Help Protect the James by Becoming a River Hero Home

Spring showers are just around the corner and to help homeowners reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution leaving their property, JRA will be launching a new certification program called River Hero Homes starting March 1.

Becoming a certified River Hero Home is a simple way to help protect the James River by reducing the amount of stormwater, chemicals and silt that flows into local waterways. Depending on where you live, certification may also help you qualify for stormwater rebates or credits offered by your locality. The program is open to everyone within the James River watershed. Even if you can’t see the river – or any body of water – from your house, your actions still impact the health of the James River and its tributaries.

You can become a River Hero Home by completing 6 simple steps, many of which you may be doing already. These steps, which include picking up after your pet, reducing lawn fertilizer use and installing rain barrels, may seem trivial, but they can all have significant impacts on water quality.

There’s more to being a River Hero Home than just being a good steward. Participants will receive a garden flag and window cling with the River Hero Homes logo. We’ve created a Google Group and newsletter where homeowners can share ideas and learn from others. And finally, as a certified River Hero, you’ll be invited to the annual River Hero Home Lawn Party where you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other “Heroes” who are proudly taking action at home to protect America’s Founding River!

Interested in becoming a River Hero Home but aren’t sure how to begin? Start by looking around your yard. Do you have downspouts that flow onto your driveway or sidewalk? Are there areas of your yard that tend to stay wet for a long time after it rains? If so, your yard is perfect for a River Hero Homes transformation! If you’re interested in learning more about the River Hero Home program, join us for an informational session on Thursday, March 15 from 6:30-7:30pm. The session will be held at the JRA office – 9 South 12th Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, 23219. JRA staff will explain the certification process and answer your questions about becoming a River Hero Home.