James River education center opens in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The James A. Buzzard River Education Center opened in Richmond on Wednesday, July 17.

The center is located off of Dock Street in Richmond’s East End. It’s the second of three the James River Association (JRA) plans to open.

The new center marks the newest investment into the James Changer Campaign, according to JRA President and CEO Bill Street.

“Our goal with the campaign is a fully healthy James River that can help communities thrive,” he said.

He said the center can help accomplish that goal and about $9 million went into it.

Funds have helped the education center populate with learning tools, like a “riverquarium”, interactive technology, education labs, outdoor classrooms and a meter that reads the level of water safety.

“The entire campus features environmentally conscious details,” Street said. “Like green roofs, living walls, conservation landscaping and a permeable bus loop and driveway.”

The education center was named after the James River Association’s late board member, Jim Buzzard.

The James A. Buzzard River Education Center has already hosted one class prior to opening, but they plan to welcome many more schools from the area soon.

To find more information on water safety throughout the summer, click here .

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