JRA celebrates James River Week with boat tours, paddles, and hikes

To celebrate James River Week (Sept. 12-19) and "The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon" to the James, the James River Association offered a series of outings on its pontoon boat, Spirit of the James. The tours departed from Rocketts Landing Marina, and participants had an opportunity to learn about the Atlantic Sturgeon's comeback and enjoy occasional sturgeon sightings with Genevieve Wall and Aaron Bouchard of JRA (pictured, left to right, holding a life-sized sturgeon model).

Fall activities on the James River will continue with several guided paddle programs led by JRA educators,  including a one-way guided canoe trip from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek (Sept. 21).  Among other guided paddles will be Ancarrow’s Landing (Sept. 23 and Oct. 3); Deep Bottom Park (Oct. 19); and Turkey Island Creek (Sept. 26 and Oct. 6).

Boat tours and specialty programs offered in October include a variety of opportunities to explore Presquile National Wildlife Refuge:  Explore Birds of Presquile (pontoon and hike, Oct. 2); Explore Fish of the James (pontoon and sturgeon tank, Oct. 7 and 24); Explore Plants of Presquile (pontoon and hike, Oct. 14); and Explore Wetlands of Presquile (pontoon, hike and paddle, Oct. 17).

For details and to register, visit thejamesriver.org.