RiverRats Raft-Up

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!