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   Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

 Saving Nearby Nature - December 2017
Winter Morning by Paul Lebras, Nearby Nature Photo Contest
News                                                                 NVCT is Saving Nearby Nature 
Save the date!
Protecting Our Land, Protecting Our Water
 
 
The case for protecting the environment is clear and compelling. Land protection--conserving land forever--contributes to our personal health and well-being, and to the economic strength of our communities. NVCT's next conservation lunch will focus on the connection between land conservation and water quality. Please plan to join us! 
Thursday, March 15, 2018, for lunch 
Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria
 
Look for more details next month. This will be a great opportunity for networking. 
Join us for a Read-a-thon of "A Sand County Almanac" 
 
NVCT celebrates Aldo Leopold, the "father of conservation ethics ," at a read-a-thon of "A Sand County Almanac." The program is Sunday, Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m. at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington, 4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington. In this beloved book, Leopold discusses how the natural world inspired him, and he asks people to take action to ensure its future health.Reserve your spot by contacting Daniel Saltzberg at dsaltzberg@nvct.org or 703-354-5093. Table service will be available from the restaurant's menu. See more on our website.
A gift to NVCT is a gift to your community
 
There is still time to make your tax-deductible donation to NVCT. Your support is an investment in the future of Northern Virginia's landscapes. Over-development threatens open space and land conservation across the region. The Trust is working every day to ensure   that special places are saved for generations to come. Please make your tax-deductible gift by December 31st and together we will save the nearby nature that makes our communities so special.
  PS  Does Your employer match charitable gifts? If so, increase the impact of your donation and help conserve land in Northern Virginia.
UMW Intern gets hands-on experience

UMW intern Makayla Stepp-Davis working on her NVCT project 
University of Mary Washington senior Makayla Stepp-Davis started her NVCT internship knowing nothing about land trusts, but finished up with a new perspective. She says, "I end my time here at NVCT with new skills in plant and bird identification, a greater knowledge of invasive species and their removal processes, a better understanding of land trusts and conservation easements, and experience writing and implementing a land management plan." Click here to read about Makayla's experience and her new understanding of the work of land trusts. 
Conservation and the Community
Working Together to Save Nearby Nature

NVCT owns a 2-acre undeveloped waterfront property on Hunting Creek in Fairfax County, and faces upkeep problems like landowners everywhere.

Much to our dismay, a county maintenance crew had to clear an area surrounding a storm drain discharge on the property this spring. While our first reaction was concern over our stewardship of the property, we realized that the new clearing created an exciting opportunity. By working with the community, we opened a connecting path that provides river access with amazing views of the water. Easier access also means NVCT can better get into the property to control invasive plants.

NVCT is obligated to keep the property in its natural state, but that doesn't mean doing nothing. Invasive plants crowd out the native plants that offer better habitat and food for birds and other native wildlife. This week we're working with community members to clear the trail and pull invasive multiflora rose and aggressive vines from the conserved land. A positive outcome for a potentially difficult land management issue!  -- By Rentz Hilyer, NVCT Land Stewardship Specialist
How you can help                                             Support Nearby Nature
Remember NVCT during  
Combined Federal Campaign open enrollment
Please contact us with any questions about the Trust and our work
703-354-5093  |  4022-A Hummer Rd. Annandale, VA 22003  | email info@nvct.org