Protecting America's
Founding River

Online class conducted via Zoom

The James River is a historically and ecologically important river in Virginia. It is a coastal plain estuary whose water flows over 400 miles from its headwaters in the mountains to the joining of the Chesapeake Bay at its mouth. It is an ecosystem rich with marine, estuarine, and freshwater species threatened by a growing human population, sprawling urban development, and increasing levels of pollutants. In the first class of this two-part series, we explore the rich history and diverse ecology of the James River, examine the effects of pollutants on plant and animal species, and investigate the environmental regulations established to protect this natural resource and improve overall water quality. Between the two sessions, participants receive an assessment tool and a map of the Garden to explore examples of storm management practices in place. In the second part, explore the specific practices modeled that will not only beautify the landscape but also protect the watershed. Participants receive extensive information on water regulatory guidelines and how to conduct an assessment of a given site. This program is supported by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.