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SEPTEMBER, 2018
NVCT NEWSLETTER
WINERY CONSERVATION CELEBRATION
On Sunday, September 9, NVCT had a wonderful conservation celebration at The Winery at Bull Run. The event was to honor Jon Hickox, owner of the winery, for his vision and leadership in conserving the historic property adjacent to The Winery at Bull Run and to thank supporters of NVCT for their continued commitment. 90 acres is officially protected in perpetuity thanks to Jon’s commitment to conservation in Northern Virginia.

More than 100 attendees heard inspiring remarks from the Executive Director of NVCT, Alan Rowsome, Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Joshua Saks, Sully District Supervisor, Kathy Smith, Chairman of NVCT Board of Directors, Gary Kirkbride, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Sharon Bulova, and Owner of The Winery at Bull Run, Jon Hickox. Several other political leaders representing Northern Virginia and surrounding communities attended to witness the great announcement of a new piece of property protected forever.

To learn more about the property and the event, click here. To view the event photos taken by Jeff Berger, click here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2018 CFC Campaign
This year’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is now open and we invite you to join us! Just like last year, you can contribute financially to your favorite cause or charity through the CFC. Now is not only the right time to donate but it also is the perfect time to pledge volunteer hours and efforts to support your community directly, in a hands-on fashion.

This year, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust’s designation code is:  61757 . The CFC is your chance to join your colleagues, community, and beyond. To learn more, visit their website at  www.cfcnca.org .
NOW ACCEPTING PHOTO CONTEST SUBMISSIONS!
Our fifth annual Nearby Nature photo contest is now live and we're excited to announce this year's photo categories! The three photo groups will allow both adult and youth submissions and the competition will be open from now until midnight on October 31, 2018. Full details including submission guidelines, prize donors, and guest judges can be found on our website by clicking here. Please find this year's photo categories below.

NVCT's 5th Annual Nearby Nature Photo Contest
  1. Local Land and Water
  2. Wildlife in Northern Virginia
  3. People Recreating in Nature
1st Place Photo from 2017 Nearby Nature Photo Contest
Photo by Allen Melson
UPCOMING EVENTS
LEOPOLD'S 5K
In case you missed it, NVCT is a sponsor for the upcoming Leopold's Trail Run 10K, 5K or 1-Miler on Saturday, October 20, 2018! Race through forest, plains, bridges and rolling hills, with tons of great views and wildlife along the way. This year's race will utilize 90 percent of the trails in Leopold's Preserve, which gives you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds Leopold's Preserve offers.

The event is pet-friendly and race proceeds will benefit Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA), a local charity that focuses on the rescue and placement of homeless dogs and cats in Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC area. If running isn't your thing, there are also volunteer opportunities available. To learn more about the run or to register, visit the event website.
LANDOWNER SPOTLIGHT
TOM HOLMAN
Tom Holman is the President of the Battery Heights Homeowners Association. He and his wife have the distinct honor and privilege to have the Battery Heights Conservation Area at their back door.

The conservation area consists of approximately 3 acres that are steeply wooded and, at its highest point, contains an earthwork Civil War Battery and rifle pit. The Battery was constructed as a part of President Lincoln’s plan to build a series of interconnected fortifications to defend Washington DC from attack by the rebel armies.

“As you can imagine, this setting has contributed immensely to our sense of well-being throughout the years." said Holman. "It seems to wash away the ordinary trappings of city life.”

Read more about Tom and his wife's property by visiting his story on our website!
IN THE COMMUNITY
ARLINGTON COUNTY FAIR
We had a blast tabling at last month's Arlington County Fair at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. Our staff was able to speak with both Arlington County and nearby residents and we even caught up with long-time friend and partner of NVCT, John Vihstadt. Vihstadt is an Arlington County Board Member and we thank him for being such a great conservation advocate!
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Thank you to everyone who supported NVCT at the August 21 Washington National's baseball game. The GreenSlam Fundraiser helped to raise awareness and funds for local environmental organizations and we're thankful that we were included in the mix. A great evening to spend time with friends and family and support great causes!