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We hope everyone is staying warm! The recent winter storm brought in 4-7 inches of snow in Northern Virginia and quickly changed the environment. While we clear our driveways and come out of our homes, here are a few things you can do to be a friend to the outdoors after the storm!
- Shake heavy snow off shrubs and young trees to prevent broken branches, but let ice melt naturally to avoid bark damage.
- Snow covers many natural food sources, so regularly refilling feeders with high-energy seeds helps wintering birds meet their higher caloric needs during cold weather.
- Instead of raking every leaf away, leaving leaf litter and fallen twigs creates habitat and shelter for insects, small mammals, and other wildlife, trying to conserve energy in winter.
| | Welcome, Shane Hanlon, to the NVCT Board! | | |
We’re excited to welcome our newest board member, Shane Hanlon! Shane joins the NVCT Board after previously serving on our Advisory Council, bringing with him a strong foundation in science communications, policy, and conservation. With a Ph.D. in Biology and a career dedicated to helping scientists and organizations share their work more effectively, Shane offers a unique perspective that bridges research, storytelling, and impact. His familiarity with NVCT’s mission and work makes him a valuable addition to our board.
Read on to learn more about Shane’s journey, his passion for conservation, and what inspired him to deepen his involvement with NVCT.
| | Virginia Great Outdoors Act | | |
As we look ahead with renewed hope for 2026, we’re excited about the potential for Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act. Reintroduced this year by Delegate Paul Krizek and Senator Russet Perry, the bill dedicates $230 million annually to conservation needs statewide, including:
- Protecting natural lands and waters, working farms and forests, drinking water resources, and historic and cultural sites.
- Improving public access to the outdoors by fixing and expanding infrastructure, programming, and public lands.
- Updating and developing new parks, trails, river, and shoreline access points to meet the needs of a growing outdoor recreation economy.
Use this Action Alert to send a quick email to your legislators, urging them to support VGOA -- or give their offices a call.
With gratitude for all you do,
NVCT
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Conservation Explored
2026 General Assembly Conservation Priorities
NVCT is back in Richmond for the 2026 General Assembly, working with partners statewide to advance key conservation, outdoor recreation, and land-use legislation. From trail construction to wildlife corridors and responsible data center siting, NVCT is advocating for a wide range of bills at the General Assembly this year.
See the full list of bills we’re supporting this session and learn how we’re advocating for Virginia’s lands and waters.
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Lore of the Land
Intern-view: Meet Christopher!
Christopher Timothy has joined NVCT as our newest Land Conservation Fellow, bringing a strong background in geography and GIS to our lands team. A recent James Madison University graduate, Christopher is helping develop strategic conservation maps across the Potomac region—combining his lifelong love of maps, passion for conservation, and experience with Indigenous land management perspectives to protect Northern Virginia’s landscapes.
Read more to meet Christopher!
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Saving Nearby Nature
Partner Spotlight: Plant NOVA Natives
This month, we sat down with Margaret Fisher—an inspiring and familiar voice in Northern Virginia’s conservation community. A leader with Plant NOVA Natives for nearly a decade and a longtime partner of NVCT, Margaret reflects on her journey into native plant advocacy, the growth of Plant NOVA Natives, and how collaboration has amplified ecosystem restoration across the region.
Read more to find out how you can help keep Northern Virginia naturally beautiful.
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Event
Conservationists of Color
Conservationists of Color is back!
Join fellow conservation enthusiasts as we read, listen, and learn about the people of color who opened the door for others.
Join us as we come together for conservation and create a space that recognizes everyone's role in it!
Feb 15, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Busboys & Poets - Shirlington
4251 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
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The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust is looking for passionate individuals to help shape the future of land conservation in our region—whether you’re early in your career or an experienced leader!
Conservation Fellowship for Students of Diverse Backgrounds
NVCT’s Conservation Fellowships are open to students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds who want hands-on experience in land conservation. Fellows work closely with staff on projects that advance environmental justice, climate resilience, and community access to protected lands. Applications are open through February 15.
NVCT Board or Advisory Council Member
We are also seeking leaders to join our Board and Advisory Council—individuals who care deeply about clean air and water, open space, and preserving Northern Virginia’s natural and cultural heritage. We welcome a wide range of professional backgrounds and are committed to developing leaders who reflect the diversity of our region
Applications are always open!
Learn more or apply at nvct.org/join-our-team
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To Contact NVCT:
703-354-5093
info@nvct.org
www.nvct.org
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