River Hero Homes

Take the Pledge!

Polluted stormwater runoff is a significant contributor of pollution to the James River and its tributaries. Every time it rains, pollutants including sediment, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and bacteria from pet waste flow from our yards into local waterways via stormwater runoff. Stormwater pollution adversely impacts the health of the James and threatens the health of people and wildlife.

River Hero Homes is a community of stewards that realize the first step to a healthier James River starts at home. Implementing river-friendly conservation practices at homes is as easy as properly disposing of pet waste, using native plants, reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and conserving water. Members of the River Hero Homes program receive a membership card, yard flag, sticker, and discounts at local nurseries and other businesses in partnership with the James River Association.

Be a hero for your community and river! Take the pledge today!

Skip the Salt this Winter

Road salt pollutes local waterways and harms aquatic ecosystems The winter months bring us cold...

Rain Barrel Winterization

As the cold days of winter arrive, it’s time to consider winterizing your rain barrel. Rain...

Conservation Landscaping Creates Habitat for Monarchs and Other Pollinators

Habitat loss and fragmentation, the introduction of invasive species and pathogens, pesticide use,...

Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – Richmond Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – River Hero Homes Webinar: Local Ecotypes
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – Richmond Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – River Hero Homes Webinar: Living Shorelines
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – Charlottesville Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Richmond Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Williamsburg Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – Madison Heights Rain Barrel Workshop

Registration Opens on World Water Day, March 22, 2024.

View Full Calendar

Sign up for notifications

Interested in upcoming rain barrel workshops? Sign up here to receive a notification when workshop registrations open.

RIVER

The James River flows from the Alleghany Highlands and Blue Ridge mountains through Virginia’s piedmont to the coastal plain and Chesapeake Bay. The James provides drinking water to many Virginians and millions of people use it for recreation each year.

HERO

Joining the River Hero Homes program and implementing river-friendly conservation practices is a way to improve the health of the James at home. Be a hero for your community and river!

HOME

River Hero Homes is a community of stewards that realize the first step to a healthier James River starts at home. Implementing river-friendly conservation practices at homes is as easy as properly disposing of pet waste, using native plants, reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and conserving water.

Membership Resources

Members of the River Hero Homes receive private invitations to webinars as well as a biennial newsletter.

Healthy Homes, Healthy James Webinar
2023 RHH Fall Newsletter 

Membership Discounts

Members of the River Hero Homes are eligible for discounts at participating nurseries and other businesses in partnership with the James River Association.

Many thanks to DuPont for their support through the Clear Into the Future Program of our River Hero Home Program and for their efforts to protect and improve the environment through stormwater management practices.