Virginia >> The Lynchburg Chapter partnered with the James River Association to support the James River Leadership Academy – a year-long leadership program for rising 10th and 11th grade students who are interested in advocating for the future of the James River. Youth meet one weekend every quarter and complete a community conservation capstone project under the supervision of a mentor.

The Lynchburg Chapter is supporting the Leadership Academy by providing $1,000 for general support of the program each year plus a $500 scholarship to a student whose capstone project reflects a high degree of excellence.

The chapter is also providing the academy with access to its 325-acre Walton Park as an outdoor laboratory for environmental projects and conservation education, along with other park amenities, including a clubhouse, camping, swimming, and fishing as well as shooting and archery ranges as appropriate.

“This is a perfect partnership for us as the League marks the 50th anniversary of the Save Our Streams program, which is focused on monitoring and improving water quality throughout the nation,” says Lynchburg Chapter President Bill Goggins. By supporting a program designed to educate and inspire future water conservation leaders focused on the James River and its watershed, the chapter is certainly helping to save our streams (and rivers!).