When we observed the aquatic wildlife that live in the James River, we viewed the aquatic invertebrates. These aquatic invertebrates included dragonflies and scuds. These aquatic creatures can show a new side to the aquatic life in the James. This experience made me feel somewhat proud as these aquatic creatures can appear in the James River despite all the hardships that the river has faced. The recovery of the James River is very prominent now. As from 1966 to 1975, Kepone, a toxic pesticide was illegally dumped into the James River. This dumping caused for many organisms such as oysters and fish to be contaminated with Kepone and created for a very unhealthy river. Ever since this disaster, the James River was able to slowly recover with more species of aquatic life can be in better health according to the James River Report. Following the upwards trend from a previous D to B, I believe in the future that the James River will be able to transform into a river of good health that is able to assimilate to the urban location that surrounds it. Our visit to the James River Education Center showed how the river plays a much greater impact to us than what we once believed. As the local ecosystem that the James River can provide allows for aquatic and avian life to thrive. It allows for Richmond as a community to unite under a cause to better the state of the river. Allowing for the citizens of Richmond to become more united and whole as we seek to better the health of the James as it not only impacts us but the branches out to many other ecosystems that go beyond us. With the continued care, education, and engagement, I believe that the James River can continue to thrive and develop the natural assets that merge very well with the urban landscape of Richmond around it. However the tale of the James River, is a cautionary one as it has had a rough past, the healing of the James seems to be possible if people in the community come together and unite themselves for a greater cause.
Image 1: The James River Education Center