View from the Sidewalk and across the Vistas
Urban and Rural Land Conservation
From the smallest parcels of protected land in heavily developed
urban areas, to large working farm and forest properties, the
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust is uniquely positioned to
serve the region. The Trust works with committed landowners
to conserve valuable lands for present and future generations.
Why is that important?
Land plays an essential role in guaranteeing that we have clean
water, clean air, and thriving systems of plants and animals. The
Trust works with private citizens and local jurisdictions to help
balance growth and development with land conservation. Each
piece of land is precious and enriches our communities.
Land conservation helps ensure that we will always have green
spaces and scenic views that improve health and well-being,
working farms that sustain us, tree canopy and wildlife, natural
places and parks where children can play and experience nature,
and historic homes and landscapes. These public benefits are
significant, even as the land remains in private ownership.
The work of the Trust includes:
• Conserving land through conservation easements and
other transfers of title, and working closely with landowners
throughout the process
• Managing conserved land through active stewardship that
helps landowners care for their land
• Advocating for the land with government partnerships, work with
other conservation organizations, and community involvement.
Our view from the sidewalk and across the vistas includes 108
conservation easements and 20 owned properties across the
region. Each represents a landowner’s commitment to the
conservation values that so positively impact our communities.
While each part of the region is different, the constant is the
incredible value of conserved land.
As an accredited land trust, NVCT has earned the mark of distinction
that assures the public of the quality and permanence of land conservation.
Stewardship of Conserved Land
The Trust and the community are partners in protecting the land—with
volunteer work in clearing invasive plants, stream-cleaning, and treeplanting, as well as educational outreach, special programs, and community
events. Stewardship of conservation easements is an ongoing relationship
between the landowners and the Trust, and staff are committed to that
joint responsibility to protect and treasure the land.
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust · Annual Report 2015 • 3