The James River Park System
Owned by the City of Richmond, the JRPS is a public park in Richmond Virginia. The Friends are citizen stewards of the James River Park. We provide ongoing support for conservation, enhancement, and recreational enjoyment of the park, while protecting its natural and historic environments, in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Parks & Recreation.
Watch & Listen
Audio Tours of the Park
Explore the secrets of the James River Parks’ unique geology – one exciting part of our Science in the Park section. The guided mobile audio tours are narrated by former James River Park Manager Emeritus Ralph White. Hit the trails! »
Discover & Play
Take a class with JRPS Education Staff. All of our programs seek to improve the quality of access to the Park’s unique ecology and recreational opportunities, and we offer programs throughout the year.
Environmental Science
Learn to identify flora and fauna, fish for the Big One, listen to bird calls, and explore the geologic history of the Fall Line. JRPS environmental education programs help students of all ages experience the Park’s wild places while getting to know the Park more deeply. Explore today! »
Adventure Recreation
Want to learn to navigate the Lower James by kayak? Climb to the top of Manchester Wall? Explore the Park’s trail systems by foot or by bike? JRPS educators emphasize front-country Leave No Trace ethics while seeking to give you an experience that will stoke your sense of adventure. Let’s play! »
Volunteer & Give
Support the Park Master Plan
The FOJRP Board is underwriting the development of a 10-year Park Master Plan to protect the Park for future generations and to create a long-range unified vision moving forward. Read on »
Monthly Volunteer Opportunities
Each month (except in summer), the Friends meet at a park location to tackle a JRPS-directed project. And the Invasive Species Removal Task Force always needs an extra set of hands. Help out! »
Become a member
We are Park Strong! Join the Friends and we will work together with park staff and other park supporter organizations to promote, conserve and support the park. Join today! »
Park Locations
Explore the park — each location has its own unique personality.
Park News
The Chicks Have Hatched!
The two osprey eggs hatched in late April. The chicks should be in the nest until July. Watch Maggie and Walker as they nurture their offspring. And while your there click the link to Adopt an Osprey! This year the nest is equipped with audio and night vision — don’t miss any of the 24/7 action!
New Artist in Residence for the James River Park
Friends is please to introduce Shay Wilson, the new park artist-in-residence. A visual artist and recent painting and printmaking graduate from VCU, Shay has committed to environmental conservation by providing opportunities to creatively interact with nature. She plans to offer monthly workshops which help participants interact with nature through sketching, painting and creating art with natural materials.
read moreJPRS Outdoor Skills Camps
Looking for a summer camp for your 10 to 14 year-old this summer? Your camper join the fun this summer by registering for a camp offered by JRPS Adventure Recreation staff! The outstanding JRPS staff helps campers develop new outdoor skills or enhance existing ones, while learning independence, confidence, and teamwork.
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Celebrate National Trail Days in the James River Park!
Every year the first Saturday in June is celebrated as National Trails Day. The brainchild of the American Hiking Society, this day promotes the belief that trail experiences improve lives.
read moreNew Path at Manchester Climbing Wall
This spring, with a $14,000 grant awarded to Groundwork RVA from the National Park Service, work will begin on a dedicated path connecting the Floodwall to the T. Potterfield Memorial Bridge. This path will divert traffic from the climbing area to provide a safer experience for both climbers and those who are just “passing though.”
read moreStay Connected
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