About the Consortium
Consortium Goals and Action Teams
Consortium Goals
Increase collaboration and strengthen partnerships through growing an effective network of Riparian Consortium members.
Build capacity within the riparian restoration workforce and encourage knowledge sharing about best practices.
Connect people to resources to restore, maintain, protect, and enjoy the benefits of riparian forest buffers
Coordinate programs and funding to support a holistic approach that leverages partner resources and expertise to restore and steward riparian forest buffers.
Action Teams
The goals of the Consortium are carried out through four Action Teams:
- Planning
- Knowledge Network
- Outreach & Targeting
- Implementation
Each team has associated strategies with key actions, timelines, and partners that are outlined within the Consortium Action Plan.
Consortium Action Plan
This Action Plan (updated in January 2025) serves to outline the goals, action strategies, and implementation plan for actualizing these priorities within the Consortium.
Planning Team
Goal: Increase collaboration and strengthen partnerships through growing an effective network of Riparian Consortium members.
Contact: Amber Ellis, aellis@jrava.org
Metrics
(end FY 2024)
Team Update
Sept. 18 2025 Consortium Meeting at Camp Mont Shenandoah
On Sept 18, the Consortium returned to Camp Mont Shenandoah in Bath County for our Fall 2025 Consortium Meeting
Knowledge Network Team
Goal: Build capacity within the riparian restoration workforce and encourage knowledge sharing about best practices for riparian restoration.
Contact: Rachel Bensink, rbensink@thejamesriver.org
Metrics
(end FY 2024)
Team Update
Overview of the Streambank Stabilization Journey
Overview of 2023-24 Streambank Stabilization Learning Journey
Targeting & Outreach Team
Goal: Build awareness of the importance of riparian areas and connect the public to resources to restore, maintain, and protect riparian forest buffers.
Contact: Rachel Bensink, rbensink@thejamesriver.org
Metrics
(end FY 2024)
Team Update
Fall 2025 Buffer Maintenance Workshops
Join us for workshops on Nov 3rd in Buckingham and Nov 6th in Lexington.
Implementation Team
Goal: Build awareness of the importance of riparian areas and connect the public to resources to restore, maintain, and protect riparian forest buffers.
Contact: Rachel Bensink, rbensink@thejamesriver.org
Metrics
(end FY 2024)
Team Update
Landowner Empowerment for Buffer Maintenance
September 2025 working meeting on Landowner Empowerment for Buffer Maintenance
How you can get involved
Join our mailing list and meetings
Sign up for the monthly newsletter! »
Join an Action Team
Membership is open to anyone. These teams move ideas into action. Email Rachel Bensink, rbensink@thejamesriver.org, to join a team.
Join the Steering Committee
The decision-making body for the Consortium meets monthly. Email Amber Ellis, aellis@jrava.org, to learn more about the Steering Committee.