VCU Rice Rivers Center

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Sara Bouchard’s piece, “En Masse,” was performed in Corvallis, Oregon, this January by a small university choir. (Contributed photo)

VCUarts professor gives voice to a single atom’s journey

March 13, 2026

Sara Bouchard’s choral work, inspired by lab data from Rice Rivers Center leader Chris Gough, traces the earth’s carbon cycle and invites the audience to sing along.

Picture of Dr. Rob Tombes smiling in a suit

Dr. Rob Tombes Retires - Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Life Sciences

Dec. 1, 2025

For more than 30 years, whenever the conversation turned into building stronger academic programs, supporting young scientists, or advancing interdisciplinary research, one name reliably surfaced: Dr Robert (Rob) Tombes. This fall, the VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability celebrates his retirement and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind.

One thing Matt Balazik, Ph.D., has learned from a career studying Atlantic sturgeon is that there is always something new to discover. “Don’t think everything’s figured out,” he says. (Photo by Jamie Brunkow, James River Association)

He is bringing the Atlantic sturgeon back from the brink

Oct. 16, 2025

VCU conservation biologist Matt Balazik strengthens the future for a prehistoric fish – in the James River and around the world.

VCU School of Life Sciences and Sustainability professor Chris Gough has been named the new executive director of the Rice Rivers Center, the university’s field station along the James River. (Photo by Megan May)

VCU ecologist Chris Gough named new Rice Rivers Center executive director

Oct. 8, 2025

As the field station marks its 25th anniversary, he shares three top goals as it expands its footprint.

The student team documenting the trees across VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses include Margaret Pletcher, Declan O'Donnell, Daniella Asnicar and Kaleb Rezac. (Contributed image)

How many trees are on VCU’s campuses?

Oct. 2, 2025

Student interns with the Rice Rivers Center are counting trees, and the comprehensive inventory could highlight the environmental and financial impact of the urban forest.

The Summer@Rice group at the North Lookout on Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, home of the longest-running raptor hawk migration count in the world. (Contributed photo)

Students’ summer field research gets a payoff in the fall

Sept. 11, 2025

Summer@Rice program hosted by VCU’s Rice Rivers Center offers experiential ecology that carries into the new semester – and it comes with a stipend.

Overhead picture of Rice River Center, looking over wetlands, field station, and lake.

VPM PBS highlights Rice Rivers Center and the benefits of dam removal

Sept. 3, 2025

From dam removal to a thriving wetland, Kimages Creek is now teeming with life. Dr. Ed Crawford of VCU's Rice Rivers Center told the story on VPM PBS's Virginia Home Grown - and showed how wetlands shape our ecosystems and future.

Student measures the depth of the water table near groundwater wells at the Rice River Center.

Field station of dreams

Aug. 22, 2025

For 25 years, VCU Rice Rivers Center has been students’ portal to the natural world, playing host to research, restoration and life-changing experiential learning.

Outdoor practitioners from across the country recently participated in a river safety course held at the VCU Rice Rivers Center, where they learned a range of hands-on skills. (James Vonesh, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability)

VCU hosts national safety workshop for river field studies

Aug. 20, 2025

The Rice Rivers Center welcomed educators from eight states, highlighting its leadership in navigating field research and risk.

Todd Janeski sits beside a body of water holding an oyster shell

Todd Janeski to serve on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Aug. 18, 2025

His three-year term as a NOAA MAFMC appointee began August 14.