The James River Association will host its first James River EcoFest on Sept. 7, offering a day of river-based activities and environmental education.

The event, scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m., will take place at the recently opened James A. Buzzard River Education Center at 2528 Dock St. in Richmond.

EcoFest will feature free paddle tours, trips aboard JRA’s education boat “Spirit of the James,” a rain barrel workshop, and tree giveaways. Several local nonprofit organizations, including the Capital Trail Foundation and Peter Paul Development Center, will participate.

The event will serve as an open house for the Buzzard River Education Center, which opened in July. The facility aims to provide environmental education for students in the Greater Richmond area and improved river access for visitors.

According to the JRA, the event is a celebration of the James River Watershed, inviting the community to learn about local ecology and discover sustainable practices they can apply in their own backyards.

Parking and shuttle transportation will be available at Stone Brewing, located at 4300 Williamsburg Ave.

The EcoFest is sponsored by the Robins Foundation, ReMax, Troutman Pepper and Whitten Brothers Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Richmond.

Organizers encourage attendees to register in advance for special activities through the JRA website at jamesriver.org.