Amber Ellis grew up within the woods of Powhatan County, Virginia, by a little bit creek that flowed by her yard. Her childhood days alongside that creek allowed her to kind a deep reference to water, and it set the muse for the James River changing into a guiding pressure all through her life.
“My first yr in faculty . . . didn’t know anybody there, no mates from house that got here with me, and I discovered myself drawn again to the river . . . [I] discovered lots of peace down there as a result of I knew that the water that was there in entrance of me was the identical water that was operating in that little creek behind my mother and father’ house on its method down.”
As we speak, Amber is the Restoration Director for the James River Affiliation (JRA), the only nonprofit within the James River watershed devoted to defending the James and connecting individuals to it. Between her work with JRA and a certificates in ecotherapy, Amber’s observe of looking for solace and well-being within the river has blossomed right into a ardour for creating that very same alternative for others.
“The extra I labored with individuals and in our communities, I noticed that they’re not separate. [I] was considering that cross-section of how can I create areas for therapeutic the James, but in addition invite individuals in to sort of have that area to heal collectively.”
The James River Brings Us Collectively
On April 22, 2022, JRA shared Amber’s story after they launched their new storytelling platform, Tales by the James. The venture started as a collaboration between JRA and college students and professors within the 2020-21 Superior Media Manufacturing Expertise program at Virginia Commonwealth College.
Two years later, Tales by the James has grown to incorporate a partnership with VPM Information in addition to almost 100 interviews, essays, artwork items, poems, and extra. By way of these tales, JRA hopes to deliver individuals collectively by uplifting how the James River is the frequent thread operating by the communities in its watershed. The group additionally hopes to encourage river lovers to higher perceive their roles in defending the James.
Not many perceive this idea higher than Charles Johnson and Genevieve Wall. As educators for JRA, Charles and Genevieve have skilled firsthand how the James unites and engages our youthful technology throughout a spectrum of how.
The James River as an Unforgettable Expertise
When Genevieve Wall started working at JRA, she was already conversant in the nonprofit by a earlier AmeriCorps alternative that stationed her at Presquile Nationwide Wildlife Refuge in the course of the James River. By day, she taught environmental applications to excited, nature-hungry college students, however by night time, she remained alone on the island for the higher a part of the yr.
“It actually gave me a possibility to develop a extremely deep sense of place to know the way in which the seasons ebb and circulate and the connection between issues . . . and the way that every one finally ends up coming collectively to kind this actually deep image of that means. Presquile modified me, and it continues to alter me.”
One in all Genevieve’s greatest claims-to-fame from her yr at Presquile includes an sudden energy outage that lasted a number of months, by scorching summer season warmth and frigid fall evenings. We received’t spoil it for you (nobody can share the story higher than Genevieve herself) however we extremely suggest you take heed to her audio interview in addition to an unique tune impressed by this expertise.
The James River because the Basis for Connection
Throughout her time at JRA, Genevieve met fellow educator, Charles Johnson.
As an avid water-lover, paddler, and authorized canoe teacher, Charles had already fashioned a strong bond with the James River when he joined JRA as an environmental educator. He instantly took to the position, which mixed his ardour for spreading conservation consciousness along with his want to make a optimistic affect for youthful individuals within the James River watershed.
One in all Charles’s favourite facets of working for JRA is that he will get to empower college students to know a better understanding of their relationship with the James. By way of paddling the river’s waters, touching a dwell fish, and studying about challenges dealing with the well being of the James, college students stroll away with a profound respect and appreciation for the James.
“It’s wonderful if they will be taught what we’re instructing through the area expertise, but it surely’s a lot extra fulfilling to me once I see these bigger moments taking place, when they’re making on a regular basis decisions that depart our watershed in a greater method. If [they] are in a position to educate another person or take motion on behalf of the issues that I taught them, [that] is absolutely the place I might see lots of change taking place.”
By way of these narratives and extra, Tales by the James highlights the compelling ways in which the James River creates connections between others, ourselves, and our pure areas. Whether or not you search the consolation of a bunch journaling session alongside the riverbank, search for the teachings of solitude on an island, or introduce youngsters to the enjoyment and teachable moments a river offers, it’s these shared moments that remind us each of the humanity inside our communities, in addition to our accountability to steward the valuable pure sources that deliver us collectively. Select your story at this time.
