I saw this on Oregon Hill and knew we have more than our share of mountain biking families on the southbank. From the James River Association announcement;

Virginia Outside is holding a kids mountain bike benefit day at Belle Isle on June 26th from 9:00 am-11:00 am. Come out and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the James River while learning the basics of bike safety and riding technique. Experienced and trained staff will be on hand to teach riding basics, trail safety, and the importance of an outdoor experience. The cost is $20. All proceeds will be donated to the James River Association. Ages 6-12. Kids will be grouped based on skill level. All participants must provide their own bike and helmet.

To register, contact Tee Clarkson, tsclarkson at virginiaoutside.com or 804-687-1869.

For more information on Virginia Outside go to www.virginiaoutside.com

The James River Association is overseeing the JRAC (James River Advisory Council) 11th Annual James River Regional Cleanup at the Reedy Creek site on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 9 to 1. Volunteers are needed to help with the clean up, but most of all, JRA needs some site staff volunteers to assist with registration, recycling and cooking for the after-event picnic. Anyone interested in serving as a site staff volunteer with JRA, please contact Michelle Kokolis, Watershed Restoration Manager at: mkokolis@jrava.org or 788-8811, ext 204.

Clean up volunteers can register here.

It is over a month away but registration is first come first serve. There is a workshop by Tricycle Gardens that is earlier (April 10th) and only has 8 confirmed guests. A representative from the H&H household hopes to be at the May 5th workshop.

The James River Association is holding a rain barrel workshop on Wednesday, May 5. The workshop will be at the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 4401 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, VA 23225 from 6:30 – 8pm. The cost is $65 per barrel including all supplies and must be made prior to the workshop. Registration is limited to the first 25 people and you must be able to take the barrel home that night. Contact Michelle to register: volunteer@jrava.org or 788-8811 ext 204

You’re invited to celebrate the James River with an evening of storytelling on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Richmond Times-Dispatch downtown offices at 300 East Franklin Street. Richmond. No reservations are required and admission is free.

Hear stories from some of the people who fish, explore, swim and protect the James, including James River Association’s Upper James Riverkeeper, David Sligh.

Also hear stories from Richmond Times-Dispatch writer Rex Springston and photographer P. Kevin Morley about their experiences creating the year-long series, the James River Journal.

Rex and Kevin will also sign copies of their new book created from the popular series. Copies of the book, James River Journal: A Year in the Life of a River, will be available for purchase for $14.99, plus tax.

For more information, call Sundra Hominik, Richmond Times-Dispatch at 804.649.6765.

The James River Association received a $100,000 grant to help build awareness of the river’s problems and to protect the James from polluted runoff. The grant was given by the RBC Blue Water Project from the Royal Bank of Canada. The Blue Water Project is awarding grants totaling $4.1 million to 31 organizations throughout Canada, the British Isles and the United States. [via]

From Wil on the Forest Hill Neighborhood Facebook Group:

JROC (James River Outdoor Coalition) is having a gear swap April 18th 10:00 to 2:00 at Plant Zero 220 Hull St. All types of used gear for sale – sell your old gear. 10% of sales goes to James River Park.

It’s awhile until it happens but earlier this week  I received an email outlining the James River Run-Off Run Down, register now to ensure your spot.

On July 11, 2009, river enthusiasts from across the Commonwealth will cover small sections of the James River such that, taken in concert, the entire length of the James River – all 340-miles – will be traversed in one day.

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From the Jame River Association website:

I didn’t realize that Maymont offers a bunch of Summer Camps for a variety of ages.

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From the James River Association website:

Join the James River Association for The Rally for Clean Water
When: January 26, 2009, 11 am – 12 pm
Where: Meet at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square (9th & Franklin Streets)

Join hundreds of clean water supporters in Richmond on Monday, January 26, 2009, for The Rally for Clean Water. Make sure everyone knows that residents from across the Commonwealth of Virginia support clean water. Join us in the effort to protect our rivers, our streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

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