Land conservation makes a difference in the region
Land plays an essential role in guaranteeing that communities have healthy and thriving spaces . The Trust works throughout the region to balance growth and development with land conservation .
In the past fiscal year , NVCT assisted three private landowners who chose to permanently conserve their land . The new conservation properties , located in the City of Alexandria , and in Prince William and Loudoun counties , are in both urban and rural areas , and protect working land , tree cover , water resources , and open space . These and other lands conserved in the last two years were designated as Virginia Treasures by the Commonwealth .
The pressures of development are increasing throughout the area . In response , NVCT has sharpened its commitment to land conservation , connecting with the essential public issues in our region that focus on clean water , clean air , and good health . All of NVCT ’ s service area is within the Chesapeake Bay watershed , and that offers many opportunities to protect water and natural resources on an even larger scale .
As NVCT moves into the future , it will heed three calls to action to drive land conservation in the region : conserve natural areas ; improve water quality ; and strengthen the organization .
Land conservation provides natural places for children to play , scenic views and green spaces that help improve health and well-being , working farms that sustain us , nature preserves and landscapes that contribute to our quality of life , and historic homes that connect us to the past . These benefits are of vital importance now and for future generations .
Our Mission : NVCT conserves land that has natural , historical , and cultural value to our communities
Since 1994 , NVCT has conserved more than 6,500 acres in the region . The Trust holds 99 deeds of conservation easements on 3,357 acres , and owns 20 properties .
The Trust was instrumental in helping the state protect the 2,872-acre Crow ’ s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford County , and owns a 70-acre great blue heron rookery on adjoining land . The rookery protects one of the largest nesting areas in the Chesapeake watershed .
NVCT protects conservation values on parcels of all sizes in urban and rural communities in the region .
The Trust works in Arlington , Caroline , Fairfax , Fauquier , King George , Loudoun , Prince William , Spotsylvania , and Stafford counties , and in cities of Alexandria , Fairfax , Falls Church , Fredericksburg , and Manassas .
Great blue herons nest high in the trees at the Potomac Creek Heronry , Stafford
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust • 3