The seventh annual James River Expedition kicks off June 24 with 29 ecologically-minded students from across Virginia’s James River basin. The educational adventure, in which participants collectively paddle the length of the James, teaches students conservation, responsible stewardship and the river’s history while camping and traveling aboard canoes, rafts, and bateaux.
Twenty-nine students from 20 Virginia high schools will participate in one of 3 six-day trips down the James. They will meet a diverse group of business owners, farmers and conservationists along the way to learn about their livelihoods and the many uses for the river. This once in a lifetime learning adventure focuses on building confidence and leadership while helping participants understand the importance of the river and the future challenges for keeping it healthy.
Students were selected through an open application process earlier this year, based on their interests in the watershed and a desire to learn about the James River.
“We are thrilled to once again offer students a unique, hands-on experience that teaches them about the major role the river plays in our lives and educates them on the impact that they can have on maintaining its health,” said Nat Draper, education manager for the James River Association. “We’re incredibly proud that they then take this knowledge back to their schools, families and communities to help ensure a healthy future for the James.”
Participants involved in the Expedition represent a diverse geographic span of Virginia, from heavier populated regions like Richmond, to more rural counties such as Dinwiddie.
The Expedition launches from Presquile National Wildlife Refuge and will travel to Fort Monroe, June 24-29. From July 8-13, the second group of students will paddle from Buchanan to Snowden. The Expedition concludes as students make their way from Concord to Richmond, July 22-27.
For more information on the James River Expedition, visit www.jamesriverassociation.org/expedition.
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