The James River Association (JRA) has long been dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginia’s iconic waterway. As part of this mission, they’ve recently completed the Upper James River Education Center in Madison Heights at Riveredge Park — a project that owes much of its success to local partnerships, including a $100,000 grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation (GLCF).
The outdoor learning facility, which has been in the works for more than five years, is designed to provide accessible, immersive experiences for students and the community.
Through funding from local foundations and donors, JRA, a nonprofit that serves as an advocate and guardian of the James River, created a campus of facilities that includes a renovated indoor teaching space and offices, multiple outdoor classrooms, a new river access trail and a landing. The new center also includes a historic batteau, a flat-bottomed vessel used during the Colonial period and to transport tobacco on the James River.
“We’ve been operating educational programs in the Lynchburg area for over a decade, but this facility has truly transformed what we can offer,” Charles Johnson, Upper James education manager for the JRA, said. “It’s a fully accessible space with indoor and outdoor learning areas, allowing us to run programs for all students, regardless of physical ability.”
Kathryn Yarzebinski said JRA is a statewide organization based in Richmond, and while its work supports the entire James River, the group wanted to build something that would directly benefit the community in the greater Lynchburg area.
“In 2022, they applied for our Century Fund Grant to help complete the center and we were excited to support a project that brings both environmental education and greater access to the river,” she said.
“Most of our grants are smaller, but this is the largest one we give each year. It’s competitive and nonprofits have to show how the grant will be a game changer for their project,” she said. “JRA’s proposal was incredibly strong, combining education and environmental conservation — two areas we’re deeply committed to supporting.”
The center features three covered learning areas, a rain harvesting system to teach best management practices and indoor-outdoor flexible spaces that can accommodate different group sizes.
“Instead of traditional four walls, we’ve designed two walls that open up to create larger indoor-outdoor spaces, allowing us to blend classroom learning with hands-on environmental education,” Johnson said.
The center’s innovative design is intended to foster engagement with the natural world, particularly the James River ecosystem.
“We’re still working on the final touches inside, including freshwater touch tanks that will feature species native to the James River,” Johnson said. “These exhibits will give students a chance to interact directly with the river’s aquatic life.”
With GLCF’s financial backing, the Upper James River Education Center was completed in the fall of 2023. Yarzebinski described the center as a “cool building” that many in the community are still unaware of.
“It’s not just an office space,” she said. “They’ve built in river access and they run camps and educational events for people of all ages. It’s an incredible resource, and we want more people to know it’s there.”
Johnson said accessibility is one of JRA’s biggest challenges, and the new facility helps to overcome that.
“Outdoor field trips can sometimes be difficult to make accessible for all students. Now, we have a facility that is inclusive, allowing us to work with more students from both the city and surrounding counties,” he said.
JRA has seen a marked increase in its educational outreach.
“This fall alone, we’re expecting to work with roughly 2,700 students from across the region,” Johnson said. “We partner with Lynchburg City Schools, as well as students from Bedford, Campbell, Appomattox, Amherst, Nelson and the private schools. We work with all fourth graders in Lynchburg, eighth graders, and AP Environmental Science students.”
Yarzebinski added how the education center aligns its programming with Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs), making it a popular field trip destination for local schools.
“Students get hands-on experience in the river, which is so much more meaningful than just reading about it in a classroom,” she said. “They leave with a deeper appreciation of the James River and its value to our community. It’s a direct example of how our grants impact Virginia schoolchildren and underscores our commitment to conservation.”
In addition to educational programs, the Upper James River Center offers volunteer opportunities.
“Volunteers are trained to test the river’s water quality twice a week, providing essential data about when the river is safe for recreational use. It’s a great way for people to give back to the community and help protect the river,” Johnson said.
Looking ahead, Johnson mentioned exciting plans for the center, including the launch of Lynchburg’s annual EcoFest in late spring or early summer next year.
“The event will allow the community to explore the park, learn about the James River Association’s work and enjoy activities like canoeing, kayaking and rides on a historic batteau,” he said.
With the Upper James River Education Center now fully operational, Johnson said he is eager to welcome more students, volunteers and community members to engage with the river and learn how to protect its resources.
“Our goal is to make environmental education accessible to everyone and to inspire the next generation of river stewards.”
As the education center enters its first full year of operation, Yarzebinski said she is optimistic about its long-term impact.
“We get to see our grants in action, and it’s really exciting. Professionally and personally, I’ve been to several events at the center and every time I’m reminded of how meaningful this work is,” she said. “It’s creating a new generation of community members who care about conserving our natural resources.”
