Boxerwood and the James River Association (JRA) have been good friends for years. JRA is based in Richmond with an office in Lynchburg; we share interests in caring for Rockbridge waterways with education and action. Our collaboration works both ways. Pre-pandemic, for example, Boxerwood served as a training site and wet lab for a JRA initiative that monitored e-coli levels in the Maury River during swimming season.
This year JRA has been helping us carry out big plans for the Boxerwood Trail Blazers program. This 3-year project provides afterschool enrichment for youth from three high-need schools. One of 29 national grants funded by US NOAA and the North American Environmental Education Association (NAAEE), our Trail Blazers program combines STEM-learning with outdoor recreation like hiking, paddling, and fishing. In a most helpful arrangement, Boxerwood runs the programs and JRA--licensed for water safety--brings the boats.
In the past six months, Boxerwood and JRA educators have met up with students four times on the Maury River and five times at Lake Robertson. The partnership has introduced canoeing and kayaking to more than one hundred local youth and family members. For many, it was the first time paddling--and doing science together as a family. We love seeing our project coming together in such exciting ways. JRA and its boats help make it happen. Thank you, JRA!
