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.