First Ever Landowner Speed Dating Event!

Yup, you read that right! But it's not exactly what you think. The Landowner speed-dating workshop helped local landowners find their perfect partner... in protection! Landowners connected one-on-one with nonprofit and government partners to explore conservation practices, financial assistance programs, and technical support. Each attendee received a large-scale printed map of their property to guide meaningful conversations.



The event was free and registration filled up fast—thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it a rewarding morning of collaboration and conservation!

Welcome, Elizabeth Ward, to the NVCT Board!

This Fall, we have onboarded three new board members, and the first we would like to introduce to you is Elizabeth Ward! With a lifelong connection to the region and a distinguished career in conservation and communications, Elizabeth brings a deep passion for protecting local natural spaces and a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, her love of Northern Virginia’s outdoors, and what inspired her to join NVCT’s mission to save nearby nature.

Read more to find out about Elizabeth's previous conservation endeavors and what she's excited to bring to NVCT!

Conservation Explored

Leaf it Alone: How to Utilize Leaf Litter to Benefit Your Land

Fall is in full effect, and we're certain your lawn or property is blanketed in crunchy leaves. Now is the time when you would typically rake them off your lawn to tidy up, but did you know you're actually raking away valuable resources for your land?

Fall foliage can nourish your garden beds, protect your plants, benefit the environment, and even make beautiful fall decor!

Read more of this month's conservation explored to learn about how you can be greener with your fall cleanup this year!

Lore of the Land

Meet our Community and Partnerships Fellow, OJ Ward!

OJ is our new community and partnerships fellow, working with our partnerships coordinator and communications specialist to continue building our partnerships with other organizations throughout Northern Virginia.OJ has been with us since August!

Now that she's been with us through a busy fall season, OJ finally had some time to sit down for an interview! Read more to learn about her journey to NVCT and how her background shaped her desire to be a part of our work!

Saving Nearby Nature

Partner Interview: Northern Virginia Bird Alliance

Our conservation director, Matt Gerhart, recently spoke at an NVBA webinar focused on GIS mapping. This isn't the first time we've collaborated with the NVBA and certainly won't be the last!

We interviewed Executive Director of the NVBA, Amand Robinson, to learn what it's like being the first-ever executive director of an organization and how NVBA is engaging hundreds across Northern Virginia to get our and bird! Read more to find out how you can get involved in the fun!

Event

Nearby Nature Network: Lay of the Land

Ever wondered how long it takes to conserve a property? How does NVCT address challenges such as increased development or changing land-use needs? All will be answered at our "Lay of the Land" webinar!

This virtual meeting will provide updates on NVCT's work over the past year and the trust's high-priority goals for the coming year. A short Q&A will follow the presentation.

Please make sure to RSVP to receive the Zoom link the week of the webinar.

Save the Date! Our 2026 Gala is this June at Meadowlark Gardens!