December 2024

NVCT NEWS

In this month’s issue of NVCT News, we sit down with two landowners who share a great passion for nearby nature and a shared mission to conserve land in Northern Virginia. We tell Joyce Arndt’s story of standing up for what’s right through the years and Margaret Fisher & Jon Rosenthal, who work with NVCT once again to save land for a fortunate future homeowner.  


Last month, our Executive Director, Alan Rowsome, was invited to tour the Spotsylvania Solar Energy Center. For our work to protect important lands and waters, solar energy siting can be complicated. Read his thoughts and perspective in our Conservation Explored section!  

Conservation Kickoff: Exciting Events to Start The New Year Right!

Come to our first winter events of the year! We begin with the first Terborgh Terrace Garden invasive pull of the year on January 13th! Next up on the calendar is our annual Conservationists of Color Read-a-Thon on January 26th! Read and learn about how nature inspires people of all different cultures and backgrounds of the past and present. Finally, in February, come clean up Hunting Creek with us! The trash and debris from the Potomac River and Cameron Run harm wildlife, ruin the environment, and make recreation in the area difficult. Learn more about our upcoming events here!

The Season of Giving

As we embrace the spirit of giving this December, we invite you to consider making a meaningful contribution to our Tank Creek Campaign. The White House Farm Foundation, with support from the Plein Family Trust, has pledged to match all Save Tank Creek donations from now through the end of the year up to a total of $20,000! If we can meet this match along with all the generous donations made to date, the Tank Creek Preserve will be protected forever!


We’re also excited to remind you of our ongoing partnership with Sheehy Subaru, who generously supports our efforts through a portion of proceeds from every vehicle sold. When you choose Subaru, you’re not only driving a vehicle that’s built for adventure—you’re also helping protect the places you love!


This holiday season, your generosity can leave a lasting legacy on Northern Virginia’s cherished landscapes. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our work throughout the year—whether through donations, land gifts, or valuable time. We wish all our readers a Happy Holidays, and we hope you’ll resolve to continue saving nearby nature with us in the New Year!

Events

Invasives Pull


Join NVCT and Earth Sangha as we pull invasive plants on our Terborgh Terrace Garden property. By pulling invasives, the soil can recover and be replanted with native plants that benefit the soil, pollinators, and the humans who eat the produce!


January 13

2pm - 4pm

Terborgh Terrace Garden 

4578 26th St N

Arlington, VA 22207

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Species Spotlight

Chicken of the Woods



This featured fungus is known as “Chicken of the Woods,” specifically Laetiporus sulfurous. Chicken of the Woods grows in brackets on tree species such as oak, beech, chestnut, and cherry.


This mushroom gets its name because it is edible; many claim the texture and taste are similar to that of chicken! Others say it has more of a lobster/crab flavor. Regardless, this is a popular mushroom for cooking. Chicken of the woods has been used in several dishes, from sesame chicken of the woods to chicken of the woods piccata! 

Saving Nearby Nature

Joyce Arndt: A Forever Fighter


NVCT had the pleasure of sitting down with Mrs. Joyce Arndt, the current owner of the Tank Creek Preserve. Joyce has always stood up for what's right, whether it be taking General Motors to court for faulty engines or turning down developers who want to build on the Widewater Penisula.


Joyce isn't ready to give up on Tank Creek, and neither are we. Read more about Joyce's story and donate to save Tank Creek!

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Lore of the Land

Nature Lovers Wanted!


Do you love peace, quiet, and the great outdoors? Want to take an active part in conservation and fighting the climate crisis all from the comfort of your new home? This newly conserved and renovated property nestled in the woods of Clifton may be just the place for you! 


We sat down with Margeret Fisher and Jon Rosenthal, two passionate landowners, to learn about their newly conserved property—the charming house next door! This marks the second time the couple has partnered with NVCT to preserve land. Read more to hear their story and why you might want to be their new neighbors!

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Conservation Explored

Solar: Is it all Sunshine and Rainbows?


AES Corporation invited NVCT to tour the Spotsylvania Solar Center, the largest facility of its kind east of the Rockies. But behind the gleaming panels lies a more complicated story—solar development is a challenge for land trusts. Sites like Spotsylvania demand flat expanses of land, and when nature doesn’t provide it, it must be made—often through deforestation

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