Apply through March 15 for James River “Floating Classroom” learning opportunity this summer.
The James River Association is accepting applications for its annual James River expedition, a “floating classroom” that takes students down the 340-mile length of the James River. Rising tenth and eleventh-grade students who live within the river watershed are encouraged to apply before the Friday, March 15 deadline.
For the fourth consecutive year, the expedition is sponsored by Dominion Resources, parent company of Dominion Virginia Power, through a $50,000 grant made by the Dominion Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm.
“We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Expedition has had on students, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the James River and its ecosystem,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Foundation. “Dominion Resources is committed to protecting and sustaining Virginia’s natural resources, and this unique program helps create a life-long understanding of what it takes to keep the river clean and healthy.”
Students selected will have the opportunity to go on one of three eight-day trips that collectively traverse the entire James River. During the program, which begins June 21, participants will learn about conservation, responsible stewardship and the river’s history while camping and traveling aboard canoes, bateaux rafts and work boats.
“For many students, the James River is a source of activities and fun, but the James River Expedition underscores the complex ecosystem that is ‘America’s Founding River,’” said Bill Street, chief executive officer of the James River Association. “The river touches so many aspects of our environment, economy and quality of life, and this experience brings that all together.”
No previous paddling or camping experience is required. Educational staff will provide expert instruction on paddling, camping, and teambuilding.
The James River Association also is looking for three public high-school educators to help lead the trips. Educators from all disciplines are encouraged to apply to join this year’s James River Expedition.
Interested students and teachers can find more information and applications at http://www.jamesriverassociation.org/expedition or by contacting Georgia Busch atgbusch@jrava.org or 804.788.8811 ext. 214.
About the James River Association
Founded in 1976, the James River Association (JRA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be the guardian of the James River. Through its core programs, Watershed Restoration; Education; Outreach; River Advocacy; and the Riverkeeper program, JRA works throughout the entire length of the river, helping people of all ages enjoy, appreciate and protect the beauty and health of the James River for future generations to enjoy. For more information about JRA, visit www.jamesriverassociation.org
About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 23,600 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates one of the nation’s largest natural gas storage systems and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit www.dom.com. Dominion contact: Daisy Pridgen, 804.771.6115, Daisy.Pridgen@dom.com
