Rivanna Conservation Alliance

Invasive Grass Removal at Woolen Mills
2022-09-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Wool Factory, 1837 Broadway St, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
In 2021, RCA and students from St. Anne’s-Belfield School planted a variety of native plants near Moores Creek along the Rivanna Trail by the Wool Factory. We are recruiting volunteers to help protect these plants by pulling out the invading Japanese stiltgrass.
RCA will provide all materials needed. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Long pants are recommended.
Sign up here!

Rivanna River Round-Up
2022-09-24 | VA
The Rivanna River Round-Up is an annual watershed-wide cleanup event hosted by the Rivanna Conservation Alliance. Join us in taking a stand for clean water by volunteering on September 24th.
Our goal is to combat the ever-growing plastic pollution problem we see in our local waterways and around the world. From single-use items like plastic bags and straws to less obvious culprits like tires, plastics can harm wildlife, release harmful chemicals into the water, damage habitat, and make waterways less safe.
Whether you are interested in cleaning up along a trail, collecting trash while wading through a stream, or paddling the Rivanna to pull out tires, we will have many options available. You can even register your own cleanup as part of the event and we’ll provide supplies and guidance.
Sign up for a paddling cleanup!
Sign up for a stream or trail cleanup!

Rivanna Restoration at Riverview Park Community Input Meeting
2022-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Woolen Mills Chapel, 1819 E Market Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
RCA and Ecosystem Services invite the public to a community input meeting regarding an upcoming river restoration project at Riverview Park in the City of Charlottesville. The meeting will be held in-person on Thursday, November 17 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Woolen Mills Chapel. Space is limited, so those interested in attending must register online at the link provided in this calendar post.

Invasive Vine Removal
2022-11-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Dunlora Neighborhood, Dunlora farm rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, United States
Join RCA for a day of removing invasive plants from one of our recent tree planting projects in the Dunlora community. We will begin the day with a brief session teaching volunteers how to ID the invasive plants we are after followed by a removal effort.
RCA will provide loppers and smaller hand tools, but if you have any preferred invasive cutting tools, please bring them! Volunteers should also plan to bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Please register here: https://htru.io/SzMk

Buffer Planting Day
2022-12-03 11:00 - 14:00 | VA
Help RCA plant more trees at two of our existing riparian buffer projects in Free Union! We will be planting a variety of native trees to improve the long-term health of the streams running through these two properties. We will also be maintaining the existing trees at these two sites (checking the trees, tubes and stakes).
Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and anything they are comfortable getting dirty. Long pants are recommended. Please also plan to bring any water you need for the day.
Please register here: https://htru.io/SzMl

Invasive Removal Workday
2023-02-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Forest Hills Park, 1022 Forest Hills Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
Join RCA for an invasive vine removal workday to help preserve the native plants that grow near our rivers and streams! We will begin the day with a brief session teaching volunteers how to ID the invasive plants we are after followed by a removal effort.
RCA will provide gloves, loppers and smaller hand tools, but if you have any preferred invasive cutting tools, please bring them (no chainsaws please)! Volunteers should also plan to bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Sign up here: https://htru.io/SARu

Volunteer Open House
2023-02-15 16:00 - 19:00 | RCA Office, 1150 River Rd, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA, 22901-4110, United States
Join RCA for a volunteer open house on Wednesday, February 15th. Come by the RCA office anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. to learn about our programs and the many ways you can get involved. We’ll have staff on hand to share information about our monitoring, restoration, education, and stewardship activities. New and current volunteers are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.

Live Staking Workday
2023-03-05 12:00 - 16:00 | VA
Live staking is a riverbank stabilization technique that uses dormant tree and shrub cuttings to help reduce sediment load in streams and rivers. This year, RCA needs your help to plant 1,200 of these shrubs along the Rivanna River!
We will access the riverbank locations by canoe and wade along slick, muddy banks. Volunteers should be comfortable navigating the river by boat, as well as entering and exiting the canoe in shallow water. Higher water levels and lower water temperatures are likely during this event.
– This event is only for experienced paddlers and those who are comfortable navigating the riverbanks by boat and on foot.
– Please bring your own chest waders if you have them! RCA has a limited supply.
– It is recommended that you layer up, especially the lower extremities. If possible, avoid wearing cotton.
– RCA will provide canoes, PFDs, gloves (not insulated), waders (limited supply) and staking equipment.
We plan to paddle from Key West Swim and Tennis Club to Darden Towe Park (~2 miles). Participants should plan to shuttle in their own cars or can coordinate with the group leader, Devon (in**@**********er.org) on a first come, first served basis.
Sign up here: https://htru.io/SARv

Earth Day Tree Planting
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Meade Park, 300 Meade Ave, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, United States
Join the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and the City of Charlottesville for a morning of planting trees in Meade Park. We will be working to plant 8 large trees to improve the riparian buffer along Meade Creek.
RCA will also demonstrate how their staff and volunteers take water quality samples and assess the health of streams in the Rivanna River Watershed.
All tools needed for this event will be provided, including gloves, hand tools, wheelbarrows and water. Volunteers should plan to bring a reusable water bottle and wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
Sign up here!

Trash Cleanup with Orvis
2023-04-23 08:00 - 10:00 | VA
Join the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and Orvis for a day of stewardship in Charlottesville!
RCA will provide all materials needed for the cleanup including gloves, trash bags and trash pickers. Volunteers should plan to bring a reusable water bottle and wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
RSVP here!

Kid*Vention!
2023-04-29 09:30 - 13:00 | Ting Pavilion, 700 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
This year, RCA will be attending Kid*Vention, an interactive and educational event hosted by the Virginia Discovery Museum, and we need your help! We are looking for volunteers interested in teaching kids and their families about how RCA monitors the river and protects important habitat.
Volunteers in the first shift will help RCA staff set up the table and games. Volunteers in the second shift will help RCA staff break down the table at the end of the day. We will bring different simple, interactive activities to engage children at the event. No prior education experience is needed.
Sign up for the first shift!
Sign up for the second shift!

An Evening with Frogs, Toads & Other Pond Critters
2023-04-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Scheier Natural Area, 917 Long Acre Rd, Palmyra, VA, 22963, United States
Join RCA for an evening of frog, toad, and other pond critter identification. No flip flops! Old sneakers are preferable. A headlamp or flashlight, camera, and curiosity are necessary. End the evening with s’mores around the campfire.

Rivanna River Race
2023-05-07 10:00 - 13:00 | VA
Join RCA for the 17th Annual Rivanna River Race! This exciting downriver canoe and kayak race runs 6.8 miles from Brook Hill River Park at the Route 29 Bridge to the Rivanna River Company, just south of Free Bridge. For information about registration cost, rentals, day-of details and more, visit www.rivannariver.org/rivanna-river-race.

Volunteer Workday with Darling x Dashing Boutique
2023-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
Join the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and Darling x Dashing Boutique for a day of stewardship in Charlottesville! We will be picking up trash along the Rivanna Trail near Free Bridge and maintaining tree and native wildflower plantings in preparation for this year’s Rivanna RiverFest celebration.
RCA will provide all materials needed for the cleanup including gloves, trash bags and trash pickers. Volunteers should plan to bring a reusable water bottle and wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
Sign up at https://htru.io/SCyf

Rivanna River Beer Release
2023-05-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Starr Hill Brewery, 946 Grady Ave Suite 101, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, United States
RCA has partnered with Starr Hill Brewery to create the perfect summertime beer for enjoying a day on the Rivanna River… the Rivanna River Grapefruit Session IPA!

Join us at Starr Hill Brewery in the Dairy Market on Tuesday, May 16th, from 5-7 PM to celebrate the release of this new beer and learn more about RCA. Grab dinner from the Dairy Market, then swing by for a pint!

Starr Hill Brewery is generously donating $1 per pint sold of the Rivanna River Grapefruit Session IPA to RCA. Plus, when you purchase a pint and be entered to win a raffle prize pack courtesy of Starr Hill. 4-pack cans will also be available for purchase on site.

Be the first to try this limited edition beer!

Can’t make it on Tuesday? The Rivanna River beer will also be available for sale at Rivanna RiverFest on Saturday, May 20th from 2-9 PM

Paint & Sip Fundraiser
2023-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
We are excited that Darling x Dashing Boutique selected RCA as the beneficiary of its quarterly fundraiser! As part of this, on May 17th, Catelyn from Darling x Dashing will lead a Paint and Sip workshop at Eastwood Farm & Winery. During the workshop, everyone will have their own canvas and paint the scene of the Rivanna River seen here, while enjoying a glass of delicious Eastwood wine.

Tickets are $40 per person and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to RCA. Ticket price does not include wine. Purchase your ticket at https://www.catelynkelseydesigns.com/paint-sip/may17

Rivanna RiverFest
2023-05-21 14:00 - 20:00 | Rivanna River Company, Rivanna River Company, Charlottesville, 22902, United States
Fun times await at the Rivanna River Company! Join RCA and organizing partners for a celebration of the Rivanna River. Enjoy fun family-friendly activities, river recreation, live performances, food, drink, and more!

Paddles with a Purpose
2023-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Rivanna River Company, Rivanna River Company, Charlottesville, 22902, United States
Join Rivanna Conservation Alliance for a clean sweep of a short section of the Rivanna River. The paddle will begin at 6pm from the Rivanna River Company and end at Riverview Park. The 1.5-mile paddle can vary in time but is intended to conclude at 8pm or before sunset, whichever is first.
This paddle will be self-supported, meaning that you are responsible for shuttling your boat and yourself. The section is rated as beginner-friendly with one Class I rapid.
Sign up here: https://htru.io/SDEm

Fridays After Five
2023-06-30 17:00 - 20:30 | Ting Pavilion, 700 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Help RCA celebrate the Fridays After Five Concert Series by joining us in running the draft beer truck during the show. We will be slinging beers while listening to excellent live music and raising funds for RCA! Volunteers must be 21 or older. All volunteers will receive a free ticket for a non-alcoholic drink during the show and a free beer at the end of the shift (if wanted).
Sign up here: https://htru.io/SDEo

Paddles with a Purpose
2023-07-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Rivanna River Company, Rivanna River Company, Charlottesville, 22902, United States
Join Rivanna Conservation Alliance for a clean sweep of a short section of the Rivanna River. The paddle will begin at 6pm from the Rivanna River Company and end at Riverview Park. The 1.5-mile paddle can vary in time but is intended to conclude at 8pm or before sunset, whichever is first.
This paddle will be self-supported, meaning that you are responsible for shuttling your boat and yourself. The section is rated as beginner-friendly with one Class I rapid.
The Rivanna River Company will have boats available to rent for any participants who do not have their own boat.

Riparian Buffer Maintenance Day
2023-07-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Dunlora Neighborhood, Dunlora farm rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, United States
In December of 2021, RCA worked with the James River Buffer Program and the Dunlora Homeowners Association to plant a riparian buffer along the Rivanna River and two streams. In all, over 2,700 native trees and shrubs were planted. To promote the success of these seedlings, RCA is seeking volunteers to help with some light maintenance in the planting area. This work will consist primarily of removing bird nets from trees that are now growing out of their tubes and replacing broken tubes/stakes.
RCA will provide all materials needed for this work. Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, long pants and bring water.

Crozet Buffer Maintenance Day
2023-07-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Crozet Elementary School, 1407 Crozet Ave, Crozet, Virginia, 22932
In 2019, RCA worked with the 5th grade class at Crozet Elementary to install a riparian buffer along Parrot Branch. We are seeking volunteers to help maintain these beautiful trees. We will be weeding, replacing tubes and stakes where needed and marking trees that will need to be replaced during the spring planting season.
Volunteers should plan to bring a water bottle and snacks if needed. Please wear close-toed shoes and anything you feel comfortable getting dirty. Long pants are recommended.

Rivanna River Round-Up
2023-09-16 | VA
Join RCA for its biggest cleanup event of the year, the Rivanna River Round-Up! This year’s fourth annual cleanup will be held on Saturday, September 16th. Take a stand for clean water by volunteering for a variety of cleanup opportunities in the Rivanna watershed on and around September 16th. Visit our event website to learn more and register for a cleanup!

DEQ Public Meeting
2023-09-20 18:00 | VA

Community Science Presentation
2023-09-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Rivanna Conservation Alliance, 1150 River Road, Suite One, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Join RCA at our office on September 28th from 5:30-7:00 PM for a casual presentation on our multiple community science programs and a discussion of how you can get involved with our work!

We’ll give an overview of different opportunities to help monitor stream health and water quality and talk about a new program starting in 2024 called FrogWatch. For anyone interested in becoming a SaltWatch monitor for the upcoming winter season, we will offer a brief training session and distribute monitoring kits immediately after the presentation.

Light refreshments will be available. Register for free at https://tinyurl.com/citizenscienceworkshop

Dunlora Vine Cutting Volunteer Workday
2023-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Dunlora Neighborhood, Dunlora farm rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, United States
Join RCA for a day of removing invasive plants from one of our recent tree planting projects in the Dunlora community. We will begin the day with a brief session teaching volunteers how to ID the invasive plants we are after followed by a removal effort.
RCA will provide loppers and smaller hand tools, but if you have any preferred invasive cutting tools, please bring them (no chainsaws please)! Volunteers should also plan to bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Giving Tuesday
2023-11-28 | VA
Donate to Rivanna Conservation Alliance this GivingTuesday! Visit www.rivannariver.org/donate. This year, Dos Amigos Landscaping is matching all donations made up to $2,000!

MLK Day Trash Cleanup at Scottsville Elementary School
2024-01-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Scottsville Elementary School, 7868 Scottsville Rd, Scottsville, VA, 24590
Join RCA for a day of stewardship at Scottsville Elementary School. We will be working along Miller Creek, which feeds into the Totier Creek Reservoir (the drinking water supply for Scottsville).
This event is open to all ages, however, there are some larger pieces of trash like TVs and refrigerators at this site, so please come prepared for heavy lifting! RCA will provide all cleanup materials needed for the day.
Sign up is required through the link: https://htru.io/SGvt

FrogWatch Training
2024-01-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Rivanna Conservation Alliance, 1150 River Road, Suite One, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
**This training is currently full. If you are interested in future trainings, please fill out the waitlist with your name and email address here: FrogWatch Training Waitlist
Join us on Saturday, January 20th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the RCA office to become a trained FrogWatch USA volunteer.
FrogWatch USA is a nationwide citizen science program that helps monitor wetland health and amphibian population status by teaching communities to report on the calls of local frogs and toads. This program is headed by the Akron Zoo and has over 140 chapters across the country.
This training will teach you the calls of our local frogs and toads, and will prepare you to monitor your own FrogWatch site. Participants must pass a quiz on monitoring procedures as well as a frog call test to complete the training.
While FrogWatch can be a great family activity, the training is designed for interested adults and high school age individuals. Space is limited and registration is required.
