RVA loves the James River! We depend on it for drinking water, recreation, and inspiration. It is so important to us that Richmond was designated “Best River Town Ever” by Outside Magazine in 2012. To build on this unique designation and continue to promote the James River as the single most important attraction and natural resource in the Richmond region, the James River Association organized the Regional River Feature Contest encouraging residents to identify or create an iconic regional river feature (or features) that symbolizes, creates an identity for, and celebrates the rivers of the Richmond region.

A committee reviewed the submissions and two finalists were selected: Storm Drain Murals and Bridge Uplighting. Voting begins today and will remain open through June 12th. The submission that receives the most votes will be implemented throughout the Richmond Region!

Editors note: Bridge uplighting idea by Terrain360.com? Hey, that’s our sister company! And while we’d love it if you voted for our sweet concept, we think Andrea Orlosky’s storm drain mural project is worthy as well. Whatever you do, click this link and vote!

The view looking south down Bosher’s Dam. Credit: Phil Riggan

Did you see the news in this morning’s Times-Dispatch? According to the piece by Robert Zullo, Energy Resources USA Inc. is seeking to study the feasibility of building a hyrdoelectric facility at the already existing Bosher’s Dam on the James River.

If you’re not familiar with Bosher’s Dam, it’s the one you see looking upstream when you cross the Willey Bridge. According to the Falls of the James Atlas by Bill Trout, the 12-foot-high dam was built in 1823 on the site of Fore’s Fish Dam. It used to be a spot for trapping fish with slat dams, which is illegal now. Bosher’s Dam was extensively rebuilt in 1835 to its current height of 12 feet. It was constructed to provide water for grist mills, the Kanawha canal systems and other developments. It is a feeder dam, backing up the river so that it can flow through controlling gates and a guard lock into the canal.

According to Zullo’s article, the “city of Richmond is opposing the permit filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission…raising questions about the necessity of the new power source, how water withdrawal rights would be obtained” and the proximity of the proposed facility to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ fish ladder that was built in 1999 to allow anadromous fish to navigate the dam upstream to spawn.

Here’s another objection: It would be a giant eyesore. There would be four turbine generators of 2 megawatts each installed in a powerhouse with a 197-foot by 65-foot powerhouse. There’d also be a 700 foot long by 180-foot wide intake area upstream of the existing dam and a 300-foot-long tailrace below the dam where the water exits the powerhouse. This in an area with osprey and bald eagle nests, wild turkey and whitetail deer.

Click here to see the T-D article and learn more. Click here to explore above and below Bosher’s Dam with the Terrain360.com view of the James River.

The eaglet in its nest on Cooper’s Island nest. Credit: Chris Johnson

I went by the nest at Cooper’s Island last week and didn’t see anything — no eaglets, and no adult eagles. I went back today to check again and saw an adult flying around high in the sky. It quickly disappeared from sight, and after 20 minutes or so of walking up and down Riverside Drive in Westover Hills to get different views of the nest I was about ready to give up, since I hadn’t seen any activity. As I was opening the door of my car, I decided to take one last look at the nest, and I’m glad I did — I saw little eaglet wings flapping up and down in the nest!

Five minutes later one of the adults came back with a fish to feed the little one. Given the position of the branches around the nest, I wasn’t able to see much in the downstream end, but it sure looked like the adult was tearing off fish then reaching down to that side of the nest as well as to the side where I could see the eaglet. So maybe there are two eaglets. Who knows?

The eaglet still seemed pretty small and was just peeking its head up over the edge of the nest. Even with the big telephoto lens, the nest is too far away to get high quality images, but you can definitely see a baby eagle. Both photos have a similar profile of the eaglet. In one photo the beak looks completely dark, and in the other it has a little more yellow in it. Maybe 2 different eaglets? It’s certainly possible that they could walk around the nest without being able to see them, so if there are two maybe they switched positions. Time will soon tell!

Look closely. Are there two eaglets in the nest? Only time will tell. Credit: Chris Johnson

Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve. Credit: DCR

“The success of Virginia’s program, in large part, has been due to the focus on mission, a high caliber and team approach by its scientists and natural resources specialists, and a reputation for science-based decision-making, as well as amazing partners across Virginia,” said Tom Smith, DCR Deputy Director of Operations and the program’s director from 1991 to 2016. “We have been extremely fortunate.”

• Discovered 36 species new to science and 313 species not previously found in Virginia.
• Documented 8,820 locations of rare species and natural communities.
• Established a growing 55,600-acre statewide system of natural area preserves.
• Provided public access opportunities to natural area preserves for outdoor recreation and education.
• Completed environmental reviews for nearly 59,000 development and land conservation projects.

Crows Nest NAP. Credit: DCR

The Virginia Natural Heritage Program consists of five sections whose staff works collaboratively to collect and share conservation information:

• Inventory
• Information management
• Environmental review
• Natural area protection
• Stewardship

Since I last wrote, I haven’t seen the bald eagles known as Virginia or James at Pony Pasture. Not sure what that means, but I hope they’re okay. I have seen two juvenile bald eagles (probably about 2-3 years old) in the area. Again, not sure what that means. I’m usually down that way 4 or 5 times a week and will continue to keep my eyes open for them.

A bald eagle and osprey exchange pleasantries in downtown Richmond. Credit: Chris Johnson

The nest on Cooper’s Island seems very active. I’ve seen both eagles in the nest at the same time, which is a good sign of having eggs. I’ve also seen them looking down in the nest a lot; it’s like they’re looking down at something in particular. I can’t see in to the nest, but hopefully they’re looking at eggs or eaglets! I think the eaglet last year hatched around this time. If the same holds true this year, hopefully we’ll see an eaglet head popping up some time soon.

I haven’t been out to the site of the nest near Stony Point but have heard other folks mention seeing both eagles flying around the area.

The shad have started to arrive in downtown Richmond, and the osprey and eagles are very active. I’ve been lucky to see lots of osprey fishing, and in the past few days have spotted up to 5 eagles at once flying around the floodwall. Interestingly, there seems to be a pair of 4-year-old’ish bald eagles that i’ve been seeing together down there. I’m not an eagle expert but know they don’t mate until they’re adults (at 5 years of age). But I don’t know if they start to seek out mates before they reach maturity. It’d be exciting to have a pair nest around Shad Island downtown!

An eagle tends the nest at Cooper’s Island near Westover Hills. Credit: Chris Johnson

The Bremo Power Station in Fluvanna County.

Dominion Virginia Power and the James River Association, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, announced yesterday that they reached a settlement agreement on discharges of treated water from coal ash ponds at the company’s Bremo Power Station in Fluvanna County. Those discharges are regulated by a permit issued in January by the State Water Control Board and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, requiring Dominion to build and operate a wastewater treatment system at the facility.

Under the settlement agreement, Dominion has committed to enhanced treatment of the pond water and to fish tissue monitoring, and the JRA and SELC will not appeal the wastewater permit issued for the Bremo Power Station. The terms of the agreement only apply to the wastewater permit at Bremo Power Station and do not apply to any other Dominion sites.

“We thank Dominion for engaging with us in a cooperative manner to address our concerns about the dewatering of Dominion’s coal ash ponds at the Bremo Power Station,” said Bill Street, James River Association chief executive officer. “Through our agreement today, Dominion will install enhanced treatment for the wastewater that is designed to better protect all uses of the James River.”

Dominion must submit a plan that will be reviewed by the Virginia DEQ. Dominion has also committed to enhanced testing of fish in the James River throughout the dewatering project. The results of the testing will be made publicly available by both Dominion and DEQ.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its Coal Combustion Residual Rules in the spring of 2015 calling for the closure of inactive ash ponds across the country. Dominion is closing 11 ash ponds at four power stations across the state. As part of closing the ash ponds at Bremo, Dominion must first remove water that has accumulated in the ponds.

There are a number of great outdoors-focused non-profits in the Richmond region tackling challenges big and small and from many different angles. One of our favorites is the Blue Sky Fund, a Church Hill-based organization, that, as it likes to say, “is on a mission to provide transformational experiences for urban youth through outdoor education and adventure.”

Blue Sky Fund kids working together at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Credit: Lewis Ginter

One of the programs it uses to reach youth, most of whom come from communities that don’t have strong connections to the outdoors, is called the Outdoor Leadership Institute. With OLI, Blue Sky leads crews of rising 9th-12th graders “from diverse backgrounds to come together to build teamwork, confidence, leadership, and community involvement. The summer institute centers on a five-day backpacking trip, during which crew members learn how to strengthen their leadership and teamwork skills by confronting the challenges of the wilderness. The program design includes experiences that will help shape knowledgeable multicultural leaders who learn about the social needs of Richmond through service learning. After completion of the summer institute, crew members will meet monthly through the following school year to apply their new skills to meaningful community service.”

Blue Sky is currently accepting applications (through Feb. 15) for the OLI (there are separate boys and girls five-day programs). Here’s what Blue Sky is looking for: Current 8th, 9th,10th, and 11th graders who are:
● Open to new and challenging experiences
● Wanting to grow in leadership in their community
● Wanting to meet other youth from Richmond
● Able to commit to the program

Nominations most often come from teachers, youth organization professionals, mentors, counselors, and former alumni, but any adult can nominate a student or students to the program. If you know a kid who you think fits the bill, click here to learn more.

Hello outdoor enthusiasts, I am back with another secret (but, really, not so secret) set of spots to share with you guys. Today’s secret spots to take your dog are the Buttermilk (West) Trail and the Main Trail off the Boulevard (Nickel) Bridge. This is such a wonderful and peaceful area to take your pup and hang out at the river. I first went here during the season of river goers and there was hardly any foot traffic in the area during my midday visit.

Pump House Park is another great not so secret spot to take a dog. Credit: Veronica Reddic

To get to the trails, park on Riverside Drive in Westover Hills (south side of Nickel Bridge) near where it runs into Westover Hills Boulevard. From that intersection, head down toward the bridge and you’ll see the trailhead on your left. There’s a great kiosk here were very accurate signage. Definitely check that out before you head into the trail. Follow the singletrack for a few feet until your reach your first fork. There are two ways down, the more simple way goes off to the left, the steep way goes off to the right.

Either way, you’ll make your way down the path and run into another fork. The right trail will lead you down to the tracks towards the river and the Main Trail that leads towards Reedy Creek. This area just across the tracks offers a nice hangout spot to relax in shallow waters. There are parts of the area that can be a bit risky due to some high currents since there is a pipeline under the water. This location would be best for a dog that is a strong swimmer, but it’s also good for those who like to get their paws wet in the shallow areas. The beach is mainly a mixture of rocks, sand and pebbles so barefoot action is possible and the water is nice and clear in the shallows so you can see where you’re stepping.

The trail continues to the right and will lead you all the way towards Reedy Creek and Belle Isle. There are several more river access spots along the way and also a few rock-hopping locations that are always a hit with those pups that have a knack for it.

Now the second trail option that you run into, which forks off to the left will have you following the tracks going upriver. The Trail is called Buttermilk West. It’s a beautiful trail to hike; it leads under the tall cliffs of the Westover Hill area, where you’ll see beautiful homes situated on top of those magnificent rock walls. The trail goes a pretty good distance, and there will be several other trails that split off and take you across the tracks to nice river access areas. The area gets very, very muddy, especially after a good rain, so bring some shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a very secluded and large area with loads of sticks to throw in the water for your pup to chase after.

Since I’m not sure how busy this part of the area gets during the warmer months, I’d suggest going during the morning to separate yourself from any increased foot traffic during the afternoon hours.

Both locations are a real hit to my dogs, especially the ones that don’t mind the mud. I advise bringing a few towels if you have a mud lover. These spots will definitely offer a day full of fun and give you a great hiking experience.

Have you ever heard of RVA Clean Sweep? We featured the group in this space last year, their inaugural campaign as a litter cleanup group. But man were they busy in 2015. This past calendar year RVA Clean Sweep volunteers donated 1,150 hours of their time and removed over 17,000 pounds of litter around Richmond. These volunteers lead cleanups in Randolph, Oregon Hill, Forest View, Manchester, Scott’s Addition and along the James River. In 2016, according to group organizer Amy Robins, the group will be expanding by community request into Fulton, Forest Hill Terrace, and along Brookland Park Boulevard. To see if there is an RVA Clean Sweep cleanup in your neighborhood, visit their Meetup page.

The group after a very productive day. Credit: James Loving

From the group: RVA Clean Sweep is a 100 percent volunteer operated and organized group of local residents. We believe in establishing consistent monthly cleanups to reduce the amount of litter in our neighborhoods as well as along watersheds that lead into the James River. We do this by partnering with neighbors, neighborhood associations and business associations. We have had the support of numerous businesses hosting cleanups and look forward to highlighting new businesses that care about their communities in the new year. 

We recognize that people will litter where they feel it is acceptable to litter. Our volunteers’ efforts send the continuous message that it is not acceptable to litter. Is it working? YES! Volunteers that have returned to neighborhoods after a few months have noted a reduction in the overall amount of littering. 

Making litter reduction part of the conversation with your neighbors, neighborhood and business association meetings is needed if results are to be measured. Please contact us if you would like help in starting that conservation in your neighborhood.

To quote David Brower, “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” Let’s make tomorrow better. We watch our volunteers work hard to spread the message of the damages that litter has on multiple aspects of our lives. We also share a mutual compassion for keeping Richmond clean and greatly appreciate the continued energy that our volunteers bring to each and every cleanup to fight against litter. We would love to see you too!

This is not what you’re looking for when leash training.

I’m half-a-dozen sips into my morning coffee when I hear a steadily loudening conversation between someone with a deep voice and possibly a chipmunk.  I look out the window and see a cartoonishly mismatched pair coming down the road; a Paul-Bunyan-sized man and a dog so small that if the man were to open his palm all four of his little friend’s crayon-sized legs could stand comfortably on top of it.  In front of my house their conversation elevates to a squabble, and they both stop walking. The only thing keeping them from looking like two drivers arguing over who’s to blame for the fender-bender is the connecting leash.

The man talks to the dog in a firm tone, while the dog responds by jumping and spinning, his verbal reply more chirp than bark.  After a few seconds, I see that I’m witnessing the leash-train portion of their relationship, which I know from experience is a tough time. For them it hardly seems worth the effort.  When the dog tugs, can the man even feel it? Does he sometimes forget the dog is with him? If he does forget, and has to cover his mouth for a surprise sneeze, the leash and dog will go cracking through the air like a bola whip.

It takes a special kind of person to leash-train a dog, someone with limitless patience, like a professional dog trainer, a saint, possibly a Jedi. I tried as hard as anyone to leash-train my own. For weeks, every day after work, we’d train, and for a few steps the leash would hang comfortably slack in my hand, but just when I’d start thinking yes, yes, that’s it, you got it, they’d pull (hard), and I’d stop (barely). They’d pull until they got tired, and then stop.  Then we’d start again, the same routine, over and over, jerking and jolting down the street like a car driven by someone driving stick for the first time.  Sometimes I’d catch myself staring at their straining legs and claws digging into the sidewalk, and I’d be willing them to walk at a slower pace, just a little bit slower, but it never worked.  Lifting one of the passing cars with my mind felt more possible.  In the end the problem was simple; their desire to run was stronger than my desire to walk.  Ten years later they’re still towing me down the street.  I learned to walk faster.

Usually when I see someone attempting to leash-train a dog, they’re a wreck (like I was), emotionally leveled from all the hours and days of silent, fervent pleading.  “Oh, please,” their eyes always seem to say, “please, for the love of God, just… just stop pulling.  I’ll do anything.” Like me, they bought the books, sought advice from their dog-having friends, and checked online for alternative solutions, but nothing helped.

This man, though, looks like he knows what he’s doing. His voice is direct but calm, his manner diplomatic, and his spirit (so far) unbroken. They go a few more rounds before continuing on their way.  After a few paces the dog starts pulling again. The man stops, steadfast in his determination for a future of relaxing, peaceful walks. The dog keeps pulling, straining to gain the slightest inch, yet undeterred, not bothered at all by the lack of success. He’s happy just to be outside, walking around, together, no matter the pace.