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
Check out our Live Feed OspreyCam!
Maggie and Walker have been busy! In the last month they have rebuilt their winter-ravaged 2017 nest and now the proud parents have two eggs. Maggie laid the second egg on March 19. Last year we had three, so we’ll see if there’s a repeat performance. This year the nest is equipped with audio and night vision so don’t miss any of the 24/7 action!
Spring Time is Budget Time and the JRPS Could Use Your Help
In 2017, the James River Park System had over 1.7 million visitors. This is greater number of visitors than any other park in Richmond. It is estimated that about 40% of our visitors are Richmond residents and 60% come from the surrounding counties and beyond; each visitor spends an average of $23.90 with Richmond businesses during each visit.
read more
New Group Tackles Pump House Restoration
Have you thought about how cool it would be to have regular access to the Pump House? The stately old structure has seen better days, and will again thanks to a new group dedicated exclusively to the revitalization of the Pump House.
read moreA Conversation with Nathan Burrell
Held 20 feet up, Views from the Treehouse is Richmond Outside’s latest creation. The multi-episode video series features conversations with RVA’s outdoor leaders and most recently featured an hour-long conversation with Park superintendent Nathan Burrell.
read moreInvasive Species Awareness Week Improves Park Experience
Members of the JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force, along with local business and volunteer groups, worked throughout the Park to mitigate the impact of invasive species. Activities included species identification instruction, watching goats munch, botanist-guided nature walks and hands-on plant removal.
read moreStay Connected
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