March had a full slate of events that got our volunteers and partners outdoors! Thank you to all those who participated in our events, and we hope you had fun!

We kicked off the month with our annual Hunting Creek Clean-up on the Porto Vecchio waterfront. As always, we were joined by residents of Porto Vecchio. Together, we collected 42 bags of trash!

That wasn't our only cleanup on the Potomac this month. Students from American University also joined NVCT for a trash clean-up on Hunting Creek! Both Porto Vecchio residents and AU students proved that no matter your age, you can still get outside and make a difference!

Subaru and NVCT volunteers spruced up the Terborgh Terrace garden and installed arches in our bottom beds! Now, every bed in our garden is ready for spring plantings!

Keep an eye out for more spring workdays in April. Projects will include planting spring crops, removing invasives, and more!

Finally, Glebe House day had amzing neighborhood turnout, with around 200 neighbors and residents of Arlington coming out to learn about the history of Arlington and Glebe House!

Welcome Sean Saville to the NVCT Board!

NVCT is excited to welcome Sean Saville to our Board of Directors—a seasoned advocate with deep roots in conservation policy and a passion for protecting Virginia’s natural spaces. From early days exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains to leading national campaigns and advising environmental organizations, Sean brings a powerful mix of experience, relationships, and strategic insight.



In this interview, he shares what drives his work, why local conservation matters more than ever, and how he hopes to help expand NVCT’s impact across the region.

Click Here to Read More!

Conservation Explored

Datacenters

Northern Virginia has become the digital backbone of the world, but at what cost? As data centers rapidly expand across the region, they’re bringing both economic opportunity and growing environmental concerns. From massive energy and water consumption to habitat loss, noise pollution, and air quality impacts, these facilities are reshaping local communities in ways many residents are only beginning to understand.

Why has Northern Virginia become the global epicenter of internet traffic, and what does that mean for the future of our environment? More importantly, how can communities respond to ensure that growth doesn’t come at the expense of natural resources and quality of life?

Lore of the Land

How to Make Your Garden Pollinator Friendly

Spring is in full bloom across Northern Virginia—and it’s the perfect time to turn your yard into a haven for pollinators. From vibrant wildflowers to native shrubs and trees, even small changes to your garden can support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while adding beauty right outside your door.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got simple tips and plant ideas to help you create a thriving pollinator habitat that benefits both your landscape and the region’s ecosystem.

Nearby Nature Photo Contest

Submissions Open through April 22nd!

Capture the beauty of Northern Virginia through your lens! NVCT’s Nearby Nature Photo Contest invites photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase the landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor moments that make our region so special. Whether it’s a quiet stream, a burst of spring color, or people enjoying the outdoors, your photos can help inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Submit your best shots for a chance to be featured, win prizes, and celebrate nature alongside a community of fellow photographers.

Event

Bio blitz at Leopold's Preserve

Join NVCT and the White House Farm Foundation to document and discover the biodiversity at Leopold's Preserve! BioBlitzers will use iNaturalist to document plant and animal species in various sections of the preserve with guidance from staff and experts. 

Please RSVP to ensure you receive the Naturalist instructions and the exact meeting location prior to the event.



Apr 25, 2026

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Leopold's Preserve

16290 Thoroughfare Rd

Broad Run, VA 20137