RiverRats Come to the River’s Rescue

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.