Park News
A Wilderness Trail Doesn’t Build Itself. It Needs Parkstar Andrew Alli.
Last year, almost 1.5 million people enjoyed the over 40 miles of trails in the Park. And with that much use, it takes a great deal of upkeep to keep them usable.
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The People Have Spoken!
The readers of Style Weekly are asked each year to rate what they consider the "Best" in Richmond. They vote for their favorite pizza, favorite pediatrician, favorite car wash, and more. Well, guess what? The James River Park got voted number one in a category and...
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Meet the first James River Parkstar: Bryce Wilk
How does a guy from upstate New York end up in charge of Richmond’s biggest asset? Like a lot of us, he came to Virginia to go to school and pretty much never left.
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An Outdoors Lesson in Asset Management
600 acres, over 40 miles of trails, and home to climbers, kayakers, bikers, paddleboarders, hikers, runners, and more – all nestled in an urban environment in a thriving metropolitan area. How do you manage that with a staff of seven and an annual budget well under a half million dollars?
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Global Park Calendar
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.
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! »
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! »
Park Locations
Explore the park — each location has its own unique personality.
