Secrets of the James - Dutch Gap Conservation Area

By Jessica Templeton, James River Ecology School Manager

As a recent Nevada resident, where empty horizons and remote vistas are the norm, I regularly find myself on the hunt for remote unpopulated places to recreate here in Virginia.  Recently, I found this sought after outdoor experience on a trail run at Dutch Gap Conservation Area.  I shared the trail with a couple of bikes, walkers, and families, but for the most part the run was spent surrounded by trees and water with nothing to listen to but the wind in the leaves above.

The 4.5 mile trail system at Dutch Gap Conservation Area offers an easy but scenic hike by the James River not far from Hopewell, Richmond, or Petersburg city centers.  The trail begins behind the Citie of Henricus visitor center and then follows the path of the old James River channel’s oxbow bend.  The hike takes you through forested areas with plenty of views of the tidal lagoon where folks like to fish and paddle the calm waters.  The trails are largely unpopulated, leaving many opportunities for wildlife observation, including great habitat for bird watching. 

The conservation area is adjacent to Dominion’s Chesterfield Power Station; however don’t let this part of the view deter you from visiting this somewhat hidden natural area.  The low traffic, wildlife, and scenic forested and river views make it well worth the trip.  For the dog lovers out there, the park does also allow pets on the trails when controlled by a leash.  Let us know about your visit to Dutch Gap or tell is your favorite place to visit when you are seeking a quiet moment outdoors.

For directions and more information about Dutch Gap, please visit the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation website:  http://www.chesterfield.gov/Parks.aspx?id=6442454866.

For more detailed information about the hiking trails visit: http://www.hikingupward.com/ovh/dutchgap/. 

Bellemeade, the Rain Barrel Capitol of Richmond?

Installed barrel

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

As part of our continuing efforts in the Bellemeade Walkable Watershed project in the Bellemeade section of Richmond, JRA is teaching homeowners about how to be better stewards of their property for the sake of a healthy James River and by becoming a River Hero Home. In order for a homeowner to become a River Hero Home they need to install some type of Best Management Practice (BMP) on their property, so JRA has been on the lookout for rain barrels for Bellemeade. Fortunately the City of Richmond was able to donate the extra barrels from their Build a Barrel, Save the Bay program to JRA. This program engaged students from various Richmond Public Schools to build and decorate rain barrels.

The first River Hero Home flag with the view of the soon to open Oak Grove Bellemeade Elementary School.

Several weeks ago, Amber Ellis, JRA’s Watershed Restoration Associate, sat down with interested homeowners in Bellemeade to help them fill out their River Hero Home applications. Gay Stokes, with the City of Richmond, assisted them with their application to receive credit on their Stormwater Utility Fee. 

RiverRats Cris Pond and Rich Marino installing a rain barrel

RiverRat Mike Schlosser

On November 28^th, JRA RiverRats Rich Marino, Cris Pond, and Mike Schlosser, loaded up their trucks with the colorful barrels and headed out to install them at the selected homes. A total of 7 homes received rain barrels and became River Hero Homes! There is another wave of barrels going in soon and we hope that the momentum keeps growing in the community and that they all become River Hero Homes!

Residents with their new rain barrel

For more information about the Bellemeade Walkable Watershed project visit http://www.gicinc.org/projectbellemeade.htm

For more information about JRA’s River Hero Homes program visit www.jamesriverhero.org

Because Clean Water Makes Great Coffee…

By Michelle Kokolis, JRA Watershed Restoration Project Manager 

and former Starbucks barista

Clean water impacts our lives in many ways.  A clean James River provides us a place to swim and fish, to boat and enjoy the scenery, and it is an important source of drinking water.  But did you ever stop and think about the relationship between water and coffee?  At JRA we have, and that is why we’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Blanchard’s Coffee Co. and the release of James River Blend!

Anyone can make an OK cup of coffee, but you have to have the right combination of things to make a great cup of coffee.  The right grind and ratio are important, but without clean water and high quality beans, your end result will just be OK.  At JRA, not only do we work to make sure the James is clean, but we also try to support local businesses as often as we can.  If you aren’t familiar with Blanchard’s, they are an independent, family-owned coffee roastery in Richmond.  They are passionate about great coffee and their goal is to provide their customers with the best coffee available.    Together we have come up with James River Blend; a bold, full-bodied and earthy blend that is the perfect coffee to compliment those cool, crisp mornings on the Mighty James.

The cost of James River Blend is $11 for a 12oz bag.  Most importantly, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase will benefit JRA to help support our mission to protect America’s Founding River.  James River Blend is currently available through JRA and Blanchard’s www.blanchardscoffee.com. In the Richmond area you can also find the new James River Blend at Farm to Family, Local Roots, Fall Line Farms or online at Kojava.com or Blanchard’s Etsystore.  We’ll keep you updated as additional locations are added.

Help support JRA and a local business at the same time…buy your bag of James River Blend today!

Shipping & Pick-up Options

JRA Office Pick-up $11.00 USD Blanchard's Pick-up $11.00 USD USPS Priority Shipping $16.00 USD

Grind Preference

Whole Bean Drip Grind Coarse Grind Fine Grind (Espresso)

Regular or Decaf

Regular Decaf Option 3

Diving in to the Richmond Riverfront Plan

by Adrienne Kotula, JRA's Policy Specialist

After two years of work by consultants, City staff and numerous stakeholders, Richmond City Council unanimously approved the Riverfront Plan on Monday night. Here at JRA, we feel that this is a pivotal time for Richmond and the James River. We also feel that the Riverfront Plan is the perfect vehicle to capture the momentum from Richmond being named the “Best River Town” by Outside magazine. Now that the plan is approved, it is imperative to begin moving forward with key projects that will bring citizens to the riverfront.

If fully implemented, the Riverfront Plan will greatly increase the opportunities to enjoy the James by protecting its scenic resources, its wildness, improving its water quality, and enhancing the already developed portions of the riverfront. Here are some reasons why:

·      Increased Connectivity: The riverfront plan makes public access a priority and contains a series of both visual and physical connections to the riverfront. Providing citizens with more avenues to experience the James is the most effective way to ensure that it will be treasured by those who are in Richmond.

Providing a Variety of Experiences: The James in Richmond offers residents “wild” experiences on Belle Isle, urban experiences on Brown’s Island and even dining experiences at Rockett’s Landing. This plan hopes to enhance those experiences by providing more recreational experiences in places that are already developed, such as Chapel Island.

  

·    Environmental Stewardship: The Riverfront Plan recognizes that the health of the river is integral to ensuring the success of the Plan. The importance of protecting riparian buffers, increasing vegetation and the infiltration of stormwater are all elements of the plan.

Now that the Richmond Riverfront Plan has passed, we can look forward to a brighter future for Richmond and the James. Thanks to all who helped us ensure the passage of the plan, we look forward to working with you on implementation.

Exploring the James Aboard the GoodShip JRA

by Georgia Busch, JRA Intern

River exploration is a key component of the James River Association’s Education and Outreach program. The new James River Ecology School located on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge is the soul of the program, but its heart is the GoodShip JRA. 

JRA’s forty-five foot pontoon boat provides a smooth ride for students, teachers and visitors traveling to the Ecology School and also serves as a floating classroom, providing experiential, hands-on learning opportunities. Here educators can conduct activities such as water quality testing and students can hypothesize and test the health of the James. In doing so, they learn about the types and sources of pollution as well as other factors impacting wildlife and human health. 

The students can also connect to nature by operating an otter trawl and collecting a population sample of common fishes. They are always excited to see interesting species like blue catfish, croaker, hogchoker, and white perch. Visitors are prompted to keep an eye on the sky in hopes of spotting egrets, ospreys, cormorants or a bald eagle. The GoodShip JRA is a vital asset in helping people get closer to the James River.    

In mid-November, JRA hosted its final classes of the fall season for trips to Presquile. Despite the cold temperatures and rain, students were excited to board the boat and cruise the James. Students from Open High School and Hopewell High School did not let the weather keep them from learning about clean energy, tidal cycles, water quality and common fish species.

It was a special week as we caught and observed nine different species in one attempt, which was thrilling for the students. Some healthy fishing competition was created between the groups and each wanted to catch more than the last. It was exciting to see some students experiencing something for the first time, including taking a boat ride.  Usually apprehensive, students who have never been on a boat before always acclimate to the great activities supported by the GoodShip JRA. 

Conservation Tips - Rain Barrels for All!

by Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Have you ever thought about getting a rain barrel, but just weren’t impressed with their look?

Luckily with rain barrels you do not have to follow a “one size fits all” approach. There are small barrels, large barrels, cube barrels, green, black, and even wooden barrels! However, all of them have 4 basic components: 1) a barrel; 2) a top hole to collect water from your downspout; 3) an overflow near the top to release water when it’s full; and 4) a hose bib on the bottom so that you can connect a hose or fill up your bucket with water.

Two of JRA’s River Hero Homes are what I like to call rain barrel fanatics (in a good way!). David Stokes in Lynchburg has six rain barrels that hold up to 900 gallons of water! Three of his barrels are cubes and the other three are the typical black plastic barrel.

 The other River Hero Home is Margaret Smigo’s in Richmond. She has a total of six barrels that hold a combined total of 330 gallons of water! All of hers are the typical plastic barrel, but range from black, blue, and brown.

 Whatever your style may be, there is a rain barrel out there for you. If you like the classic look of a wooden barrel, JRA is now constructing rain barrels from oak bourbon barrels, courtesy of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond!  You can purchase one of JRA’s wooden rain barrels from Hardywood. If you are looking for a unique holiday gift, and a gift that benefits the James River at the same time, this could be it!

Wildlife of the James River - Wild Turkey

By Georgia Busch, JRA Intern

America has a tradition of distinguishing wildlife that has played important roles throughout history. One such animal was described as essential to early settlers’ survival and was used for peace-making during one very special meal. The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is a magnificent bird recognized for its traditional use during Thanksgiving, as well as an icon of pristine, wild nature.

The wild turkey species actually consists of five distinct sub-species. The Eastern wild turkey subspecies makes its home here in Virginia, including habitat along the James River. In fact, one particular location on the James, Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, was once called “Turkey Island” for its abundant population of Eastern wild turkeys.   

Males, known as gobblers or toms, can be as tall as four feet and weigh twenty pounds. At the base of the neck protrudes a flap of red or pink skin, known as wattles. Other gender characteristics include the prominent beards and spurs, used to display dominance. Females, known as hens, lack these features, but can grow just as tall, but weigh slightly less, between eight and twelve pounds. Wild turkey flocks are organized by pecking order and dominance is determined by fighting behavior.

Have you ever drawn a turkey by tracing your hand? Well that fantastic art activity depicts wild turkey breeding behavior! Breeding is elicited during spring because of extended daylight. Prior to breeding, gobbling, strutting and displays of that iconic tail feather pattern are all performed by toms during courtship. Hens lay clutches of ten to twelve eggs and incubate for about twenty-eight days. Poults, or juvenile wild turkeys, are bonded to their mother while hatching by listening to her soft clucking. Before leaving the nest, poults learn their mother’s alarm and communication clucks that are key to their survival.

However, poult survival is not quite so easy. Predators including snakes, skunks, opossums, raccoons, hawks, owls and foxes are threats. In addition, a growing loss of quality habitat became a problem in the 1900s. After the invention of the rocket net, wild turkey conservation groups have been able to safely capture and relocate threatened wild turkeys to more stable habitat. Wild turkey conservation efforts have helped increase population numbers from 30,000 in the early 1900s to over 7 million in North America today.

Here are more fast facts about wild turkeys:

·         A wild turkey is covered in 5000 to 6000 feathers

·         Wild turkeys can run at speeds of 25 mph and fly at 55 mph

·         Poults eat insects, berries and seeds

·         Adults eat acorns, berries, insects and even small reptiles

Gobble your way into the woods this season and listen for some turkey calls. To hear more, visit:

http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/calling_tips.html

RiverRats Going Tidal!

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

On Saturday, November 10^th, we trained the newest additions to JRA’s RiverRats group. A total of 11 men and women came out to the YMCA located near the James River Bridge in Newport News. Most of these folks are already out on the water regularly and wanted to learn how they can take their trips to the next level by helping our James Riverkeepers keep an eye on the James and its tributaries.

The majority of the group was from Newport News and Williamsburg, but a few came down from Richmond and one even made the trip from Farmville! Their chosen patrol sections range from the Hatton Ferry to Scottsville stretch, down to the Chickahominy River, and to Deep Creek in Newport News.  We are excited to have them aboard and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the coming year.

JRA is so grateful to our dedicated and knowledgeable RiverRats crew. They are a core part of our organization and have helped us get the word out about the importance of a cleaner James River and have taken great action in their communities.

If you would like to become part of this amazing group of citizens, JRA will be holding four training sessions in 2013 that include Richmond on February 9, Williamsburg on April 13, Lynchburg on August 3, and Richmond on November 9. For more information on the program or to register for an upcoming training session, please contact Amber Ellis at volunteer@jrava.org. 

GE Brings the Nature Center at Bryan Park to Life!

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

On November 2^nd the Watershed Restoration group from JRA, several staff from the City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, the Friends of Bryan Park, and a group of volunteers from General Electric (GE) gathered at Bryan Park to help bring the future Environmental Education Center to life. This project was made possible by a grant from the GE Volunteers Foundation.

The park’s Shelter #2 has recently been renovated for conducting nature programs and this group enhanced the outdoor resources by expanding the butterfly gardens and installing a 1,100-foot trail designed for use by wheelchairs and the visually impaired.

The butterfly gardens contain plant species that support their lifecycle, which include plants that the caterpillars like to eat, as well as those that the adult butterflies feed on. We planted parsley, dome aster, milkweed, coneflower, and several other plants that these insects will love!

The trail passes by several trees that have interesting bark and foliage to touch. The stations along the trail will be developed in the next phase and will include stops at bird call stations, various flora and fauna, and the history of the park.

JRA would like to thank the GE Volunteer Foundation and the GE citizenship team of employees for their support in making this project a reality. This group worked hard with smiles on their faces all day and accomplished a lot.

Sturgeon on the Rise – A Guide to Spotting a Giant Flying Fish

by Jamie Brunkow, JRA's Lower James Riverkeeper

From the falls of Richmond to the expansive estuary near Jamestown, an ancient creature is returning to its spawning habitat in the James River. It’s continuing a fall migration that has taken place for eons. And it’s showing signs of an endangered species attempting to make a comeback.

Sturgeons have persisted since the age of the dinosaurs, making them one of the oldest groups of fish in existence today. They’ve been around so long, that they’ve earned the moniker “living fossils.” Yet the arrival and industrialization of mankind proved to be more than the sturgeon could contend with. Overfishing and loss of habitat have sent the Atlantic Sturgeon population to the brink of collapse.

But in the James River the story of Atlantic Sturgeon has taken a remarkable turn in recent years. It’s clear that sturgeon are not only in the James, but that they’re leaping out of the water during their fall spawning season. Yes – the behavior commonly associated with flipper and other mammalian relatives known as “breaching,” is not uncommon among sturgeon. With a little luck, a fall visit to some portions of the James River can offer an unforgettable experience to the onlooker.

A breach may last less than a second, and if you’re not fast enough you may see only a splash. To increase your odds, here are some of the top places to spot a sturgeon from August to mid-November.

1.       Presquile National Wildlife Refuge – In recent years, more sturgeon have been caught and tagged here for research than anywhere else in the James. The River near Presquile is accessible by boat, and on a good day it’s not uncommon to see 2-3 sturgeon breaching in a half hour period. This is also the site of JRA’s experimental “spawning reef,” which was designed to encourage spawning and to mimic the hard substrate bottom where sturgeon prefer to lay their row.

2.       City Point, Hopewell – Just downstream from Presquile, the James River widens tremendously at the confluence with the Appomattox River. City Point Waterfront Park overlooks the area where the two Rivers meet, offering visitors a scenic view from the water’s edge and an excellent vantage point for any breaching sturgeon. You’re probably just as likely to see a breach here as you are near Presquile.

3.       The Fall Line at Richmond – For those who like to rock hop and explore the riffles and pools around Richmond, the fall season can offer an additional bonus. Researchers believe the rocky bottom and swift moving water found at the Fall Line is the preferred spawning habitat for sturgeon. You’re unlikely to see a breach here, but if you’re lucky you can spot one of these giant fish through the water column. In late September 2012, several sturgeon were spotted from the Mayo Bridge – as large as six feet long. Historically they’ve been spotted as far upstream as Bosher Dam.

4.       Deep Water Terminal – Accessible by boat and right on the edge of Richmond, the River near Deep Water Terminal is great for sturgeon seeking city dwellers. The fairly narrow channel here can mean that when a sturgeon does breach, it’s hard to miss. And reports of sturgeon are common here during the fall spawning season – just be sure one doesn’t land in your boat.

5.       Chickahominy River – If the Chickahominy is your neck of the woods, keep your eyes peeled for an occasional five foot sturgeon breaching out of the water. Although little is still known about the extent of sturgeon spawning habitat in the James River watershed, Sturgeon may have historically utilized more of the Chickahominy than we currently understand. As early as August 2012, a sturgeon was seen breaching near the mouth of Shipyard Creek, on the Chickahominy River.

Earlier in 2012, Atlantic Sturgeon were listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Throughout the Chesapeake Bay region, scientists believe sturgeon numbers are still far too few. Moratoriums on catching sturgeon have been in place for decades, but the fish is slow growing and slow to reproduce – not reaching sexual maturity until approximately 10 years. Sturgeon in the James River are far from a complete recovery. Our continued actions to protect the species are critical to bringing them back – and are a constant reminder of how extraordinarily lucky we are to have them in the James River.

Vote for Clean Water

by Adrienne Kotula, JRA's Policy Specialist

In the 40 years since the Clean Water Act was passed, we have made great strides toward fishable and swimmable waters. The James is arguably one of the rivers that has been the most improved – coming back from a 13-year fishing ban to recently being lauded as the river that runs through Outside Magazine’s Best River Town.

But what can we do to continue to protect and improve America’s Founding River? One simple act is voting for Clean Water. So on November 6^th, please keep the James in mind as you head in to the voting booth. Remember that your vote affects the future policies and funding that will impact water quality.

Learn where your candidates stand on the Clean Water Act and remember that Virginia families have a right to enjoy clean rivers, streams and beaches. Let them know that Clean Water is a priority for you. Cast your ballot for Clean Water!

Questions about voting? 

Visit the State Board of Elections.

To take the “I Vote Clean Water” pledge and receive a sticker of your choice, visit the Vote Clean Water webpage here!

A Perfect Weekend for the 2nd Annual RiverRats Raft-Up

On October 20^th, a group of our 30 RiverRats came out to Rockcliffe Farm Retreat in Concord  for JRA’s 2^nd Annual RiverRats Raft-Up. It was a gorgeous fall weekend and the trees had really started to peak. The day started with a talk from Scott Smith, a Fisheries Biologist with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, about the various types of fish found in the Upper James and their monitoring efforts.

The advanced training portion of the day included bacteria monitoring from Jamie Brunkow, our Lower James Riverkeeper, and about fishing and boating conditions from Pat Calvert, our Upper James Riverkeeper. Both of these trainings were created to help RiverRats learn more about what they can do to help our Riverkeepers gather data for the new James River Watch.

Lunch was a great time to chat with other Rats from throughout the watershed and share their experiences. After lunch, some RiverRats joined Pat and Jamie on a short float. The river was pretty low, so lots of rocks, but everyone had a good time. They all returned to relax and hear from the Marshall Expedition, which was an inspiring story for everyone.

 Awards were given out at dinner to Kim Payne for the Upper James, Kevin Hansen for the Middle James, Chris Gwaltney for the Lower James, and Joe Seiffert for his overall outstanding commitment to the James River and the RiverRats program. For those  who stuck around, we got to enjoy the campfire and listen to music by the local group, Farm Use String Band.

Some folks stayed the night and went on an 8-mile float from Rockcliffe to Bent Creek on Sunday, which was another gorgeous fall day on the James.

It was a great weekend filled with education, new friendships, and fun with a group of people sharing a love of the James River.  Thank you RiverRats!

View more photos from the Raft-up on flickr.

The Call for a Cattle-free James River

by Pat Calvert, Upper James Riverkeeper

Healthy, working farms and farmers are critical assets to the sustainable protection of the James River and its tributaries. Virginia's agriculture community provides the Commonwealth with economic well-being, beautiful rural landscapes, food and a deepened "sense of place." With little doubt, farming is a rich source of Virginia's cultural heritage. Well-managed farms which utilize "best management practices" (BMPs) are assets that recharge groundwater and that permit the slowed infiltration, filtration and purification of runoff to prevent potential river pollution. Much has been done by our federal, state and local governments to assist farmers in excluding cattle from creeks and rivers since the inception of the Clean Water Act 40 years ago. Countless farmers and land managers have enrolled in cost-share and rebate programs to ensure that their farms are effectively ensuring clean water on the farm and off.

Unfortunately, too many farms to this day do not contain necessary BMPs to prevent cattle from entering and defecating in our public waters. These cattle access points contribute significantly to streambank erosion, nutrient pollution and bacterial contamination ― major pollutants to the James River. These same farms attract the kind of unwanted negative attention with which the greater farming community must concern itself. Though old habits may die hard, the agricultural community is a necessary and crucial partner in James River restoration. This excellent publication (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-766/442-766_pdf.pdf) from Virginia Cooperative Extension details how farmers can actively and affordably improve their herd, land and economic health through streamside cattle exclusion strategies.

Destabilized riverbanks resulting from heavy-hoofed cattle entering the James River.

Land conversion from agriculture/forestry to urban/suburban is irreversible. If farmland is not lucrative through growing corn, cows or hay, then that land is very likely to grow buildings, roads, stormwater drains, parking lots and septic tanks. Even the worst polluting farm can be made healthy through relatively low cost and effective means while urban stormwater can be much more expensive and difficult to mitigate. As the Upper James Riverkeeper, I am currently spearheading a project to identify farms where cattle have direct access to the James River, engage in discussion with land managers and farmers, and to proactively ensure that these farms are provided with the necessary resources and funding to successfully achieve a "cow-free James River." We all need healthy farms for a healthy James.

The UK Takes a Serious Approach to Invasive Plants

By Judith Warrington, JRA Communications Coordinator

England’s gardens are famous and the stringent control of invasive plants may be one reason why they are so beautiful. On a recent trip to London, a homeowner Q&A column in the Evening Standard came as a real surprise.

A homeowner in the UK was selling a property and the buyer’s surveyor had found some Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), an invasive plant, on the grounds. The surveyor said the Japanese knotweed would have to be reported to the buyer’s mortgage lender. And, unless it was eradicated, the plant could even prevent the sale of the property. The sellers were questioning the validity of this claim.

It turns out that in the UK, landowners are legally obligated under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act to prevent this plant from spreading…and not just by pulling it up and tossing in the rubbish bin either. According to the article, under the Environmental Protection Action 1990, Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste and must be disposed of properly. The UK’s Environmental Agency has a Japanese Knotweed Code of Practice that details how to prevent it from spreading, how to treat it, and how to dispose of the plant. That’s a serious approach to an invasive plant!

Bill Johnson http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/faja.htm

Japanese knotweed is also found throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, including widely scattered areas in Virginia, where it grows in moist open habitats such as along riverbanks. Ironically, this Asian plant was introduced to the US via England as an ornamental and for erosion control in the late 19^thcentury.  Here in the US it is also recognized as an invasive.

Over the past 100 years invasive plants have changed the face of our landscape. Imagine what the southern US would look like without kudzu. In the James River watershed non-native plants such as Bush honeysuckle, Purple loosestrife and English ivy tend to be vigorous growers that choke out native plants and some of these invasive plants are even sold in nurseries for home gardeners.

While a bit of ivy won’t hold up your house sale, if we took a stronger stand on invasive plants in our own yards and in public parks, the local ecosystem would thank us.  For more information on identifying and eradicating local invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed, the National Park Services offers a downloadable guide called “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas.” http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/midatlanticprint.htm

Students Put Conservation Lessons Into Action

By Gabe Silver, JRA Education and Outreach Manager

Those whose work involves email will be familiar with the sense of dread held by the “inbox” upon one’s return from a vacation. So it was for me, coming back in October after taking some time off, and facing my inbox for the first time. Amongst the many electronic missives chronicling things to be done, fixed, or responded to, was a simple message from Botetourt County teacher Sharon Keith that warmed my heart, and that’s what I’d like to share today.

 

Sharon Keith is one of nine teachers who, along with students from her school, participated in this past summer’s James River Expedition. The group from James River High School in Botetourt County came halfway across the state one overcast Saturday this past July to begin paddling in Richmond. Eight days of hard work and learning later, they paddled around the point at Fort Monroe and into the Chesapeake Bay. The students had a chance to connect with the river, living in and around it each day and learning from their experience about the beauty, importance, and health of the river.

We say goodbye at the end of these amazing journeys and hope that the inspiration about conservation and the environment lasts with each participant. So an email like Sharon’s really makes my day!

She simply reported that she and her students had gotten involved in the Upper James River Volunteer Clean-Up Day. She reported that these energized young river rats not only decided to help with a day of pulling tires and other trash out of the river, but had recruited fellow students to help out as well. And furthermore, they don’t want to stop there; they want to take on other river conservation projects in the future.

So thanks Sharon, for connecting your students to the James River, and especially for taking the time to send us a few pictures. Seeing kids take on cleaning up their world (most often a mess they didn’t create), helps everyone stay inspired to keep working for a better future.

Dirt! The Foundation for a Healthy Lawn

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

It’s that time of year again when we see our neighbors throwing tons of fertilizer on their “lawn” hoping for greener grass, which currently is just compacted dirt. I hate to be the one to tell them, but that fertilizer won’t do much good if they have unhealthy soil. Here are two steps that will give you a green and healthy lawn without all the fertilizer.

 

Aerate your lawn. Many of our lawns are compacted, which makes it difficult for oxygen, water, and nutrients to seep below the surface. By aerating your lawn you are creating spaces that allow the air, water, and nutrients to access the roots where they can do some good. Aerating also pulls some soil to the surface, which helps decompose thatch. You only have to do it once a year and your lawn will love you for it.

Incorporate compost. One of the best ways to improve the structure of your soil is to top-dress your lawn with 1/4” of fine compost at least once a year. So what’s so great about compost? In a few words…it is full of life! Compost improves drainage, reduces pest and disease problems, balances the pH levels of your soil, and attracts the good insects and worms. One of its greatest benefits is that it contains all of the important nutrients, as well as trace elements you do not find in commercial fertilizers. Compost also helps your soil retain moisture. You can either buy compost or use homemade compost from your own pile.

Most lawns in Virginia are cool-season grasses and the best time to apply compost and aerate is between September and November. If you have warm-season grasses the best time is early April to late August. 

Do you already aerate and compost? Then you may be a River Hero Home! Visit www.jamesriverhero.org for details and to apply. You will receive a River Hero Home garden flag to hang proudly, so that when the neighbor who has been fertilizing his lawn tirelessly sees your beautiful green lawn, you can tell him your secret for a healthy lawn and a cleaner James River!

For more information:

Aerating Your Lawn. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-002/430-002.html

Making Compost from Yard Waste. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/category/lawns.html

River Hero Homes. www.jamesriverhero.org

JRA RiverRat Installs “No Dumping” Markers in Lynchburg

RiverRat Nora Cox, along with six other volunteers, including Virginia Master Naturalists and one other RiverRat, headed out on Saturday, September 22 to install storm drain markers. They worked in three teams of two for about three hours and installed 90 markers in an area bounded by Peakland Place, Link Road and Spottswood Place in Boonesboro.

The markers are a great tool to educate the public about how stormwater does not go to a magical place to get cleaned before entering our waterways. All of that trash and pollution off the street goes into the drain and eventually the James River.

Materials for the storm drain project were provided by the Middle James Roundtable and are available to any group that wants to install them in their local neighborhood!

Nora’s recommendations for anyone considering a similar project: Each team needs someone strong enough to work the adhesive; remember to not only cut the tips of the tubes off but to also puncture the foil down in the tip; and the warmer the air temperature, the easier the adhesive is to apply.

Want to help? If you live in the Lynchburg area, sign up to volunteer for a storm drain marking project with JRA. On Wednesday, October 24 from 9:30 to noon, we will be installing markers and picking up trash throughout a neighborhood near the Oakwood Country Club. Pre-registration is required. To register contact Amber Ellis at 804-788-8811, ext. 205 or register online at volunteer@jrava.org.

Wildlife of the James - Presquile’s Parasitic Plants

By Zack Lake,  JRA Field Educator

It’s the Halloween season, so here’s a plant that would make any vampire happy! Walking along the boardwalk at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, if you look just to the left facing the creek, you will come across dodder, one of the 4,100 known species of parasitic plants. Dodder (Cuscuta sp.) is a genus of yellow, orange, or red parasitic plants which is comprised of 100 to 170 different species, only 9 of which have been identified in Virginia.

While certain species of dodder are capable of photosynthesis, other species are obligate parasites. This means it must have its host to survive and complete its life cycle. A host is needed because many species of dodder lack leaves and chlorophyll entirely, hence the yellowish coloration. The plant is rather inconspicuous, and appears as a thin yellow string. To compensate for its lack of chlorophyll, dodder penetrates the host plant with modified root structures known as haustoria, inserts itself into the vascular system of the host plant, and extracts carbohydrates. Although dodder can be germinated without a host, it has to reach a plant quickly to survive.

Here’s the fascinating part that makes this parasitic plant even creepier: dodder seeks a viable host through the use of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and then grows toward these cues to reach its host! To put that into simpler terms, the plant actually seeks out and finds its host by sense of smell. Like any good vampire who wants a meal, it is not advantageous for dodder to kill its host plant, and infestation is generally not deadly to the host plant, though infestations may prove fatal if severe enough.

While certain species of dodder are host species-specific, meaning that they can only grow on a particular species, most dodder species can grow on several different types of plants. Some host plants include Spotted jewelweed, Goldenrod, Black locust, and Blackberries. Even though it is a parasitic plant, dodder has such a seemingly relentless strategy for survival that it can actually be beneficial to plants other than the host. For example, dodder can control the growth of fast-spreading plants such as Virginia creeper and English ivy, which can often crowd out other plants. Dodder is an annual plant that spreads through seed dispersal. And it is extremely patient! Dodder’s seeds have a very hard coat and can remain dormant for as long as 5 to 10 years. Happy Halloween from Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, home of the James River Ecology School…and dodder!