those counties highlighted include Highland, Bath, Alleghany, Augusta, Rockbridge, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke, and Giles Counties - all of which lie partly within the James River's drainage basin. These areas have features like caves and sinkholes and provide great reservoirs for groundwater, often allowing very productive wells. The land can be honeycombed so that water can move swiftly and in large amounts through natural underground conduits.

The great environmental concern with karst is that water, and the pollutants it carries, can reach the groundwater almost immediately, if it enters a sinkhole or comes in contact with bedrock that shows through thin soil layers. Pesticides and herbicides, animal waste, commercial fertilizer, sewage sludge, polluted stormwater runoff, water from home drainfields, and other pollutants can, and in many cases have, polluted drinking wells in many cases and caused serious human health problems.

Further, the pollutants don't just reach the groundwater but, because streams are so closely connected with surface streams, can end up in creeks and rivers in minutes or hours, as opposed to months or years that groundwater takes to migrate and be treated in other areas. It can also be very difficult to follow these connections, especially because the drainage patterns of water on the land may not be the same. Studies show that pollution on the ground or in streams in one watershed can later appear in other watersheds, linking pollution sources and streams that could not be predicted by looking at the land surface.

Monitoring the Maury and the James

2010-05-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

I'm glad to report that I found no dead fish or any signs of infected fish in recent trips to the Maury River and the James near Glasgow. There have been a number of sightings on the Maury in past years, so I was worried about what I might find. Also, I heard of no problems from people fishing that day and had pretty good reports on their success.

Below are some photos from the Maury on that day:

Here are some views of the James along a stretch near Glasgow:

Clean Water and the Law

2010-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

When many people hear the word “law” their eyes glaze over or they immediately think of contentious and sometimes silly lawsuits. But to me environmental laws are great tools for folks to use in protecting the streams and rivers that are our heritage and commonly-owned resources.

The Clean Water Act is the most important water quality law and has been extremely effective in many ways. The law set an ambitious goal: to protect and restore the integrity of our Nation’s waters from all of the insults, generally unintentional, that we humans inflict upon our natural resources. I like to think of the Act as a promise that Americans made to each other.

Most people don’t know that although the Clean Water Act is a federal law, the vast majority of the time State workers are the ones who implement and enforce it. Here in Virginia, the primary agencies with responsibility for carrying out the Clean Water Act are the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). In addition the Act specifically allows and encourages citizens to help enforce the law by empowering them to bring citizen suits when the government agencies don’t act. But there are many opportunities for citizens to influence the decisions agencies make and the quality of their streams. The State of Virginia adopts regulations that give more specific guidance for carrying out the broader goals in the laws passed by Congress or the General Assembly and citizens must be given the chance to comment and help shape those rules. Also, when a particular permit is being considered for issuance, citizens can and should let their views be known.

One of the first great tasks after passage of the Act in 1972 was to clean up the millions of pipes discharging industrial waste and often poorly treated or untreated sewage into streams. Every pipe that discharges to a stream now has to be permitted by the State of Virginia and is to be held to quality standards designed to protect the receiving stream’s natural balance and all of the uses people have a right to make of it. In the jargon of the Clean Water Act, all waters are supposed to be “fishable and swimmable.” These permitting efforts and large amounts of public funding have brought most of our municipal wastewater up to pretty high standards and most industries have made great progress.

Virginia has its own laws that often mirror the federal model but in some cases add provisions that are especially suited to our conditions. We have additional state and local laws that add other protections. Under other water protection permits, cities are required to have plans to manage the stormwater that pours off of their streets. When we cover the land with pavement and concrete, we increase the amount of water that rushes into streams in a short period of time and we contaminate it with the residue of modern human living – oil, trash, heavy metals, pesticides and lawn fertilizers, and just plain dirt.

Builders are required to prevent erosion and keep dirt and other pollutants from washing off of their sites and local governments play a central role here. They enforce local ordinances that counties and cities adopt to meet or exceed minimum standards set by the State. Foresters face similar regulations that are enforced by the Virginia Division of Forestry.

Farmers with cattle, hogs, or poultry have large amounts of manure that they must handle properly to prevent water pollution which can present health threats and damage to stream life. They are required to contain this waste away from streams and groundwater and to apply it to the land in ways that prevent it from being washed into the water during storm events.

So, I’d encourage you to realize that clean water laws are your laws. It’s up to you and me to make sure they work, because we all have a lot a stake.

Spring in the Upper James

2010-04-22T03:05:00.001-07:00

By Dave Sligh

I just had to show some of the views from the watershed that I was blessed see last week. I was out looking for dead fish and was lucky not to see any of those ugly sights but did find some very nice ones.

A Riffle in the Cowpasture River

Looking east from the Cowpasture
toward North Mountain and Anthony Knobs

Looking upstream on the Cowpasture from below

the Route 633 bridge

Some friends on the James near Saltpetre Cave

Pool near Saltpetre Cave

Looking down on the amazing Tye River watershed

in Nelson County, on the way home

Fish Kills - Again

2010-04-20T02:05:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

Red Lesion

With regret, I have to report that fish kills have started again this year in the upper James and the Shenandoah watersheds. After hearing last week of the first deaths in the South Fork Shenandoah, I spent quite a few hours in and around the James between Eagle Rock and Springwood and in the Cowpasture and made a quick check in Craig Creek - all areas where kills have occurred in past years. I found no problems at that time but will spend much more time out there in the next couple of months. The VA Game Department biologists were also out last week shocking fish in several segments of the James River.

I have attached a press release from DEQ below, which includes the request for the public to keep their eyes open, take photos, and report any problems you see with live or dead fish. They have included the contact information for DEQ and you can contact me also at dsligh@jrava.org or 434-964-7635.

I encourage people to look around in tributaries of the Upper James, including the Jackson River, the Cowpasture River, Craig Creek, and the Maury River, where problems have already been identified, but also in Potts Creek, Dunlap Creek, Catawba Creek, and others as far downriver as Lynchburg or beyond.
To remind you of some of the signs to look for on diseased fish, I've included a couple of photos. Also look for fins rotted away, unusual coloration or malformation of gills, and fish that seem disoriented or lethargic. Remember that the dead fish are generally in slow water areas, are larger breeding age adults, and are often on the stream bottom, so they might not be easy to see unless you're looking for them. Small mouth bass and redbreast sunfish are hit most often but look out for problems with other species also.

White Fungus

Major Fin Rot - Tail

Gill Malformation

*********************************************************************************

State investigators prepare for possible fish disease and mortality outbreaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2010 Contact: Bill Hayden, DEQ (804) 698-4447 william.hayden@deq.virginia.gov RICHMOND, VA. -- The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries continue to track and investigate springtime fish disease and mortality events that have occurred in several rivers in the western part of Virginia in recent years. Only a few isolated problems have been reported to date this spring, but as the period begins when these events have occurred in past years, the state agencies are enhancing their investigation by seeking input from the public. Since 2004, fish disease outbreaks and mortality have occurred in the Shenandoah River basin. In spring 2007 similar events began in the upper James and Cowpasture rivers. The impacts appear to be most severe among smallmouth bass and sunfish, although other types of fish also have been affected. Outbreaks often are accompanied by open sores, or skin lesions, in many of the diseased fish. Typically these events have begun in the spring when water temperatures rise into the 50s and have continued until water temperatures reach the mid-70s, generally running from early April until mid-May. In 2005, DEQ and DGIF formed the Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force, a group of stakeholders, including university and government scientists, environmental groups, fishing guides, and volunteer monitors - all with the goal of finding the cause of the annual spring die-off events. This coordinated approach helped state agencies set priorities, identify, conduct and evaluate research into causes of the springtime outbreaks. Studies by state and federal scientists and several university researchers have focused on water chemistry, general health of fish and other aquatic life, and fish diseases. Water quality studies to date have not identified any individual chemicals at levels that would be expected to cause fish disease or mortality. Fish health studies indicate that fish are subjected to multiple stresses, with evidence of damaged skin, gills and internal organs. Fish appear to have a high number of internal parasites, and a high prevalence of a condition called fish intersex also has been observed in some species. Biological pathogens, especially bacterial fish diseases, have come under greater focus during the past two years. Initial findings suggest links between certain bacteria and the disease outbreaks. Ongoing studies involving DEQ, DGIF and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Leetown, W. Va., Science Center, continue to explore the role of bacterial communities, along with environmental and contaminant factors that may cause immune suppression. The public has made a significant difference in this investigation. State officials and environmental leaders have learned of many of these outbreaks from reports provided by fishermen, land owners and other river users. Knowing the timing and distribution of these events will help scientists focus on the areas where incidents are active, and will help generate the most meaningful data. This information also allows DEQ and DGIF to post current information on locations and severity of fish disease and mortality and share this information with the public through updates on the agency websites. The public is encouraged to continue to provide reports on observations of diseased, dying or dead fish. Helpful information includes location, date, unusual water conditions, types and numbers of fish, and photographs. Anyone with information on dead or dying fish is encouraged to contact the DEQ regional office in Harrisonburg at (540) 574-7800, or toll-free in Virginia at 1-800-592-5482. Information also can be emailed to fishreports@deq.virginia.gov.

A Chance Encounter Story

2010-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great story about JRA board member and avid Runoff Rundown participant, Matt Gottwald, and his chance encounter with a man whose "Year of Giving" project is making news --and a philanthropic impact -- across the nation. See how Matt used his $10 gift in Reed's blog.

Year of Giving

Cutting Through the Blue Ridge

2010-03-31T02:23:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

Check out the picture above that shows a geological feature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From this spot you can look down and to the southeast and see Balcony Falls on the James River:

The point from which the picture was taken is shown on the aerial photo below by the camera symbol. Upstream, around Glasgow, the James turns east and has cut a gorge through the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains that's about 9 miles long and nearly 2,300 feet deep at its deepest point. In this segment of the River, the gradient of the stream (the change in elevation per length of travel) steepens to about 11 feet per mile, as opposed to the average slope from the James' beginning at Iron Gate to Richmond of about 4.3 feet.

This Arbor Day Fish Really Do Grow on Trees!

2010-03-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Back in 1872, J. Sterling Morton recognized the importance of trees to the quality of life for people living in the prairie state of Nebraska. That’s where the tradition of celebrating Arbor Day began.

While Virginia seems to be blessed with an abundance of trees, when land is developed, trees are generally the first casualty. Throughout the state, forested lands continue to be lost at an alarming rate and the impact reaches further than most people realize…especially when you consider that fish grow on trees.

All living creatures benefit from trees in one way or another. Healthy urban trees help provide cleaner air, filter water, provide shade that can lower utility bills, and increase property values. The presence of urban greenspaces and a strong green infrastructure helps us connect with nature, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. From an economic angle, Virginia’s trees and sustainable forestry maintains a strong commercial industry in wood and wood products.

Beauty and value aside, the basic role of trees is to anchor the soil to the earth. So essentially, a clean and healthy James Rivers begin with trees.

Any trees you plant will help prevent rainwater from running off your property, thereby keeping silt and excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) out of the waterways. While you want these nutrients on your yard, excess nutrients washing in our streams and rivers can lead to the excess growth of algae, which reduces light penetration. This prevents the growth of underwater grasses used as habitat and food for wildlife. Algae growth also reduces the oxygen content of the water. Without grasses or sufficient oxygen, fish cannot survive. Therefore…fish really do grow on trees! This Arbor Day, plant a tree for yourself, the health of the James River and its fish.

Celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 3 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Carillon in Richmond’s Byrd Park. For more information and a list of free activities, visit http://treestewards.rrpfoundation.org/.

They're Not All Muddy

2010-03-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

By Dave Sligh

I have gotten behind on my blogging, so I'm going to reach back and tell about some explorations I made a couple of weeks ago. On March 14th, I looked at the James throughout the area from Lynchburg to Glasgow and a bunch of the tributaries. This was another one of those recent periods when we had really high stream flows and, of course, that often means muddy water in the streams.

Here's a photo of the James River near Big Island on that day:

At the same time, some of the tributaries in this area had high flows but, having watersheds protected by forests, they looked much different. Here's Otter Creek, which flows alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway and enters the River just downstream from the Parkway bridge across the James:

The water here was clear and beautiful. And you can see the stark contrast here, at the spot where Otter Creek enters the River:

There's a strong message here. Don't let anyone tell you that all streams get muddy during heavy rains and high flows.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t Get Pinched – Go "Green”!

2010-03-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Show your support of St. Patrick’s Day this year not by wearing green, but by having “green” actions. This year commit to one behavior change to help the environment.

“…We must continue to take strong actions to keep the James River’s health moving in the right direction; unless we do so, we risk losing the progress that we have made to date. The choice is ours. Let’s choose clean water and a healthy James River for the future…” State of the James Report, 2009.

Here are a few of our staff’s favorite eco-friendly websites:

Great water conservation tips, facts, and resources:
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/

The Natural Resources Defense Council’s Simple Steps for Better Health and Sustainable Living:
http://www.simplesteps.org/#tk-switchboard-blog

Green America- Economic action to support just and sustainable purchasing:
http://www.greenamericatoday.org/greenbusiness/

National Geographic’s guide to green living:
http://www.thegreenguide.com/

Green Living, earth friendly goods for the home:
http://www.green-living.com/

2010-03-17T06:02:00.001-07:00

March 17, 2010
On Tuesday night I attended a meeting of the Hopewell Community Industrial Panel held at the Hopewell Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (HRWTF). Before the meeting, we were taken on a tour of the facilities’ new experimental treatment system to remove nitrogen from the treated water before it is released into the James River. The Hopewell plant, like others around the Commonwealth, is faced with reducing its nitrogen load, to meet new tougher requirements for improving water conditions in the river and the Chesapeake Bay. I was really impressed with what I saw.
HRWTF ‘s experimental system uses a series of rotating wheels turning in a pool of water. The wheels are turned by a bubble system powered by a low horsepower motor. Algae naturally forms on the ridged wheels and takes nitrogen out of the water as it grows. It then sloughs off the wheels and collects at the bottom of the pools. It is collected, centrifuged and dried. The dry algal product can then be turned into biofuel, feed supplements, etc., turning a problem for the river into a potentially profitable enterprise. Many times the City of Hopewell gets a bad rap because of its industrial base and the sins of the past, such as Kepone, but the effort of our industries and the HRWTF to look for new and better ways to treat our wastewater and improve water quality in the James is admirable. We look forward to seeing how this experiment plays out.

2010-03-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I took the boat from JordanPoint down to Newport News and then on to Portsmouth. I wanted to check the waterfront and take a look at Craney Island. I had not been down by water since before Christmas. It never ceases to amaze me how much activity takes place in that area--shipbuilding, ship repair, coal loading, container ships, dredge material storage, military operations, commercial fishing and so on. The Hampton Roads area could really use a Keeper of its own.

The weather Tuesday was extraordinary! Cool in the morning but warmed up nicely during the day and best of all, no wind! This was one of the few trips I have made recently where the water was glassy calm. It's nice not to get beat up when making those long runs. It is about a three hour run to the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel from Jordan Point. Rough water can make for tough going in a small boat like mine.

On the way down I stopped at Kingsmill to meet a friend and was happy to spot a pair of ospreys. These were the first I have seen this year. I also saw two large flocks of swans heading north. This made me realize that spring is just around the corner. Don't know about you, but I'm ready!

A Greener Valentine’s Day

2010-02-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

Red may be the traditional color, but this year, why not go “green” for Valentine’s Day! Here are a few ways to re-think the holiday for greener, more environmentally-friendly gift giving. The James River and the earth will love you for it:

Gold -
Mining gold is a dirty process. Open pit mining (the method most used in the U.S.) produces 8 to 10 times the amount of waste rubble as an underground mine. Only a small percentage of the rock removed actually contains gold. The gold must be extracted in a process that often includes the use of cyanide. The cyanide is then held in retainer ponds for reuse. These toxins can leach into ground water or end up in streams and lakes. In addition, mercury emissions from the mining of gold is a major source of air pollution in several states in the western U.S.

Diamonds -
Anyone who has seen the movie, “Blood Diamond,” knows the personal toll at which this treasured gem is mined. While diamonds are mined in various ways, most mining removes large quantities of soil and uses water for extraction. In Africa, where water is a scarce resource, this only makes a serious situation worse. When purchasing a diamond, make sure it comes from an industry source that is working to ensure ethical practices for people and the environment.

Roses-
How far have your flowers traveled? Many of the roses found in U.S. florists have been grown in East Africa or South America. That’s a lot of air miles and a big carbon footprint for a flower that only lasts a few days. A houseplant may not be as romantic as a rose, but it can have added benefits to the environment. If you give a potted hydrangea, a colorful pepper plant, or a rosemary shrub, you can plant it in the garden this spring.

Cards –
According to the Waterkeeper Alliance, the paper industry is the largest consumer of water and the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the U.S. When buying Valentines, look for cards made from recycled paper or make your own cards using recycled items in your home. Better yet, send an e-Valentine!

Chocolate-
It’s everyone’s last-minute go-to gift idea. Read the label and look for chocolate that is organic and supports Fair Trade and environmentally responsible production. This means the cocoa used in the making of the chocolate was grown in a manner that empowers the grower (usually a small, independent farmer), provides a fair wage, prevents the exploitation of children, and produces cocoa in a manner that is environmentally safe and sustainable. A sweet deal all the way around!

Nothing says “I love the James River and my local environment” better than being a JRA member. Help protect your favorite romantic spot on the river. Give your Valentine a gift membership in the James River Association! Go to http://www.jamesriverassociation.org/ to make a gift membership.

Horrible Contrast

2010-02-02T04:57:00.001-08:00

By Dave Sligh

This photo was taken last week during the high waters. The stream entering the view from the left is called Buck Island Creek and flows into the Rivanna River in southern Albemarle County. The water in Buck Island Creek is dark brown, as we would expect with high flows and bottom sediments being carried downstream. The tributary to the right is named Slate Quarry Creek and presents an amazing contrast in stream quality. Clearly, large amounts of clay are being washed from the watershed that feeds Slate Quarry Creek - a sure sign that significant land disturbance has been occurring upstream.

I want to thank Patrick Nugent for capturing this great view. Patrick is an environmental studies student at Randolph-Macon College and he interned with me during January. He performed stream habitat assessments for about a dozen streams and helped with mapping and data collection for the James River Basin.

The aerial photograph below, copied from Google Earth, shows the outline of the small watershed for Slate Quarry Creek and some of the land features. My next move is to spend time in this watershed to discover the source(s) of this damaging erosion and stream pollution. I'll let you know what I find, in a later blog.

Flooding Impacts

2010-01-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

The James was overflowing its banks in a number of places yesterday and many tributaries were roaring in the last several days, with some localized flooding. I'm thankful that I didn't see or hear of any human injuries or death. However, there was lots of damage done to stream channels because of the high flows. It's natural that periodic floods rearrange stream banks and habitats - in fact it's an essential process in the life of the stream. Our activities on the land though cause changes that aren't within the natural range and aren't beneficial.

The first photograph below shows a portion of a stream that I've observed over the last year. While this small section of the stream bank was already eroded and cut down to form a vertical wall of dirt, the recent high waters ripped away all of the dirt in this large depression. I'm not too experienced at estimating amounts of dirt but would guess that at least several tons of soil was carried downstream from a length of stream reaching no more than 100 yards. If you recognize that similar erosion effects occurred in dozens of other places on this same stream and multiply this by the thousands of small streams throughout the James River watershed, you can see the enormity of this problem.

You can see in the second picture (below) the stream bank across from that in the first view. This slope was covered all the way to the top of the slope with large stones (generally known as rip rap) in an attempt to stabilize the portion nearest the adjacent road. Almost all of the stones were washed away during this storm, showing that our human attempts at channel protection are sadly inferior to natural vegetative buffers and land cover.

This small tributary to Ivy Creek, in Albemarle County, is less than one mile in length upstream of the point shown in these photographs and this portion of the stream drains an area of about 0.5 square miles. The land is primarly in pastures with scattered home sites and a relatively small percentage of impermeable surfaces. However, the stream-side vegetative buffers are completely missing or very narrow along at least half of the stream's length. That this small watershed with primarily agricultural land can produce such force and destruction illustrates the extreme importance of maintaining stream buffer plantings and re-establishing them.

Finally, you can click on the link below and see a short news segment from Channel 19 TV in Charlottesville where I was interviewed describing this type of damage from high flows.

http://www.newsplex.com/video?clipID=4490640&autoStart=true&contentID=82706652

Flow Patterns in the James

2010-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

I've been looking at stream flow records during the last week to understand effects of human management and storms on stream flows in the James River basin. The graphs below show recent flows in the Jackson River, the stream which joins with the Cowpasture River to form the James, in the mountains of Alleghany County.

Releases of water from Gathright Dam control flows in the Jackson River and in the James River for a considerable distance downstream under many conditions. However, we can see that the effects of this recent storm has overridden the influence of the Dam. The first graph below shows that stream flows were maintained at a stable, low level below Gathright Dam through controlled releases by the Corps of Engineers which operates that dam. In contrast, the flows rose very sharply in the Jackson River at the stream gage below Dunlap Creek at Covington.

Flows rose very quickly in the Jackson during a 9 hour period, with an increase of over 400%. Several factors likely contributed to this drastic increase in flow over such a short period. Consistent rains in recent weeks have contributed to saturated soils so that much of the rainfall runs off the land rather than soaking into the ground and the steep mountain slopes in this area can contribute to rapid rises. Finally, there are fairly large percentages of impermeable surfaces (streets, parking lots, buildings, etc.) in the Covington area. To assess the relative contributions of these factors, we can look at storm-related flows during other times of year when the soil is drier and more likely to hold a larger percentage of rainfall that lands on vegetated areas.

I and others plan to make a long-term study of the effects of Gathright dam releases on the James River system. Wherever human actions and structures affect a natural system, we must periodically consider whether these factors can or should be altered to provide for better water quality, for competing human uses, and for the overall natural balance of the stream ecosystem.

Big Challenges For the James and the Bay

2010-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

I attended a meeting yesterday with citizens and officials from the Rivanna River watershed who are trying to see if they/we can help determine the way that EPA's newest efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay can and should be applied in the area. I hope this effort can be a model that other citizens in watersheds throughout the upper James basin might emulate, because it could help local folks be more committed to following-through on the implimentation of pollution control plans. These plans are designed to benefit the Bay and all of the downstream resources but can and must correct significant problems from sediment and nutrient pollution in waters throughout the headwaters and Piedment areas of the James watershed.

If you don't yet know about initiatives that EPA, the states, and groups like ours are involved with to finally move Bay restoration forward forcefully, you might be interested to read some of the background materials. One good place to start is the Virginia DEQ's site at: http://www.deq.state.va.us/tmdl/chesapeakebay.html /chesapeakebay.html. We'll working to keep you up-to-date on these issues in the coming year or two and will need your help to support strong, specific cleanup goals and vigourous enforcement. Please also check out our brand new "State of the James" report - our report card on the River and its tributaries (http://jamesriverassociation.org/the-james-river/state-of-the-james/).

Finally, I'll leave you with a view of the Rivanna River this past summer, to remind you of the kinds of impacts an over-supply of nutrients can have on local streams.

The solid-looking masses you see in the Rivanna are not rocks but large clots of algae that made the stream unpleasant for human use and are a symptom of water quality problems.

A Beautiful Year - More To Do

2009-12-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

As we near the end of 2009, I am thinking back on the many experiences I have had throughout the upper James watershed. I have met hundreds of people who care about and know about the River and its tributaries and who will be great allies in the years to come. We achieved some important advances on regulations to better control pollution from construction sites, poultry waste transfers, post-construction stormwater, and industrial runoff.

Below Falling Spring Falls, Alleghany County

Best of all, during the past year, I have seen so many beautiful sights throughout our area and I am including some of my favorite photos here as a holiday season gift.

Under Swinging Bridge, Craig Creek

Cool Pool on West Fork Tye River

James River, Botetourt County

High Water on the James

2009-12-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

Last Thursday, the James was flowing high and full. The photo above shows the area that usually serves as the parking lot for the Scottsville boat ramp. I saw large logs and pieces of wood continually streaming by, out in the middle of the stream. I also visited sites downstream as far as New Canton, and the River was also lapping up into and over boat ramps and parking lots at other sites.

Some data on this high flow event:

Peak flow at Scottsville:
43,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)

which equals 28 billion gallons per day.

Median flow for this time of year:
2,000 cfs

which equals about 1.3 billion gallons per day

The stream flows in the James River climbed from 7,670 cfs at 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 8th to 43,900 cfs at 6:30 p.m. on the 10th.
An increase of over 570% in 44 hours.

By contrast, the Rivanna River at Palmyra rose from 1,060 cfs to a peak flow of 17,500 cfs in a much shorter time.
An increase of 16,500% in only 26 hours.

This steeper rate of increasing flows in the Rivanna is likely due, at least in part, to a higher percentage of developed and impervious surfaces in this watershed than in the James River watershed above Scottsville.

Falling Springs

2009-12-08T05:54:00.000-08:00

By Dave Sligh

Last week, Bill Street and I visited an area of Alleghany County that more people should know about. The waterfall shown above, Falling Spring Falls, is of both ecological and historical significance.

According to signs at the site provided by the Virginia Division of State Parks, the stream that flows over the falls begins in Warm River Cave, north of this point. Warm thermal spring water mixes with a seperate stream of cold groundwater in the cave. The water is supersaturated with carbonate and creates formations of limestone, like those at the base of the falls. Below the Falls, in areas where rocks are continuously moistened by spray and water splashing, a unique community of organisms, including moss and bryophyte species survives in an environment considered to be rare in Virginia.

Historical features of the site include a visit to by Thomas Jefferson to survey the falls and a mention in Jefferson's 1781, Notes on the State of Virginia. Electrical power was first generated when the force of water from the Falls was harnessed by piping it about a mile down the valley to a power plant. This plant has recently been re-opened and is again generating electicity.

Falling Springs Run eventually feeds the Jackson River after winding its way down through a narrow valley. The picture below shows the stream just above where the streams join.

2009-11-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

Posted by Chuck Frederickson

Quite a storm for "just a nor'easter". I talked to one of my friends in Pequoson and he told me that the water at his house on Friday was within five inches of the the Hurricane Isabell level. If we would have had Isabell's sustained winds, it would really have been a mess. I went on a short tour yesterday and was pleased to see that there did not appear to be much damage from the storm. The river was still running high and there was a lot of debris but all in all, not too bad. It's not the logs floating on top that worry me, it's the one that is about six inches below the surface that you can't see that will take out a lower unit. Just be careful out there.

Lots of Water

2009-11-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day to see the amazing power of streams at their strongest. I visited a number of spots in the Rockfish River valley and saw the impacts of the heavy rains during the last several days. A good sign is that, even with so much runoff reaching the North Fork of the Rockfish and the creeks feeding it, the streams were still not loading with mud like you could see in many streams yesterday. This is a good demonstration of the value of relatively protected watersheds and forests.

I could see that in some other streams the weakened and erodes banks were being eaten away at a great rate. Streams have by far their greatest power to tear away at the bed and banks when flows are at bank-full levels. The importance of controlling both the quality and quantity of water running off the land is clearly demonstrated during these kinds of conditions.

Sedalia Center - Riverkeeper's Revenge Chili

2009-11-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a great time at the Chili Cookoff at the Sedalia Center near Big Island. Along with team members and supporters from the James River Float Company in Madison Heights, the Upper James Riverkeeper represented JRA as one of dozens of entrants in the contest. Chris from JR Float Company was the chef and creator of our unique creation - "Riverkeeper's Revenge." Although we didn't walk away with a prize we did get lots of praise from attendees and a lot of attention for JRA and the Riverkeeper's work. About 40 people signed up to receive information from JRA and expressed their interest in helping us protect and improve the River and its tributaries in the Lynchburg and Bedford County areas.

Thanks especially to Mason Basten for helping us get involved in this event and for being our constant guide in the Lynchburg community.

Lynchburg goes to the "extreme" to protect local waterway

2009-10-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

by Bill Street

Each year, the James River Association takes on a major restoration project focused on one of the James River's more distressed tributaries. While often overlooked, the small creeks and streams that feed into the James are integral to the overall health of the 340-mile river, perhaps Virginia's greatest natural resource. Unless we address the pollution and runoff that is being funneled into the James by way of these smaller waterways, "America's Founding River" will never truly be healthy.

     This year's Extreme Stream Makeover - the name for JRA's annual, week-long restoration initiative - centered on Blackwater Creek in Lynchburg. Blackwater Creek has been the focus of much work by Lynchburg College and others, and with the Blackwater Creek trail network, the banks of the creek are now a popular venue for biking, jogging and other recreation. However, the stream itself has become severely degraded over the years. The intensive development within its drainage basin has altered the natural flow of water funelling pollution into the creek and causing streambank erosion downstream. As a result Blackwater Creek is in severe need of some TLC.

     Thanks to a colossal community effort - an extraordinary partnership between the City of Lynchburg and Campbell and Bedford Counties as well as support from local businesses, schools and scores of local volunteers (including Gov. Kaine and members of his cabinet) - portions of Blackwater Creek have undergone metamorphosis, at least the start of one. Last week's Extreme Stream Makeover succeeded in completing a series of projects to begin turning this damaged stream into a more vibrant waterway - cleaner, more beautiful and, most importantly, better prepared to gird itself against the potential ravages of pollutants.

     The many volunteers from throughout the region got their hands dirty and feet wet in order to make a difference. They made and installed rain barrels and landscaped rain gardens, two important tools for diverting and capturing the rainwater that would otherwise flow directly into the creek. And along the same lines, they planted hundreds of plants along the banks of the stream, which serve as are natural pollution filters. In all, about $280,000 in materials and services were provided, most of which was through in-kind donations showing the tremendous support from the Lynchburg community.

     The Greater Lynchburg region put forth a truly impressive commitment toward improving the health of Blackwater Creek, and by extension, the James River. We look forward to continuing to work with local communities to safeguard the James and all of its local tributaries.

Bill Street is the executive director of the James River Association.