River Culture
The River to the People
How is it possible to accurately show the relationship that Richmond has with the James River? Here are some submissions from an anonymous google form where students were asked to comment on the river:
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"She [the James] is a true friend. When I'm hungry, she feeds me. When sad, she brightens me up. When I'm confused, she finds me."
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"The James just is Richmond."
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"I think the graffiti near the James is hilarious. It may be there for five, ten years, but sooner or later, the James will take it down itself. The James has the character of Richmond."
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"I just love everything about the James."
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"Just imagine Richmond without the James. That would be horrible."
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"We can learn a lot from the James. The James is a literal channel and an intellectual one, too."
A Conversation With Elli Morris
by Joe Krzyston
When I imagine a documentary film, I usually imagine some sort of well-financed BBC production that takes place in some far flung corner of the world. I didn’t imagine that a documentary could be filmed once a week, on an iPhone, in my hometown, and I’d be willing to bet that most people are in the same boat as I am in that regard. Furthermore, I wouldn’t have imagined that a documentary filmed like that could be one of the most compelling, relatable films I’ve ever seen. I suppose that’s what separates me, and for that matter, most people, from Elli Morris.
Morris, a photographer, writer, and lifelong adventurer, is also the filmmaker behind “An Affair with the James”, a yearlong project that captured, once a week, a scene of life on the James. Said Morris, “I kept going to the Banff Mountain Film Festival and coming back with ideas about going to these far flung places and making a documentary film, and after about the fourth year of this, I realized I really didn’t have to go to Africa to have an adventure. I really just have to go in my backyard.”
For a year, spanning her fifty-first to fifty second birthdays, Morris went to the river, iPhone at the ready, to capture the various intricacies and details of life on the river. “I got all kinds of activity on film, and a lot of it was new to me. Before I made the film, I had no idea we had baptisms in the river, but one week I went down to the river and filmed three different people getting baptized, which was really cool. In one week you see the river at work, and they’re using barges to move things up and down the river. It really shows you how versatile and useful the river is.”
Morris was able to capture some candid personal moments along the river, too. “One week I saw some very young kids who were down at the river for the first time, and they were absolutely scared to death, so that was a really interesting, human moment.” The film, given its week by week nature, really does have a little something for everybody. Sportsmen will surely appreciate the week about the running of the shad, which, speaking personally, is a highlight both of the film and of my year. If the film were a book, it would be less a novel than a collection of short stories with a shared theme. That theme, the versatility of the James River, runs strong throughout.
As a lifelong traveler, Morris has unique perspective of the river that most Richmond natives don’t have. While many lifelong Richmonders remember the days of Kepone and pollution, the river is no longer the dumping ground that it was forty years ago. It’s a vibrant riverine ecosystem in view of skyscrapers, and while many Richmonders take advantage of what the James has to offer, Morris has seen enough rivers to truly appreciate what we have in Virginia. “I’ve been out west, I’ve been to a lot of different countries, and there really hasn’t been anything that I’ve seen that quite compares to the James. I think some people, since they grew up with it, sort of take it for granted and don’t use it like they maybe could. Some people certainly don’t realize how unique the James is, though I think that’s changing over time.”
Like most people who spend much time on the river, Morris is optimistic about its future. “I’m seeing a lot more interest in the river and what it has to offer every single year. Of course there are problems that come along with that. There are always people who want to turn it into Disneyland, build right next to it, and tame it, and we need to resist that. The river should be wild, that’s what makes it special. It’s our little slice of wilderness right in the heart of the city.”
It was clear after speaking to Elli Morris that the James River really is a gem. While it was once a polluted, unclean body of water, things have changed. As a native Richmonder, I’ve grown up with the idea that the James is dirty, that you really shouldn’t swim in it, that it’s essentially no longer the lifeline that it once was. Elli Morris helped me see that the truth couldn’t be farther from that assumption. She proved that, every week, all year long, the river is a place of activity, life, and rejuvenation. Sometimes it takes someone with fresh eyes to point out what should’ve been plain to see all along; the river is alive and well, and we should enjoy it.
A Conversation With Lorne Field
by Joe Krzyston
When asked to name one of the best friends the James River has ever
had, Lorne Field should be one of the first names that comes to mind.
Working tirelessly as Chesterfield County’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator
to implement policies that benefit the James and its watershed, Field is a champion
of the ecosystems that the James supports and the enthusiasts of the river alike.
Originally, Field was a historian, doing work as a field archaeologist, and at Henricus
Historical Park. While history is still an area of great personal interest, the call of the river
was far too strong to resist. Over time, Field grew more and more interested with the river,
eventually getting involved with the James River Park System and working alongside former
superintendent Ralph White and current superintendent Nathan Burrell. Says Field, “I really
enjoyed working alongside those guys and getting to know them. Everybody involved with the park was really personally invested and passionate about the river, and I really learned a lot from them.”
One of the most admirable aspects of Field’s work is the degree to which it is inconspicuous. He isn’t fighting for the river in some flashy, attention grabbing way, nor is he looking for any personal notoriety. Rather, he’s doing the job that allows him to make the biggest practical impact on the James. Working in a nondescript, albeit well lit, office building in suburban Chesterfield County likely isn’t the exciting work that most river enthusiasts might envision when they think of what they might be able to do to help the river, but it is some of the most valuable.
As Environmental Outreach Coordinator, a substantial part of Field’s job is education. “People can do things that harm the river without even realizing it. It’s not like people want to harm the James, and if they realized they were, they’d more than likely be willing to alter their behavior. That’s why it’s so important to educate people.” Small factors, like the length of the grass in people’s yards, can have palpable effects on the health of the river. “A lot of the things that people can do to keep the James clean are really pretty easy, as long as people know to do them.” Indeed, Field works every day on projects to get the word out about small changes to daily behaviors that can make a big difference.
When asked about the biggest threats to the James, Field was quick to respond. “One of the biggest threats that comes to mind is the development of non-permeable surfaces near the river.” A non-permeable surface, for those unaware, is a surface like concrete or asphalt. When water, rain or runoff hits one of these, it flows along its surface, potentially straight into the river, carrying whatever chemicals or pollutants were in its path with it. With permeable surfaces, like soil, the water is filtered as it makes its way down to the river. “This means that a lot of the developments by the river, and there are a lot more proposed, are really detrimental to its health, because they remove a natural filtering process and allow a lot more pollution to get in the river via runoff.”
Of course, Field can’t devote all of his time to preserving the river. In his spare time, he likes to enjoy it recreationally. “One of my favorite things to do is to snorkel in the river. I don’t know a whole lot of people who also do it, but there’s a lot to see under the water. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to everyone. It’s a great way to observe an ecosystem that you usually can’t really see.” Indeed, Field spends quite a lot of time in the James, and he, like most of the people I’ve interviewed for Envision the James, would like to reiterate a common point. “The river is absolutely safe to swim in. It used to be fairly dirty, sure, but things really have changed. There’s no sense in not taking advantage of this amazing natural resource.”
As such, Lorne Field isn’t the only member of the Field family who has fallen in love with the James. When I interviewed him, on the way out the door, I asked him what his plans for the rest of the day were. “I’ll be taking my son down to the river.” he said. “It’s a great day for it.” That exchange underscores Field’s work for the river. He knows he isn’t just working to preserve the river for himself. He’s working to preserve the river for generations to come.
A Conversation With Nathan Burrell
by Joe Krzyston
To say that Nathan Burrell stays kind of busy as Superintendent of the James River Park System
would be a lot like saying that Michael Phelps does a little bit of swimming, or that Hillary Clinton
might from time to time contemplate life in the White House.
At any rate, such a statement would certainly be a contender for the understatement of the year.
Burrell, who has been on the job since 2013, is tasked with overseeing 600 acres of natural area,
“A little bit of wilderness in the heart of the city”, in Burrell’s words. On top of the myriad
responsibilities that accompany simple maintenance of that much land, Burrell does his best to
ensure the safety of park visitors. I suppose he does all that while he isn’t busy working with
bureaucrats to protect the river and the surrounding conservation easement.
As passionate as Burrell is about his job, you’d be forgiven for assuming Richmond as his hometown.
Originally a resident of Essex County, he moved to Richmond to attend VCU, where he met Ralph
White, the previous Superintendent. After a 200 hour internship with the James River Park Service,
Burrell became the trail manager of the parks system. When White retired as Superintendent, Burrell
was a natural choice for his successor.
White, who had been in the position for over thirty years, became something of a Richmond icon. Needless to say, White isn’t an especially easy act to follow, but Burrell isn’t at all daunted by the legacy he’s following. “If I had a penny for every time someone said I’d have big shoes to fill, I’d be a rich man right now. I always tell people that I’ve cobbled my own shoes, and I fill those. I don’t need to fill anybody else’s shoes.” Though he is bound by no obligation to a specific style of leadership, Burrell understands that he is bound by an obligation to the people who use and enjoy the river and the park. “I know the community expects a certain thing out of the park, and I’ve done a good job meeting those expectations and striking a good balance between recreation and conservation.”
Though he feels proud of the progress that has been made, Burrell is ready to acknowledge the challenges that he and the park face. “There are plenty of challenges that we face at the park every day… We have to work with the community and the city, and that creates a challenge sometimes. We get all kinds of suggestions that we really can’t implement. It can be hard to keep everybody happy.” With projected annual attendance of 1.4 million people, the park also experiences a great deal of wear and tear. “To take that much use and then maintain the facilities with minimal full time staff is a major challenge. Keeping up with deferred maintenance can be really hard with the limited staff we have in the winter, and by the time we get the seasonal staff in the spring it’s all we can do to keep up with graffiti and vandalism and mow the grass.”
Given the problems with staffing, the park system benefits greatly from volunteer organizations. “We have several support organizations that do a lot with the river. I like to say it’s a three legged stool that helps the park. Friends of the James River Park are one of the main groups, as well as James River Outdoor Coalition (JROC) and RVA More. All three of the groups play a different role in the park. Friends of the Park is more like a brain trust, JROC is mostly focused on river access, and RVA More is all about trail access and advocacy.” These groups offer plenty of volunteer opportunities for anybody who might be interested in improving the park. “I recommend the HandsOn Greater Richmond website (handsonrva.org) to anybody who wants to get involved with the park on a volunteer basis. You can just search “James River Park” and all these opportunities will come up.”
Burrell would like nothing more than for people to get involved with the river that runs through their city, and to realize the great potential that the river holds. “I’d like people to know that the river isn’t dirty or polluted. You run into that a lot with old-school Richmonders who still think that the river is unclean and dirty. Only 40 percent of the people who use the park are Richmond residents, yet the park is solely funded by the city. We’re working hard to change that paradigm and get more Richmonders using the park.”
While Burrell loves the parks and enjoys his position, he has a perfectly realistic outlook, candidly acknowledging the challenges that face the park. “It’s an interesting time to be living in Richmond and living by the river. The city is on the upswing, and people really want to be closer to the river as they’re building new developments. As that happens, we’re going to need a master plan for the park. We don’t have one, and that’s a big problem, as I see it. We’re seeing a lot more use of the facilities, and we’re seeing deeper impacts, since more people are in the park finding the secluded spots, going deeper into the park. We’re definitely seeing deeper impacts now. Another issue is outside groups and businesses who are always talking about building zip-lines and restaurants right on the river. Those are things that would totally change the nature of the park, and if we had a master plan to refer to, it would be a lot easier to make sure that developments like that don’t get built if they’re not in the master plan.”
Even with these challenges, Burrell is optimistic about the future of the river. “Even though the increased usage brings challenges, it also means that more people are invested in the river on a personal level. There’s more enthusiasm now for the river than I think there ever has been, and I’m excited to make the most of that.” Though the park and the river will both face challenges in the near future, they both have a strong ally in the new superintendent. The dedication and skill that he brings to the job make him more than just a worthy successor to fill Ralph White’s shoes. No, Nathan Burrell is a leader all his own, and he’s perfectly ready to lead the park into the future.
The River to the City
Richmond was built upon the James and its development relied on the river. Now alternative means of life are being created by America's Founding River. The chemical and tobacco plants no longer churn excessive toxic broth into the splashing James; fishermen no longer fear their catch; and people are returning to the James. "Richmond wouldn’t be the River City without the James, which flows around and through downtown, defining its boundaries and giving the city so much of its unique flavor. With its Class IV kayaking rapids and the many hiking and biking trails that line its banks, the river is the hub for much of Richmond’s outdoor recreation. And on a daily basis, the Canal Walk, which stretches over a mile along the James and the Kanawha and Haxall canals, provides an oasis of calm only a block from downtown, as well as beautiful views of both the water and the city skyline. Closer to campus lies Pony Pasture Park, which offers canoeing, kayaking, jogging, swimming, and fishing, as well as a site for student research." http://www.richmond.edu/city/river.html
The River to Virginia
The state of the James reflects the state of Virginia. For example, Virginia struggled during the mid 20th century, when the James was deemed America's most polluted river. With increased environmental protection, incremental steps of improvement brought Richmond back to the fore. The turmoil Richmond faced could very well be attributed to the negative condition of the James.
The James River is a critical part of Virginia. The water it brings from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Virginia creates an elaborately beautiful and efficient macro-ecosystem that contains relatively high biodiversity due to the heterogeneity of the habitats it winds through (Piedmont to Coastal, Mountains to Ocean, Woodland to Estuary). The James, in addition to biological and monetary worth, also contains a distinct element of intrinsic worth.
The River to America
The James River is an iconic piece of America's rich history. The James River made serious settlement possible, earning it the title of 'America's Founding River.' The trade-routes formed, the fisheries farmed, the people transported, the cultures diffused, the water withdrawn, and the energy produced by the flowing waters of the James established a thriving colony in its developmental youth. From this, the river became an iconic feature once more during the Civil War, where Confederate troops plunged into the James' rapid flow to escape the Great Conflagration. Richmond, too, gained fame for its black district, Jackson Ward, often called 'Black Wall Street' and the 'Southern Harlem' following the emancipation proclamation and the Civil War- all of which was made possible by the industry brought forth by James River.
Richmond again gained fame as an industrial powerhouse because of the James. However, here is the pivotal point in the James' history. The industry dumped tons upon tons of toxic compounds into the James, poisoning its waters and gaining the reputation of America's dirtiest river. Yet, in true Virginian fashion, the James recovered and once more brings health, industry, and success to the River City. The James is one of the defining features of the Eastern United States and is truly a historic and monumentally important River.