Meet Bill Street, our guest editor for a special early edition of Here Weekly! Bill is the executive director of James River Association and today he kicks off "Riding the Currents of 2020," a virtual event featuring the exceptional efforts in our river community, giveaways, and inspiring updates across the watershed. As a child, Bill remembers following his father as he waded in lush underwater grass beds dipping for soft shell crabs. But by the time Bill came of age to dip for crabs himself, those vital grass beds were gone because pollution wiped them out. Now with two sons of his own, Bill's personal mission is to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy healthy Virginia waters. Take it away, Bill ...
Every time I see a sturgeon breach, an eagle soar or see people swimming in the river right downtown, it fuels my fire to keep the James River comeback coming. Here are three tips to get outside this fall to explore our river and the Richmond community at large. See you on the water!
Pipeline
Trail
A wonderful getaway to escape right in the heart of Richmond City, the James River Pipeline Trail offers captivating scenery and an up-close-and-personal view of the Pipeline rapids. Located at the end of S. 12th St. downtown, this unique trail has a metal ladder you can climb down to walk the pipeline, boasting even greater opportunities to observe the natural resources of Virginia’s largest river and take in Fall’s foliage. You may even spot a Great Blue Heron among other wildlife tucked away in the banks of the James. Make sure to bring a blanket as there are several small, sandy beaches nestled throughout the trail which act as the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic or sit down by the water.
The Robins Nature Center at Maymont, a 29,000 sq. ft. attraction and the largest facility of its kind in Central Virginia, holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. As part of the Center’s $2.3 million renovation project, Maymont is showcasing a special exhibit themed, “Run of the River,” which highlights the natural history of the area and accentuates the remarkable ecology of the James River located on Maymont’s southern border in Richmond. The Center presents a new way to experience the river with features like “River Reach,” a 34 ft tall sculpture that inspires active play and learning within a series of netted rising platforms that depict microscopic river microorganisms. You can catch me there among the approximately 45,000 guests that have already visited the exhibit for a fun and interactive day exploring all of the many exciting hands-on activities.
After exploring Maymont and the James River Pipeline Trail, I recommend you enjoy a delicious beer at one of my favorite spots - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. You won't want to miss the upcoming release of their Gingerbread Porter and Bourbon GBS on Saturday, November 14 from 12pm-9pm at both their Richmond Brew House & Taproom location and the West Creek Brewery location. Sip on the Bourbon GBS, ranked as one of the Top 20 Milk Stouts in the World by BeerAdvocate.com, while listening to live bluegrass as a nod to Hardywood’s traditional Bluegrass Festival, while taking in the beautiful scenery of Tuckahoe Creek. You can also grab a Great Return IPA if that’s more your speed - a seven-year collaboration benefitting the James River Association - bringing awareness to the great comeback of Atlantic sturgeon in the James River.
There’s still time to register for James River Association’s Riding the Currents of 2020, happening at 5pm tonight! This annual-oyster-roast-turned-virtual-event will give you an exclusive insider’s look into inspiring updates on JRA’s work across the watershed, James Changer Awards acknowledging exceptional efforts in our river community, and awesome river-themed giveaways including paddles on the James and a pontoon boat tour for 10. There’s even a James Changer cocktail lesson and Waterbird Spirits giveaway if you log on early at 4:45pm! NBC12 Meteorologist Andrew Freiden will host, joined by an exciting lineup of local and international industry experts who will speak to the importance of water in our lives, our rivers, and our planet.
