Greg Velzy, chairman of the Falls of the James State Scenic River Advisory Committee, said his group was involved in preparing a bid. Several other organizations also were participating but wanted to remain anonymous.

Velzy, who is also on the board of the James River Outdoor Coalition, said the coalition was not involved in the bid.

Nathan Burrell, manager of Richmond’s James River Park System, confirmed the city was bidding on the land in conjunction with the local nonprofits, but said he could not provide any additional details.

Most of the park system’s land is west of Vauxhall Island, but the park system oversees the nearby Pipeline Trail on the north bank of the river. A walkway provides a view of the island and the blue heron nesting site.

An active rail line runs through Vauxhall, which is prone to flooding and sometimes serves as an overnight spot for the homeless.

Vauxhall and other small islands nearby sit in the fall line, where the James runs through a shallow, fast-moving stretch. Deep-bottom vessels were unable to travel above the fall line, which helped Richmond’s development at that spot.