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.