PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: WATERSHED RESTORATION

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

The People

JRA’s Watershed Restoration “team” is made up of only two people who cover the entire watershed!

Michelle Kokolis is the Watershed Restoration Program Manager and has been with JRA since 2008. She grew up just north of Pittsburgh near the Allegheny River and if you have ever met her, you will know she is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan! Michelle received a Masters of Science in Biology with a concentration in Wetland Sciences from Old Dominion University. One reason our staff love her? She can make one mean cupcake!

Amber Ellis splits her time between Watershed Restoration and Volunteer Coordination for all programs and has been with JRA since May 2010. Amber grew up in Powhatan County and has a healthy obsession with gardening. She may be the only person that actually enjoys weeding! Amber received a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech and is a licensed Landscape Architect in Virginia.

The Work

People may think that we are outside every day planting trees., but about 75% of our time is spent in the office. While our projects evolve constantly, there are a few things that remain constant: engaging the public through hands-on projects and educating the public on watershed health.

Our volunteer events include cleanups, rain garden maintenance, and planting. The Self-Directed Trash Program allows groups to direct their own cleanup with site ideas and supplies provided by us. Extreme Stream Makeover is a major project that we do every couple years within the James River watershed. This is a weeklong restoration project that targets an impacted urban stream. During that intensive week volunteers remove trash, build rain barrels, plant buffers and install rain gardens in the targeted area. 

Corporate partner often want to conduct a team building or community service event and with their support, we are able to provide an event catered toward their needs. Some examples have included an invasive species removal and bluebell planting at Pony Pasture with the employees of Tredegar and a tree planting at Bryan Park with Altria staff.

Our education efforts include rain barrel workshops, presentations to groups, and the River Hero Homes certification program. This program recognizes homeowners who are taking steps to improve water quality on their property.  Some steps they can take include installing a rain barrel, cleaning up after their pet, or planting natives.

There are many ways for you to become involved with JRA’s Watershed Restoration efforts. Sign up to volunteer today for one of our upcoming events, rain barrel workshops, or become a River Hero Home!