March 2022
Newsletter
An Evening At River Farm: Celebrating Conservation Heroes

Our An Evening At River Farm event is coming sooner than you think as we rapidly move towards June! The annual gala to celebrate conservation successes and the local heroes will be our first in-person event in two years, and we can't wait to see your friendly faces as we enjoy fantastic music and delicious food and drink together on June 3, 2022, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

This will be an incredible opportunity to experience River Farm, the historic property our first president George Washington once owned. Learn its history, celebrate land conservation, and help us acknowledge environmental champions with friends who value Northern Virginia's natural, cultural, and historical legacy.

See you there!
Changemakers: Safeguarding Our Trees is Thursday, March 24!

Here's a reminder to join us this Thursday, March 24, 2022, for our Changemakers: Safeguarding Our Trees Webinar, a virtual discussion with leaders in forest protection. Our all-star lineup of guests will include:

  • Melody Starya Mobley, Retired USDA Forest Service Forester, EcoAction Arlington Board Member, Commissioner Forestry and Natural Resources Commission
  • Ann Jurczyk, Virginia Director of Outreach and Advocacy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
  • Margaret Fisher, Plant NOVA Natives
Are Joro Spiders Gliding into the DMV?

The Trichonephila clavata, also known as the Joro spider, could be on its way to the DMV. This invasive species that originate in Japan travels rather quickly by gliding on puffs of wind.

Learn about this exotic-looking spider and what could be in store for us this spring!
Love Your Yard? Plant Natives!

This is the time of year when so many of us emerge from the long winter and start to think about our gardens and yards. If you’re someone who goes out annually to your local plant nursery, Home Depot, or other places to gather what you need, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the type of native plants to our region that should be on your list. 

Birds, bugs, and other pollinators depend on native species to thrive, and we can do our part to support a healthy ecosystem for them. Our partners at Plant Nova Natives have a wonderful resource guide that should always be with you when you decide what to plant. Check it out!
Conservationists of Color: Women's History Month Edition

March is Women's History Month and in the spirit of our year-long Conservationists of Color series, NVCT is acknowledging the role of women in protecting our incredible natural legacy!

This month we celebrate the contributions of Ynes Mexia and Betty Reid Soskin! Two trailblazing women of color who have made a difference by Saving Nearby Nature.
Improving the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation

NVCT was proud to work with State Senator Dave Marsden (D-37) to move a critical piece of legislation through the Virginia State Assembly over the last two months. The bipartisan bill made much-needed improvements to the incredibly successful Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) grant program that we and so many other conservation organizations utilize to protect natural lands across the Commonwealth. 

Most notably, this legislation increases Virginia Indian Tribe accessibility to VLCF dollars and puts a greater emphasis on meeting the needs of under-served communities that lack park and outdoor recreation resources. 

Governor Youngkin is expected to sign the legislation into law in the coming weeks and we look forward to working on its implementation with the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Make A Difference By Donating
It is more important than ever to continue safeguarding the special places we hold dear. Please stand with us and make a gift today. Your tax-deductible donation will help NVCT protect the lands, waters, and scenic beauty of Northern Virginia for all time.
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been working to protect the lands, waters, and scenic beauty of Northern Virginia for over 25 years.