Help JRA do “Amazing Things”

Help JRA do “Amazing Things” during the 3rd Annual Amazing Raise, sponsored by The Community Foundation

The Amazing Raise takes place from 6 am, September 18 to 6 pm, September 19.  During this exciting 36-hour giving campaign more than 550 Richmond-area nonprofit organizations will compete for over $130,000 in bonus prizes. This includes a $20,000 grand prize for the organization with the most unique donations of $50 or more at the end of the 36 hours. See complete list of prizes here.

Here’s how YOU can do something amazing for JRA…

• Starting on September 18, go to GiveRichmond.org, or The Amazing Raise form on JRA’s website and blog, www.jrava.org.  (To give to JRA through the GiveRichmond.org website, you must search for the James River Association from the list of participating organizations.)
• All donations must be made online by credit or debit card. Minimum donation is $25.
• Only gifts made between 6 am on September 18 and 6 pm on September 19 count toward JRA’s The Amazing Raise total.
• You can make your gift in honor or memory of a loved one. And, you can track JRA’s progress on the real‐time leaderboard on www.GiveRichmond.org.

What amazing things has JRA done this past year?

Here are just a few examples. Thanks to the support of people like you, JRA has…

Established the James River Ecology School

We’re connecting students in grades 5 through 12 to nature and inspiring our next generation of river stewards through innovative, hands-on programs at the new James River Ecology School on Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. http://www.jrava.org/what-we-do/education-and-outreach

Built an experimental sturgeon spawning reef

Located in the James River, just downstream from the Varina-Enon Bridge, this experimental reef duplicates ideal spawning conditions for Atlantic sturgeon. The reef will help scientists study this giant, native fish in an effort to help rebuild their population. The project was made possible by support from The Nature Conservancy, NOAA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Luck Stone.

Certified 135 River Hero Homes

These 135 homeowners are among the first to successfully take steps to improve local water quality. They have reduced the amount of stormwater and pollution leaving their property every time it rains! Through some river-friendly landscaping, like adding a rain barrel, you too can become a River Hero Home. Find out how at www.jamesriverhero.org.

Trained 125 RiverRats to monitor our waterways for pollution

RiverRats are volunteers who have been trained to monitor a stretch of the James or a tributary looking for pollution or threats to the environment. More than 527 river miles are currently being monitored by our RiverRats. This includes 91% of the main stem of the James River! For more information on this program visit: http://www.jrava.org/get-involved/volunteer/riverrats

Worked to ensure $216 million was approved by the Virginia General Assemble for water-quality improvement

In 2013 the Virginia General Assembly approved $216 million for water quality improvements. This funding will help localities upgrade wastewater treatment plants, better manage stormwater runoff, and improve sewer systems. $26 million was also approved for agriculture. Cleaner waterways means greater economic, tourism and recreational opportunities, a benefit for all Virginians! 

Created three new public access sites

This year two new public access sites opened on the James River in Charles City County and Botetourt County. A third site opened on the Cowpasture River in the Town of Clifton Forge. JRA is currently working with a number of partners, including the National Park Service and Chesapeake Conservancy, to establish public river access sites in Henrico, Charles City and Surry counties.

Help JRA do more amazing things to protect  America’s Founding River through your donation of $50 or more during the Amazing Raise, 6 am September 18  to  6 pm September 19! Go to www.jrava.org