Rivanna Conservation Alliance

Scottsville Elementary Tree Planting Workday
2025-04-13 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Scottsville Elementary School, 7868 Scottsville Rd, Scottsville, VA, 24590
Join RCA in planting trees to restore riparian buffers. Vegetated stream banks filter pollutants, provide habitat, and prevent erosion.
During this workday, we will work to plant bare-root saplings along the river corridor. RCA will provide all needed tools and instruction. Please bring water and dress for the weather and mud.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Watershed Education Field Trip – Burley (Day 1)
2025-04-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Journey Middle School, 210 Lambs Ln, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
RCA is hosting a watershed education field trip for 6th grade students from Burley Middle School and we need your help!
Students will rotate through benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, chemical water quality testing, and a fun ecology game called Macroinvertebrate Mayhem.
No education experience is necessary! We will host a virtual volunteer orientation on Thursday, March 13 to walk through each activity, and will pair new volunteers with more experienced ones during the field trips. If you have any questions, please email Jean Lea Gazin at info@rivannariver.org.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Watershed Education Field Trip – Burley (Day 2)
2025-04-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Journey Middle School, 210 Lambs Ln, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
RCA is hosting a watershed education field trip for 6th grade students from Burley Middle School and we need your help!
Students will rotate through benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, chemical water quality testing, and a fun ecology game called Macroinvertebrate Mayhem.
No education experience is necessary! If you have any questions, please email Jean Lea Gazin at info@rivannariver.org.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Watershed Education Field Trip – Walton (Day 1)
2025-04-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Walnut Creek Park, 4250 Walnut Creek Park, North Garden, VA
RCA is hosting a watershed education field trip for 6th grade students from Walton Middle School at Walnut Creek Park and we need your help!
Students will rotate through benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, chemical water quality testing, and a fun ecology game called Macroinvertebrate Mayhem.
No education experience is necessary! If you have any questions, please email Jean Lea Gazin at info@rivannariver.org.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Watershed Education Field Trip – Walton (Day 2)
2025-04-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Walnut Creek Park, 4250 Walnut Creek Park, North Garden, VA

Earth Day Workday in Riverview Park
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience project for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Riverview Park. We will plant trees and pull garlic mustard to prevent its spread in the parks along the river.
RCA will provide gloves and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect themselves from outdoor hazards like poison ivy. Please bring a water bottle.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SPdL

Earth Day Workday At 0 E High St
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 0 E High St, 0 E High St, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience project for a 2-hour volunteer workday at 0 E High St. We will cut invasive vines and pull garlic mustard to prevent its spread in the parks along the river.
RCA will provide gloves and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect themselves from outdoor hazards like poison ivy. Please bring a water bottle.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SPl1

Earth Day Workday in Darden Towe Park
2025-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience project for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Darden Towe Park. We will pull garlic mustard to prevent its spread in the parks along the river.
RCA will provide gloves and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect themselves from outdoor hazards like poison ivy. Please bring a water bottle.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Kid*Vention
2025-04-26 09:30 - 13:00 | Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center, 800 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
RCA is excited to be a Featured Exhibitor at the 25th annual Kid*Vention, an interactive and educational event hosted by the Virginia Discovery Museum on Saturday, April 26th from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Key Recreation Center.
Visit RCA’s activity table to learn how we monitor the river and protect important habitat. Explore a virtual stream and get an up close look at the tiny critters that live there. This event is recommended for kids ages 2-10.
Interested in helping RCA run activities? Sign up here!

Rivanna RiverFest
2025-05-10 14:00 - 21:00 | Rivanna River Company, Rivanna River Company, Charlottesville, 22902, United States
Mark your calendar for the annual Rivanna RiverFest at the Rivanna River Company! Join the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and organizing partners on Saturday, May 10th for a celebration of the Rivanna River. Enjoy fun family-friendly activities for all ages, river recreation, live performances, food, drink, and so much more! Visit www.rivannariver.org/rivanna-riverfest for updates.

Tree Workday at Darden Towe Park
2025-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership on a rescue workday to help the recently planted trees impacted by flooding at Darden Towe Park.
RCA will provide needed tools, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP AT https://htru.io/SQyG

May Invasive Workday at Riverview Park
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience project for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Riverview Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQoi

FrogWatch Training at Fluvanna County Library
2025-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Fluvanna County Public Library, 214 Commons Blvd, Palmyra, VA
RCA has partnered with the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District to create the Central Virginia Chapter of FrogWatch USA. We welcome you to attend this training to become a FrogWatch volunteer.
Please RSVP so we can send training details. There will be a presentation to teach you how to identify frog and toad calls, and learn how to mark a FrogWatch monitoring site. It will end with a written assessment.
If you have questions about FrogWatch, contact TJSWCD’s Environmental Programs Coordinator Courtney Harlow-Humphreys at courtney.harlow-humphreys@tjswcd.org
RSVP HERE

Clean the Bay Day Stream Cleanup
2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Join RCA for Clean the Bay Day! We will be picking up trash in and along Schenks Branch, which parallels McIntire Road and drains to Meadow Creek.
RCA will provide all materials needed for the cleanup including gloves, trash bags and trash pickers. Participants should plan to bring a reusable water bottle and wear clothes that can get dirty. Please bring waders or waterproof shoes if you have them. There will also be a limited number of waders available for volunteers to use. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQGY

Monthly Invasive Workday at Darden Towe Park
2025-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Darden Towe Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQB9

Fridays After Five: Beer and Seltzer Trailer
2025-06-20 16:45 - 20:45 | Ting Pavilion, 700 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQCc
Help RCA run the draft beer and seltzer trailer at the Ebony Groove show during Fridays after Five at Ting Pavilion. We will be serving 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.

Monthly Invasive Workday at Riverview Park
2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Riverview Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQCa

Paddles with a Purpose
2025-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Rivanna River Company, Rivanna River Company, Charlottesville, 22902, United States
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQTb
Help RCA clear litter out of the Rivanna River! This cleanup 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.
This paddle will be self-supported, meaning that you are responsible for bringing your own paddling equipment (or renting equipment from the Rivanna River Company) and shuttling your boat and yourself. The section is rated as beginner-friendly with one Class I rapid. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
After the cleanup, stick around for the Rivanna River Company’s Little Saturdays, which goes until 9pm!

July Invasive Workday at Darden Towe Park
2025-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Darden Towe Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQTT

POSTPONED - Paddles with a Purpose - Pirate Edition 🏴‍☠️
2025-07-09 16:30 - 19:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
DUE TO FORECASTED THUNDERSTORMS, THIS EVENT IS BEING POSTPONED. KEEP AN EYE OUT HERE AND IN OUR NEWSLETTER FOR A NEW DATE.
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQTc
Help RCA clear litter out of the Rivanna River! This pirate-themed cleanup paddle will begin at 4:30pm at Darden Towe Park and end at the Rivanna River Company. This paddle can vary in time but is intended to conclude 7pm. Pirate costumes are welcome and encouraged!
This paddle will be self-supported, meaning that you are responsible for bringing your own paddling equipment (or renting equipment from the Rivanna River Company) and shuttling your boat and yourself. The section is rated as beginner-friendly. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
After the cleanup, stick around for a Sea Shanty themed Little Saturdays at the Rivanna River Company, which goes until 9pm!

Schenks Branch Stream Cleanup
2025-07-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, 828 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA
Help RCA clean trash from our watershed! We will be picking up trash in and along Schenks Branch, which parallels McIntire Road and drains to Meadow Creek, a tributary of the Rivanna River.
RCA will provide all materials needed for the cleanup including gloves, trash bags and trash pickers. Participants should plan to bring a reusable water bottle and wear clothes that can get dirty. Please bring waders or waterproof shoes if you have them. Closed-toe shoes are required. There will also be a limited number of waders available for volunteers to use. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQUj

Charlottesville Tom Sox Game
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 | CHO Airport Field, 1400 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
RCA is being recognized as Nonprofit of the Night at the Charlottesville Tom Sox home game against the Culpeper Cavaliers this Thursday, July 17th!
Join RCA staff on Thursday at 5PM at CHO Airport Field to cheer on Charlottesville’s local collegiate summer baseball team, enjoy concessions, and check in on what RCA has been up to this summer.
Plus, when you mention you’re with RCA, you’ll receive FREE admission for you and your family, good this Thursday only. Gates open at 4PM. See you at the field!

July Invasive Workday at Riverview Park
2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Riverview Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQTR

Riverview Park Walk-and-Talk: Design, Water Quality, Hydrology
2025-07-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join us for a Rivanna Restoration Project at Riverview Park Walk-and-Talk on Sunday, July 20th. The topic of discussion is project design, water quality improvement, and hydrology.
Meet at the RCA kiosk near the top of the boat stairs at 6:00 PM. RSVP to info@rivannariver.org in case we need to reschedule due to weather.

Paddles with a Purpose
2025-08-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Help RCA clear litter out of the Rivanna River! This cleanup paddle will begin at 5:30pm at Darden Towe Park and end at the Rivanna River Company. This paddle can vary in time but is intended to conclude around 8pm.
This paddle will be self-supported, meaning that you are responsible for bringing your own paddling equipment (or renting equipment from the Rivanna River Company) and shuttling your boat and yourself. The section is rated as beginner-friendly. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
After the cleanup, stick around for food and drinks at Little Saturdays at the Rivanna River Company!
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SRkU

Riverview Park Pop-Up
2025-08-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA at Riverview Park for some pre-back to school fun at the river. Come play with bugs, nets, art, and more! Drop in any time between 9:30 and 11:30 AM.

August Invasive Workday at Darden Towe Park
2025-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Darden Towe Park, 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Darden Towe Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQ82

August Invasive Workday at Riverview Park
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join RCA and partners of the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership for a 2-hour volunteer workday at Riverview Park. We will be managing invasive plants that are threatening native tree canopy in a high-priority forest area.
RCA will provide needed tools like loppers, pruners, gloves, and safety glasses, but feel free to bring your own. Volunteers should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This event is subject to change due to weather. If you have any questions, or sign-ups are closed, please contact RCA’s Watershed Coordinator Bailey Pleasant at bspleasant@rivannariver.org
SIGN UP HERE: https://htru.io/SQ81

Riverview Park Walk-and-Talk: Trees & Landscape Design
2025-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Riverview Park, 298 Riverside Drive, Charlottesville, VA
Join us for a Rivanna Restoration Project at Riverview Park Walk-and-Talk on Sunday, August 17th. We’ll be joined by Wolf Josey Landscape Architecture to discuss trees and landscape design of this project.
Meet at the RCA kiosk near the top of the boat stairs at 6:00 PM. RSVP to info@rivannariver.org in case we need to reschedule due to weather.

Riverview Restoration Webinar
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
Design of the Rivanna River Restoration at Riverview Park project is nearing completion. Tune in to a virtual public webinar with the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Wolf Josey Landscape Architects, Ecosystem Services, and the City of Charlottesville to learn more and ask questions about the project scope, benefits, and park impacts.
Please direct any questions to info@rivannariver.org
