James River Association

There’s a lot to appreciate about the Virginia native tree, Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). This time of year, it produces delicious fruit, earning its name Diospyros, meaning "fruit of the gods." From September through mid-December, ripe persimmons fall to the ground, providing fruit for birds, foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer—and humans alike! With its deep root system, Common persimmon is also an excellent tree choice for erosion control in riparian forest buffers—areas of trees, shrubs, and plants that grow along streams and rivers. Interested in learning more about riparian buffers and the James River Buffer Program? Join us tomorrow, Thursday October 17, at 1 pm for a 30-minute webinar where we’ll cover the benefits of riparian buffers and how you can get involved in the program. Register here: https://loom.ly/03_lK5A #RiparianBufferMonth #RiverHeroHomes

Deepen your knowledge of riparian buffers and the James River Buffer Program! Join the James River Association's Restoration Field Manager, Joey Shelton, for a FREE 30-minute webinar on Thursday, October 17th at 1:00 PM EST. In this session, you'll gain insights on: ??The critical role of riparian buffers: Discover how these natural filters improve water quality, cool streams, and provide essential wildlife habitat. ??The James River Buffer Program: Learn about this impactful program and explore opportunities to get involved in protecting the James River. ??Whether you're a land manager, environmental consultant, or simply passionate about conservation, this webinar is for you! Register Now: https://lnkd.in/ejUW3_Hu Spread the word! Share this post with your network and encourage them to join the webinar. #NationalRiparianBufferMonth #RiparianBuffers #Conservation

This National Riparian Buffer Month, we're showcasing Hebron Hill Farm, a fourth-generation cattle farm leading the way in sustainable agriculture! Committed to conservation, owner Cecilia Lappstoltz partnered with the Thomas Jefferson SWCD and the James River Association to implement a comprehensive riparian buffer project. Here's how collaboration fostered environmental success: ??Funding and Expertise: Grants from the SWCD and JRA supported the project's execution. ??Cattle Exclusion Fencing & Water Troughs: This kept cattle out of the stream, reducing erosion and improving water quality. ??1.34 Acres of Riparian Buffer: Native trees and shrubs were planted, filtering runoff and providing wildlife habitat. ??Hebron Hill Farm is a shining example of how agricultural practices can co-exist with environmental responsibility. Their dedication inspires us all to find sustainable solutions. Read their full story and learn more about riparian buffers: https://lnkd.in/eaxGvbY9 #RiparianBufferMonth

Thanks to our longtime partners Coca-Cola Consolidated and our new friends at Mt. Olive Pickle Company, the James River Association distributed 144 rain barrels in 2023 through our River Hero Homes program! These partnerships allow us to offer rain barrel workshops, helping residents conserve water and protect the James River. Interested in installing a rain barrel at home? Join us for a FREE workshop at the Plant Native! Festival in Henrico County this Saturday, October 19th! We have 3 workshops available - 10am, 11am, and 12pm. Don't miss out on your chance to snag a FREE 55-gallon rain barrel and learn how to use it to water your garden! Sign Up for a Workshop: https://lnkd.in/e-5jeBWe Learn More About the Plant Native! Festival: https://lnkd.in/eYxMy6JT #JamesRiver #RainBarrel #Conservation #Sustainability #Gardening #HenricoCounty #PlantNativeFestival

Looking to add a splash of fall color to your Virginia landscape and support local wildlife? Look no further than Goldenrod! (Solidago spp.) This herbaceous perennial, a member of the aster family, isn't just about those vibrant yellow blooms. Goldenrod plays a vital role in our ecosystem: ? Pollinator Paradise: Attracts bees, butterflies, and moths, keeping our gardens buzzing. ? Caterpillar Cornerstone: Supports 112 caterpillar species, a crucial food source for birds. ? Adaptable All-Star: Thrives in various light and soil conditions, making it a versatile addition. Goldenrod is a fantastic example of the many benefits of incorporating Virginia native plants into your landscaping. Join the James River Association at the Plant Native! Festival on Saturday, October 19th in Henrico County's Dorey Park. Discover the beauty and ecological value of native species! https://lnkd.in/eYxMy6JT

Richmond Tree Week is kicking of this Friday. From October 11 to October 20, celebrate Richmond’s urban forest through community events, educational workshops, tree plantings, tree giveaways, tours, and MORE. The James River Association is organizing a community tree planting event at North Avenue Branch Library on Friday, October 11, and a tree giveaway at East End Branch Library on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Trees are available on a first come, first served basis. For more info, visit the Reforest Richmond website: https://lnkd.in/ejDPZAmT

Through the James River Buffer Program, we partnered with Michael and Nancy Stephenson, property owners along Fine Creek, a tributary of the James River, to replant and improve their buffer area. This area was experiencing erosion, harming the creek and river health. Thanks to the project's efforts, native trees and shrubs now flourish along the buffer, preventing further erosion and providing vital wildlife habitat. This is a fantastic example of how buffer restoration can significantly improve our waterways! Read more about this success story on the Upper & Middle Consortium's website: https://lnkd.in/e2V98YEg

Happy National Riparian Buffer Month! ?? Let's celebrate the vital role buffers play in protecting our waterways and creating much-needed habitat for our wildlife. There are several programs throughout the James River Watershed that can assist you in creating a buffer on your property. One program is our James River Buffer Program, which helps landowners create and restore streamside forests. These buffers improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance property values. Learn more about the program and which counties are eligible for participation: www.jamesriverbuffers.org

Virginia's native deciduous trees are putting on a spectacular show with their vibrant fall foliage! From Tulip Poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) to Pin Oaks (Quercus palustris) and Red Maples (Acer rubrum), these beauties aren't just a feast for the eyes. These trees are environmental powerhouses, mitigating heat, providing vital wildlife habitat, reducing stormwater pollution, and stabilizing riparian buffers. Deepen your appreciation for trees: Explore the Middle & Upper James River Consortium's Plant Guide: https://lnkd.in/eyYvXBTE Join the James River Association's webinar on the benefits of trees on Oct 9th, 1 PM EST: https://lnkd.in/eSGa7BRS

Want to be a hero for your community and the James River? Join the River Hero Homes program and learn how to make your home more river-friendly. It's as easy as properly disposing of pet waste, using native plants, and conserving water. October is River Hero Homes Month, so take the pledge today and join us for webinars, rain barrel workshops, and a conservation landscaping giveaway! By making small changes at home, you can have a big impact on water quality and wildlife habitat. Learn more and take the pledge: https://lnkd.in/eQ5R6hqM